New Town Hall Neues Rathaus
Iconic Neo-Gothic masterpiece in Munich's Marienplatz, famous for its daily Glockenspiel show and panoramic tower views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Glockenspiel show
New Town Hall Neues Rathaus
Best Time
Glockenspiel show
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Neo-Gothic masterpiece in Munich's Marienplatz, famous for its daily Glockenspiel show and panoramic tower views.
"A soaring testament to civic pride, imagination, and the enduring allure of Gothic Revival architecture."
🎯 Arrive Early for Glockenspiel
Secure a good viewing spot for the Glockenspiel show; it gets crowded fast! :iphone:
🎟️ Book Interior Tours
Explore the stunning interiors with a guided tour, especially recommended in May. :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Glockenspiel
Marienplatz
Watch animated figures reenact historical Bavarian tales daily. A true Munich spectacle!
Tower Viewpoint
Neues Rathaus Tower
Soar to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of Munich's cityscape.
Neo-Gothic Architecture
Exterior and Interior
Marvel at the intricate details, spires, and statues of this magnificent Gothic Revival masterpiece.
Nightwatchman's Call
Marienplatz
Experience the unique nightly performance with trumpet calls and music.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Catch the Glockenspiel Magic
Tower Views & Interior Tours
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Glockenspiel
Secure a good viewing spot for the Glockenspiel show; it gets crowded fast! :iphone:
🎟️ Book Interior Tours
Explore the stunning interiors with a guided tour, especially recommended in May. :ticket:
⬆️ Tower for City Views
Take the elevator up the tower for incredible panoramic views of Munich.
🚶♂️ Explore Marienplatz
The New Town Hall is the centerpiece of Marienplatz, perfect for starting your city exploration.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Glockenspiel
Secure a good viewing spot for the Glockenspiel show; it gets crowded fast! :iphone:
🎟️ Book Interior Tours
Explore the stunning interiors with a guided tour, especially recommended in May. :ticket:
⬆️ Tower for City Views
Take the elevator up the tower for incredible panoramic views of Munich.
🚶♂️ Explore Marienplatz
The New Town Hall is the centerpiece of Marienplatz, perfect for starting your city exploration.
🌙 Nightwatchman's Performance
Don't miss the unique nightly trumpet performance at 9 PM.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the New Town Hall for its stunning Neo-Gothic architecture and the captivating Glockenspiel show. The panoramic views from the tower and the detailed interiors are also frequently highlighted as must-see features. Some find the Glockenspiel crowds overwhelming, and interior access can be limited outside of specific tour times.
"Munich’s New Town Hall dominates Marienplatz with its dramatic neo-Gothic façade, soaring tower, and wealth of detail that makes you want to stare up until your neck protests. Built between 1867 and 1909 by architect Georg von Hauberrisser, it replaced the cramped Old Town Hall and quickly became the city’s political and symbolic heart. The 85-meter tower is home to the famous Glockenspiel, which still draws crowds daily to watch figures reenact 16th-century Bavarian stories.
The exterior is packed with statues, floral balconies, and spires that look medieval but are purely 19th-century romanticism. Inside, the building still houses the city government, but visitors can ride the elevator up the tower for sweeping views across Munich.
During WWII, much of the city center was destroyed, yet the Neues Rathaus was repaired and restored, preserving its role as a backdrop for everything from Christmas markets to championship celebrations for FC Bayern."
E Scott Parks
"Exceptionally beautiful Gothic style building in the heart of Munich.
Every year in May they open up to visitors (or you can go on a guided tour). Highly recommend as the inside is fantastic. Stained glass throughout, beautiful library, and fun architecture all around."
Kevin
"City Hall (Rathaus) is an impressive neo-gothic building in the heart of Old Town. The facade is most famous for the glockenspiel, which sings and dances every day at 11:00 and 12:00 (and 17:00 in the summer). The inner courtyard is open to the public and features a restaurant and public restrooms. Guided tours of the inside are available. I was allowed to free roam inside, but I think that might only happen in May. There is also an observation deck at the top of the tower. The interior is an intriguing maze of stairs, corridors, and stained glass. The inside is worth a visit for the architecture alone."
