This is a private walking tour in the true sense: it is priced per group, for up to six people, and only your party takes part. It begins at the Isartor, under the arch below the clock tower, with the guide sending you a photo of the exact spot beforehand, and then follows the old brewing streets of the Altstadt on a two-hour route that ends at Marienplatz. The ten or so stops include the Isartor, the Sterneckerbraeu, Duernbraeugasse, the Hofbraeuhaus, the restaurant Pfistermuehle, the Alter Hof, the Dallmayr delicatessen, Schaefflerstrasse, the Frauenkirche and Marienplatz. The tour description describes the focus as religious landmarks, brewing traditions and local legends, with a stop at a beer hall tied to the early Nazi movement. Entrance fees are included, and the guide offers tips on local dining and shopping. The tour scores 5.0 from about 260 reviews and carries a Badge of Excellence, one of the best records of any walking tour in the city. Because it is priced for the group rather than per person, it is particularly good value for families and groups of four to six friends, who might otherwise pay a high per-person price for a private guide. It is a short route with a lot of history, ideal if you want a guide to yourselves without committing half a day.
How to plan your visit
Meet at the Isartor, under the arch below the clock tower. The guide sends a photo of the meeting spot beforehand, which helps because the gate is a busy traffic point. The tour finishes at Marienplatz, so you are in the middle of the old town for lunch or shopping afterwards. Allow two hours and bring comfortable shoes, since the route is entirely on foot.
When to go
The route works in any season. The Isartor end is quiet in the morning, and by the time you reach the Frauenkirche and Marienplatz you are in the busier part of the city. In summer a morning departure avoids the heat, and in winter a late-afternoon tour finishes as the lights come on. Because it is private, you can ask the guide to adjust the timing around the Glockenspiel, if you want to see it at the end.
Things to know
The tour is in English and the group size is limited to six, as the price is per group. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start, and a reserve now, pay later option is offered. If you want a longer, more flexible tour with a questionnaire and a choice of themes, the private highlights tour listed here is the alternative, and for a cheaper group tour with a set route, the old town walking tour is the standard choice.
The Hofbraeuhaus is a stop on the route but, as with most walking tours, plan a separate visit if you want to sit down.
What to expect
The experience
A private two-hour walking tour from the Isartor to Marienplatz for a group of up to six, with entrance fees included.
Best time
Any season. Mornings are quiet at the Isartor and busier by Marienplatz.
How long
About two hours.
Tips
Meet under the Isartor arch. The guide sends a photo of the spot. Wear comfortable shoes.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Small groups and families who want a private guide at a group price.
- Families
- Good for families of up to six, since the price covers the whole group.
- Couples
- An intimate, unhurried introduction to the old town.
- Pair with
- Lunch at the Viktualienmarkt or a drink at a beer hall after the tour.
- Time needed
- Two hours.
Good questions
Where does the private Isartor tour start?+
At the Isartor, under the arch below the clock tower. The guide sends a photo of the spot beforehand.
Where does it end?+
At Marienplatz.
How many people can join?+
The price is per group of up to six, and only your group takes part.
What does the route cover?+
About ten stops including the Hofbraeuhaus, the Alter Hof, Dallmayr, the Frauenkirche and Marienplatz.
Are entrance fees included?+
Yes. The tour description says entrance fees are included.
