Old Town Hall

The Altes Rathaus, or Old Town Hall, is a fairytale-like structure that anchors the eastern edge of Marienplatz. While its larger neo-Gothic neighbor often steals the spotlight, this building offers a more authentic glimpse into Munich’s medieval past. Originally built in the 15th century, its striking white facade and stepped gables represent the classic late-Gothic style. The building is most famous for its 55-meter-tall tower, which survived the centuries and now houses a delightful world of nostalgia. Unlike many governmental buildings, the Old Town Hall feels intimate and approachable, acting as a physical bridge between the bustling central square and the historic Tal street leading toward the Isar River. It is a must-see for those who appreciate history told through architecture.

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Alles über Old Town Hall

Was Sie erwartet

As of early 2026, the Old Town Hall remains one of Munich's most accessible landmarks. While the ceremonial Grand Hall is occasionally used for official city events, the main draw for holidaymakers is the Toy Museum located within the tower. The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 17:30, though it is usually closed on Tuesdays. Admission for the Toy Museum is approximately 6 Euros for adults and 2 Euros for children. Tickets are purchased at the small entrance located right at the base of the tower archway. The ground floor area and the passage beneath the tower are public spaces open 24 hours a day, allowing you to admire the architecture and the golden statue of Juliet Capulet—a gift from Munich’s sister city, Verona—at any time.

Warum diese Tour buchen

The most important tip for visiting the Old Town Hall is to look up as you walk through the tower archway; the vaulted ceiling is beautifully decorated with historic coats of arms. If you are visiting the Toy Museum, be aware that the tower is quite narrow and involves several floors of stairs, though a small lift is available for those with limited mobility. The collection itself is a private treasure trove belonging to the Ivan Steiger family, featuring antique Barbies, tin soldiers, and centuries-old teddy bears. It is a nostalgic experience that appeals just as much to adults as it does to children. Also, don’t forget to rub the right breast of the Juliet statue for good luck in love—a local tradition that has polished the bronze to a bright shine over the years.

Die richtige Tour auswählen

Located directly on Marienplatz, the Old Town Hall is at the absolute center of Munich’s transport network. You can reach it by taking any S-Bahn line (S1 through S8) or the U3 and U6 subway lines to the Marienplatz station. When you exit the station, look for the signs pointing toward the "Altes Rathaus" or "Viktualienmarkt." If you are coming from the Main Train Station, it is just a three-minute ride on any city-bound S-Bahn. For those who prefer a scenic route, walking from the Karlsplatz (Stachus) gate through the pedestrian shopping zone takes about ten minutes. The area is entirely car-free, so public transport or walking are your only options for reaching the building's front door.

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To avoid the densest crowds, try to visit the Old Town Hall on a weekday morning around 10:00, just as the Toy Museum opens. Most tourists gather in the center of the square to watch the Glockenspiel performance at 11:00 and 12:00, making those times particularly busy around the building's entrance. If you want the best photos of the tower, the "blue hour" just after sunset provides a magical backdrop as the building's lights begin to glow. Saturdays are the busiest day of the week due to local shoppers, so a Sunday visit can be more relaxed, though the museum hours are slightly shorter. In December, the area directly in front of the Old Town Hall hosts part of the Christmas market, offering a festive but very crowded atmosphere.