Our hotel at Marienplatz in Munich
As a hotel near Marienplatz Munich, Platzl Hotel is the ideal starting point to discover the Bavarian capital and its sights. As one of the most traditional hotels in Munich, located at the Marienplatz and right in the historical old town, we would like to give our guests the opportunity to experience the original Munich – authentic, lively and truly Bavarian.
Planning your visit to Munich's most iconic square? Here is everything you need to know before you go:
- Best time to visit: Early morning (before 9 am) for a peaceful atmosphere; midday for the Glockenspiel show
- Time needed: 30–60 minutes for the square itself; allow half a day to explore the surrounding old town
- Crowds: Busy year-round; peak times are midday and during major events such as the Christmas market or Oktoberfest season
- Distance from Platzl Hotel: Only a 3-minute walk
- Nearest transport: S-Bahn & U-Bahn: Marienplatz station (lines S1–S8, U3, U6) – just two stops from Munich Central Station
- Accessibility: The square is fully accessible; lifts are available at Marienplatz S/U-Bahn station
- Safety: Marienplatz and the surrounding old town are very safe areas. As with any busy city centre, keep an eye on your belongings in crowded situations.
- Public toilets: Available at the underground station and in the nearby Kaufhof department store (small fee applies)
Only a 3-minute walk from the Platzl Hotel Munich to the Marienplatz
The Marienplatz is not only the central square in Munich's city centre and the heart of the pedestrian zone, but also one of the most recognisable landmarks of the Bavarian capital. It attracts visitors from all over the world every single day. The square is framed by charming cafés, department stores and the magnificent New City Hall (Neues Rathaus) to the north. At its very centre stands the Mariensäule – a gilded column erected in 1638 – which marks the symbolic heart of Munich and the so-called zero point from which all street distances in the city are measured.
The famous Glockenspiel in the New City Hall
Every day at 11 am and 12 pm, when many people wait for the popular Glockenspiel, the Marienplatz is filled with life. 43 bells sound from the New City Hall, while dancing figures at the top of the bell tower tell the story of Munich's history. The spectacle lasts around 12 minutes and draws both first-time visitors and long-time Munich residents alike.
First-time visitor tips:
- Where to stand: Position yourself on the south side of the square, facing the New City Hall, for the best view of the figures. Arriving 10–15 minutes early gives you a good spot.
- When to arrive: The 11 am show tends to draw the largest crowds. For a slightly quieter experience, the 12 pm show is a good alternative.
- Look up: The figures are high up in the tower – binoculars or a zoom lens on your camera can be helpful.
Enjoy your breakfast at the Platzl Hotel in peace and make your way to the Munich Marienplatz in time for the show – it is only a three-minute stroll.
Events at the Marienplatz
The Marienplatz is far more than its Glockenspiel. Throughout the year, the square serves as the vibrant stage for some of Munich's most beloved traditions:
- City Founding Festival (Stadtgründungsfest): Held annually in June, this colourful festival celebrates Munich's history with music, crafts and Bavarian food.
- Schäfflertanz: This rare dance of the coopers takes place only every seven years and is one of Munich's most cherished folk traditions.
- Munich Christmas Market (Christkindlmarkt): One of the most traditional and atmospheric Christmas markets in Germany, held on the Marienplatz every December.
- FC Bayern Munich title celebrations: When Bayern wins the German Championship, thousands of fans gather here to celebrate with the team.
Refresh yourself after lively hours in one of the many restaurants in the Munich old town, between the Marienplatz and our hotel.
What to do around Marienplatz – Food, shopping & nearby highlights
The area around Marienplatz is one of Munich's most rewarding neighbourhoods to explore on foot. Here are our personal recommendations:
Eat & Drink
- Pfistermühle – Our own fine-dining restaurant, just steps from the hotel: traditional Bavarian cuisine crafted with passion and the finest regional ingredients.
- Ayinger am Platzl – Authentic Bavarian Wirtshauskultur with outstanding beer from the Ayinger brewery, right next to the hotel.
- Viktualienmarkt – Munich's beloved open-air food market, a 5-minute walk away: the perfect spot for a fresh Bavarian snack or a glass of beer in the beer garden.
Shopping
- The pedestrian zone around Marienplatz offers everything from international flagship stores to traditional Bavarian speciality shops.
- Kaufingerstraße & Neuhauser Straße lead west from the square and are Munich's main shopping streets.
Nearby Highlights
- Viktualienmarkt (5 min walk) – A Munich institution, open daily except Sundays.
- Frauenkirche (7 min walk) – Munich's iconic twin-towered cathedral.
- Hofbräuhaus (5 min walk) – The world's most famous beer hall, steeped in history.
- Englischer Garten (15 min walk) – One of the world's largest urban parks, home to the famous Eisbach surfers.
- Bayerische Staatsoper / National Theatre (8 min walk) – One of Europe's leading opera houses.
Your way: Platzl Hotel Munich - Marienplatz Munich
From the Platzl Hotel Munich you can reach the Marienplatz in just three minutes by foot. Leave our hotel to the left and follow Sparkassenstraße to the corner at the Old City Hall (Altes Rathaus). From here it is only straight ahead, and you will arrive in the middle of the Marienplatz.
The location of the Platzl Hotel at the Marienplatz in Munich is also ideal for your arrival. It is only two stations and three minutes by S-Bahn from the main train station.
