Friedrich von Schmidt, who had been the architect of the Cathedral of Cologne, designed and built Vienna's City Hall, the most important secular building in the neo-Gothic style in the city, between 1872 and 1883. Numerous events are held inside and in front of City Hall. One of the most important and best known is without doubt the Life Ball, which is held every year in May. Numerous other balls are also organized in this wonderful building each year. Starting in November, the Advent Market in front of City Hall creates the right atmosphere in the run-up to Christmas. And from January to March, City Hall Square and City Hall Park transform into the most beautiful skating rink in the world.

Besides being famous for the awe-inspiring amusement park and its giant wheel, Prater is home to a wealthy range of natural green havens like squares of woodlands; brooks and fields, where you can relax secluded from the maddening crowd.