Visiting Old Town Munich, Germany: Comparing Walking Tour & Self-Guided Options
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Wondering whether a walking tour is worth the cost or if you should just explore Old Town Munich on your own?
Old Town Munich (Altstadt) is one of Europe’s most walkable historic districts, covering roughly 1.7 miles of interconnected squares, Gothic churches, and royal palaces.
Whether you’re on a budget or not, it’s a fair question. However, if you’re the type of traveler who loves discovering the stories behind the sights (such as the mystery of the Devil’s footprint), this guided walking tour is for you.
I took the Radius Tours Munich Old Town walking tour on my first visit in 2018, and it helped me see SO much during my one day in Munich! Especially since that day was a holiday, so many places were closed, and this tour saved the trip from feeling like a bust.
By 2025, I knew the neighborhood well enough to return with a friend and lead her through it myself, from the Rathaus-Glockenspiel to the Viktualienmarkt.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a first-time visitor, or someone who simply wants to make the most of limited vacation time, I’ll review the walking tour and compare it with my self-guided experience, so you know exactly which is right for you.
Comparing Guided vs. Self-Guided
| 🎙️ Guided Tour | 🗺️ Self-Guided | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | €23/person | Free |
| Duration | ~2 hours, set pace | 2–4 hrs, your pace |
| Scheduling | Fixed departure times; book ahead | Go whenever you want |
| Meeting Point | Radius Tours office, Dachauer Str. 4 | Start anywhere |
| Cancellation | Free up to 24 hrs before | No hassle at all |
| Sights Covered | Marienplatz, Glockenspiel, Hofbräuhaus, Frauenkirche | Same core landmarks + anything extra you want |
| Historical Depth | ⭐ Expert storytelling — Bavarian history, architecture, WWII context | Depends on your prep (Rick Steves audio tour, guidebook, etc.) |
| Local Tips | ⭐ Guides share restaurant & beer hall recs | Research-dependent |
| Pace & Flexibility | Group pace; can’t linger or detour | ⭐ Fully yours |
| Solo-Friendly? | ⭐ Great for meeting other travelers | Peaceful but no social element |
| Guide Quality | ⭐ Consistently 4.8-star rating | Only as good as your resources |
| Getting Lost | Zero risk | Low in Old Town as it’s very walkable |
Bottom line: I’m partial to the guided walking tour because I learned a lot and it’s a great way to orient yourself in Munich. Self-guided wins on freedom and cost, especially if you’re into research.
If you’ve got time in Munich, you can easily do both by taking a tour first, then wandering the sites you want to later on, which is exactly what my mom and I did on our trip.
History buffs might prefer to book a WWII / Third Reich walking tour as it covers some of the same sites, but focuses much more on Munich’s history as the birthplace of Nazism.
Top Things to Do in Old Town Munich
The Old Town is easily accessible by public transport, with the Munich Central Station (München Hbf) being a convenient starting point.
Wear comfortable shoes; it’s a must on a packing list, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking on cobblestone streets.
Enter through Munich’s Medieval Gate, Karlsplatz (Stachus)
Karlsplatz (Stachus) is a large square and the start of Munich’s city center.
The reason that it has two names, Karlsplatz and Stachus, is that the former was named for the unpopular Charles (Karl) Theodore, Elector of Bavaria.
The latter, Stachus, is what locals usually call it, for the Beim Stachus Pub that used to sit near the gate.
The Karlstor Gate dates back to the Middle Ages.
And yes, kind of looks like White Castle, but I assure you it’s old!
Visit the Devil’s Footprint at Frauenkirche
Frauenkirche, also known as “Münchner Dom” (Munich Cathedral), is a landmark and symbol of the Bavarian capital city.
It’s gorgeous, so you can absolutely see why!
One of the fascinating pieces of trivia our guide mentioned was the legend of The Devil’s Footprint (Der Teufelstritt).
According to it, in 1468, the architect of Frauenkirche (von Helpach) went looking for money to build this new cathedral.
He wound up making a bargain with the Devil, who agreed to provide the funds for the Frauenkirche. On the condition that it was a celebration of darkness, meaning there would be no windows to let in light.
