New Town Hall and Tower
Iconic Neo-Gothic landmark in Munich's Marienplatz, famous for its Glockenspiel and panoramic tower views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Glockenspiel shows
New Town Hall and Tower
Best Time
Glockenspiel shows

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Neo-Gothic landmark in Munich's Marienplatz, famous for its Glockenspiel and panoramic tower views.
"The New Town Hall is a must-see, offering a blend of history, art, and breathtaking city vistas."
🎯 Catch the Glockenspiel
Arrive 15-30 mins early for the 11 AM or 12 PM Glockenspiel show to get a good spot!
⬆️ Climb for Views
The tower climb offers amazing city views. It's a good workout with lots of stairs!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Glockenspiel Performance
New Town Hall Tower
Watch 32 life-sized figures enact historical events and legends to the sound of 43 bells.

Panoramic Tower Views
New Town Hall Tower
Ascend the 85-meter tower for stunning 360-degree views of Munich and the distant Alps.

Neo-Gothic Architecture
Exterior and Interior
Admire the intricate stone carvings, ornate facade, and grand Neo-Gothic design of the building.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tower Views & Glockenspiel Times
Ticket & Tour Info
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Catch the Glockenspiel
Arrive 15-30 mins early for the 11 AM or 12 PM Glockenspiel show to get a good spot!
⬆️ Climb for Views
The tower climb offers amazing city views. It's a good workout with lots of stairs!
🎟️ Affordable Tower Tickets
Tower tickets are reasonably priced (€5 adults, less for students). Buy them on-site.
☀️ Solar-Powered Glockenspiel
The impressive Glockenspiel is powered by solar energy – a cool eco-friendly feature!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Catch the Glockenspiel
Arrive 15-30 mins early for the 11 AM or 12 PM Glockenspiel show to get a good spot!
⬆️ Climb for Views
The tower climb offers amazing city views. It's a good workout with lots of stairs!
🎟️ Affordable Tower Tickets
Tower tickets are reasonably priced (€5 adults, less for students). Buy them on-site.
☀️ Solar-Powered Glockenspiel
The impressive Glockenspiel is powered by solar energy – a cool eco-friendly feature!
📸 Photo Ops Galore
The building's facade and the tower views are incredibly photogenic.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the New Town Hall for its stunning Neo-Gothic architecture and the captivating Glockenspiel performance. The tower climb offers spectacular city views at an affordable price, making it a highly recommended experience. Some find the crowds during showtimes overwhelming.
"I went on the tour to climb the (slightly ridiculous) tower. It was great. Check the times on their website but you can just turn up and buy a 3 euro ticket. You gotta climb a bunch of stairs but that's ok, you get great views from the top and they don't hurry you out."
Tom Hutchinson
"Impressive building with a great Tower that can be visited at 14.00 daily, the guided tower tour costs 3 euro for adults. A cool place with a great view of the city👍"
stefan norell
"Leipzig New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) is the seat of the Leipzig city administration since 1905. It stands within the Leipzig's "ring road" on the southwest corner opposite the city library at Martin-Luther-Ring. The main tower is, at 114.8 meters, the tallest city hall tower in Germany. In 1897 the architect and city building director of Leipzig Hugo Licht was awarded the job of designing it. The foundation stone of the New Town Hall was laid on 19 October 1899 The town hall features as a backdrop in the Alfred Hitchcock film Torn Curtain. The Deputy Mayor of Leipzig and his wife and daughter, who committed suicide as American troops were entering the city on 20 April 1945."
antonios varzakis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The New Town Hall is located in the heart of Munich on Marienplatz, the city's central square. It's easily accessible by public transport. Take the U-Bahn (subway) lines U3 or U6 to the Marienplatz station, or S-Bahn lines S1-S8 to the same station. Many tram lines also stop nearby.
Parking in Marienplatz and the surrounding areas can be challenging and expensive. It's highly recommended to use public transportation to reach the New Town Hall. If you must drive, look for underground parking garages like the Contipark Parkhaus Marienplatz.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk from Munich Hauptbahnhof to the New Town Hall. It takes about 15-20 minutes, passing through some of the city's main streets. This is a great way to get a feel for the city.
The best way is to arrive by public transport and explore on foot. Marienplatz is a pedestrian-friendly area, and the New Town Hall is the centerpiece. You can easily combine a visit with exploring nearby attractions.
Most visitors approach Marienplatz from the main pedestrian zones, like Kaufingerstraße. The New Town Hall is impossible to miss once you're in the square.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The cost to climb the tower is generally around €5 for adults and less for students, typically €2-3. Prices can vary slightly, so it's best to check the official website or purchase tickets on-site.
While you can often purchase tickets on-site, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons or weekends, to avoid disappointment.
The tower is typically open daily, but hours can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check the official New Town Hall website for the most up-to-date opening times before your visit.
Yes, guided tours are often available for the New Town Hall, including the tower. These tours provide historical context and insights into the building's architecture and significance.
No, Marienplatz is a public square and there is no entrance fee to visit it or to see the exterior of the New Town Hall. Fees apply only for specific attractions like the tower climb or guided tours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Glockenspiel is a famous mechanical clock on the New Town Hall tower. It performs daily at 11 AM and 12 PM, with an additional show at 5 PM during the summer months. The performance features life-sized figures enacting historical events.
From the tower's observation deck, you'll get breathtaking panoramic views of Munich's skyline, including St. Peter's Church, Frauenkirche, and on clear days, the distant Bavarian Alps.
The climb involves a significant number of stairs (hundreds). While it's a good workout, it's generally manageable for most visitors in reasonable physical condition. There are no elevators to the top.
The New Town Hall is a magnificent example of Neo-Gothic architecture, designed by Georg von Hauberrisser. It features intricate stone carvings, pointed arches, and a grand facade.
Restroom facilities are typically available within the New Town Hall complex, especially near the ticket counters and entrances to tours.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Marienplatz and the surrounding streets are filled with numerous restaurants, cafes, and beer gardens offering traditional Bavarian cuisine and international options.
You should try traditional dishes like Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle), Weißwurst (white sausage), Leberkäse, and various types of dumplings and pretzels. Many establishments offer these specialties.
While traditional Bavarian food is meat-heavy, many restaurants in Munich now offer vegetarian and vegan options. Look for modern cafes or international eateries for more choices.
Prices in Marienplatz can be on the higher side due to its prime location. For more budget-friendly options, consider exploring side streets or venturing a few blocks away from the main square.
While not directly attached to the New Town Hall, several famous beer gardens are within walking distance, such as the Hofbräuhaus or Augustiner-Keller, offering a classic Bavarian beer garden experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire facade of the New Town Hall is a fantastic photo opportunity. For iconic shots, capture the Glockenspiel performance, the view from the tower, and the surrounding Marienplatz.
Yes, photography is allowed from the observation deck of the tower. It's an excellent spot for panoramic cityscapes and capturing the vastness of Munich.
Yes, you can take photos and videos of the Glockenspiel performance. However, be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking their views.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) offers beautiful lighting for the New Town Hall's facade. Midday can be harsh, but it's also when the Glockenspiel is most active.
Drone usage is generally restricted in urban areas, especially around historical buildings and public squares like Marienplatz, for safety and privacy reasons. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Climbing the tower offers an adventure for older children, with the promise of amazing views as a reward. Ensure children are comfortable with heights and stairs. The sheer scale and architecture of the building itself can also spark imagination. Many nearby cafes offer kid-friendly options.
💰 Budget Travelers
Skip expensive restaurants in Marienplatz and opt for a picnic from a local bakery or supermarket, or explore side streets for more reasonably priced eateries. The Glockenspiel show is a free, world-class spectacle that shouldn't be missed.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The Glockenspiel performance offers dynamic shots of the moving figures. For breathtaking cityscapes, ascend the tower and frame Munich's skyline, including the Alps on a clear day. Remember to check for any restrictions on professional or drone photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majestic Neo-Gothic Architecture
Inside, the building continues to impress with its ornate interiors, including the State Court (Prunkhof) featuring a Gothic tower with the 'Stairs of the Ages' (Treppe der Lebensalter). These sculptures visually represent the aging process from childhood to old age, a unique artistic detail. The sheer craftsmanship and attention to detail in every corner of the New Town Hall make it a significant architectural landmark in Munich.
This architectural style was chosen to evoke a sense of historical continuity and civic pride, reflecting the aspirations of Munich during a period of significant growth and development. The building's design is not just functional as the seat of city administration but also serves as a powerful symbol of Munich's identity and heritage.
The Enchanting Glockenspiel
The Glockenspiel's performance is divided into two main scenes. The upper scene reenacts the 1568 wedding of Duke Wilhelm V and Renata of Lorraine, showcasing knights jousting. The lower scene depicts the 'Schäfflertanz' (coopers' dance), a tradition that is said to have celebrated the end of the plague in 1517. The figures move and dance to the chiming of the bells, creating a lively spectacle that draws crowds to Marienplatz.
Visitors are advised to arrive at least 15-30 minutes before the show to secure a good viewing spot, as Marienplatz can become very crowded. The Glockenspiel is a must-see for anyone visiting Munich, offering a unique blend of history, art, and mechanical marvel.
Ascending the Tower for Unforgettable Views
Once at the top, visitors are treated to breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Munich. You can easily spot other iconic landmarks like the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) with its twin onion domes, St. Peter's Church, and the sprawling Olympic Park. On exceptionally clear days, the majestic Bavarian Alps form a stunning backdrop to the city.
The tower also provides an excellent orientation point for understanding the city's layout. Maps are often available at the top, helping visitors identify different districts and landmarks. The experience is unhurried, allowing ample time to soak in the scenery and capture photographs.
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