Marienplatz

Top choice in Munich


The epicentral heart and soul of the Altstadt, Marienplatz is a popular gathering spot and packs a lot of personality into a compact frame. It's anchored by the Mariensäule, built in 1638 to celebrate victory over Swedish forces during the Thirty Years' War. This is the busiest spot in all Munich, throngs of tourists swarming across its expanse from early morning till late at night. Many walking tours leave from here.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Munich attractions

1. Mariensäule

Mariensäule (St Mary's Column) was erected in 1638 to celebrate Bavaria's victory over Swedish troops during the Thirty Years' War. It's topped by a…

2. Neues Rathaus Tower

0.02 MILES

For pinpointing Munich's landmarks without losing your breath, catch the lift up this 85m-tall tower.

3. Glockenspiel

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The Glockenspiel has 43 bells and 32 figures that perform two historical events. The top half tells the story of a tournament held in 1568 to celebrate…

4. Neues Rathaus

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The soot-blackened façade of the neo-Gothic Neues Rathaus is festooned with gargoyles, statues and a dragon scaling the turrets; the tourist office is on…

5. St Peterskirche

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Some 306 steps divide you from the best view of central Munich via the 92m tower of St Peterskirche, central Munich's oldest church (1150). Inside awaits…

6. Altes Rathaus

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The eastern side of Marienplatz is dominated by the Altes Rathaus. Lightning got the better of the medieval original in 1460 and WWII bombs levelled its…

7. Spielzeugmuseum

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Spielzeugmuseum, in the south tower of the Altes Rathaus (1474), has a huge collection of toys, Barbie dolls and teddy bears.

8. Heiliggeistkirche

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Gothic at its core, this baroque church on the edge of the Viktualienmarkt has fantastic ceiling frescoes created by the Asam brothers in 1720, depicting…