Upon completion, von Helpach brought the Devil in to show him that he held up his end of the bargain. No windows, but still with light. This satisfied the Devil.
He then stepped further in and realized that columns had blocked his view of the windows.
He had been tricked and stamped his foot in anger, leaving what is now known as the ‘devil’s footprint’ at the church’s entrance.
This was one of the highlights of the tour for me.
Aside from that tale, its impressive towers, which stand 325 feet tall, are gorgeous.
They survived WWII, making them even that much more special.
🕰️ Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10 am-11:30 am & 1 pm -5:30 pm
💰 Cost: Free
Listen to the Rathaus-Glockenspiel Chime
My Grandmother and Aunt visited Munich many years ago, and I recalled photos of the Rathaus-Glockenspiel from her trip.
So, seeing it in person with my Mom was extra special.
The top half of the Glockenspiel tells the story of the marriage of Duke Wilhelm V (who founded Hofbräuhaus) to Renata of Lorraine.
To honor them, a jousting tournament is held with life-sized knights on horseback representing Bavaria (in white and blue) and Lothringen (in red and white).
As our guide pointed out, the Bavarian knight always wins as we are in Bavaria.
This scene consists of 43 bells and 32 life-sized figures!
The bottom half then starts the story of Schäfflertanz (the coopers’ dance).
There is a myth that in 1517, a plague took place in Munich.
The coopers (people trained to make wooden casks, barrels, vats, buckets, tubs, troughs, and other containers) then danced through the streets to “bring fresh vitality to fearful dispositions.” Symbolizing perseverance and loyalty to authority through difficult times.
Even today, the tradition continues, with the dance performed every seven years in Munich.
The two parts of the show last between twelve and fifteen minutes long.
The end of the show is marked by a small golden rooster chirping three times at the top of the Glockenspiel.
You can hear the clock chime and see its re-enactments of the two stories from the 16th century every day at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. (and 5 p.m. in the summer).
Don’t worry about showing early, there’s plenty of space to stand and watch.
Take in the View from Neues Rathaus
You can go to the top of Rathaus-Glockenspiel if you wish to.
As I’m afraid of heights, I wasn’t super keen on this, but I figured I should. When in Rome as they say!
I took an elevator 255 feet (85 meters) up to the observation deck of New City Hall (Neues Rathaus).
As it started raining and thundering while I was up there, I didn’t see the Alps, which you can supposedly see during better weather.
All I saw was those dark clouds rolling in, but still enjoyed the view of the city.
Note: This was not part of the walking tour of Munich; my mom and I did it afterward.
🕰️ Opening hours: Daily 10 am to 8 pm, last ascent at 7:40 pm
💰 Cost: €7
Explore Marienplatz’s Architecture
Marienplatz, also known as Mary’s Square, has been Munich’s main square since 1158.
The square is named after the patron saint of Munich, Mary.
In this area, you’ll find the Rathaus-Glockenspiel, New City Hall (Neues Rathaus), and Old City Hall (Altes Rathaus).
If you do nothing else, this is the best area to see a lot of Old Town Munich, since so many of the notable buildings are viewable from here.
Grab a Snack at Viktualienmarkt
The first time I visited Munich with my mom, the Viktualienmarkt was closed as it was a holiday.
However, on my second visit, I got to check out Munich’s largest and most famous market!
It’s where you can find the best beer garden in Munich, or, if you’re not in the mood for a large stein, grab one of the other goodies, such as fresh produce, soups, bratwurst, and other Bavarian dishes.
My friend got a smoothie from one of the vendors while there, and she said it was really good!
If you happen to visit in winter, there are also many wonderful German Christmas markets.
🕰️ Opening hours: The stalls are open Monday to Saturday from around 8 am to 8 pm (except holidays)
Take a Peek Inside St. Peter’s Church
St. Peter’s Church (also known as Alter Peter or Old Pete) is the oldest church and the oldest recorded parish church in Munich.
At 299 feet (91 meters), it’s also hard to miss, especially if you took in the views from atop Neues Rathaus, which is where I snapped this photo.
We learned on the walking tour that it is also supposedly the origin point for the whole city.
I didn’t enter on either trip, but from the photos I’ve seen online, it is very ornately designed inside if you’d like to.
Or you can climb the 306 steps up the church’s bell tower for a fee of €5.
Since I’d ascended Neues Rathaus, I didn’t see the need to go up again, especially with the storm rolling in. However, if you want the Glockenspiel in your viewpoint photos, this is the better pick.
🕰️ Opening hours: 9 am – 6:30 pm on weekdays, 10 am – 6:30 pm on weekends
💰 Cost: Free
Tour Residenz München’s Opulent Interiors
The Munich Residenz is the former royal palace of the Wittelsbach monarchs of Bavaria and the largest city palace in Germany.
It was closed on my first visit, but on my return, I snatched up the chance to check it out as it’s just so lavishly decorated inside.
I mean look at the amount of work put into making this place. Every inch has something worth gazing at!
The Antiquarium is it’s most famous section, as it’s the longest Renaissance hall in northern Europe, featuring barrel-vaulted ceilings, covered in colorful frescoes, rows of classical busts in niches along both walls, and a checkered marble floor.
While this is certainly one of the most popular things to do in Old Town Munich, or just in Munich generally, it wasn’t overcrowded.
My friend and I visited at the end of April, so not quite peak season, but certainly not low season.
You can also do the Treasury, which I did, but I found the main “Residence Museum” far more interesting, and their audioguide was well worth it.
🕰️ Opening hours:
28 March-19 October: 9 am-6 pm (last entry: 5 pm)
20 October-27 March: 10 am-5 pm (last entry: 4 pm)
💰 Cost: €10
Grab Lunch at Hofbräuhaus am Platzl
On the walking tour, you pass by Hofbräuhaus am Platzl, but I wholeheartedly encourage you to visit it for a fulling meal.
This famous Hofbräuhaus beer hall was initially built in 1589 as an extension of the Staatliches Hofbräuhaus in München brewery. But the current building dates from 1897.
Also strangely the German National Socialist Party (NSDAP) was founded and Adolf Hitler presented his “25-point Program” here, but there are also much better historical figures that have graced it’s walls such as Mozart (who was born in nearby Salzburg) and the future Empress Elisabeth of Austria, popularly known as Sisi.
If you’re looking for an excellent traditional Bavarian place to eat and drink in town Munich’s Old Town, I highly recommend it.
Its menu features traditional favorites such as soft pretzel, sausages, roast pork (which is what I got with a home-made dark beer sauce and potato dumplings), pork knuckle, sauerkraut, and vegetarian cheese spaetzle (spaetzle is very good).
Even if you’re not hungry, grab a seat, order a large stein of beer, then relax while listening to traditional Bavarian music!
Both times I’ve been there, there has been plenty of open seating, but if you’re visiting during peak season or Oktoberfest, then reserve in advance.
Stop by Asamkirche, a Baroque Marvel
Asamkirche, commonly referred to as the Asam Church, is a Baroque-style church.
Constructed between 1733 and 1746 by brothers Egid Quirin Asam, a sculptor, and Cosmas Damian Asam, a painter, it originally served as their private church, before the public pressured them to allow others in.
Today, it is considered to be one of the most important buildings of the southern German Late Baroque.
And it’s easy to see why as this tiny church, just 22 by 8 m (approximately 72 by 26 feet), boasts a lot for such a small space.
While some may think this much reads gaudy, I see how much was done by just two people!
When I visited, the gates were closed so I couldn’t tour inside, but even just peaking through the interior gates was worth the look.
Note: This isn’t a stop on the walking tour, it’s a site I discovered through my own research.
🕰️ Opening hours: 9 am-6 pm (occasionally closed for services)
💰 Cost: Free
Visit the Swan King at St. Michael’s Church
St. Michael’s is the first and largest Renaissance building north of the Alps.
St. Michael’s was the first church in the city to have such a large front wall, known as a façade, which means ‘face’ in Italian.
I passed by this church while on the walking tour and actually regretted not going in, as I later found out this is where King Ludwig II of Bavaria is buried.
