Marienplatz is Munich's central square located in the heart of the city's Old Town. It has been the city's main square since 1158 and is named after the Marian column located in its center. Marienplatz is a popular gathering point for locals and tourists alike, and it serves as a venue for public events, including the famous Christmas market during the holiday season.
The New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) is a grand Gothic Revival style building that dominates the northern side of Marienplatz in Munich, Germany. It serves as the seat of the local city government, housing the mayor's office, city council, and part of the administration.
Yes, tourists can visit the New Town Hall. The building is open to the public, and visitors can wander through some of its corridors and rooms to admire the architecture. There is also a guided tour available which leads through the official reception halls and other interesting parts of the building.
The Glockenspiel is a famous chime clock located in the tower of the New Town Hall. Every day, at 11 am, 12 pm, and 5 pm, the Glockenspiel comes to life with 32 life-sized figures reenacting historical Bavarian events. Tourists often gather in Marienplatz just below the clock to watch this enchanting performance.
Yes, several guided tours are available in Marienplatz that cover the history and architecture of the square, the New Town Hall, as well as surrounding attractions. These range from walking tours to bicycle tours, and can often be booked online or at local tourist offices.
Near Marienplatz, tourists can visit a number of other attractions including the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus), St. Peter's Church (Peterskirche), Viktualienmarkt – a daily food market, and the upscale shopping street called Kaufingerstraße. The Munich City Museum and the Bavarian State Opera are also within walking distance.
There is no entrance fee to enter Marienplatz as it is a public open square. As for the New Town Hall, there is no fee to enter the main lobby and view the Glockenspiel from inside. However, there may be a fee for guided tours or accessing the tower for panoramic views of the city.
Marienplatz can be visited year-round, but the most popular time to visit is during the summer months when the weather is most pleasant for outdoor activities. During the winter, the Christmas market in Marienplatz is a major attraction, and despite the cold, it brings a festive atmosphere that many find enjoyable.
Tourists can easily reach Marienplatz by public transport. Marienplatz has its own station which is serviced by the S-Bahn (S1 - S8) and the U-Bahn (U3 and U6). Additionally, many of the city's bus and tram routes have stops close to the square, making it highly accessible from anywhere in Munich.
Absolutely, Marienplatz is surrounded by a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bistros offering everything from traditional Bavarian cuisine to international dishes. Additionally, the nearby Viktualienmarkt offers a range of gourmet food stalls and eateries.