How long does it take to walk through Munich's Old Town?

This specific self-guided route takes approximately 90 to 120 minutes depending on your pace. The distance is roughly 1.5 kilometers (1 mile) on flat, easy-to-navigate terrain.

When does the Glockenspiel perform in Marienplatz?

The Glockenspiel typically performs daily at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, with an additional show at 5:00 PM during the summer months (March to October). It is a highlight of any Munich walking route.

Is Munich a walkable city for tourists?

Yes, Munich is exceptionally walkable, especially the Altstadt which is largely a pedestrian zone. Most major historical sites are concentrated within a small radius around Marienplatz.

Can I enter the Frauenkirche for free?

Yes, entry to the Frauenkirche cathedral is free for visitors. However, you should avoid wandering during active church services, and there is a small fee if you wish to climb the tower for city views.

What is the 'Devil's Footstep' in Munich?

The Devil's Footstep (Teufelstritt) is a black footprint-shaped mark in the floor of the Frauenkirche. Legend says the architect tricked the devil into believing the church had no windows, causing the devil to stomp his foot in frustration.

Is the Hofbräuhaus worth visiting on a self-guided walk?

Absolutely, as it is one of the most significant cultural landmarks in Bavaria. Even if you don't stay for a beer, walking through the ground floor 'Schwemme' allows you to see the historic vaulted ceilings and traditional atmosphere.

What is the best time of day to explore the Altstadt?

The best time is early morning around 9:00 AM to avoid the heaviest crowds, or around 10:30 AM if you want to time your arrival at Marienplatz for the 11:00 AM Glockenspiel show.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Munich is a city where the scent of roasting malt meets the grandeur of Bavarian royalty. This self-guided walk through the Altstadt, or Old Town, peels back the layers of history from the city's humble beginnings as a monastic settlement to its rise as a powerful seat of the Wittelsbach dynasty. Your neighborhood stroll begins at the world-renowned Hofbräuhaus, a site that perfectly encapsulates the city's dual devotion to beer and tradition. From there, you will traverse the winding alleys that lead to the Alter Hof, the very first imperial residence in the city, before emerging into the vibrant energy of Marienplatz. This route is designed to highlight the architectural shifts of the city, moving from the towering Gothic spires of the Frauenkirche to the neoclassical elegance of Odeonsplatz. Along the way, you will encounter the intricate clockwork of the Glockenspiel, the legendary 'Devil's Footstep,' and the sprawling complex of the Munich Residence. Whether you are interested in the political intrigues of the Bavarian kings or the cultural significance of the 1516 Beer Purity Law, this walking route offers a comprehensive look at the city's identity. This is not a formal guided tour Munich visitors might expect; instead, it is a flexible, independent exploration that allows you to pause for a pretzel or a photo whenever the mood strikes. By following this walking tour Munich reveals itself as a city of deep-seated traditions and resilient beauty, having painstakingly restored its historic core to its former glory. Discover the stories behind the facades and understand why Munich remains the 'city with a heart.'

Tour Stops (7)

Hofbräuhaus München

Welcome to the world's most famous tavern. Founded in 1589 by Duke Wilhelm V, the Hofbräuhaus was born out of a royal necessity: the Bavarian court was spending too much money importing beer from Saxony. Initially, it only brewed brown ale, but it soon became the cornerstone of Munich's social fabric. As you stand before this Neo-Renaissance building, imagine the centuries of 'Stammtisch' groups—regulars who have their own reserved tables and personalized beer mugs locked in cages. The building you see today was largely reconstructed after WWII, but the spirit remains unchanged. It was here that the Beer Purity Law was fiercely upheld, ensuring that only water, hops, and barley (and later yeast) were used. It is a temple to Bavarian hospitality and the perfect place to begin understanding the local culture.