You may know him as the Swan King, the Fairy Tale King, or even the Mad King.
He was responsible for the construction of the world-famous palace, Neuschwanstein Castle, among others.
Having now visited Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Palace, and listened to a fair amount of podcasts about him, I would have liked to pay my respects.
For a nearby royal residence associated with King Ludwig II, check out Nymphenburg Palace in Munich.
🕰️ Opening hours: Monday-Friday 9:30 am to 7 pm, Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday 7:30 am to 7 pm, Sunday 7:30 am to 9 pm
💰 Cost: Free
What is the Old Town Munich Walking Tour?
Booking Tickets
Booking this Old Town Munich walking tour with Radius Tours was super simple on Viator.
I book tours through Viator because their cancellation policy is often more flexible than the official site.
However, you can also buy tickets at the Radius Tours office.
Tours are available at 10:15 am and 2:30 pm.
🎟️Tickets: Book this Munich walking tour for €23 per person. For a two-hour tour of the highlights of this Bavarian capital, that’s a steal!
**Prices last verified April 2026
What to Expect
If this is your first time in Munich, then this is the perfect tour for you, as it is specifically geared towards people who have never visited Germany before.
On this Munich Old Town walking tour, an expert guide accompanies you to each location while providing tons of fascinating facts about Munich’s history!
Our lovely guide was a woman who had been doing the tour for a while, so she was very seasoned and was able to answer tons of questions.
She spoke English well and was great about projecting her voice. We were mostly outside, so it can sometimes be hard to hear people in open spaces, but we had no issues hearing her.
She gave advice and directions and offered her help during and even after the tour ended.
We started the tour the Munich Central Station (or München Hbf), but the starting location is now Dachauer Straße 4 (as of my 2026 update).
The entire tour was on flat ground, should you have any issues with hills, steps, etc.
It was a pretty leisurely walk around Munich too. I never felt as if we were running from one place to another, so I highly recommend it even if you aren’t a super active person.
Departure Point: Dachauer Str. 4, 80335 München, Germany
Ending Point: Odeonsplatz, München, Germany
Tour Route
Starting Point: Radius Tours Office
.4 miles to Karlsplatz (Stachus)
.3 miles to Frauenkirche
.2 miles to Rathaus-Glockenspiel / Marienplatz
.2 miles to Viktualienmarkt
.1 miles to St. Peter’s Church
.2 miles to Alter Hof (Old Court)
.2 miles to Residenz Munchen
Ending Point: .1 miles to Odeonsplatz
Total Distance: 1.7 miles
Odeonsplatz, I didn’t mention above as I felt it’s skippable. However, it is the tour’s endpoint. Developed in the early 19th century, it has been the site of several parades and public events, including funeral processions, victory parades, and the annual Oktoberfest parade, which follows this route.
Same with the Alter Hof (Old Court). It’s the former imperial residence of Louis IV, Holy Roman Emperor, and the first royal residence of the Wittelsbach family, but we merely passed it on the tour, and I didn’t find its exterior alluring compared to the other things to do in Old Town Munich.
Self-Guided Exploration of Old Town
My self-guided tour of Old Town came 6 years after the walking tour, so I won’t pretend I recalled all the facts I’d learned, however, I recalled enough to be able to guide my friend and I around for the afternoon.
The highlights we enjoyed were Frauenkirche, the Rathaus-Glockenspiel (which we just lucked into timing as when we arrived it was about to start), Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt, Residenz München, and Asamkirche.
All followed by a late lunch at Hofbräuhaus am Platzl.
My friend isn’t very interested in history, so this was enough for her.
Could we have done an audioguide tour, such as VoiceMap’s “Munich Through the Centuries: Highlights of the Historic City Center,” yes, but again, she’s not keen on history, so that would have been a bit too much for her.
If you are in love with history as much as I am, however, and can’t make the walking tour, I do highly recommend VoiceMap.
It is paid, but it’s well worth it.
The directions are essentially idiot-proof, and the narration is so detailed, you’ll feel as if you had someone with you there.
