The Old Town of Munich, also known as Altstadt, is considered the heart of the city as it corresponds to the area of the historic city center. It was also the historical starting point for the growth and expansion of the city.
The old town was destroyed during the Second World War and its reconstruction revolved around the preservation of all the historical buildings that are considered iconic.
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| panoramic view of the Old Town of Munich |
Nowadays, it's a popular place for meetings, tours, and recreation for both local residents and tourists. If you're visiting Munich, then Alstadt should definitely be on your list of places to see and I've created an itinerary for you to follow so that you won't miss out on any of the important sights in the area.
A Self-Guided Walking Tour of the Old Town of Munich
The Old Town of Munich is a very walkable area and you can simply explore it on foot. Depending on how fast you walk, you'd only need an entire day to see the sights - or half, if you're in a rush.
Marienplatz
Start your walking tour at Marienplatz, which is the central square of Munich. The main attraction on the square is the New Town Hall or Neues Rathaus, known for its impressive architecture. This building was designed in the Gothic Revival style and it serves as the seat of the Munich city government.
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| the famous Glockenspiel on the facade of Neues Rathaus |
The New Town Hall is also famous for its Glockenspiel, which is a chiming clock on the facade of the building's tower. Every day at 11am and noon, the Glockenspiel performs a reenactment of two historical events and it's definitely a must-see.
Another thing to not miss out on while at Marienplatz is climbing the top of the New Town Hall tower. It only costs €6.50 and the top of the tower offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the city.
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| view of the Old Town from Neues Rathaus |
Frauenkirche
From Marienplatz, head over to Frauenkirche, also known as the Munich Cathedral as it's located in the heart of the old town. It was designed in the Gothic style and it has twin towers, which are a prominent feature of the city's skyline. It's free to enter Frauenkirche.
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| Frauenkirche with its twin towers |
Viktualienmarkt
Make your way to Viktualienmarkt, which is Munich's vibrant outdoor market. Here you'll find stalls selling an assortment of products such as souvenirs, local delicacies, and fresh produce. This is also a good place to eat if you need just a quick bite.
Sendlinger Tor
This is one of Munich's preserved medieval city gates, which used to serve as a fortified entrance to the city during the Middle Ages. As a part of the city's historical defenses, Sendlinger Tor features impressive architectural details and towers. Now, it's a popular landmark and a photo spot for tourists.
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| Sendlinger Tor |
Asamkirche
Known as Asam Church in English, this church is considered a hidden gem in the Old Town of Munich. It's tucked away in a narrow alley and not a lot of people notice its facade because it tends to blend in with the buildings beside it.
However, entering the church is a nice treat. The interiors feature some of the best Baroque art and architecture you'll ever see in Europe. Designed and built by the Asam brothers, the interiors of this church are filled with rich stucco decorations, intricate frescoes, and ornate details.
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| the opulent interiors of Asamkirche |
Odeonsplatz
Odeonsplatz is another important square in Munich as it holds significant architectural and historical importance. Apart from being another popular tourist spot, this square serves as a gathering place for locals and visitors. It's commonly used as a venue for cultural events, concerts, and demonstrations, serving as a vibrant hub in the city center.
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| the historical Odeonsplatz |
Munich Residenz
Also known as Residence Palace, this impressive building is a former royal palace of the Bavarian monarchs. It's a grand palace complex that features various architectural styles, from Renaissance to Baroque and Rococo, to reflect the different periods of its expansion. It's also one of the largest city palaces in Europe.
You can explore its opulent halls, lavishly decorated chambers, and magnificent courtyards. You can also explore the Treasury which features a collection of precious objects, including royal jewels and artifacts. Tickets to the palace and the Treasure costs €9 each but you can get a combination ticket for €14.
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| the interiors of Munich Residenz |
Theatinerstrasse and Maximilianstrasse
Finally, make your way back to the center of the Old Town of Munich and stroll along Theatinerstrasse and Maximilianstrasse. These two streets are with upscale shops and boutiques. Here you'll also find numerous cafés and restaurants with lots of al fresco seating. You can grab a cup of coffee while people-watching and taking in all the beautiful architecture around you.
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| streets lined with shops and food places |
How to Get to the Old Town of Munich
Getting to the Old Town is quite easy. If you're staying close to the Munich Central Station, you can simply walk. Depending on where your hotel is located, the walk may take 10 to 20 minutes.
If you're staying in another part of Munich, then you can take public transportation. It's quick and efficient, and you get several options. You can take the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, or tram lines, and then get off at either Marienplatz or Odeonsplatz, which are the closest stations to the Old Town.
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| Munich Residenz |
If you're planning a trip to Munich, then don't miss out on seeing the Old Town. I hope you'll find this self-guided walking tour helpful. If you have any questions, feel free to comment below and I'll be happy to answer them.
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