Marienplatz & New Town Hall, Munich: Glockenspiel & Tower

06/11/2026

Marienplatz is the central square of Munich and the heart of the old town since the city was founded in the 12th century. In the past it was the place for markets and tournaments. In the middle stands the Mariensäule, a column with a golden statue of the Virgin Mary from 1638. The north side of the square is filled by the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus), a huge building in neo-Gothic style. It looks very old, but it was built only between 1867 and 1905 by the architect Georg von Hauberrisser. Today the mayor and the city council of Munich work here.

What to See

The façade of the New Town Hall is almost 100 metres long and is covered with statues of Bavarian dukes and kings, saints, dragons and funny faces. The highlight is the Glockenspiel in the 85-metre tower. Every day at 11:00 and 12:00, and from March to October also at 17:00, its 43 bells play and colourful figures move. The upper level shows a knights’ tournament from a royal wedding in 1568, and the lower level shows the coopers’ dance. Two lifts take you up the tower to a viewing platform with a great view over the old town and, on clear days, the Alps. Inside you can visit the decorated main courtyard and the beautiful law library in Art Nouveau style. On the square you can also see the Fish Fountain, the Old Town Hall with a toy museum, and St Peter’s Church. In Advent the square hosts Munich’s main Christmas market.

How to Get There and Practical Information

Marienplatz is in the pedestrian zone of the old town. All S-Bahn lines and the U3 and U6 metro lines stop at Marienplatz station, right under the square. The square, the courtyard and the library are free to visit. The tower is open every day from 10:00 to 20:00, and you visit it in 20-minute time slots. Tickets cost from €7 and can be bought online or at the tourist information in the town hall arcades. Large bags and backpacks are not allowed in the tower. Guided tours of the town hall take place from Friday to Sunday. Come a few minutes early for the Glockenspiel, because the square gets very crowded.