Around Marienplatz

• Henry the Lion transformed Marienplatz into the centre of Munich – and it remains the heart of the city today. This is where the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) stands, major public transit lines meet, and locals and visitors alike stroll past street entertainers, or sit at the restaurant and café patios lining the square. A pedestrian zone begins at the western end of the square; the elegant Weinstraße and Theatinerstraße lead off from the north; toward the east are the Isartor and Maximilianstraße, and to the south the Viktualienmarkt.

  The Schrannenhalle was once located on the southern end of the Viktualienmarkt. It was saved and is currently being reconstructed.
   
  Top 10 Sights

  • 1. Marienplatz

    Dominated by the Neues Rathaus, the square features a golden statue of the Virgin Mary from 1590, and the 19th-century Fischbrunnen (Fish Fountain). On Ash Wednesday, the mayor and town councillors wash their wallets there so that the city’s coffers will always be full.

  • 2. Neues Rathaus

    Built between 1867 and 1908, the Neo-Gothic Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) is topped by the Münchner Kindl (Munich Child), the city’s symbol. At 11am, noon, and, from May to October, also at 5pm, people gather on Marienplatz to enjoy the town hall’s famous Glockenspiel – a chiming clock with dancing figures.

  • 3. Altes Rathaus

    Now home to a toy museum, the Gothic Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) of 1474 has been rebuilt often, but the hall on the ground floor and the tower, once a city gate, are original.

  • 4. Pedestrian Zone

    Munich’s most popular traffic-free shopping zone begins at the western end of the square and stretches to Karlsplatz. Be sure to see the late Renaissance Michaelskirche.

  • 5. Peterskirche

    At the highest point of the Old Town stands the 13th-century St Peter’s, Munich’s oldest parish church. Its tower, affectionately called Old Peter, commands a fine view.

  • 6. Frauenkirche

    Topped by onion domes, the Frauenkirche is Munich’s best-known symbol. Built in record time (1468–88), the church is the largest Gothic basilica in southern Germany. Highlights include choir figures by Erasmus Grasser and the tomb of Ludwig IV of Bavaria.

  • 7. Asamkirche

    Bequeathed to the city by the Asam brothers, this church (1733–46) is a jewel of the late Baroque – a soaring natural stone façade on the outside and an exquisitely ornamented grotto on the inside. Egid Quirin Asam paid for the church, which was built near his home.

  • 8. Viktualienmarkt

    Since 1807, this colourful food market has thrived here. A stroll past the 140 market stalls is a treat not to be missed.

  • 9. Feldherrnhalle

    Modelled on Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence, Friedrich von Gärtner built the Feldherrnhalle in 1844 as a monument to Bavaria’s military heroes. It marks the boundary between Old Town and Schwabing.

  • 10. Theatinerkirche

    Munich’s “Italian mile” begins with the Theatinerkirche (1663–1768) – an exuberant blend of large Baroque domes, flowing volutes, a gigantic cupola, and Rococo façades.

  Practical Information

  There are numerous cafés and restaurants on and around Marienplatz. For excellent views visit the Neues Rathaus tower, the Peterskirche tower, or the south tower of the Frauenkirche. U3/U6: Marienplatz, all S-Bahns Neues Rathaus, Marienplatz 8 Tower: Open 8am–7pm Mon–Fri, 10am–7pm Sat, Sun & hols www.rathausmuenchen.de Frauenkirche, Frauenplatz 1 Tower (South tower, West Entrance), there are a few stairs to the elevator Tower: Open Apr–Oct: 10am–5pm Mon–Sat Adm Peterskirche, Rindermarkt 1 Tower: Open 9am–7pm Mon–Sat, 10am–6pm Sun & hols; In summer open to 7pm depending on the weather Adm Visitors cannot view churches during church services

   

   

  Beer Gardens

   

  • In summer, Bavaria’s “liquid food” is served in beer gardens. And summer unofficially begins during Lent in March, when the breweries market their bock beers such as Salvator, Maximator, or Triumphator. No matter what you drink – ale, light beer, or Weißbier (wheat beer) from Augustiner, Löwenbräu, or Paulaner – if you haven’t sat on a wooden bench beneath the chestnut trees on a mild summer’s night and sipped a Maß (a litre) of beer while enjoying the aroma of pork sausage or grilled fish, you simply don’t know Munich.

    There are more than 100 beer gardens in Munich and surroundings: together, they can hold over 100,000 people. Make sure you try “Radi” (white or red radish), “Obazda” (seasoned Camembert), Steckerlfisch, and a large pretzel.
     
    Top 10 Beer Gardens

    • 1. Augustiner-Keller

      This vast beer garden shaded by ancient chestnut trees, near a former place of execution, has existed since the 19th century. Two hundred decorated tables for regular patrons add a whimsical note. On beautiful summer evenings, this beer garden is packed. Don’t miss the special Augustiner brew from wooden barrels.

    • 2. Löwenbräukeller

      A quintessential Munich beer garden. The historic building – near Löwenbräu brewery – hosts annual carnival balls and the tapping of the first Triumphator barrel.

    • 3. Flaucher

      Located on the banks of the Isar beneath a mature stand of trees, this lovely beer garden has a park-like feel. Popular in the daytime with cyclists, sunbathers, volleyball players, and families with children, it is romantic in the evenings by candlelight.

    • 4. Hirschgarten

      Munich’s largest beer garden – which features deer in an enclosure after which the beer garden is named – lies near Nymph-enburg Palace. The golden Augustiner brews flow from a huge “stag” barrel.

    • 5. Chinesischer Turm

      In the Chinese Pagoda, an Englischer Garten landmark, brass bands play on the second floor on weekends. It is frequented mainly by students, tourists, and local characters.

    • 6. Seehaus

      A place to see and be seen, this popular beer garden lies in the centre of the Englischer Garten on a small lake. The terrace overlooking the lake is more stylish, but the beer garden has a cosy atmosphere.

    • 7. Sankt-Emmerams-Mühle

      A beer garden that is both trendy and pastoral.

    • 8. Paulaner

      The brewery’s beer garden on the Nockerberg is rather small, but famous for its beer. In March, the brewery hosts a highly original annual event, the Salvator-tapping. There is much laugher as prominent politicians meet, submit to an evening of ribbing, and savour the new bock beer.

    • 9. Muffathalle Beer Garden

      On a prime site beside the Isar, Munich’s newest beer garden sports umbrellas instead of traditional chestnut trees. The Muffathalle menu is well-suited to the beer garden – both are varied and full of surprises.

    • 10. Hofbräukeller

      Across the Isar in Haidhausen, the Hofbräukeller, once also the site of the brewery and its beer cellar, has attracted patrons since 1892. The canopy of chestnuts is so dense that patrons remain dry and comfortable even on rainy days.

    Practical Information

    All beer gardens also serve non-alcoholic beverages. Beer gardens are divided into full-service and self-service areas. In the latter, people are allowed to bring their own picnics. Daily in season, usually mid-May–late Sep, from 10 or 11am to 11pm, sometimes later. Last orders usually 10:30pm It is best to use public transit when you visit a beer garden