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Dominated by the Neues Rathaus, the square features a golden statue of the Virgin Mary from 1590, and the 19th-century Fischbrunnen (Fish Fountain). On Ash Wednesday, the mayor and town councillors wash their wallets there so that the city’s coffers will always be full.

Built between 1867 and 1908, the Neo-Gothic Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) is topped by the Münchner Kindl (Munich Child), the city’s symbol. At 11am, noon, and, from May to October, also at 5pm, people gather on Marienplatz to enjoy the town hall’s famous Glockenspiel – a chiming clock with dancing figures.

Now home to a toy museum, the Gothic Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) of 1474 has been rebuilt often, but the hall on the ground floor and the tower, once a city gate, are original.

Munich’s most popular traffic-free shopping zone begins at the western end of the square and stretches to Karlsplatz. Be sure to see the late Renaissance Michaelskirche.

At the highest point of the Old Town stands the 13th-century St Peter’s, Munich’s oldest parish church. Its tower, affectionately called Old Peter, commands a fine view.

Topped by onion domes, the Frauenkirche is Munich’s best-known symbol. Built in record time (1468–88), the church is the largest Gothic basilica in southern Germany. Highlights include choir figures by Erasmus Grasser and the tomb of Ludwig IV of Bavaria.

Bequeathed to the city by the Asam brothers, this church (1733–46) is a jewel of the late Baroque – a soaring natural stone façade on the outside and an exquisitely ornamented grotto on the inside. Egid Quirin Asam paid for the church, which was built near his home.

Since 1807, this colourful food market has thrived here. A stroll past the 140 market stalls is a treat not to be missed.

Modelled on Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence, Friedrich von Gärtner built the Feldherrnhalle in 1844 as a monument to Bavaria’s military heroes. It marks the boundary between Old Town and Schwabing.

Munich’s “Italian mile” begins with the Theatinerkirche (1663–1768) – an exuberant blend of large Baroque domes, flowing volutes, a gigantic cupola, and Rococo façades.