New Town Hall and Tower - A tall brick tower with a clock on it's side
1 / 10

New Town Hall and Tower

4.6
·525 reviews·Leipzig, Germany

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

11 AM, 12 PM, 5 PM

Glockenspiel shows

CrowdHigh
Loading map...
New Town Hall and Tower - A tall brick tower with a clock on it's side

New Town Hall and Tower

Best Time

11 AM, 12 PM, 5 PM

Glockenspiel shows

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(525 reviews)

"The New Town Hall is a must-see, offering a blend of history, art, and breathtaking city vistas."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Glockenspiel Performance

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

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

Neo-Gothic Architecture

Exterior and Interior

Admire the intricate stone carvings, ornate facade, and grand Neo-Gothic design of the building.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Tower Views & Glockenspiel Times

Climbing the New Town Hall tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of Munich. Check the Glockenspiel showtimes in Marienplatz; they happen daily at 11 AM, 12 PM, and 5 PM (summer only). Arrive early for good viewing spots.

Ticket & Tour Info

Tickets for the tower climb are affordable (around €5 for adults, less for students) and can be purchased on-site. Guided tours are also available and offer historical insights. Book in advance if possible, especially during peak season.

Best Times

When
11 AM, 12 PM, 5 PM
Why
Glockenspiel shows
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds for tower
Crowd
Low
When
Summer evenings
Why
Extra Glockenspiel show
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

@KELLY & GEORGIA - TRAVEL itinerary for spending the day in Leipzig, Germany 🇩🇪 📍 The Central Railway Station (Hauptbahnhof) 📍 Riquet Cafe 📍 St Nicholas Church 📍 New Town Hall 📍 Zeitgeschichtliches Forum 📍 Madler Passage 📍 Lunch at Curry Cult 📍 Marktplaz 📍 Monument to the Battle of Nations 📍 Dinner on Barfußgäßchen Street Have you been to Leipzig? Let us know 👇 #TravelTok #Skyscanner #LeipzigCity ...
@skyscanner
6.1K likes • 314.1K views

🎯 Catch the Glockenspiel

Arrive 15-30 mins early for the 11 AM or 12 PM Glockenspiel show to get a good spot! Instagram+1

⬆️ Climb for Views

The tower climb offers amazing city views. It's a good workout with lots of stairs! InstagramReddit

⬇️⬇️ How to get up there 🌇🔔 When you are in front of the new town hall building, do a 180 and check where the book store Hugendubel is. The church’s tower should be on the left side of the street. 😮‍💨 There you can buy a ticket to climb the stairs and you will get the best downtown view of Munich 🤗👌🏻 🏷️ Adults: EUR 5 🏷️ Students: EUR 2 - 3 🔔 Church’s name: Peterskirche 📍Location’s address: P...
er1c.knzl
84 likes • 1.4K views
A glockenspiel sits in the New Town Hall tower on Marienplatz and chimes daily at 11:00, 12:00 and 17:00. Thirty two figures taken from Munich’s history and legends, enact a pageant to the sound of 43 bells. It was first heard in 1908. And, it’s powered by solar energy. #munich #glockenspiel
tammydsk
8 likes • 223 views

🎟️ Affordable Tower Tickets

Tower tickets are reasonably priced (€5 adults, less for students). Buy them on-site. InstagramReddit

☀️ Solar-Powered Glockenspiel

The impressive Glockenspiel is powered by solar energy – a cool eco-friendly feature! Instagram

The New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) in Munich, Germany, stands as a magnificent example of Neo-Gothic architecture. Built between 1867 and 1908, it exudes grandeur with its towering clock tower, intricate stone carvings, and pointed arches. Designed by architect Georg von Hauberrisser, the building’s façade is adorned with elaborate sculptures and ornamental details, while its interior boasts impres...
architecteuropa
143 likes • 1.9K views

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! Instagram+1

⬆️ Climb for Views

The tower climb offers amazing city views. It's a good workout with lots of stairs! InstagramReddit

🎟️ Affordable Tower Tickets

Tower tickets are reasonably priced (€5 adults, less for students). Buy them on-site. InstagramReddit

☀️ Solar-Powered Glockenspiel

The impressive Glockenspiel is powered by solar energy – a cool eco-friendly feature! Instagram

📸 Photo Ops Galore

The building's facade and the tower views are incredibly photogenic. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.6
(525 reviews)

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

Impressive architecture
Glockenspiel show
Affordable tower views

What People Dislike

Crowded during shows

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. InstagramReddit

While you can often purchase tickets on-site, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons or weekends, to avoid disappointment. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

🎫 🧭 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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+1

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. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram+1

Restroom facilities are typically available within the New Town Hall complex, especially near the ticket counters and entrances to tours. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Marienplatz and the surrounding streets are filled with numerous restaurants, cafes, and beer gardens offering traditional Bavarian cuisine and international options. TikTok

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. Instagram

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

📸 📸 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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

Yes, you can take photos and videos of the Glockenspiel performance. However, be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking their views. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The New Town Hall is a fantastic destination for families. The Glockenspiel show is a highlight that captivates children with its moving figures and music. Arrive early to get a good view, and consider bringing snacks as Marienplatz can get busy. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+1

💰 Budget Travelers

The New Town Hall offers excellent value for budget travelers. While Marienplatz is free to explore, the tower climb is very affordable at around €5, providing incredible views without a hefty price tag. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram+1

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The New Town Hall is a photographer's dream. Capture the intricate Neo-Gothic facade from various angles in Marienplatz, especially during the golden hour for dramatic lighting. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Majestic Neo-Gothic Architecture

The New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) in Munich is a masterpiece of Neo-Gothic architecture, a style that flourished in the 19th century, drawing inspiration from medieval Gothic structures. Designed by architect Georg von Hauberrisser, its construction spanned from 1867 to 1908. The building is characterized by its imposing scale, intricate stone carvings, pointed arches, and a soaring clock tower that dominates the Marienplatz skyline. The facade is adorned with numerous statues, gargoyles, and decorative elements that tell stories and add to its grandeur. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

The Enchanting Glockenspiel

The Rathaus-Glockenspiel, located in the tower of the New Town Hall, is one of Munich's most beloved attractions. This large mechanical clock, first heard in 1908, features 32 life-sized figures and 43 bells that perform a captivating show twice daily (and an extra time in summer). The performance is powered by solar energy, a testament to its innovative design. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+1

Ascending the Tower for Unforgettable Views

For a truly memorable experience, climbing the 85-meter (approximately 279 feet) tower of the New Town Hall is highly recommended. The ascent involves a considerable number of stairs, offering a rewarding physical challenge before the visual payoff. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

You may also like