How to Say "town hall" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “town hall” is “ayuntamiento” — use 'ayuntamiento' when referring to the physical building that houses the local government, often a prominent landmark in a town or city..
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ayuntamiento
/a-yoon-tah-myen-toh//a.ʝun.taˈmjen.to/
nounA2general
Use 'ayuntamiento' when referring to the physical building that houses the local government, often a prominent landmark in a town or city.
Examples
La policía municipal tiene su sede en el ayuntamiento.
The municipal police are headquartered in the town hall.
La oficina de turismo está justo al lado del ayuntamiento.
The tourist office is right next to City Hall.
Tenemos que ir al ayuntamiento para registrar el nacimiento.
We have to go to the Town Hall to register the birth.
alcaldía
nounA2general
Use 'alcaldía' when referring to the local government institution itself, the mayor's office, or the building where these administrative functions take place.
Examples
Necesito una licencia de obras y debo tramitarla en la alcaldía.
I need a building permit and must process it at the city hall.
Building vs. Institution
Learners often use 'alcaldía' and 'ayuntamiento' interchangeably. Remember that 'ayuntamiento' primarily refers to the building, while 'alcaldía' can refer to the building, the mayor's office, or the local government administration.
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