Sendlinger Straße

Visiting Sendlinger Straße, Munich: A Complete Guide to Tickets, Hours, Attractions & Travel Tips

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Sendlinger Straße stands as one of Munich’s most historic and culturally rich streets, seamlessly blending centuries of tradition with the city’s vibrant modern life. Once a medieval trade route connecting the Old Town to the village of Sendling, this lively pedestrian avenue is now a destination for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and travelers seeking authentic Bavarian experiences. Along its length you’ll find architectural gems like the Baroque Asamkirche, the enduring Sendlinger Tor gate, and a wealth of shops, cafés, and seasonal events. This guide covers everything you need to know for a memorable visit: from historical context and architectural highlights to practical information about visiting hours, accessibility, transport, and local tips.

For more details and updates, refer to official tourism resources (sendlingerstr.de, munich.travel, muenchen.de).

Sendlinger Straße in Munich with Asam Church in pastel

Painting of Sendlinger Straße in Munich showing lively street scene with people and buildings

Barefoot person holding a bouquet of colorful wildflowers standing on a paved street in Munich city center

Microscopic images related to the Munich Project showing cellular and molecular structures

View along Sendlingerstraße street in Munich down to Lindwurmstraße

Old Hackerhaus sign with wrought iron in Munich

Historical Overview

Medieval Origins and Early Development

Sendlinger Straße has its roots in the medieval growth of Munich. Documented as early as the 8th century in connection with the village of Sendling (sendlingerstr.de), it became the principal southern artery into Munich’s Old Town by the 14th century. The adjacent Sendlinger Tor (Sendling Gate), first mentioned in 1318 (munich.travel), marked the city’s southern entrance and the start of a vital European trade route.

Urban Expansion and Architectural Flourishing

With Munich’s urban expansion in the 15th century, Sendlinger Straße emerged as a bustling commercial and residential street. The 18th century saw the construction of the Asamhaus and Asamkirche, masterpieces of Bavarian Baroque architecture created by the Asam brothers. These sites remain essential stops for visitors (sendlingerstr.de). The Moriskentänzer, an hourly glockenspiel at Sendlinger Straße 15, adds to the street’s historic charm.

Sendlinger Tor: Guardian of the Southern Gate

At Sendlinger Straße’s southern end, Sendlinger Tor is one of only three surviving city gates from Munich’s medieval fortifications. Built in 1318 and remodeled several times, it features a large archway by Wilhelm Bertsch (1906) and has survived centuries of city development and war (munich.travel). The gate was carefully restored in the 1980s.

19th and 20th Century Transformations

The 19th century’s modernization led to the demolition of much of Munich’s second city wall, but Sendlinger Tor remained as a historical landmark. Sendling’s annexation to Munich in 1877 integrated the street further into city life (sendlingerstr.de). The early 20th century brought cultural venues like the Filmtheater Sendlinger Tor, opened in 1913 (munich.travel).

Modern Era: Pedestrianization and Cultural Significance

Today, Sendlinger Straße is a thriving pedestrian zone, known for its mix of traditional Bavarian businesses and international fashion boutiques. Flower-filled planters, tree-lined paths, and outdoor cafés create a welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors alike (sendlingerstr.de).

Architectural Landmarks and Styles

Asamkirche (St. Johann Nepomuk): Visiting Hours and Tickets

The Asamkirche at Sendlinger Str. 32, built from 1733 to 1746 by Cosmas Damian and Egid Quirin Asam, is a highlight of Bavarian Baroque. The elaborate façade and breathtaking interior—adorned with gold, marble, and a luminous ceiling fresco—make it a must-see.

Opening Hours: Daily 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (hours may vary for services).
Admission: Free; donations welcomed.
Accessibility: Step-free access for visitors with mobility needs.

More about visiting Asamkirche.

Asamhaus

Adjacent to the church, the Asamhaus was the residence of the Asam brothers. Its intricate Baroque façade—white stucco on yellow, influenced by Roman design—stands as a testament to Munich’s architectural heritage. While the interior is not open to the public, the exterior is a popular photo spot.

Sendlinger Tor

Sendlinger Tor, at the southern tip of Sendlinger Straße, is an iconic city gate built in 1318 and remodeled in 1813. The gate’s broad archway and flanking towers are visible 24/7 and symbolize Munich’s medieval legacy.

Admission: Free, open-air monument.
Accessibility: Fully accessible pedestrian area.

More about Sendlinger Tor.

Hofstatt Shopping Passage

Opened in 2013 at Sendlinger Str. 8–10, Hofstatt blends preserved brickwork from old newspaper printing facilities with modern architecture—offering a unique shopping and dining environment within a historic context.

Cultural Atmosphere and Traditions

Pedestrian Zone Transformation

Since 2019, Sendlinger Straße has been fully pedestrianized, fostering a lively social scene with street performances, outdoor seating, and frequent cultural events.

Shopping and Dining

The street features a diverse retail mix: traditional shops like Altes Hackerhaus (Sendlinger Str. 14), flagship stores (Breuninger, & Other Stories), and specialty boutiques (Tee Gschwendner, Cera Kerzen Shop). The Asam Hof courtyard hosts artisanal boutiques and studios.

Dining options range from classic Bavarian (Altes Hackerhaus) to Italian (Ristorante Italomania), Thai (Kaimug), Indian (Madam Chatney), and modern cafés like Coffee 1st and WonderWaffel.

Seasonal Events

Sendlinger Straße shines during the Christmas season, with a festive market at Sendlinger Tor Platz. Throughout the year, cultural festivals, pop-up markets, and street performances enliven the avenue.

Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

General Visiting Hours

Street: Open 24/7 (pedestrian zone).
Shops: Typically 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday–Saturday (closed Sundays except for special events).
Dining: Cafés open from 8:00 or 9:00 AM; restaurants serve into the late evening.
Asamkirche: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.

Tickets and Entry Fees

Sendlinger Straße and Sendlinger Tor: Free access.
Asamkirche: Free, donations appreciated.
Guided tours: Various operators offer paid city walks covering Sendlinger Straße and adjacent landmarks.

Accessibility

Pedestrian zone: Step-free, barrier-free access for wheelchairs and strollers.
Public transport: Best reached via Sendlinger Tor U-Bahn (U1, U2, U3, U6, U7, U8) and Marienplatz (U-Bahn, S-Bahn). Trams and buses also serve the area (MVV).
Facilities: Public toilets at Sendlinger Tor and department stores; ATMs available.

Guided Tours and Special Events

Book themed city walks (history, architecture, culinary) through local operators or at the Munich tourism site. Seasonal events and pop-ups are listed at Bored in Munich.

Shopping and Dining Highlights

Souvenirs: Bavarian clothing (Trachten), jewelry, artisanal chocolates, stationery.
Dining: Traditional bakeries (Rischart, Hofpfisterei), international cafés, and restaurants with outdoor seating.
Vegetarian/Vegan: Increasingly available at many eateries.
Budget: Snacks €3–€5; main courses €10–€20.

Practical Travel Tips

Best Times to Visit: Early mornings or late afternoons for a quieter stroll; weekends for a lively atmosphere.
Transport: Use public transport to avoid parking challenges in Old Town.
Restrooms: At Sendlinger Tor and major department stores; cafés may require a purchase.
Wi-Fi: Free in many cafés; local SIM or eSIM (e.g., Airalo) for reliable data.
Cash vs. Card: Cards widely accepted, but some small shops prefer cash.
Tax-Free: Non-EU shoppers can claim VAT refunds on eligible purchases.

Sustainability and Responsible Tourism

Recycling: Many shops participate in recycling and waste reduction.
Transport: Use public transit or rent a bike (MVG Bike).
Reusable bags and bottles: Recommended for an eco-friendly visit.

Nearby Attractions and Day Trips

Within walking distance: Marienplatz, Frauenkirche, Viktualienmarkt.
Day trips: Neuschwanstein Castle, Dachau Memorial, Bavarian Alps (Munich Day Trips).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for Sendlinger Straße shops?
A: Most open 10:00–20:00, Monday–Saturday; closed Sundays except during special events.

Q: Is Sendlinger Straße wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, the pedestrian zone is barrier-free; some older shops may have steps.

Q: Are there guided tours?
A: Yes, many walking tours feature Sendlinger Straße and nearby sites.

Q: What are the best times to visit?
A: Quieter on weekday mornings; busiest on weekends and afternoons.

Q: How do I get there?
A: U-Bahn Sendlinger Tor or Marienplatz stations; trams and buses also serve the area.

Visual Highlights

Sendlinger Tor: Iconic city gate with medieval towers.
Asamkirche: Ornate façade and dazzling Baroque interior.
Hofstatt: Modern shopping passage in historic brickwork.
Courtyards: Asam Hof and other hidden gems.

Alt text for images: “Historic Sendlinger Tor gate in Munich”, “Asamkirche Baroque church interior, Munich”, “Hofstatt shopping passage Munich modern architecture”, “Map showing Sendlinger Straße pedestrian area and points of interest”.

Summary and Recommendations

Exploring Sendlinger Straße and Sendlinger Tor offers a captivating journey through Munich’s history and culture. From the medieval origins of the street and gate to the Baroque artistry of the Asamkirche, visitors are treated to a unique blend of old and new. Free access to historic sites, an array of shopping and dining, and frequent cultural events make this pedestrian avenue a highlight for any Munich itinerary. For a memorable experience, visit during early mornings or weekdays, explore nearby attractions like Viktualienmarkt and Marienplatz, and use public transport for ease of access. Enhance your visit by consulting official resources and downloading travel apps like Audiala for personalized guides and updates.