What is it?
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.
Is it worth visiting?
The combination of fascinating history, quaint charm, and impressive engineering make the Glockenspiel a big deal.
Ticketing info
You don’t need a ticket to enjoy the chimes of the Rathaus-Glockenspiel, but you do need to make sure you are in the right place at the right time. The clock chimes at 11am and 12pm daily, along with an extra round at 5pm between March and October.
Time Out tip
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.
This review was fact-checked and updated in 2025.
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