Rathausplatz, Vienna

Rathausplatz is the principal public square in front of Vienna’s Wiener Rathaus on the Ringstraße in central Vienna. The square is a major public-event space and one of the city’s best known civic plazas.

Large seasonal events define the square’s public life - most notably the Christkindlmarkt at Christmas and a summer open-air film and music festival that fills the square with temporary stages and food stands. The location is also used for political rallies, markets and cultural events through the year.

The adjacent Vienna City Hall (a Neo-Gothic building completed in 1883 designed by Friedrich von Schmidt) gives the square its architectural focus; the planted Rathauspark provides green space and a setting for many events. An artificial winter ice rinks and seasonal market pavilions are erected on the square during colder months.

Rathausplatz sits on the Ringstraße in Vienna’s central district, within short walking distance of the Burgtheater, the University and other Ringstraße landmarks.

• Major events: The square hosts Vienna's main Christmas market in winter and a large open-air film festival in summer, making those seasons particularly busy.
• Winter activity: An artificial ice rink is typically installed in winter (the Eistraum) and draws many visitors to the square and forecourt of the City Hall.

What to See #

• Vienna City Hall (Wiener Rathaus): The Neo-Gothic town hall building completed 1883 that anchors the square and is used for municipal functions and events.
• Rathauspark: The planted Rathauspark immediately adjacent to the square, used as a setting for markets and open-air events.