Neuhauser Straße, Munich

Area, Shop and Street in Munich

Neuhauser Straße
Neuhauser Straße
CC BY-SA 4.0 / M(e)ister Eiskalt

Neuhauser Straße is one of Munich's best-known pedestrian streets, running through the heart of the Altstadt (Old Town) and forming part of the city's main car-free shopping corridor. It's the kind of place you naturally end up on: between major squares, transit hubs, and many of the city's most walkable sights.

Even if shopping isn't your priority, Neuhauser Straße is worth treating as a “connector attraction” on a walking tour, especially if you're linking Karlsplatz (Stachus) to Marienplatz and onward into the historic center. The best way to experience it is simply to stroll, look up at the architecture, and dip into side streets for churches, courtyards, and quieter corners.

History and Significance of the Neuhauser Straße

Neuhauser Straße has been part of Munich's street network since the Middle Ages, and it still functions as a key axis through the historic core. Over centuries it evolved from a practical route into a prime commercial street, shaped by the city's growth and changing retail culture.

A major turning point came in the 20th century when the wider Old Town shopping corridor was redesigned into a pedestrian zone, helping define the modern “stroll-and-shop” experience Munich is known for today. That shift also made Neuhauser Straße a natural stage for everyday city life: street performers, seasonal crowds, and the steady flow of locals commuting on foot.

Today, its significance is less about a single landmark and more about what it represents: Munich’s central, walkable urban core, where shopping, dining, and sightseeing blend into one continuous route.

Things to See and Do in the Neuhauser Straße

Start by walking the full stretch at an unhurried pace, then repeat a shorter section you like best. The street is lined with major retailers, department stores, and quick-stop food options, making it practical for picking up essentials, gifts, or a warm drink between sights.

Look for the “Munich moments” that happen between the shops: buskers, seasonal decorations, and the constant mix of residents and visitors. If you want a more scenic feel, aim for the portions closer to the Old Town core, where the pedestrian zone connects seamlessly into other historic streets and squares.

For a richer experience, treat Neuhauser Straße as your base line and explore the side streets. A short detour can take you to churches, courtyards, and classic Munich beer halls, which often feel calmer than the main shopping flow.

How to Get to the Neuhauser Straße

Munich's nearest major airport is Munich Airport (MUC), with good public-transport connections into the city center. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Munich on Booking.com.

Arriving by train is easy: München Hauptbahnhof (Munich Central Station) is within walking distance, and S-Bahn/U-Bahn connections bring you close to Karlsplatz (Stachus) or Marienplatz for direct access to the pedestrian zone. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If you’re traveling by car, it’s usually best to park in a central garage and continue on foot, since the Old Town core is designed for pedestrians and public transport rather than driving. If you are looking to rent a car in Germany I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Neuhauser Straße

  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours.
  • Best time to visit: Go in the morning for a calmer stroll and easier browsing; late afternoon and early evening are livelier and better for people-watching.
  • How long to spend: 30–60 minutes is enough for a walk-through; plan 1–2 hours if you want to shop, snack, and take detours into side streets.
  • Accessibility: The street is flat and pedestrianized, generally easy for wheelchairs and strollers, though it can get crowded at peak times.
  • Facilities: You’ll find plenty of cafés, fast casual bites, and restrooms inside larger stores and nearby venues in the city center.

Where to Stay Close to the Neuhauser Straße

Base yourself in Munich's Altstadt (Old Town) if you want the easiest walk to Neuhauser Straße, Marienplatz, and the main pedestrian zone.

BEYOND by Geisel Chosen for its unbeatable Old Town location and boutique feel, ideal if you want to step out straight into the historic center.

Hotel Torbräu A classic central stay with a long-running Munich pedigree, great for travelers who want tradition and walkability.

Platzl Hotel Included for its Bavarian character and proximity to Old Town sights, with an atmosphere that feels distinctly Munich.

Louis Hotel Perfect if you want a stylish stay right by the market area, making it easy to pair shopping walks with food-focused exploring.

Sofitel Munich Bayerpost A strong pick near the main station for smooth arrivals and departures, while still being a quick walk or transit hop to Neuhauser Straße.

Is the Neuhauser Straße Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you're exploring Munich on foot: Neuhauser Straße is one of the city's most useful and iconic walking routes, and it naturally stitches together major transit points and Old Town highlights. It's not a “single-ticket” attraction, but it's a high-value part of the Munich experience because it makes sightseeing easy and enjoyable.

Honest Pivot: If you dislike crowds, construction zones, or modern chain retail, you may want to limit your time here and focus instead on quieter neighborhoods, museums, or parks. In that case, use Neuhauser Straße mainly as a quick passage between Karlsplatz (Stachus) and the historic core.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.1 (53)

Overall reviews are moderately positive, with visitors appreciating Neuhauser Straße as a central pedestrian shopping street that's lively in the evening and convenient for quick food stops. Common positives include the easy walkable location and the busy city-center atmosphere. The main negatives mentioned are crowd-related frustrations like long checkout lines, plus complaints about ongoing construction, empty storefronts, and a perceived decline in the shopping experience in parts of the area.

