City Hall

One of the most striking buildings on the Ringstrasse is Vienna’s City Hall, known as Rathaus. This massive late 19th-century neo-Gothic building is the seat of the City Council of Vienna, as well as home to Vienna City and Regional Library and Archives. You’d be forgiven if you think you have stumbled upon a cathedral that has not been mentioned in the guidebooks. The Rathaus was designed by Friedrich von Schmidt, who was also the architect of the Cathedral of Cologne, which would probably explain the architecture of the City Hall. The tall central spire like tower is topped with the Iron Rathausmann, now the symbol of Vienna. Several balls are held in the Rathaus, the most important one being the Life Ball held in May every year. The square in front of the Rathaus is known as Rathausplatz and it’s the location for several special events all year round, from a film festival and a circus to an ice-skating rink (Jan-Mar) and the largest Christmas market (and the tallest Christmas tree) in Vienna. You can get a free, guided tour of the Rathaus at 1 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (except public holidays and meeting days). Advance reservation is not necessary; just show up at the city information centre inside the building, and get ready to be awed by this elegant building.