On my last day in Vienna I was looking for some organized tour to offer me some interesting insights to Vienna. I started off with Freud’s home, just because psychology has been a big part of my life, and somehow made my way to the Rathaus, the Vienna City Hall. The grand city hall offers several English guided tours a day, and I signed up for one. Before the tour began, I crossed the street and chilled at the lovely gardens at the Rathausplatz. The tour was quite interesting and revealing about the Viennese politics and history, and the way this affected the building. Vienna was once the center of the Austrian and Austro-Hungarian regional empires, and so it comes as no surprise that the kings have made great investments in architecture to reflect their wealth, but with places like city halls kings felt conflicted – since these directly challenged their rule and authority.
The one hour tour was just long enough to give the main highlights without overburdening or complicating things. The guide was very capable, although I could probably have done without the English-German dual-language and the well rehearsed text in semi-monotone voice. Still, well worth your time, and with a great intro to Vienna and former days of empire glory.
Arriving at city hall…
I signed up, and headed to the gardens to rest a bit…
Till it was time for the tour…
Location:
Recommended. You can combine this with many other tourist attractions in the old-town area.