
Old City Hall
A stunning Romanesque Revival architectural gem, Old City Hall offers a glimpse into civic history with its grand arches and iconic clock tower.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Rare public access days

Old City Hall
Best Time
Rare public access days

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning Romanesque Revival architectural gem, Old City Hall offers a glimpse into civic history with its grand arches and iconic clock tower.
"This building is absolutely gorgeous! Such a wasted shame, and typical of city governments."

🎯 Check Access Dates
Public access is limited to specific summer hours. Plan ahead to catch these rare openings!
📸 Photography Paradise
The stunning architecture is a dream for photographers. Capture the grand arches and detailed stonework.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Romanesque Revival Architecture
Exterior and Interior
Admire the grand arches, detailed stonework, and imposing clock tower of this 1899 architectural gem.

Historic Clock Tower
Exterior
Gaze up at the impressive 103-meter tall clock tower, a defining feature of the Toronto skyline.

Courtyard Ambiance
Courtyard
Enjoy lunch or a moment of peace in the charming courtyard, a hidden oasis within the city.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Old City Hall
Understanding Old City Hall's Dual Identity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Access Dates
Public access is limited to specific summer hours. Plan ahead to catch these rare openings!
📸 Photography Paradise
The stunning architecture is a dream for photographers. Capture the grand arches and detailed stonework.
🏛️ Beyond Toronto
Discover other historic Old City Halls, like Duluth's with its unique basement bar.
✨ Architectural Marvel
Appreciate the Romanesque Revival style, a true landmark of its era.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Access Dates
Public access is limited to specific summer hours. Plan ahead to catch these rare openings!
📸 Photography Paradise
The stunning architecture is a dream for photographers. Capture the grand arches and detailed stonework.
🏛️ Beyond Toronto
Discover other historic Old City Halls, like Duluth's with its unique basement bar.
✨ Architectural Marvel
Appreciate the Romanesque Revival style, a true landmark of its era.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Old City Hall for its stunning and gorgeous architecture, particularly its Romanesque Revival style, grand arches, and clock tower. Many express a desire for the building to be better utilized, viewing its current state as a missed opportunity. The building is recognized as a significant landmark, especially in Tacoma, with anticipation for its renovations.
"This building is absolutely gorgeous!
Why isn’t it being used by the city for housing or retail space???
Such a wasted shame, and typical of city governments."
Lisa Fagan
"Tacoma's most unique building, I can't wait to visit when they finish the renovations."
Baby Inuyasha
"The Old City Hall was built in 1893 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. This is a beautiful building and a must see. Check it out!!"
Cam Kay
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Old City Hall is centrally located in downtown Toronto. It's easily accessible via public transit, with numerous streetcar and subway lines nearby. Driving is also an option, though parking can be challenging and expensive in the downtown core.
The Old City Hall in Tacoma is undergoing renovations. While exterior views are available, interior access might be limited. Check their official channels for updates on public access post-renovation.
Yes, the Old City Hall in Duluth now houses a unique bar called The Rathskeller in its former basement holding cells. It's a great spot to grab a drink and soak in the history.
Indeed, Vienna has an 'Altes Rathaus' (Old City Hall) dating back to the 14th century. It was the center of Viennese civic life for centuries and can still be visited.
The Knights Halls in Old Akko, often referred to in relation to historic city halls, are best reached by walking through the Old City of Akko. Public transport to Akko is available, and then it's a short walk to the historic sites.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Typically, Old City Hall in Toronto functions as a courthouse, so general public access is limited. However, during specific summer periods, they open their doors for visitors to explore the halls and courtyard. Keep an eye on their official announcements for these dates.
When open for public tours, Old City Hall in Toronto is usually accessible from 11 AM to 3 PM. These are special access days, so confirm the exact dates and times before your visit.
During the limited public access periods, there is generally no entrance fee for Old City Hall in Toronto. It's a chance to experience the historic landmark for free.
Old City Hall in Tacoma is undergoing renovations. They have partnered with tour groups for exclusive pre-opening tours, so keep an eye on their social media for opportunities to win or book such experiences.
As Old City Hall in Toronto also serves as a courthouse, visitors should be aware of security protocols. When open for tours, standard visitor guidelines for historic buildings apply.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Inside Toronto's Old City Hall, you can admire its grand arches, intricate stonework, and the impressive clock tower's interior mechanisms if accessible. The building's Romanesque Revival design is a highlight.
Information on wheelchair accessibility for Old City Hall in Toronto, especially during limited public access, can be limited. It's advisable to contact the venue directly for specific accessibility details.
