Rathaus

The basics

Many guided tours of the city and the Ringstrasse include the Rathaus, Vienna's city hall, which is one of the boulevard’s gems. The seven interior courtyards of the Rathaus are free to visit, but you’ll need to join a tour to go inside. Richly decorated with state pomp, the space is impressive, from the Council Chamber to two Coat of Arms Halls. Free guided tours offered by the city are in German, and complementary audio guides are available for visitors who want to follow along in other languages.

Things to know before you go

• Rathaus is a must-see for history buffs and anyone interested in Viennese architecture.
• To borrow an audio guide, you’ll need a government-issued ID card as a deposit.
• Sign language guides are available in Austrian and British Sign Languages.
• Ramps and elevators make the Rathaus wheelchair accessible, with door widths of 36 inches (92 centimeters).

How to get there

Located at Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz 1 on the Ringstrasse, Rathaus is easy to reach using public transportation. The nearby underground stop Rathaus is on the U2 line, and multiple trams stop nearby, including 1, 71, and D (Stadiongasse/Parlament); 2 (Rathausplatz/Burgtheater); and 1, 43, and 44 (Landesgerichtsstrasse). A city bike station is located at 108 Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz.

When to get there

A guided tour of the Rathaus interior is offered Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in the early afternoon. Tours are canceled for public holidays and special events, as well as on Good Friday (the Friday before Easter), Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Tours can fill up during the busiest periods, so plan to arrive early to ensure you get a spot.

Christmas Market on Rathausplatz

Vienna’s biggest Christmas market happens right in front of Rathaus, with stalls selling roasted chestnuts, steaming mugs of mulled wine, and plenty of seasonal treats. The nearby park is decked with lights, and there’s an ice skating rink where you can rent a pair of skates. While the Rathausplatz Christmas market is open throughout the day, it’s worth coming at night to enjoy the full effects of the twinkling Christmas lights.

Can you enter the Rathaus in Vienna, and are guided tours available?

Yes, you can enter the Vienna Rathaus on one of the guided tours offered by the city hall. Tours of the Rathaus are free and typically happen once in the afternoon on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. You cannot prebook tour tickets; you can only book them in person on the morning of the tour.

What events or activities take place at Rathaus in Vienna, such as festivals or markets?

Vienna Rathaus hosts year-round events. Its most famous event is its large annual Christmas market, which has an ice skating track in front of the city hall. Other big events include Vienna Ice World and the Rathausplatz Film Festival in summer, with its open-air screenings.

Are there any restaurants or cafes inside Rathaus in Vienna or nearby?

Yes, there is one restaurant on the ground floor of the Vienna Rathaus called the Wiener Rathauskeller. There are also restaurants and cafés in the surrounding streets and across from Rathausplatz; the Vestibül Restaurant is in the Burgtheater, and the famous Café Landtmann is on a nearby corner.

What architectural style is Rathaus in Vienna known for?

The Rathaus in Vienna features a neo-Gothic design—it’s an architectural style that is not common in the city. It was designed by architect Friedrich von Schmidt when neo-Gothic architecture was popular in the mid-to-late 1800s due to interest in the Middle Ages.

Is visiting the Rathaus in Vienna worth it?

Yes, it is worth visiting the Rathaus while you're in Vienna since it’s one of the city’s most celebrated and impressive buildings that isn’t a palace, church, or theater. The building's Gothic-revival architecture and huge scale are impressive, while the square in front often holds events throughout the year.

Are there restrooms at the Rathaus in Vienna?

While there are no public restrooms inside the Rathaus, there are public restrooms in Rathausplatz outside the building. You generally have to pay the onsite attendant to use these restrooms. During events held outside the Rathaus, there may be extra portaloos.