Mike M.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) is located in the heart of Munich at Marienplatz. It's easily accessible via public transport. Take the U-Bahn (U3, U6) or S-Bahn to Marienplatz station, which is directly connected to the square. Many tram lines also stop here.
Parking directly at Marienplatz is very limited and expensive. It's highly recommended to use public transport. If you must drive, look for underground parking garages like the Contipark Parkhaus Marienplatz or Fina Parkhaus.
Yes, Marienplatz is a central hub. Many major attractions like Frauenkirche and the Viktualienmarkt are within easy walking distance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Viewing the exterior and the Glockenspiel show from Marienplatz is free. Tickets are required for guided tours of the interior and for the tower viewpoint.
The exterior is always visible. The Glockenspiel performs daily at 11 AM and 12 PM, with an additional show at 5 PM during summer months. Interior tours and tower access have specific operating hours, often best checked in advance.
The cost for the tower viewpoint is typically a few Euros. Guided tours of the interior also have a fee. Check the official website for current pricing.
For the Glockenspiel, aim for the 11 AM or 12 PM shows. For fewer crowds at the tower or for interior tours, consider weekdays outside of peak tourist season.
While the inner courtyard is generally accessible, free roaming inside might be limited to specific times like May. Guided tours are the primary way to see the grand chambers.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Glockenspiel is a famous clock tower feature with animated figures that reenact historical events from the 16th century. It's a highlight for many visitors.
The Glockenspiel performance typically lasts about 10-15 minutes.
From the tower, you get stunning panoramic views of Marienplatz, the surrounding Old Town, and the city of Munich.
Yes, public restrooms are available in the inner courtyard of the New Town Hall.
The main floor and courtyard are generally accessible. Access to the tower and some upper interior levels may be limited. It's advisable to check accessibility details in advance.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Marienplatz and the surrounding streets are filled with restaurants, cafes, and beer gardens. The Ratskeller, located beneath the New Town Hall, is a popular spot.
The Ratskeller is a traditional Bavarian restaurant located in the basement of the New Town Hall, offering local cuisine and a lively atmosphere.
📸 📸 Photography
Marienplatz offers the classic frontal view. For unique angles, try from the surrounding buildings or from the tower itself. The details on the facade are also great for close-ups.
Yes, photography and videography are generally allowed during the Glockenspiel show, but be mindful of other visitors trying to capture the moment.
Photography is usually permitted in public areas of the interior, but check for any restrictions in specific rooms or during guided tours.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Marienplatz itself is a lively square, perfect for letting kids stretch their legs. There are plenty of cafes and ice cream shops nearby for a treat. While the building's history might not captivate them, the visual spectacle of the Glockenspiel and the city views from the tower are sure to be memorable.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For panoramic cityscapes, the tower viewpoint is essential. Experiment with different times of day to capture the building in various lighting conditions – golden hour can be particularly magical. Don't forget to explore the inner courtyard for unique perspectives and details. The building's grandeur is impressive both day and night, with evening illuminations adding another layer of photographic potential.
🏛️ History Buffs
Guided tours provide in-depth insights into the building's construction, its role in city governance, and its survival through World War II. The Law Library and other interior spaces are preserved as they were, offering a tangible connection to the past. The building's continued use as the seat of Munich's government underscores its enduring historical and symbolic importance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Glockenspiel
To get the best view, it's advisable to arrive at Marienplatz at least 15-30 minutes before the show, especially during peak tourist season. While the performance is free, the sheer number of people can make it challenging to see clearly from further back. Many visitors find the experience to be a quintessential Munich moment, a blend of history, art, and mechanical marvel.
Architectural Grandeur: Neo-Gothic Masterpiece
Inside, the architectural splendor continues. Visitors on guided tours can marvel at the Law Library, with its gilded staircases and ornate details, as well as other grand chambers and halls that showcase the craftsmanship of the era. The stained-glass windows are particularly noteworthy, adding vibrant color and light to the interior spaces. Even if you don't take a tour, the sheer scale and detail of the exterior are enough to inspire awe.
Views from the Tower
The ascent to the tower is a relatively quick experience, and the views are well worth the modest entrance fee. It provides a great contrast to the bustling activity at ground level and offers excellent photo opportunities. Many visitors recommend this as a highlight, especially for those who enjoy cityscapes and scenic vistas.
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