Viktualienmarkt
Is a big open air market close to Marienplatz where it was possible to find all the Bayern specialities. The blue and white pole at the market is called "Maibaum(Maypole)". It was a tradition going back to the 16th century and it is a kind of traditional spring event. However, the maypole at the Viktalienmarket is a permanent feature and you can see it all year round.

Although it was a cold winter's day, there was a festive atmosphere at the market.

If you like local markets, this is definitely the place for you. There were all kinds of shops selling local foods and German crafts. You can find a wide variety of food, wine, meat, breads, cheese, olives, and even prepared food like salad.

There were a lot more fresh vegetables than I thought, although it was in winter. If I wasn't a tourist, there were lots of things I wanted to get.

There was also a variety of Christmas items at the market.

I found a seafood restaurant. Nordsee was a popular seafood restaurant and there were fresh seafood sandwiches, seafood platters and prepared foods. Additionally, you can buy sushi!

There were other seafood restaurants. It was hard to miss the funny big signs!

There were outside picnic tables in the center of the market and lots of people were enjoying chatting with beer.
I drank beer at the outside table just like all the people were doing, but I could hardly feel easy. Because it was a cold winter's day and it wasn't warm enough to have a break. In fact, I could see my breath! I thought that the Germans had a strong shape because they thought nothing of the cold. However when I stayed there with beer, I had a chance to talk with a German. This is a great place to know real German life with local beer.