Ben
3 years ago
"Shopping Street and in the Night Party time"
Vasileios Alpas
a year ago
"Extremely long waiting times to pay 🥱"
AK Alam Monir
2 years ago
"Ok for quick bite"

For Different Travelers

Neuhauser Straße works best when you treat it as flexible infrastructure: a place to pass through, pause for a snack, and branch off toward what you actually came to Munich to see.

Families with Kids

For families, the biggest advantage is convenience: it’s flat, car-free, and packed with places to grab food quickly. That makes it a low-stress corridor for moving between sights with a stroller.

The main challenge is crowd density, especially on weekends and during holiday seasons. Plan short “missions” (snack stop, quick shop, then a quieter square) rather than a long, slow browse.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

Couples can use Neuhauser Straße as an easy, scenic walk between classic Munich landmarks, especially if you time it for early evening when the city feels lively. It's also a good place to pick up small gifts or pop into a café before heading to a more atmospheric Old Town lane.

For a more romantic feel, keep Neuhauser Straße as the main route and prioritize detours into side streets and nearby squares. The contrast between the busy pedestrian flow and quieter corners is part of the charm.

Budget Travelers

Budget travelers will appreciate that Neuhauser Straße is a free, central activity that doubles as a practical base for navigating Munich. You can window-shop, people-watch, and use it as a walking link between major sights without spending anything.

To keep costs down, treat it as a “snack and refill” zone: grab a quick bite, then move on to free viewpoints, churches, or parks nearby. Also consider visiting earlier in the day to avoid impulse buys in peak crowds.

FAQs for Visiting Neuhauser Straße

Getting There

Karlsplatz (Stachus) and Marienplatz are the most convenient access points. From either station, you’ll be on the pedestrian zone within minutes.
Yes, it’s walkable for most visitors and also easy by S-Bahn/U-Bahn. If you have luggage, public transport is usually more comfortable than walking.
You can bike to the Old Town edge and then continue on foot. In the busiest sections, walking your bike is often the most practical option.

Tickets & Entry

No, it’s a public pedestrian street and can be visited freely. You only pay for shopping, food, or any nearby attractions you choose to enter.
Neuhauser Straße itself is not ticketed, but nearby churches, museums, and towers may have their own pricing. Plan your paid stops separately based on your interests.
No, individual shops set their own opening times. If you’re visiting mainly to shop, check the specific store hours you care about.

Visiting Experience

It’s best as a blend of both: a shopping street that also functions as a central sightseeing corridor. The real value is how easily it connects you to the Old Town.
It can be, especially on weekends, during sales periods, and around Christmas markets. If you want a calmer experience, go earlier in the day.
Yes for atmosphere and people-watching, though it’s less about shopping then. Pair an evening stroll with dinner nearby for the best experience.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes, it’s one of the easiest “spines” for a self-guided Old Town walk. Use it to connect Karlsplatz (Stachus) with Marienplatz and surrounding sights.
Walk from Karlsplatz (Stachus) along Neuhauser Straße toward Marienplatz, then continue to Viktualienmarkt. Add a church or courtyard detour if you want a quieter break.
Usually not necessary, unless it’s part of a broader Old Town history tour. Neuhauser Straße is easy to understand and enjoy independently.

Photography

Look for long-perspective street shots with the flow of pedestrians and historic façades. Early morning gives cleaner compositions with fewer people.
Policies vary by store, and some prohibit photography. When in doubt, ask staff or stick to exterior shots.
Yes, especially when seasonal lights are up or after rain when the street reflects city glow. Keep your gear close in crowds.

Accessibility & Facilities

Generally yes: it’s flat and pedestrianized. The main obstacle is crowding, so off-peak hours are easier.
Yes, but many are inside department stores, cafés, or nearby venues. Plan a restroom stop when you take a break rather than waiting until it’s urgent.
Seating is limited in the busiest stretches, but cafés and nearby squares provide easy rest options. A short detour often finds a quieter spot.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, it’s one of the easiest places in central Munich to grab a quick bite. You’ll find everything from bakeries to casual sit-down options.
Use Neuhauser Straße as your route, then detour into side streets or toward Viktualienmarkt for more characterful options. A short walk can make a big difference in atmosphere.
Very easy, with multiple cafés and bakeries along and near the street. If one place is packed, another is usually just a minute away.

Safety & Timing

It’s generally safe and busy, which helps, but like any crowded city center you should watch for pickpockets. Keep valuables secured, especially in peak crowds.
Weekends, holiday periods, and late afternoons tend to be the most crowded. If you prefer space, aim for weekday mornings.
Construction can affect the feel and flow, but the area remains walkable. If a section is unpleasant, take a parallel side street and rejoin later.

Nearby Attractions to the Neuhauser Straße

  • Karlsplatz (Stachus): A major square and transit hub that's a natural starting point for the pedestrian zone.
  • Marienplatz: Munich's central square, ideal for pairing with a Neuhauser Straße stroll.
  • Frauenkirche: The city's iconic cathedral, an easy detour for architecture and atmosphere.
  • Viktualienmarkt: A classic food market area for snacks, browsing, and local flavors.
  • Asamkirche (Asam Church): A richly decorated baroque church that's small but unforgettable.

The Neuhauser Straße appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Munich!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 Hours.

Price:

Free.

Address: Neuhauser Str. 12, 80331 München, Germany
Munich: 1 km

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