10 Must-See Sights Near Brno Old Town Hall and Dragon

Brno is easy to explore on foot. Most major attractions are located in the compact city center. You can find everything from medieval towers to modern art. Here are the top picks for your itinerary.

• Best overall: Brno Old Town Hall
• Best for families: Brno Underground Labyrinth
• Best rainy-day: 10-Z Bunker
• Best free: Liberty Square

1. Name: Old Town Hall and Dragon Type: Sight Why go: This is the oldest secular building in Brno. You can see the famous "dragon" and a legendary wooden wheel. The tower offers a great view of the city. Best for: History buffs and photographers. Where: Radnická street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free for the passage; small fee for the tower. Getting there: Walk from the main train station. Tip: Look at the crooked turret on the portal.
2. Name: Špilberk Castle Type: Sight Why go: This massive fortress was once a notorious prison. It now houses the city museum and offers panoramic views. You can explore the casemates and gardens. Best for: Viewpoints and history. Where: Špilberk Hill. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Moderate fee for interiors. Getting there: Walk uphill from Husova street. Tip: Check out our guide to visiting Spilberk Castle in Brno for more details.
3. Name: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul Type: Sight Why go: This Neo-Gothic cathedral sits on Petrov hill. It is famous for ringing its bells at 11 AM instead of noon. This tradition dates back to the Swedish siege. Best for: Architecture and views. Where: Petrov Hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free entry; small fee for towers. Getting there: Short walk from the Old Town Hall. Tip: Climb the tower for the best view of the cathedral's spires.
4. Name: Liberty Square (Náměstí Svobody) Type: Experience Why go: This is the social heart of Brno. It features the controversial black astronomical clock. You can try to catch a glass marble at 11 AM. Best for: People watching and local vibes. Where: City center. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from any central point. Tip: Visit during the Christmas or Easter markets.
5. Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: Museum Why go: This is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a masterpiece of modern functionalist architecture. It was designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Best for: Design and architecture lovers. Where: Černá Pole district. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Expensive; booking in advance is mandatory. Getting there: Take tram 3 or 5 from the center. Tip: Book Villa Tugendhat tickets months in advance.
6. Name: Brno Underground Labyrinth Type: Experience Why go: Explore the medieval cellars beneath the Cabbage Market. The tunnels show how food and wine were stored. It is a cool escape during summer. Best for: Families and curious travelers. Where: Zelný trh (Cabbage Market). Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walk to the Cabbage Market square. Tip: Book Brno underground labyrinth tours for a guided experience.
7. Name: St. James Church Ossuary Type: Experience Why go: It is the second-largest ossuary in Europe. It contains the remains of over 50,000 people. The atmosphere is solemn and unique. Best for: Fans of the macabre. Where: Jakubské náměstí. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walk from Liberty Square. Tip: Read more about the St James Church Ossuary Brno before you go.
8. Name: 10-Z Bunker Type: Museum Why go: This was a highly classified nuclear shelter. It was built for the city's elite during the Cold War. You can explore the technical rooms and living quarters. Best for: Cold War history. Where: Husova street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Located at the base of Špilberk Hill. Tip: The 10-Z Bunker nuclear shelter also has a retro milk bar.
9. Name: Mendel Museum Type: Museum Why go: Gregor Mendel founded the science of genetics here. The museum is located in the beautiful Augustinian Abbey. You can see his original garden. Best for: Science enthusiasts. Where: Mendlovo náměstí. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Small fee. Getting there: Take tram 1 or 5. Tip: Don't miss the brewery right next to the abbey.
10. Name: Veveří Castle Type: Day Trip Why go: This castle sits on a rocky promontory above the Brno Reservoir. It is one of the largest castle complexes in Moravia. You can combine it with a boat trip. Best for: Nature and day trips. Where: 15km from the city center. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: Small fee for the grounds. Getting there: Take tram 1 to Bystrc, then a boat or bus. Tip: Check our guide for Veveri Castle and Brno Reservoir planning.

Planning Your Visit to Brno Old Town Hall

The Old Town Hall is the best place to start your journey. It houses the main tourist information center. You can pick up maps and brochures here. The staff are very helpful and speak English. You can also visit the Go To Brno website for updates.

The tower is open seasonally, usually from April to October. It provides a 360-degree view of the city's rooftops. You can see the Cathedral and Špilberk Castle clearly. The climb is narrow but worth the effort. Expect to pay a small fee for tower access.

The passage containing the dragon is open year-round. It is a public thoroughfare connecting Radnická street to the Cabbage Market. You can see the dragon for free at any time. It is a popular spot for a quick photo. Try to visit early in the morning to avoid crowds.

Exploring the Legends of Brno

The Brno Old Town Hall and Dragon is famous for its folk tales. The dragon is actually a stuffed crocodile from the Amazon. Legend says it terrorized the city long ago. A brave butcher finally defeated it using a hide filled with lime. The dragon has hung in the passage for centuries.

Next to the dragon is a wooden wheel. This wheel was made by a master wheelwright in Lednice. He bet he could make it and roll it to Brno in one day. He succeeded, covering 50 kilometers by sunset. The wheel remains a symbol of Moravian craftsmanship and determination.

Look up at the stone portal of the hall. One of the stone pinnacles is noticeably crooked. The architect was allegedly angry with the city council. They did not pay him the agreed amount for his work. He bent the stone to show his dissatisfaction forever.