Most of central Munich is a pedestrian zone and this makes it a great place for meeting, sightseeing, and people-watching. The heart of the area is Marienplatz. Named after the column of the Virgin Mary at its center, the Marienplatz is one of the most famous parts of Munich. It is a centerpiece for the city’s Founding Festival as well as for Fasching celebrations and the popular Christmas market.
The square is famed for its neo-Gothic Town Hall (Rathaus), whose mechanical clock, or Glockenspiel, plays every day at various times. The facade of the Rathaus is amazing but the appearance is misleading. The Rathaus was not built in the middle ages as it might seem, but in the late 19th century - one example of German "Gründerzeit style”.
Everyone visiting Munich must go to, and will inevitably end up at, Marienplatz. As well as the glockenspiel, there is the Old Rathaus to see, and you are just a few steps from the double-domed cathedral and the Viktualienmarkt. In the Middle Ages, the square used to be a market place as well as the place where tournaments and festivities took place. In the 19th century Marienplatz's market moved to the nearby Viktualienmarkt, but the square still functions as the central place in Munich.
Marienplatz is a hub for the Munich S and U-Bahn railway systems and is well within walking distance from the Hauptbahnhof. There are also many nearby drinking establishments (eg. Hofbrauhaus). Keep an eye out for cafes on the second floors of buildings between Karlstor and the Altes Rathaus to escape the hustle and bustle of the area at lunchtime while still being able to people-watch.
Marienplatz and other parts of the pedestrian zone are a great place to see entertainers and street theatre. This area is lively both day and night and crowds gather to watch artists, entertainers and other activities. Locals and visitors appear to mix easily and there is something for everyone. While we were there we enjoyed a popular local entertainer playing tunes on a piano.
Just around the corner is Frauenkirche, known as the Dom. That is a real piece of medieval architecture and a very dominant one and is probably the best known symbol of Munich. You might want to step inside - right at the entrance is a bizarre example of a tomb monument for a Habsburgian ruler. Frauenkirche is gigantic but has a "romantic" touch that sets it apart from the high spires of many late Gothic churches.
From journal Exploring and Enjoying Munich