Munich’s New Town Hall, or Neues Rathaus, is one of the most famous landmarks in Munich.
Located in the bustling Marienplatz, this stunning building is not just a seat of administration but also a popular tourist attraction. It offers unique architectural features, the famous Rathaus-Glockenspiel, panoramic views of the city, and a few interesting places to visit.
In this guide, I’ll take you through everything you need to know about visiting the New Town Hall in Munich, including its history, top attractions, architectural highlights, and insider tips to make the most of your visit. I will also share with you why I was not able to visit the Library (although I really wanted to see it with my family).
Discover the New Town Hall in Munich: Attractions, History, and Visiting Tips for Neues Rathaus
Let’s start with a little bit of history.
A Brief History of the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus)
The New Town Hall was constructed between 1867 and 1908, a period when Munich’s population was rapidly growing. As the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) became too small to accommodate the city’s needs, a new, more grandiose building was envisioned.
Designed by Georg von Hauberrisser, the New Town Hall was built in a neo-Gothic style that captivates visitors from across the globe. With its ornate facade, towering spires, and detailed statues, the building reflects Munich’s rich history and cultural pride. Today, it houses the Munich City Council and the offices of the Mayor of Munich.
Architectural Highlights of the New Town Hall
The New Town Hall is an architectural marvel that exemplifies neo-Gothic design. With its intricate stone carvings, towering spires, and decorative statues, the building is a visual feast for architecture buffs, but you will also like it and find it spectacular even if you are not an expert.
I admit I liked it from the first moment I saw it online – photos – prior to our trip (when I was creating the itinerary). I know that many town halls do not offer visitors special attractions, but this is not the case in Munich. In fact, as I am sharing below, there are plenty of things to see and do here – so I am telling you now> book some time to visit it thoroughly!
Whether you are an expert or not, here are some key features and details to look out for:
The Facade: The facade of the New Town Hall is adorned with numerous statues of Bavarian dukes, saints, and other important figures from the city’s history. One of the most prominent figures is Henry the Lion, who founded Munich in 1158.
Gargoyles and Ornate Details: Take a close look at the detailed gargoyles, carvings, and stained glass windows. Each element tells a story, and the craftsmanship is a testament to the artistic skills of the era. I cannot tell you all the details, but I am adding that when you are there, you can simply admire each part of the New Town Hall in Munchen. And, of course, you can take pictures.
The Main Tower: You can’t miss it 🙂 The building’s main tower stands at 85 meters and is crowned by a copper statue of Munich’s patron saint, St. Mary.
Top Attractions in the New Town Hall
When visiting the New Town Hall in Munich, there are several must-see attractions that showcase the building’s history, architecture, and cultural significance.
1. The Famous Rathaus-Glockenspiel
One of the New Town Hall’s biggest attractions is the Rathaus-Glockenspiel, a large mechanical clock that performs daily. Installed in 1908, this clock features 32 life-sized figurines and 43 bells, re-enacting scenes from Bavarian history, including the wedding of Duke Wilhelm V and the Coopers’ Dance.
You can catch the Glockenspiel performance every day at 11:00 AM, with additional shows at 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM during the summer months. To learn more about the Glockenspiel and its history, read our complete guide to the Rathaus-Glockenspiel in Munich.
As I mentioned, I included this place on our itinerary during our first day in Munich and I planned everything around the 11:00 AM performance of the clock.
2. The Observation Tower
For breathtaking views of Munich’s skyline, don’t miss the observation tower at the New Town Hall. You can take an elevator ride up to the viewing platform, which sits 85 meters (279 feet) above the ground.
From here, you can see iconic sights such as the Frauenkirche, the Alps on a clear day, and the vibrant streets of Marienplatz below.
It’s one of the best spots in the city for panoramic photos, and a must-visit for anyone looking to capture Munich’s beauty from above.
While some of the nearby attractions (especially churches) offer other observation decks, we chose the Observation Tower of the New Town Hall in Munich for this important reason (for my health): You do NOT need to climb numerous stairs, to crouch or anything like that. Getting to the observation deck is pretty straightforward. We used the elevator.
As a tip: make sure to read your ticket! It has a specific time that you have to respect – in order to limit the number of people who get up.
3. The Courtyard (Prunkhof)
Hidden within the New Town Hall is a beautiful courtyard, known as the Prunkhof, another item on this list of things to do at the New Town Hall in Munich. This charming space is surrounded by the building’s neo-Gothic architecture and features a peaceful ambiance, perfect for a quiet stroll.
