Marienplatz Munich

Marienplatz has been the heart of Munich since the Middle Ages. It is dominated by the Neues Rathaus, the neo-Gothic New Town Hall, whose tower holds the Glockenspiel: every day at 11 am and noon, and also at 5 pm from March to October, its figures dance and joust to the chimes.

Climb the town hall tower or the tower of St Peter's Church for views that reach the Alps on a clear day, browse the Viktualienmarkt food market, and see the twin domed towers of the Frauenkirche. Munich's palaces, museums and BMW Welt are a short ride away.

Munich is the gateway to Neuschwanstein and the Bavarian Alps. From late September to early October the city hosts Oktoberfest, when it is very busy and hotels fill early.