The city hall was built by master builder Daniel Popp, who had moved to Aalborg from Copenhagen, and was modelled on Johan Conrad Ernst's City Hall there, which was later completely destroyed in the Copenhagen Fire of 1795.

[1] This was a specific requirement from Iver Holck, the county governor (amtmand) at Aalborghus.

Designed in the Late Baroque style, the building consists of two storeys and a cellar under a black-glazed tile roof.

The yellow-washed facade is decorated with white pilasters and a frontispiece featuring the Danish coat of arms and a bust of King Frederick V. His motto, Prudentia et Constantia, is also seen above the main entrance.

[3] The Old City Hall is today only used for wedding ceremonies and representative purposes.