Alter Hof

Tucked away from the main thoroughfares is the Alter Hof, the first residence of the Wittelsbach dynasty. This courtyard dates back to the 12th century and served as the imperial seat for Holy Roman Emperor Louis the Bavarian in the 1300s. Look up at the wooden oriel window known as the 'Monkey Tower.' Legend has it that a pet monkey belonging to the court once snatched the infant Louis from his cradle and climbed to the top of the tower, only returning him once the baby had fallen asleep. While much of the complex was rebuilt after wartime destruction, the late-Gothic architecture provides a quiet glimpse into Munich’s medieval heart, long before the more famous Residence was constructed.

New Town Hall

Dominating the north side of Marienplatz is the Neues Rathaus, or New Town Hall. Despite its ancient appearance, this Flemish Gothic-inspired masterpiece was actually completed in 1905. It is most famous for its Glockenspiel, the fourth-largest of its kind in Europe. The 43 bells and 32 life-sized figures perform two stories: the upper tier depicts the marriage of Duke Wilhelm V, featuring a joust where the Bavarian knight always wins, while the lower tier shows the 'Schäfflertanz,' or Coopers' Dance. This dance was said to have been performed in 1517 to cheer up the citizenry after a plague. The building’s facade is a stone tapestry of Bavarian legends, kings, and allegorical figures, serving as a proud symbol of Munich’s civic identity.

Marienplatz

Marienplatz has been the city’s central square since Munich was founded in 1158. Originally a salt and grain market, it is named after the Mariensäule, the golden Column of Mary at its center. Erected in 1638, the column celebrates the end of the Swedish occupation during the Thirty Years' War. At the base, four brave putti are seen fighting off beasts representing war, pestilence, hunger, and heresy. Nearby, you will find the Fischbrunnen, or Fish Fountain. It is a traditional spot for locals to meet, and on Ash Wednesday, it’s the site of a quirky tradition where the mayor washes the city's empty purse in the water, hoping for a prosperous year ahead. This square is the beating heart of the city, connecting the old and new worlds of Munich.

Frauenkirche

The Cathedral of Our Dear Lady, with its distinctive twin onion domes, is Munich’s most recognizable landmark. Completed in 1488, this brick Gothic giant was built in just 20 years. Upon entering, look for the 'Teufelstritt,' or Devil's Footstep, a dark mark in the floor near the entrance. Local lore claims the architect made a deal with the devil to build a church with no windows. When the devil stood at this spot, the pillars blocked all the windows from view, and in his triumph, he stomped his foot, leaving the mark. When he realized he'd been tricked, he turned into a wind that still whistles around the towers today. The domes themselves were modeled after the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, a design choice that became a trend for Bavarian village churches for centuries.

Munich Residence

The Residenz is the largest city palace in Germany and served as the seat of government and residence for Bavarian dukes, electors, and kings from 1385 to 1918. What started as a small castle grew into a sprawling complex of 13 courtyards and over 130 rooms. As you walk along the Residenzstraße facade, notice the bronze lions guarding the entrances. It is a local tradition to rub the small shields held by these lions for good luck—you can see how shiny they have become from millions of hands. The palace reflects a mix of Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical styles, showcasing the evolving tastes and immense wealth of the Wittelsbach family over half a millennium.

Odeonsplatz

Our walk concludes at Odeonsplatz, a square that feels more like Florence than Germany. This was the vision of King Ludwig I, who wanted to bring Italian classicism to Munich. To your left is the Theatinerkirche, a stunning yellow Baroque church inspired by Sant'Andrea della Valle in Rome. Directly ahead is the Feldherrnhalle, a loggia built in the 1840s to honor the Bavarian army, modeled after the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence. This square has seen the city's highest and lowest moments, from royal parades to the failed Beer Hall Putsch of 1923. Today, it serves as a gateway to the Hofgarten and the museum district, marking the transition from the old royal city to the modern cultural capital.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided walk through the Altstadt (Old Town) is the best way to see Munich's core. This route covers the Hofbräuhaus, Marienplatz, and the Munich Residence, which are the city's most essential historical landmarks.