Do you want to know the one place I bring all visitors to my hometown? The place with the best view in Munich? Well then, harken up, it’s time to introduce St. Peter’s Church right on the main square (“Marienplatz”) (just in case, check out my 49 other must-sees in Munich!)
The clock tower of St. Peter, also called “old Pete”, is 91 meters or 298,5 feet high. Right below the clock, you’ll find a spectacular viewing platform that will grant you a phenomenal 360° view of Munich’s old town.
The platform is 56 meters (183,7 feet) high and you’ll need to scale quite some stairs to be granted the privilege of its airy confines. 306 stairs to be quite precise You’ll find the entrance to the stairs at the backside of the church.
Before you ask, no, there is no elevator. But it’s really worth to climb St. Peter’s. Big promise. The staircase within is quite narrow, though. So, it’s more or less a give and go between the different flights of stairs, as two people really can’t walk abreast other than on the many landings.
You’ll also pass the 8 historic bells of St. Peter – some of them dating back to 1327 AD, no less. There is a little window where you’ll be able to see the chimes.
The best view in Munich
Once you reached the top, it’s about time to enjoy the best view in Munich. The platform is caged on all sides, so even people with (mild) vertigo will feel pretty safe (at least in my experience). Do, however, prepare for some slow going, as space is quite limited up here and people want to take pictures while they enjoy the view.
The most popular spot is probably the view of Marienplatz, the New Town Hall and the Cathedral of Our Lady. You can see the whole pedestrian area, the opera, the Residenz palace and so much more on the north side.
The Eastside of Old Pete offers a view of the rood of the church towards the Isartor (an old city gate). It makes for quite the striking pictures, especially after dark. You will be able to see the Bavarian Parliament and the well-to-do-quarters on the other side of River Isar.
But do not discount the other sides either. They may offer fewer views of historic landmarks, but it’s still quite enjoyable – especially the view of the Viktualienmarkt (read all about Munich’s gourmet food market here).
Note: If you want to shoot pretty pictures of the inner city, it’s probably best to come in the morning, towards noon, as then the sun will illuminate the most important highlights from the right angle. In the evening, around sunset, will also be lovely!
Alter Peter entrance fee:
You’ll find the ticket booth on the right side of the church, facing the grand portal. Please be aware, that they’ll only accept cash!
- Adults: 3,00 €
- Children under 18: 1,00 €
- Students: 2,00 €
Alter Peter opening hours:
Every day from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm
In winter, it’s worth to go in the evening (so around 5:30 pm), as you will be able to see the beautifully illuminated Christmas market from above.
Please note that that the tower is closed on Good Friday, Christmas, New Years and a couple of other high Christian holidays. More info here.
Inside St. Peter’s church
Once you finished enjoying the best view in Munich, you should take some time to tour the church below as well. St. Peter’s Church is the oldest parish church in Munich. It probably dates back to the year 1125 AD, even though some even earlier remains have been founded.
Despite the early founding date, you’ll see pure bavarian Baroque inside. Famous artists like Johann Baptist Zimmer and Egid Quirin Asam helped to create quite the stunning ensemble.
Especially the frescos on the ceiling and the high altar count among the best ever created during the first half of the 18th century. While the frescos are partially reconstructed, the high altar is pure golden craftsmanship! Usually, you can’t get too close to admire all the details, but even from afar it’s a work of art!
Further reads:
- The best hotels in Munich’s old town
- The 20 best day trips from Munich
- 24 hours in Munich: What to do when time is short
- Nymphenburg Palace – a guide for tourists