New Town Hall — Attraction in Munich

The first section of the building in the Eastern part of the Marienplatz, on the corner of Dienerstrasse, was the results of an idea competition won by Georg Hauberrisser and carried out between 1867 and 1874. When it became clear that this new building would not be able to accommodate the entire administration, the city began purchasing all the properties on the Dienerstrasse, Landschaftstrasse and Weinstrasse adjacent to the Town Hall started in 1887. From 1889 to 1892, the section on the corner of Dienerstrasse and Landschaftstrasse was constructed. In 1897, the Magistrate and municipal council decided to extend the buildings on the Marianplatz as well as the Weinstrasse and Landschaftstrasse to create a four-sided complex. For this, the entire area between the Marienplatz and Landschaftstrasse was used and on the other side, between Weinstrasse and Dienerstrasse. In 1898, the work for the extension began with the tower (Rathausturm), also under architect Georg von Hauberrisser. In December 1905, the shell of the third building section was finished with the setting of the keystone on the Rathausturm. For the architectural design of the Munich Rathausturm, Hauberrisser was clearly inspired by the Brussels Rathausturm. The 96-meter late-Gothic Belfry was built by Jan van Ruysbroeck in the years...

Incredibly impressive 19th building which is also the location of the main Tourist Information Centre and from where which you can also join one f the many 'free' walking tours (I say 'free' just in case nobody has done one before - but you aren't charged in advance, but are meant to pay what you can at the end based on budget and/or satisfaction with the guide) .

Weird how all these 'Gothic' buildings sprang up across Europe during a similar time period, took a long time to construct and none of them used the same architects, masons etc.

The reason it reminded me of Prague's Astronomical Clock, is the Rathaus Glockenspiel, which is a similar revolving set of figurines enacting something on the stroke of the hour - in this case as 11.00, 12.00 and 17.00. Having seen the 11.00, we joined a Spanish walking tour which began in front of the Town Hall at 11.30, only to wait 20 mins in the freezing cold to see it again, so we bailed...

There is also the possibility to go up to the top in a lift which is meant to offer spectacular views of Munich but, being Christmas and the crowds we didn't want to wait around in a queue in the cold to do so, but I have heard it is very worthwhile if you have the weather/patience to get...

Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall), Munich

The Neues Rathaus is one of Munich’s most iconic landmarks, standing proudly on Marienplatz in the city center. This stunning neo-Gothic building, completed in 1908, immediately grabs attention with its intricate façade, gargoyles, and striking architectural details. The centerpiece is its soaring clock tower, which houses the famous Glockenspiel.

The Glockenspiel is a must-see attraction. Every day at 11 a.m. (and in the summer, also at 12 p.m. and 5 p.m.), the mechanical figures come to life, reenacting historical Bavarian events, complete with music and ringing bells. It's a crowd favorite and adds a delightful charm to the visit.

Inside, the Neues Rathaus still functions as Munich’s city hall, but visitors can also explore certain areas or take a guided tour to learn about its history. The tower offers an elevator ride to the top, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Munich’s rooftops and the distant Alps on a clear day.

Whether you're interested in architecture, history, or just taking in one of the best views in Munich, the Neues Rathaus is a must-visit. Its grandeur and the daily Glockenspiel performance make it one of the city’s most beloved...