Peterskirche, Munich

Church, Religious Building and Tower in Munich

St. Peter
St. Peter
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Jorge Franganillo

Peterskirche (often called Alter Peter) is Munich's oldest parish church, tucked just off Marienplatz in the heart of the Old Town. It's an easy add-on to any city-center stroll, with a calm, art-filled interior and a famous bell tower that rewards you with sweeping views over the rooftops.

Because it sits right in the historic core, St. Peter is a natural stop on a walking tour that links Marienplatz, the Neues Rathaus, Viktualienmarkt, and the surrounding medieval lanes. Many visitors come for a quick look inside, then stay longer for the tower climb and the classic “Munich from above” photo.

History and Significance of the Peterskirche

Peterskirche is widely regarded as Munich's oldest parish church, and its long life shows in the way different eras overlap in one place. Over centuries, the building evolved through rebuilding, repairs, and stylistic changes, resulting in a layered look that blends older Gothic bones with later decorative richness.

The church's location near Marienplatz made it a spiritual anchor for the city as Munich grew from a medieval settlement into a major Bavarian capital. Today, it remains both a working place of worship and a key landmark for visitors who want a quick, meaningful connection to Munich's early history.

One of Peterskirche's most enduring symbols is its tower, known as Alter Peter. Beyond being a recognizable part of the skyline, the tower has become a beloved viewpoint for orienting yourself in the Old Town and appreciating how compact and walkable central Munich really is.

Things to See and Do in the Peterskirche

Start with the church interior: it’s a quiet pause from the busy streets nearby, with ornate details that invite you to slow down and look closely. Even if you’re not planning a long visit, a short circuit through the nave and side areas gives you a sense of the church’s craftsmanship and atmosphere.

The headline experience is the tower climb. It's a stair-only ascent that can feel steep and narrow, but the payoff is a panoramic viewing platform where you can spot Marienplatz, the Rathaus, and the dense rooftops of the Altstadt. On clear days, the distant horizon makes the climb feel especially worthwhile.

If you enjoy city photography, plan to linger at the top for a full 360-degree scan and a few different angles rather than taking one quick shot and leaving. The bells are also part of the experience, so if you’re sensitive to loud sounds, keep that in mind while you’re on the tower.

How to Get to the Peterskirche

The nearest major airport is Munich Airport (MUC), with additional options via airports in nearby regions if you're already traveling through southern Germany. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Munich on Booking.com.

From elsewhere in Germany or neighboring countries, Munich's Hauptbahnhof (central station) is extremely well connected, and from there you can reach Marienplatz quickly on the S-Bahn/U-Bahn network. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If you’re driving, aim for a park-and-ride or a central garage outside the tightest Old Town streets, then finish by public transit or on foot to avoid traffic and limited parking. If you are looking to rent a car in Germany I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Peterskirche

  • Official website: https://alterpeter.de/
  • Entrance fee: Church entry: Free. Tower (Alter Peter): Adults: €5; Reduced: €3; Students (6–18): €2; Under 6: free.
  • Opening hours: (Summer) April – October; Daily: 09:00–19:30. (Winter) November – March; Monday – Friday: 09:00–18:30. Saturday – Sunday: 09:00–19:30.
  • Best time to visit: Go early in the day for a quieter church interior and clearer, less crowded tower views; weekdays often feel calmer than weekends.
  • How long to spend: Plan 30-60 minutes for the church plus tower; add extra time if you want to photograph the view or wait out a short queue.
  • Accessibility: The church interior is generally easier to visit, but the tower requires climbing many stairs and can be challenging for anyone with mobility issues or vertigo.
  • Facilities: Expect basic visitor setup; bring water, wear grippy shoes for the stairs, and carry cash just in case for tower tickets.

Where to Stay Close to the Peterskirche

Base yourself in Munich's Old Town (Altstadt-Lehel) for the easiest, most walkable access to St. Peter, Marienplatz, and the city's classic sights.

If you want to step out your door and be at the tower in minutes, staying around Marienplatz and the pedestrian core is the most convenient choice, especially for short trips. For a slightly quieter feel while staying central, look toward Altstadt-Lehel's edges where you can still walk everywhere but escape the busiest foot traffic.

Platzl Hotel A polished, Bavarian-leaning classic near the Old Town highlights; great if you want central convenience with a sense of place.

Hotel Torbräu A long-standing, well-located option close to the Isartor area; ideal for walking to St. Peter while feeling slightly removed from the busiest square.

Cortiina Hotel A stylish boutique pick for travelers who want design-forward rooms and an easy stroll to Marienplatz and Viktualienmarkt.

Louis Hotel Perfect if you love being next to the market; a strong choice for food-focused travelers who want sunrise-to-evening Old Town energy.

Mandarin Oriental, Munich A splurge-worthy stay with high-end service in the center; best for special occasions and a truly walk-everywhere base.

Is the St. Peter Worth Visiting?

Yes, St. Peter is absolutely worth visiting if you want a compact, high-reward Old Town stop: it's central, the church interior is beautiful and peaceful, and the Alter Peter tower delivers one of Munich's most satisfying panoramic views for a relatively small effort.

Honest Pivot: If you dislike steep stair climbs, get claustrophobic in narrow stairwells, or are short on time and already planning another viewpoint, you can skip the tower and simply pop into the church for a quick look instead.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.7 (5,311)

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with travelers praising the beautiful interior, historic feel, and the standout bell-tower climb for panoramic Old Town views. Many mention that the church itself is free to enter and that the tower ticket feels like good value. The most common downside is the steep, narrow staircase, which can be physically challenging and may not suit everyone.

Andrew chua
3 weeks ago
"Great church and well worth the visit. The climb up the stairs is manageable, and the views from the top are fantastic—especially over the old town.At €5 per person, it’s very reasonably priced for such a great panoramic view. Definitely recommend if you’re in Munich and don’t mind a short hike up the stairs...."
Roan
2 months ago
"Beautiful church on the inside. Free to enter for everyone. Just please, like any other church or similar structures, be respectful and observesilence. Bonus is a climb to the top of the bell tower which offers impressive views around Altmarkt including the Rathaus. The climb is steep and can be challenging but very doable, with a few stops to pause. It was not so tight like many old bell towers...."
Osman “Ozzie” G.
2 months ago
"St. Peter’s Church is one of Munich’s most beautiful and historic landmarks; its elegant interior, detailed artwork, and peaceful atmosphere make ita wonderful place to pause and appreciate the city’s rich heritage. The combination of Gothic and Baroque elements gives the church a timeless charm that reflects Munich’s spiritual and cultural depth...."

For Different Travelers

St. Peter works well as a flexible stop: you can keep it short (a quiet interior visit) or make it a mini-adventure (the tower climb). Its central location also makes it easy to combine with nearby highlights without extra transit.

Families with Kids

For families, the tower can be a fun “mission” if your kids enjoy counting steps and spotting landmarks from above. Keep expectations realistic: the climb can feel long, and younger kids may need breaks.

The church interior is a good reset point if the Old Town crowds get overwhelming. Set a simple rule about quiet voices and give kids a quick scavenger hunt (find a statue, a painting, a candle area) to keep it engaging.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

Couples will love St. Peter for the contrast it offers: calm inside, then a dramatic shared payoff at the top. The tower view is especially memorable if you time it for softer light and linger for a few minutes.

Afterward, it's easy to turn the visit into a romantic Old Town wander toward Viktualienmarkt or a café nearby. It's a low-planning, high-atmosphere stop that fits neatly into a day of strolling.

Budget Travelers

Budget travelers get excellent value here: the church is free to enter, and the tower ticket is typically modest compared with many paid viewpoints. Because it’s central, you also save money and time by reaching it on foot.

If you're watching costs, pair St. Peter with other walkable highlights like Marienplatz and Viktualienmarkt rather than hopping between distant attractions. Bring your own water and snacks, then treat yourself to one small local bite afterward.

History Buffs

History lovers will appreciate St. Peter as a living thread through Munich’s earliest centuries, especially given its reputation as the city’s oldest parish church. The mix of architectural and decorative layers makes it a rewarding place to look closely rather than rush through.

Use the tower view as context: seeing the Old Town’s layout from above helps you understand how Munich’s historic core fits together. It’s a simple way to connect street-level details with the bigger story of the city.

FAQs for Visiting St. Peter

Getting There

Yes, it’s right by Marienplatz in Munich’s Old Town, making it an easy walk from the main square. If you’re already sightseeing centrally, you likely won’t need any transit.
Marienplatz is the most convenient hub, with multiple S-Bahn and U-Bahn lines. From there, it’s a short walk through pedestrian streets.
Yes, it fits perfectly into an Old Town loop with Marienplatz, the Rathaus, and Viktualienmarkt. It’s also a natural stop on guided walking tours.

Tickets & Entry

Typically no; entry to the church is generally free for visitors. Remember it’s an active religious site, so behave respectfully.
Yes, the tower climb requires a separate ticket purchased on-site. Availability is usually straightforward, but lines can form at peak times.
Discounts are commonly offered for students, seniors, and children. Bring appropriate ID if you plan to use a reduced ticket.

Visiting Experience

It’s a stair-only climb that many travelers find manageable, but it can feel steep and tiring. Take your time and plan short pauses if needed.
Because it’s central and popular, it can get busy, especially on weekends and during peak travel seasons. Going earlier in the day often helps.
Generally yes, and visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere. Keep voices low and avoid interrupting services.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Either works, but many people like doing the tower first, then rewarding themselves with a snack at the market. The two are very close together.
If you enjoy historical context and storytelling, a walking tour can add meaning to what you’re seeing. If you prefer independence, St. Peter is easy to visit self-guided.
Combine St. Peter with Marienplatz, the Neues Rathaus exterior, Viktualienmarkt, and a relaxed café stop. This keeps everything walkable and efficient.

Photography

Rules can vary depending on services and signage, so follow posted guidance and be discreet. Avoid flash and don’t block pathways.
The tower platform is the star for skyline shots and Old Town rooftops. Take a few minutes to circle the platform for different angles.
In tight spaces and busy viewpoints, tripods can be impractical and may be restricted. A small, handheld setup is usually the easiest.

Accessibility & Facilities

No, the tower requires climbing stairs and is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. Consider visiting only the church interior if mobility is a concern.
Facilities can be limited in historic churches. Plan a restroom stop at a nearby café or public facility in the Old Town if needed.
Inside the church, seating is typically available, which can be helpful before or after the climb. The tower stairs themselves offer limited rest points.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Viktualienmarkt is one of the best nearby options for casual snacks and local specialties. It’s an easy walk and great for a flexible meal.
Yes, the Old Town is packed with cafés within a few minutes’ walk. If you want a quieter break, step one or two streets away from Marienplatz.
Eating inside the church is not appropriate. Save snacks for outside and use nearby public seating or cafés.

Safety & Timing

It’s a well-known attraction, but the stairs are narrow and can be tiring, so take care and use handrails. If you feel unwell or unsteady, skip the climb.
Clear days matter more than the clock, but earlier visits can mean fewer crowds and better visibility. If you’re chasing warm light, late afternoon can be beautiful.
Occasional closures can happen due to holidays, services, or special schedules. Have a backup nearby (like Viktualienmarkt or a museum) so your day still flows.

Nearby Attractions to the Peterskirche

The Peterskirche appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Munich!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

(Summer) April - October; Daily: 09:00-19:30.

(Winter) November - March; Monday - Friday: 09:00-18:30. Saturday - Sunday: 09:00-19:30.

Price:

Church entry: Free. Tower (Alter Peter): Adults: €5; Reduced: €3; Students (6-18): €2; Under 6: free.

Address: Peterspl. 1, 80331 München, Germany
Munich: 0 km
Telephone: +49 89 210237760
Official Website

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