Berlin City Hall (Rotes Rathaus)
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: NoRotes 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 out of 5
Easy to walk past without really seeing it. Don’t.
The Rotes Rathaus has been standing here since 1869 through two world wars, a divided city, a wall going up and coming down, and every grey winter afternoon in between. The red brick clock tower is instantly recognizable from a distance, but it’s worth getting closer. The detail in the facade, the Berlin bear flag at the top, the way the whole building just sits there completely unbothered by everything modern around it.
I photographed it on a winter evening from across the square, with the bare trees and the last of the light behind it. It looked like something out of another century which, technically, it is.
You don’t need to go inside to appreciate it. Just stand in front of it for a moment and think about everything that building has quietly witnessed.
One of those Berlin landmarks that earns more respect the longer you look at it.
Daren Ng - a month ago
We got a chance to visit Red City Hall just before closing hours. Entry is free of cost.
It has display galleries showing gifts received from various countries. I really liked the red carpet entry.
Mahesh Saini - 6 months ago
The Rotes Rathaus, or Red City Hall, is one of Berlin’s most iconic government buildings. Named after its striking red-brick façade, this 19th-century neo-Renaissance structure serves as the seat of the Berlin Senate and the mayor. Its grand tower and arched windows make it a standout in the city’s skyline. Inside, visitors can explore historic halls, adorned with murals and intricate designs reflecting Berlin’s past. Despite being damaged in World War II and later restored, it remains a powerful symbol of the city’s resilience and governance. The Rotes Rathaus is a must-see for architecture and history enthusiasts.
Tiago Camacho - a year ago
The Red City Hall is a Berlin architectural gem that showcases classic timeless beauty. The red brick exterior along with the elegant clock tower gives it distinctive characteristics.
Christine Doan - 7 months ago
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 - a year ago
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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