Rathausplatz Vienna
Vienna's grand public square, famous for its magical Christmas market and iconic ice rink.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, markets open
Rathausplatz Vienna
Best Time
Fewer crowds, markets open
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vienna's grand public square, famous for its magical Christmas market and iconic ice rink.
"A true winter wonderland that captures the heart of Vienna's festive spirit."
🎯 Beat the Holiday Rush
Visit mid-November weekdays for fewer crowds at the Rathausplatz Christmas Market.
⛸️ Ice Skating Fun
The Wiener Eistraum ice rink is a must-do in winter! Book tickets in advance if possible.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rathausplatz Christmas Market
Rathausplatz
Vienna's largest and most famous Christmas market, a magical wonderland of lights, crafts, and festive treats.

Wiener Eistraum (Ice Skating)
Rathausplatz
An iconic ice-skating rink transforms the square into a winter paradise, offering fun for all ages.

Rathaus (City Hall) Architecture
Rathausplatz
Admire the stunning Neo-Gothic architecture of Vienna's City Hall, a landmark in itself.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Christmas Market
Beyond the Market: Exploring the Rathaus
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Beat the Holiday Rush
Visit mid-November weekdays for fewer crowds at the Rathausplatz Christmas Market.
⛸️ Ice Skating Fun
The Wiener Eistraum ice rink is a must-do in winter! Book tickets in advance if possible.
💖 Heart Tree Magic
Don't miss the 'Christkind' sending its heart from the tower to light up the Herzerlbaum hourly at dusk.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Main Market
Discover cozy markets like Spittelberg for unique crafts.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Beat the Holiday Rush
Visit mid-November weekdays for fewer crowds at the Rathausplatz Christmas Market.
⛸️ Ice Skating Fun
The Wiener Eistraum ice rink is a must-do in winter! Book tickets in advance if possible.
💖 Heart Tree Magic
Don't miss the 'Christkind' sending its heart from the tower to light up the Herzerlbaum hourly at dusk.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Main Market
Discover cozy markets like Spittelberg for unique crafts.
🌃 Night Bus Availability
If you miss the last train, night buses run all night from the city center.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Rathausplatz is a beloved public space, especially renowned for its spectacular Christmas Market and the iconic Wiener Eistraum ice rink. Visitors praise the magical atmosphere, festive decorations, and the sheer scale of the holiday events. However, the popularity means it can get extremely crowded, particularly during peak times, which can detract from the experience for some.
"A nice place to visit at night in Vienna. Film festival was held here June to end Aug, free entry. Lots of food stall and drinks at the courtyard, together with the music makes it like a carnival. Great place to socialise and appreciate Vienna at night."
Lydia Chong
"Such a great place for people to socialise. Various events take place here throughout the year. The town hall building is huge and very beautiful.
There are lots of eateries and bars here that you can enjoy."
Legends l
"Wow, what a beautiful place! The building itself is stunning, and the best part was that there was a Film Festival 2025 happening when we visited. It really lit up the whole area – it felt like a fair!
They had installed a large screen right in front of the Rathaus building, and the atmosphere was incredible. There were so many food and drink stalls offering cuisine from different places. Aperol had its own little corner – their drinks were great too!
The area was so lively. We first went during the day and loved it so much that we went back again in the evening to enjoy the atmosphere. It was even more crowded in the evening, with so many people around. A musical movie was playing on the giant screen, and the whole place was buzzing with energy."
Highway Video
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rathausplatz is easily accessible via public transport. Take the U2 subway line to the 'Rathaus' station, or various tram lines (1, 2, D, 71) and bus lines stop nearby. It's a central location, making it a common destination for many city tours.
Driving to Rathausplatz can be challenging due to limited parking and potential traffic congestion, especially during events. It's generally recommended to use Vienna's efficient public transportation system.
The U2 subway line directly serves the 'Rathaus' station, which is the most convenient option. Several tram and bus lines also stop within walking distance, offering flexibility depending on your starting point.
Yes, if you find yourself in the city center late at night, night buses are available. For example, lines N31 or N29 depart from Schwedenplatz and can take you towards areas like Floridsdorf. Check the Wiener Linien night network map for routes.
Depending on your location, Rathausplatz is within walking distance of several central attractions like the Parliament and Burgtheater. It's a pleasant walk through the city center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Rathausplatz itself is a public square and is free to enter. However, specific events held there, such as the Christmas Market or the summer cinema, may have associated costs for entry or activities like ice skating.
