The Rotes Rathaus (Red Town Hall) is the seat of Berlin's governing mayor and a red-brick neo-Renaissance pile completed in 1869. Outside, note the terracotta frieze that illustrates Berlin milestones until 1871. Except during special events, much of the town hall is open to the public – pick up a brochure with a self-guided tour in the foyer and also check out the free special exhibits.

The moniker 'red', by the way, was inspired by the red brick facade and not (necessarily) the political leanings of its occupants.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Museum Nikolaikirche

0.11 MILES

The late-Gothic Church of St Nicholas (1230) is Berlin’s oldest surviving building and is now a museum documenting the architecture and history of the…

2. Neptunbrunnen

0.12 MILES

This elaborate fountain was designed by Reinhold Begas in 1891 and depicts Neptune holding court over a quartet of buxom beauties symbolising the rivers…

3. Hanf Museum

0.13 MILES

This eight-room exhibit examines the many uses of hemp as well as its cultural, practical, medicinal and religious significance in various cultures going…

4. Nikolaiviertel

0.14 MILES

Commissioned by the East German government to celebrate Berlin's 750th birthday, the twee Nicholas Quarter is a half-hearted attempt at recreating the…

5. Knoblauchhaus

0.14 MILES

This private late-baroque home features a series of painstakingly restored period rooms that impart a sense of how the well-to-do lived, dressed and spent…

6. Zille Museum

0.17 MILES

Like no other artist of his time, Heinrich Zille (1858–1929) managed to capture the hardships of working-class life in the industrial age with empathy and…

7. St Marienkirche

0.18 MILES

This Gothic brick gem has welcomed worshippers since the early 14th century, making it one of Berlin’s oldest surviving churches. A 22m-long Dance of…

8. Fernsehturm

0.18 MILES

Germany's tallest structure, the TV Tower is a Berlin icon.