Marienplatz Munich ⇒
Enjoy & discover the city’s history

Imagine standing in the middle of a square, surrounded by magnificent historic buildings and a mix of tourists, locals, and street performers. The chime of the famous town hall tower echoes through the air, drawing everyone's attention. Welcome to Marienplatz in Munich, the vibrant heart of the Bavarian capital. Here, history, culture, and modern life come together for an unforgettable experience.

• The impressive architecture of the New Town Hall with its famous Glockenspiel
• The historical Mary’s Column and its significance
• Shopping opportunities and culinary highlights in the area
• Insights into the history and development of Marienplatz

The Marienplatz was founded in 1158, at the same time as the city of Munich itself. From the very beginning, it served as the central marketplace of the city, where merchants offered their goods and citizens made their purchases. In the 19th century, the Marienplatz underwent a significant transformation. The Old Town Hall, which originally dominated the square, was replaced by the impressive New Town Hall. This change reflects Munich's transition from a medieval city to a modern metropolis. Today, the square is a symbol of the union of tradition and progress.

The Marienplatz is not just a historical site, but also a hub for shopping, enjoyment, and leisure activities. Whether you want to shop in the numerous stores, are looking for a good dinner, or simply want to spend time with your loved ones: Munich's Marienplatz gives you the opportunity to do so.

Shopping as far as the eye can see

In the surrounding streets, you will find numerous shops, boutiques, and department stores. The pedestrian zone Kaufingerstraße leads directly away from Marienplatz and is one of the most famous shopping streets in Germany. Particularly noteworthy is the department store Ludwig Beck, known for its exclusive fashion and high-quality goods. The nearby Viktualienmarkt also offers a variety of fresh food and regional specialties.

Top 5 shopping options

1. Ludwig Beck Department Store: Located right at Marienplatz, Ludwig Beck offers a wide selection of fashion, cosmetics, music, and much more across several floors. The department store is particularly known for its exclusive fashion section and excellent customer service.
2. Oberpollinger: Just a few minutes' walk from Marienplatz, the luxury department store Oberpollinger awaits. Here, across several floors, you will find international designer brands, high-quality cosmetics, and exclusive accessories. A visit is worthwhile for those seeking luxury and quality.
3. Hugendubel: Also located directly at Marienplatz, the bookstore Hugendubel offers a large selection of books, magazines, and stationery. With cozy reading corners and regular events, Hugendubel is a paradise for book lovers.
4. Sport Schuster: For outdoor enthusiasts and sports fans, Sport Schuster is the go-to place. On multiple floors, you will find everything a sports heart desires - from high-quality equipment to functional clothing for various sports and outdoor activities.
5. Viktualienmarkt: The Viktualienmarkt is not only a culinary highlight but also a great place to shop for fresh food, flowers, and regional specialties. The multitude of stands offers a rich selection of products, making each visit an experience.

After a long day of shopping, you can recharge in one of the many restaurants and cafés around Marienplatz. Here you will find a wide range of culinary offerings, from traditional Bavarian cuisine to international specialties.

The Top 5 Restaurants and Cafés

1. Café Glockenspiel: With a magnificent view of Marienplatz and the famous Glockenspiel, Café Glockenspiel offers not only a great view but also a wide selection of delicious food and beverages. Here you can enjoy both a hearty breakfast and delightful cakes and tortes.
2. Ratskeller München: Located directly beneath the New Town Hall, Ratskeller serves traditional Bavarian cuisine in a historic setting. The hearty dishes and rustic atmosphere make Ratskeller truly recommendable.
3. Dallmayr: The delicatessen and restaurant Dallmayr is synonymous with exquisite gourmet food and fine dining. In the in-house restaurant, you can enjoy exquisite dishes prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients in an elegant atmosphere.
4. Restaurant Zum Franziskaner: Here you can expect hearty dishes such as pork knuckle, white sausages, and pretzels, accompanied by freshly tapped beer from the region. The cozy ambiance completes the experience.
5. Viktualienmarkt: Although not a classic restaurant or café, Viktualienmarkt offers numerous stalls with a variety of culinary delights. Here you can enjoy fresh regional products, international specialties, and typical Bavarian treats right on the spot.

When the Marienplatz transforms into a festively illuminated winter landscape, it is once again time for the famous Christkindlmarkt. This traditional Christmas market, which takes place every year during the Advent season, is one of the oldest and most beautiful of its kind in Germany. The market in Munich has been around since the 14th century.

What to Expect at the Christkindlmarkt

• Traditional Handicrafts: Numerous stalls offer handmade Christmas decorations, wooden toys, nativity figures, and other artistic gifts.
• Culinary Delights: Enjoy the variety of Bavarian and festive cuisine. From bratwursts and roasted almonds to gingerbread and stollen.
• Gingerbread Hearts and Mulled Wine: No visit to the Christmas market would be complete without a sweet gingerbread heart or a hot cup of mulled wine.
• Christmas Music and Entertainment: Regular concerts and performances take place on the stage in front of the New Town Hall. Choirs, brass bands, and other artists provide an atmospheric musical backdrop.
• Children's Program: For the little visitors, there are special offerings such as carousels, a nativity scene with real animals, and interactive activities that make waiting for the Christkind much more enjoyable.

All events at Marienplatz, including times:
 

• In 2005, Marienplatz was ranked 8th in an international ranking of the most beautiful squares.
• The New Town Hall stretches over a length of 100 meters and has 400 rooms.
• The carillon of the New Town Hall consists of 43 bells and weighs a total of 7 tons.
• The Christkindlmarkt in Marienplatz, which takes place every year during the Advent season, attracts over three million visitors.
• In the Middle Ages, Marienplatz was the site for knight tournaments and executions.
• Since 1972, Marienplatz has been a car-free area to improve the quality of stay for pedestrians.

There are no fixed opening hours for your visit to Marienplatz, as the square is freely accessible. However, you should pay attention to the times of the Glockenspiel in the New Town Hall if you want to experience this highlight.

Opening Hours

Admission Prices

Visiting Marienplatz and the Glockenspiel in the New Town Hall is free of charge. However, fees may apply for special guided tours or access to certain areas of the Town Hall.

The Marienplatz in Munich is more than just a central square; it is the pulsating heart of the city, a place full of history, culture, and modern life. From the impressive architecture of the New Town Hall and its fascinating carillon to the historic Mariensäule and the diverse shopping and culinary options—there is something for everyone here. A visit to Marienplatz offers a comprehensive insight into the life and history of Munich and is an unforgettable experience that you shouldn't miss.