Entry to the Rathausplatz Christmas Market is generally free. You'll only pay for any food, drinks, or souvenirs you purchase. Ice skating at the Wiener Eistraum has a separate admission fee.
The opening hours vary greatly depending on the event. The Christmas Market typically runs from mid-November to late December. The Wiener Eistraum usually operates from late November to early March. Always check the official event schedules for precise times.
Yes, tours of the Vienna City Hall are available. However, they often require early registration, sometimes as early as 8 AM for a 1 PM tour. It's best to check the official Vienna City Hall website for current tour schedules and booking information.
The square itself is a public space and free to explore. During the summer, there's often a free open-air film festival. The Christmas market is free to enter, though purchases are extra.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Rathausplatz is famous for its Christmas Market in winter, featuring stalls, food, and the Wiener Eistraum ice rink. In summer, it hosts an open-air film festival. The impressive Rathaus building itself is also a sight to behold.
Absolutely! The Christmas Market offers a magical experience for families with festive decorations, treats, and often a carousel. The ice rink is also a popular family activity.
For a less crowded experience, aim for weekdays in mid-to-late November. Evenings offer a magical atmosphere with lights, but will be busier.
Yes, Rathausplatz is very photogenic, especially when decorated for the Christmas market or illuminated at night. The Rathaus building provides a grand backdrop.
You'll find traditional Austrian Christmas market fare, including roasted chestnuts, sausages, gingerbread (Lebkuchen), mulled wine (Glühwein), and various sweet treats.
📸 📸 Photography
The front facade of the Rathaus building, especially when lit up at night, is a prime spot. During the Christmas market, capture the festive stalls, the giant Christmas tree, and the ice rink. The 'Herzerlbaum' (heart tree) is also a unique subject.
For a magical ambiance, visit during the 'blue hour' after sunset when the lights are on but the sky still has color. Daytime photos showcase the architecture and market activity.
Yes, the hourly 'Christkind' heart-sending ceremony to the Herzerlbaum is a unique photo opportunity. Capture the illuminated Christmas tree and the bustling market stalls.
For night shots, use a tripod to avoid blur, a wider aperture (lower f-number) to let in more light, and a higher ISO if necessary, but be mindful of noise. Experiment with long exposures to capture light trails from the ice rink.
Drone usage in Vienna is subject to strict regulations, especially in public areas and near historic buildings. It's highly unlikely you'll be able to fly a drone legally over Rathausplatz. Always check local drone laws before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
During the summer, the open-air film festival can be a relaxed evening activity for families, though check film ratings. Exploring the grand architecture of the Rathaus building itself can also spark curiosity in younger visitors. Consider visiting during off-peak hours (weekdays, earlier in the day) to avoid overwhelming crowds and ensure a more enjoyable experience for children.
❄️ Winter Visitors
Beyond the market, the illuminated Rathaus building at night is a stunning sight. If you're interested in the history and function of the city hall, consider booking a tour, but be aware of the registration requirements. Even if you don't skate, the atmosphere of the ice rink and the surrounding market is captivating.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The Rathaus building itself is a stunning architectural subject, particularly when illuminated at night. For a unique shot, capture the hourly 'Christkind' heart-sending ceremony. In summer, the open-air film festival provides a unique backdrop for evening photography. Remember to use a tripod for low-light conditions and experiment with different angles to capture the grandeur of the square.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Rathausplatz Christmas Market Experience
Beyond the shopping and culinary delights, the market is renowned for its spectacular ice-skating rink, the Wiener Eistraum. This massive rink encircles the Rathaus, offering a unique skating experience amidst the festive atmosphere. For a truly magical moment, don't miss the hourly 'Christkind' ceremony where a heart is sent from a tower to light up the 'Herzerlbaum' (heart tree) as dusk falls.
Pro-tip: While the market is enchanting, it can get extremely crowded, especially on weekends and closer to Christmas. For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting on a weekday in the earlier part of the market's season.
Exploring the Vienna City Hall (Rathaus)
Guided tours of the Rathaus are available, offering a glimpse into the building's history and its function as the seat of Vienna's government. These tours often include visits to the grand halls and ceremonial rooms. However, it's important to note that tours can be popular and may require advance booking, sometimes with early morning registration for afternoon tours. Always check the official Vienna City Hall website for the most current information on tour availability, times, and booking procedures.
During the summer months, the area in front of the Rathaus often transforms into a vibrant open-air film festival, showcasing a variety of films against the backdrop of the illuminated building. This provides another excellent reason to visit Rathausplatz outside of the winter holiday season.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit