Rathaus
About
The Vienna City Hall, or Wiener Rathaus, stands majestically at Rathausplatz in the heart of Vienna’s Innere Stadt. Designed by Friedrich von Schmidt in the Neo‑Gothic style, the building was constructed between 1872 and 1883 and has since served as the seat of the city’s government and the venue for many civic ceremonies. Visitors can marvel at the iconic central tower crowned with the Rathausmann statue, stroll through the elegant Arcaded Courtyard, and experience the grandeur of the Festsaal – Austria’s largest historic hall adorned with marble statues and a richly detailed barrel vault. Inside, the building houses the Volkshalle, an imposing space with vaulted ceilings and historical portraits, as well as a small museum that chronicles the hall’s political and architectural history. Beyond its administrative functions, the Rathaus plays a pivotal cultural role, hosting concerts, exhibitions, and the annual Vienna Festival in its courtyards.
Highlights
- Gothic Revival Architecture
- Festsaal
- Arcaded Courtyard
- Rathausmann Statue
Must-See Areas
Good to Know
Good for
Best time to visit
Spring and early autumn for fewer crowds and pleasant weather
What people are saying
At a glance
- Typical visit: about 3 hours