Kaufingerstrasse/Neuhauserstrasse, Munich (must see)

Adjacent to Marienplatz in Munich's western region lies one of the city's most ancient streets, known as Kaufingerstraße. Remarkably, it bears the distinction of being the oldest street name in Munich, likely named after Chunradius Choufringer, a prominent resident who owned an impressive residence in the vicinity. This historical street's earliest reference can be traced back to a document dated May 28, 1239.

Kaufingerstraße plays a pivotal role in the overarching west-east axis of Munich's Old Town. As it progresses, it seamlessly transitions into Neuhauser Straße, forming a vast thoroughfare. The latter holds the distinction of being Munich's premier pedestrian zone, a development that took shape in 1972. Remarkably, it stands as the highest-grossing shopping street in all of Germany.

The roots of Neuhauser Straße date back to at least 1293, as evidenced by the earliest documented mention. However, it underwent a name change from 1815 to 1828 when it was briefly known as Karlstraße before adopting the name Neuhausergasse. In 1972, the street underwent a transformation, shifting from a major traffic artery with tram rails to a pedestrian zone. This change was prompted by the anticipation of a substantial increase in traffic due to the 1972 Summer Olympic Games. The name "Neuhauser" is derived from the former village and the modern-day Neuhausen district, where the road leads out of the city.

The events of the Second World War inflicted significant damage upon the fabric of Kaufingerstraße. However, during the 1990s and subsequent years, the 1950s and 1960s structures were replaced with postmodern architectural designs.

Today, Kaufingerstraße and Neuhauser Straße boast a diverse array of shops and dining establishments. Leading international retailers like Zara, H&M, C&A, Mango, Karstadt, Kaufhof, and Zero have established a presence here, coexisting with numerous street vendors offering flowers, fruits, vegetables, roasted nuts, and souvenirs. The area's charm is further enriched by numerous outdoor cafes, providing a comfortable respite for shoppers to relax, enjoy a drink or a meal, people-watch, and admire the surrounding architectural splendor.

Tip:
If you're in the city center but want to shop away from the mainstream stores, consider Sendlinger Straße as a good alternative.