Marienplatz Tours and Activities

Marienplatz
Marienplatz
Marienplatz
Marienplatz
Marienplatz which includes heritage architecture and a city


Delight in the energetic atmosphere of Munich’s central square, where Christmas stalls, gothic-style buildings and the city’s famous carillon each add to its old-town charms.  

Marienplatz (Mary's Square) is the pivotal main square of Munich, where pedestrians, street performers and tour groups gather to enjoy the atmosphere or see the city’s sights. Considered the heart of Munich, this square often hosts peace protests or rowdy celebrations when the local soccer team is victorious.

The name of Marienplatz derives from Mariensäule (Mary’s Column), a 17th-century pillar monument dedicated to St. Mary erected in the square. This space was the site of the Viktualienmarkt market before it moved to a larger site in 1807.

Over Christmas, stalls and displays pop up around Marienplatz. Browse displays of toasted chestnuts and sugared almonds that produce a delicious aroma, or warm up with a sip of mulled wine. Stalls sell a range of Christmas ornaments and miniature nativity scenes. The origins of this Christmas market date back as far as the 14th century

Admire the façade of the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) as you walk around the plaza. Built between 1867 and 1909, this council building was designed with the decorative and ornate styles of the gothic revival.

Look up to the New Town Hall’s famous carillon, the Glockenspiel, which was constructed in 1908. Find a spot in Marienplatz or take a seat at one of many outdoor café’s around the square to watch the Glockenspiel show, held a few times a day. Enjoy the mechanical performance of puppet dancers who announce the hour at 11 a.m. and noon every day, or at 5 p.m. in the summer months. The 32 copper figures that wiggle and wave represent distinctive times and elements of Munich’s fascinating history. If you don’t see the show, listen out for the 43 bells that ring out loudly over the square.

The Marienplatz is located in central Munich and can be accessed by its adjacent U-Bahn (subway) station. Alternatively, get there on foot from most areas of the city. This meeting spot is a popular starting point for city tours.

Plan a trip to see Marienplatz

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Wyndham Garden Munich Messe
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Top Marienplatz Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Maritim Hotel München

Maritim Hotel München

Goethestrasse 7, Munich, BY
Maritim Hotel München
Platzl Hotel

Platzl Hotel

4.5 out of 5
Sparkassenstraße 10, Munich, BY
Platzl Hotel
Munich Inn Design Hotel

Munich Inn Design Hotel

Goethestrasse 15, Munich, BY
Munich Inn Design Hotel
NH Collection München Bavaria

NH Collection München Bavaria

4.5 out of 5
Arnulfstrasse 2, Munich, BY
NH Collection München Bavaria
Stay KooooK Munich City

Stay KooooK Munich City

Schützenstr 9, Munich
Stay KooooK Munich City
Eden Hotel Wolff

Eden Hotel Wolff

Arnulfstr. 4, Munich, BY
Eden Hotel Wolff
Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski München

Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski München

5 out of 5
Maximilianstr. 17, Munich, BY
Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski München
Hotel Concorde München

Hotel Concorde München

4 out of 5
Herrnstrasse 38-40, Munich, BY
Hotel Concorde München
Cortiina Hotel

Cortiina Hotel

Ledererstr. 8, Munich, BY
Cortiina Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Marienplatz

Marienplatz offers a vibrant mix of activities, from exploring lively breweries to indulging in local art and theatre. Visitors can enjoy a variety of entertainment options, including unique eateries and trendy bars, making it an ideal spot for leisure and recreation. Don't miss the chance to soak up the lively atmosphere while experiencing Munich's rich culture right in the heart of Bavaria.

Shopping

In Marienplatz, visit Viktualienmarkt, a vibrant public market just 161m away, perfect for local delights. Funf Hofe, only 322m away, offers entertainment and family-friendly vibes. If you're up for a drive, explore Olympia Shopping Mall, located 6.4km away, featuring a mix of shopping and entertainment.

Recreation

Olympic Park is a tranquil oasis offering wellness and relaxation vibes with its beautiful gardens and scenic walking paths, located 4.8km from Marienplatz. For a cultural experience, the Munich Philharmonic, just 1.4km away, provides captivating music concerts that entertain and uplift the spirit.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the Olympic Rowing Course, located 12.9km from Marienplatz, where you can engage in exhilarating water sports. For a scenic adventure, hike the Gourmet-Wanderung am Starnberger See, 30.6km away, or tackle the Kletterinsel Monkee Island zipline ropes course, situated 24.1km from the city.

Nightlife

Experience the lively atmosphere at Hofbräuhaus, a classic drinking pub just 322m from Marienplatz, perfect for a fun night out. For a cultural twist, catch a show at the National Theater Munich or Residenz Theater, both offering delightful performances and a romantic vibe, also 322m away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Marienplatz

Marienplatz in Munich is a vibrant hub, offering a mix of historic civic buildings, stunning churches, and fascinating museums. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture and enjoy family-friendly experiences in this iconic square. Don't miss the famous Glockenspiel and consider staying nearby for easy access to the attractions. Whether you're exploring Marienplatz or venturing into the surrounding areas, there's plenty to see and do in this charming part of Bavaria.

  • Old Town Hall: This historic Civic Government Building, located 161m from Marienplatz, is a stunning example of Gothic architecture. Its charming facade and intricate details make it a captivating spot to explore the rich history and culture of Munich.
  • Deutsches Museum: Situated 966m from Marienplatz, this renowned science museum offers a fantastic family-friendly experience. With interactive exhibits and fascinating displays, it showcases the wonders of technology and innovation that will delight visitors of all ages.
  • Karlsplatz - Stachus: Just 644m from Marienplatz, this lively piazza serves as a central hub in Munich. Surrounded by shops and cafes, its vibrant atmosphere and historical significance make it a perfect spot to relax and soak in the city's culture.

Best time to go to Marienplatz

The best time to visit Marienplatz is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January32.0°F (0.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February33.6°F (0.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March40.8°F (4.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
April48.4°F (9.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June63.0°F (17.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July66.0°F (18.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August65.5°F (18.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September57.9°F (14.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
November41.0°F (5.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December34.7°F (1.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Marienplatz

For a budget-friendly trip to Marienplatz, consider visiting between January and March when accommodation prices drop. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates, and look for last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia. Sundays are typically the cheapest days to stay. Use Expedia’s filters to find eco-friendly options and sort by price for the best deals. Additionally, combine your hotel, flights, and activities in a package to save more. Don’t forget to explore the area on foot to enjoy free sights and local experiences!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Marienplatz are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June and September to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Marienplatz about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Marienplatz is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Marienplatz is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Marienplatz hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.