Berlin City Hall (Rotes Rathaus)

Berlin City Hall also known as Red Town Hall
Berlin City Hall also known as Red Town Hall

The Berlin City Hall is commonly referred to as Rotes Rathaus (Red Town Hall) due to its distinctive red brick facade and tower.

Designed by Hermann Friedrich Waesemann and first completed in 1869, Rotes Rathaus is a striking example of Italian Renassance architecture and a prominent landmark.

Rotes Rathaus is located in Mitte near Alexanderplatz and the Fernseturn Tower. It is home to Berlin's city government and mayor's office.

A number of magnificent rooms inside are well worth taking the time to visit.

The windows of he Armorial Hall represent the coat of arms for each of Berlin's boroughs and districts. It is where state visitors are welcomed.

Major official events, receptions and ceremonies are held in the great Ceremonial Hall.

One of the most beautiful halls is the Column Hall. It features a 9 metre high vaulted ceiling supported by pillars and ribs. I contains busts of many prominent figures. Formerly used as a library, it is now home to exhibitions and various other events.

The city hall was heavily damaged during World War 2, but was rebuilt shortly after. While the city was divided during the Cold War, Rotes Rathaus was in East Berlin and served as town hall for the same. In 1991, after the reunification, it once again became the seat of government for all of Berlin.

It is normally open to visitors from 9am to 6pm on weekdays, but these hours are subject to change do to official business and events. It is a good idea to phone before visiting.

Facts For Your Visit

Fee: No

Rotes Rathaus Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

  • Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: Closed

Address: Rathausstraße 15, 10178 Berlin, Germany

Phone: 030 90260

Official Website: Rotes Rathaus

Rotes Rathaus Reviews

Rated 4.5 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating Great architecture, you can visit it for free. Entrance is really impressive, statues ans columns. A small exibition about Warshaw was hosted in a corner. Too bad the vast space its not more used.
Mircea-Bogdan Tănăsescu - 3 months ago

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4 Star Rating We stumbled upon this building while walking around Alexanderplatz and the surrounding area It’s open to the public, at least partially. Interesting from architectural point of view, but there’s not much to do inside
Franco - 6 months ago

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4 Star Rating When strolling downtown in the center area of Berlin you might also pass this beautiful Rathaus building. Very nice building and a bit different.
Kim Allerslev - a month ago

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3 Star Rating Of course it's a nice piece of architecture, especially for such an ugly city, but only a couple of halls are accessible for public. It was interesting to enter once in a lifetime, but nothing to see after 10 mins there. Toilets are top-notch though. Probably the only clean place in Berlin.
Aleksey Romanov - a year ago

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4 Star Rating Inside Red City Hall, I found a combination of administrative offices, event spaces, and exhibition areas. While the building is primarily used for official purposes, there are opportunities for the public to explore certain sections and learn about the city's governance and history. The location of Red City Hall is also advantageous, situated in the heart of Berlin and within walking distance of other notable attractions. The surrounding area, including the Alexanderplatz square and the Nikolai Quarter, offers additional opportunities for exploration and sightseeing.
Ajay Kumar - a year ago

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Directions

How to get to Rotes Rathaus by U-Bahn, S-Bahn, Tram

Nearest U-Bahn, S-Bahn, Tram Line(s): S5, S7, S75, U2, U5, U8, M2, M4 ,M5, M6
Nearest U-Bahn, S-Bahn, Tram Station(s): Alexanderplatz

From Alexanderplatz exit and walk to the southwest past the Fernsehturm TV Tower. The Berlin City Hall is ahead and to your left.

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