Vienna City Hall, Vienna | Timings, Tours, Highlights

Vienna City Hall, Vienna Overview

Located on Rathausplatz across the city’s park, the Vienna City Hall is a 19th-century establishment looking nothing less than royalty. The tall towers of the City Hall look over the public square and the Ring Boulevard. The open cinema setting and the Christmas Market have lively participation.

Visitors enjoy the guided tour offered free of cost cruising the walls of history and architectural wonders. Apart from the monument, tourists make it a point to explore the local events held at the plaza along with seasonal concerts and festivals. The best time to visit the Vienna City Hall is during the months of Summer and during Christmas. The Vienna City Hall or Rathaus is etymologically named after the word “Rat” meaning advice; courtesy to the nature of this administrative building. Doubling as an architectural wonder and popular tourist destination, visitors engage themselves in a variety of activities. Tourists can explore the historic restaurants, cosy cafes and confectioneries, Plaza festivals, and the spectacular view of the Vienna City Hall at night. A perfect destination for family and friends, the Rathaus also has a neighbouring park where travellers can lounge around and try local street food. Visitors make it a point to visit during the renowned Life Ball held at the end of May receiving international coverage.

Entry Fees and Guided Tour Info at Vienna City Hall

The City Hall offers free guided tours on specific days of the week. Visitors can take the tour on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1 pm. Tours will be closed on days of the Council Meetings or Public holidays.

The guided tours are offered in German and English. Visitors can also take the free audio guide which is available in several languages including English, French, Spanish, Italian, and sometimes German.

Architecture of Vienna City Hall

Complete with Gothic influences, this neo-Gothic monument dons one of the most popular streets of Vienna. The exterior of the Vienna City Hall features intricate carvings with parallel arches and balconies. It holds five towers, including a central tower which is the highest. A statue of the town hall man is put up on the main tower marking the true highlight of the monument. Designed by architect Friedrich von Schmidt, the building and its “Rathausmann” statue is a trademark of Vienna city.

Vienna City Hall comprises of 1575 rooms, a restaurant, and even a gigantic ballroom. The vicinity is famous for its periodic events, Life Ball, Vienna Festival, and much more. The balcony area of the Vienna City Hall provides one of the best views of the entire Ring Road. Awe worthy to the very core, the Vienna City Hall is a complete postcard-worthy shot.

History of Vienna City Hall

Established in the year 1833, the Vienna City Hall is a neo-Gothic monument designed by Friedrich von Schmidt. The City Hall houses the Office of Vienna’s mayor and is an important establishment in the country’s history. Earlier in the 19th century, the original office had become insufficient and cumbersome for the growing demands. Thus, architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach worked on the reconstruction to expand the vicinity.

Today it is dotted on the Rathausplatz which once used to be a parade ground. Surrounded by green spaces, scenic views, and located amidst a cultural hub, the Vienna City Hall is an integral tour to every Vienna visit.

Highlights and Things to Do at Vienna City Hall

This 19th-century architectural masterpiece is a wonder of a monument. Being one of the buildings in the city, the Vienna City Hall experience is not just limited to a guided tour, but also extends to activities on the Plaza nearby. Vienna City Hall or Rathaus offers everything from art pieces to Christmas Markets.

The Guided tours of the City Hall are a must-see for all history buffs. Experts arranged by the local authorities guide tourists through the history, construction, and nitty-gritties of the City Hall. The guided tour is a popular activity for first-time visitors. What’s more? It’s absolutely free, and an advanced registration is not needed.

The Vienna City Hall at night is truly a sight to behold. Looking nothing less than a Gothic palace right out of a mythical novel, Rathaus at night offers an incredible view.

Apart from admiring the majestic architecture and history of the City Hall, visitors can head out to explore renowned Rathausplatz of Vienna. The popular city square always features one major event or the other. Tourists can find seasonal events, film festivals, Christmas Markets, circuses, concerts, and much more.

If you’re visiting during the months of summer, be sure to check out the regional and international food stalls set up at the Plaza. It’s a pocket-friendly way of trying some of the best cuisines in the world.

Rathaus is also home to the historical restaurant Wiener Rathauskeller. Visitors can try traditional Austrian cuisine and explore the beautiful baroque halls.

The Rathauspark is opposite to the Vienna City Hall and a great place to lounge around and relax after a tiring visit.

Visitors planning to visit at night can stick around for the open-air cinema. A large screen is usually set up in front of the Vienna City Hall to relax and enjoy with friends and family. The vicinity also features occasional concert or opera recordings.

How to Reach Vienna City Hall

Metro: The underground metro (U-Bahn) covers the Vienna City Hall on the U2 line. Visitors can get off at the station Rathaus, which is the monument’s very own station.

Tram and Bus Services: Visitors can also take the tram services covering the Vienna City Hall location on lines 1, D, and 71. Both the bus and tram stop outside the location at Rathausplatz square.