Glockenspiel

There’s something mesmerizing about clock mechanics: A childhood state of wonder is only a chime away. In the northern end of Marienplatz, Munich’s central square, a cuckoo clock dating to 1908 depicts the city's history in 43 bells and 32 life-sized figures. With two or three shows daily (depending on the season), the Glockenspiel in the tower balcony of the Neues Rathaus always draws a crowd. Grab a coffee and settle in a few minutes early to best see all the action—then make a wager on which tiny knight will win the adorable duel. For a prime seated location, try an outdoor table at the nearby Cafe am Marienplatz.