The courtyard also hosts various events throughout the year, including festive Christmas markets.
There is also a cure tower – smaller than the one on the facade, but beautiful.
You can also eat here – as this is part of the Ratskeller Restaurant.
We did not eat here – but entered the courtyard, and admired the architecture and the view 🙂
4. The Town Hall Museum
For those interested in Munich’s history, the Town Hall Museum offers insights into the city’s political development and cultural milestones.
The museum features exhibits on Munich’s city council, historical documents, and artifacts, giving visitors a deeper understanding of the role the Neues Rathaus plays in the city’s governance.
5. The Ratskeller Restaurant
Located in the basement of the New Town Hall, the Ratskeller is a traditional Bavarian restaurant that has been serving locals and tourists for decades.
The interior is decorated in a charming, rustic style, and the menu offers a range of Bavarian dishes, including sausages, pretzels, and hearty stews. It’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal after exploring Marienplatz.
6. The Law Library
It is the last attraction at the New Town Hall in Munich on this list, but definitely not the least important or beautiful.
In fact, when I saw pictures of it on the internet, I immediately knew I wanted to visit it.
But I did not know that you have to book a tour in advance if you want to make sure you will be able to visit it. We were here on a Wednesday and no tour was available – one was on Thursday (we were at Legoland then) and one on Sunday – I think. Anyway, we were not able to visit it – as you can’t enter on your own. That is what the people at the Tourist office told us – the tourist office is at the ground floor of the New Town Hall – and from here you can buy several tours, find useful information about the city and buy souvenirs.
Anyway, why did I want to visit this place? Because the Law Library (Juristische Bibliothek) at the New Town Hall in Munich is a hidden gem that attracts visitors with its stunning architecture and historic charm. Located within the New Town Hall, this library is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved libraries in Germany.
Established in 1906, it features a breathtaking neo-Baroque design with dark wooden bookshelves, intricate wrought-iron railings, and a grand spiral staircase that winds up to a mezzanine level. These details and the staircase made me want to see it up close!
The library’s design reflects the elegance and attention to detail characteristic of the era, making it a popular spot for photography enthusiasts and those interested in historical architecture. Whether you’re a history buff, architecture lover, or just curious, the Juristische Bibliothek is worth adding to your Munich itinerary.
Tips for Visiting the New Town Hall in Munich
1. Plan Your Visit Around the Glockenspiel
To make the most of your visit, plan your trip to coincide with the Glockenspiel performance. Arrive a little earlier to secure a good spot in Marienplatz, as the square can get quite crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. We shared tips and tricks in the dedicated article on our site – linked above.
2. Check Out the Christmas Markets
If you’re visiting during the holiday season, don’t miss the Christmas markets that set up around the New Town Hall. The Marienplatz Christmas Market is one of the oldest and most famous in Munich, offering everything from handcrafted gifts to mulled wine and traditional treats.
3. Take a Guided Tour
For a more in-depth exploration of the New Town Hall, consider joining a guided tour. These tours are available in multiple languages and offer fascinating insights into the building’s architecture, history, and the daily workings of Munich’s city council. Attention: you usually need to book it in advance to make sure everything is available to you on your desired day.
4. Book Tickets for the Observation Tower
Tickets for the observation tower can be purchased at the entrance, but they tend to sell out quickly, especially during the summer. To avoid disappointment, book your tickets in advance.
We were lucky – it was June 26th when we visited – and found tickets on the spot. But there were many people in line!
How to Get to the New Town Hall in Munich
The New Town Hall is centrally located in Marienplatz, making it easily accessible by public transport. You can reach it by taking the U-Bahn (U3/U6 lines) or S-Bahn (S1-S8 lines) to Marienplatz station. The building is visible when you exit the station.
Address:
Marienplatz 8, 80331 Munich, Germany
Conclusion: Experience the Beauty and History of the Neues Rathaus
The New Town Hall is a highlight of any trip to Munich. Its blend of history, art, and culture makes it one of the most memorable places to visit in the city. Be sure to include it in your Munich itinerary and take the time to explore everything this iconic building has to offer. And even if you only admire the clock, take a short walk around the building, admire the architecture, and enter for a short while inside the interior court, you will still leave with a wonderful feeling, with memories and photos.
For more information on planning your trip to Munich, check out our other guides on top attractions, travel tips, and local experiences.
