Free self-guided walk · Munich

The old town, from Karlsplatz to the Residenz

A free self-guided walk from Karlsplatz through the pedestrian old town to Marienplatz, the Frauenkirche, the Viktualienmarkt and the Residenz.

Distance
3 km
Walking time
40 min
Allow
About 2.5 hours with stops
Stops
7

Open the route in Google MapsMunich city guide

About this walk

Munich's old town is compact and largely traffic-free. This walk enters by the Karlstor gate, passes the city's two most famous churches and its food market, and ends at the palace of the Bavarian rulers.

The English Garden is a short walk north of the end point.

  • Terrain: Flat and paved, step-free.
  • Best time: Arrive at Marienplatz before 11am to see the Glockenspiel.

Route map

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Route and stop positions © OpenStreetMap contributors. North is up.

The stops

  1. Karlsplatz

    Start at the square known locally as Stachus, by the Karlstor gate.

  2. Frauenkirche

    The cathedral with its two onion-domed towers, the symbol of the city.

  3. Marienplatz

    The main square, with the New Town Hall and its Glockenspiel.

  4. Viktualienmarkt

    The open-air food market, with a beer garden in the middle.

  5. Hofbräuhaus

    The famous beer hall, a few streets north-east.

  6. Odeonsplatz

    The square with the Feldherrnhalle and the yellow Theatine Church.

  7. Residenz

    Finish at the former royal palace and its Hofgarten.

Tips

  • The Glockenspiel plays at 11am and noon, and at 5pm from March to October.
  • Viktualienmarkt is closed on Sundays.
  • The English Garden starts just past the Hofgarten.

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Sources and review date

This walk was last reviewed on 2026-10-28. Distance and walking time come from OpenStreetMap's walking router and don't include time at stops. Opening hours and access change; please check before you go.