Munich Old Town Map
🗺️ How to Use This Map: Get more info about each point of interest by clicking the icons on the map. To save my interactive map, click Old Town Munich, then hit ‘Save.’ It’ll then be accessible via desktop under ‘Saved’ and the Google Maps app under ‘You.’ Sort by ‘Distance’ to quickly see what’s open and nearby while traveling.
Which is the Best Way to See Old Town?
A friend recommended the Radius Tours Munich Old Town walking tour before my 2018 trip, and I’m sure glad she did, as it’s the best walking tour of Munich I could have asked for.
Since it was my first time in Munich, it helped me cover a lot of ground in a short time. I thoroughly enjoyed it and felt it was a wonderful way to experience the city’s charm while also learning a lot.
Anyone looking to get a lot done in a short time or interested in history will enjoy it.
Note that this tour has been updated since I took it in 2018. While their site lists the same things to see in Old Town Munich as when I attended, I spoke with the tour operator, who told me some of this tour has changed.
However, I still highly recommend it to first-time visitors to Munich. Especially if you only have one day to spend!
If you’re not interested in history or prefer to go at your own pace, then the self-guided option is best.
If you have more time in Munich, then there’s plenty to do with 3 days in Munich.
If you have more time when visiting Germany, head two hours North, as there are so many things to do in Nuremberg.
FAQs
Is Munich’s Old Town Worth Visiting?
Yes, Munich’s Old Town (Altstadt) is absolutely worth visiting!
It is the historical heart of the city and home to some of Bavaria’s most iconic landmarks, including the Rathaus-Glockenspiel, the twin-towered Frauenkirche (Munich Cathedral), the Munich Residenz (the largest city palace in Germany), and the Hofbräuhaus beer hall, founded in 1589.
Marienplatz has served as Munich’s central square since 1158, and most of the area is pedestrian-friendly and free to walk through.
Much of Old Town was heavily damaged during World War II and subsequently rebuilt, which makes the surviving structures—including the Frauenkirche’s 325-foot towers—all the more remarkable.
I visited twice, first in 2018 on a guided walking tour and again in 2025 on a self-guided walk with a friend, and found it equally rewarding on both trips.
A half-day is enough to cover the main sights; a full day lets you go deeper into the Residenz, Viktualienmarkt, and the surrounding streets.
Is Old Town Munich Safe?
Old Town Munich (Altstadt) is very safe, and one of the most secure areas in a city often ranked among Germany’s safest.
As the historic center, it is highly walkable, pedestrian-friendly, and well-lit at all hours, with a strong tourist and police presence around Marienplatz and the main landmarks.
However, like any busy European city center, standard precautions are recommended, particularly against pickpocketing in crowded spots like Marienplatz, the Viktualienmarkt, and the Hofbräuhaus.
Using an anti-theft crossbody bag or money belt is sensible during peak season and at Oktoberfest, when crowds are significantly larger.
I visited Old Town both alone and with friends (once in 2018 on a guided tour and again in 2025 on a self-guided walk) and felt completely comfortable on both trips.
I would confidently recommend it to solo female travelers and consider it one of the safer city centers in Central Europe.
Is Munich’s Old Town walkable?
Yes, Munich’s Old Town (Altstadt) is exceptionally walkable and pedestrian-friendly, with many streets featuring wide sidewalks or fully car-free pedestrian zones.
The core sights—Marienplatz, the Frauenkirche, Viktualienmarkt, the Munich Residenz, and the Hofbräuhaus—are all within a roughly 1.7-mile loop, and most are within five to ten minutes’ walk of each other.
The terrain is flat throughout, with no significant hills, making it accessible to most visitors, including those with mobility considerations.
There are cobblestones in some areas, so comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended, especially if you plan to spend several hours on foot.
Munich’s public transport (U-Bahn and S-Bahn) is excellent if you need to access Old Town from further afield, and the Marienplatz U-Bahn station places you right at the heart of the district.
Related Munich Travel Guides
- Tour the Beautiful Rococo Nymphenburg Palace in Munich
- Visiting Old Town Munich, Germany: Comparing Walking Tour & Self-Guided Options
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