Rathausplatz

The basics

Most Vienna city highlights and Ringstrasse tours—whether on foot or by bike—pass through Rathausplatz to get a look at the impressive Rathaus to one side and pretty Rathauspark to the other. Come winter, the square becomes the star attraction as home to the city’s most important Christmas market and a winter wonderland event known as Eistraum (Vienna Ice World), featuring multiple skating rinks. You can also stop to admire the square as part of a driving tour or hop-on hop-off bus tour; get off at the Rathaus stop.

Things to know before you go

• There is no shade or seating in the square, so it’s at its liveliest during big events and performances.

• The historic Conditorei Sluka and Café Landtmann cafés sit just off Rathausplatz, ideal for a sweet treat before or after your visit.

• The square offers unobstructed views of Vienna’s landmark Rathaus, ideal for snapping a photo.

• Flat and paved, the square is easy to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller.

How to get there

Rathausplatz sits on the main Ringstrasse and is easy to reach by public transportation. Take metro line U2 to the Rathaus stop or hop on one of the ring trams: 1, 71, or D to Rathausplatz/Burgtheater or 2 to Stadiongasse/Parlament. There is also a bike share station in the square.

When to get there

Visit Rathausplatz in winter to experience the magic of Vienna’s main Christmas market, which starts from mid-November and runs to December 26th, while Eistraum is from mid-January to March. At these times, you’ll find the square lit with thousands of fairy lights and holiday pastimes, like Christmas shopping and ice skating, draw festive crowds.

The top sights to visit around Rathausplatz

This sweeping square sits between two major Vienna landmarks—the Rathaus and the Burgtheater—and is within striking distance of several Ringstrasse headliners. Art lovers can visit the Art History Museum (Kunsthistorisches Museum), while history buffs can stop at the Natural History Museum (Naturhistorisches Museum Wien), both located on the Museumsplatz to the south. The imposing Hofburg palace complex, one of Vienna’s most famous landmarks and home to the lavish imperial apartments and collections, sits just opposite Rathauspark.