Photography is generally permitted inside Old City Hall during public access days, allowing you to capture its stunning architectural details. However, always check for any specific photography rules in place.
The Old City Hall in Duluth is unique because its basement, once a holding cell, now houses The Rathskeller, a bar with a rumored speakeasy past. It offers a distinct historical drinking experience.
Old City Hall in Toronto, completed in 1899, served as the city's seat of government until 1966 and is a prime example of Romanesque Revival architecture. It's a key historic landmark.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, during its summer public access hours, you can have lunch in the courtyard of Old City Hall in Toronto. It's a lovely way to experience the historic ambiance.
Old City Hall in Toronto is located in a vibrant downtown area with numerous restaurants and cafes nearby, offering a wide range of culinary choices.
The Rathskeller, located in the basement of Duluth's Old City Hall, offers drinks and likely pub-style fare, capitalizing on its historic and somewhat clandestine atmosphere.
While there was a mention of a failed hotel project in Tacoma's Old City Hall, it's unclear if any dining facilities are currently operational as part of its renovation. Check local listings for updates.
The Old City of Akko, including areas around the Knights Halls, offers various dining experiences, from traditional Middle Eastern cuisine to cafes, providing a taste of local flavors.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior, with its grand facade and clock tower, is a prime photo spot. Inside, focus on the detailed stonework, arches, and the overall architectural grandeur. The courtyard also offers charming shots.
For exteriors, use a wide-angle lens to capture the scale. Inside, a prime lens with a wide aperture is great for low light. Consider a tripod for stable shots, especially in dimly lit areas.
Look for the intricate carvings, the symmetry of the arches, and the play of light and shadow on the stonework. The clock tower is an iconic element to frame.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) can provide beautiful lighting on the exterior. Midday can be harsh, but good for capturing interior details if light is coming through windows.
Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and around historic buildings due to safety and privacy concerns. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families visiting other Old City Hall locations, like Duluth, the unique setting of The Rathskeller (while perhaps more suited for older teens or adults) offers a quirky historical anecdote. Always check the specific accessibility and age policies for any venue before planning your family outing to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different angles and lenses to showcase the building's scale and detail. Consider visiting during the golden hour for the most dramatic lighting on the exterior. For those exploring other Old City Halls, like the one in Duluth, the unique basement bar offers a different, moodier photographic opportunity. Remember to always be respectful of the building's function, especially if it's an active courthouse or undergoing renovations.
🏛️ History Buffs
Exploring other Old City Halls, like Vienna's centuries-old 'Altes Rathaus,' offers a deeper dive into civic history. The stories behind these buildings, from their construction to their evolution, offer rich narratives. Whether it's the rumored speakeasy past of Duluth's Old City Hall or the ongoing transformation of Tacoma's, these sites are living history lessons waiting to be discovered.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Significance of Old City Hall
Beyond Toronto, other cities boast their own 'Old City Halls' with unique histories. Duluth, Minnesota's Old City Hall features a basement bar, The Rathskeller, located in what were once municipal court holding cells, hinting at a colorful past that may include prohibition-era speakeasy activities. Tacoma, Washington's Old City Hall, a beautiful red brick building with a clock tower, is a notable landmark undergoing renovations, with plans to repurpose it. These varied examples highlight how these historic civic buildings have evolved, from centers of government to unique cultural and commercial spaces.
The historical context of these buildings is crucial to understanding their appeal. For instance, Vienna's 'Altes Rathaus' (Old City Hall) dates back to the 14th century and was the heart of the city for over 500 years. These structures are not just buildings; they are repositories of civic memory and architectural heritage, offering a tangible connection to the past for visitors and residents alike.
Experiencing Old City Hall: Beyond the Facade
For those interested in unique historical settings, the basement of Duluth's Old City Hall offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. The Rathskeller bar, situated in former holding cells, provides a distinctive atmosphere and a story to tell, rumored to have been a speakeasy during Prohibition. This repurposing of historical spaces demonstrates how old civic buildings can find new life, offering visitors unconventional yet memorable experiences. It’s a reminder that history isn't just in grand halls but also in the hidden corners of former government buildings.
In Tacoma, the Old City Hall's ongoing renovations promise a future where this iconic building will be more accessible. The anticipation surrounding its completion highlights the community's appreciation for its architectural significance. The mention of potential tours, even before full public opening, underscores the desire to share this historic structure with the public, offering a chance to witness its transformation and future potential.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit