What Makes Old Town Hall Brno Special?

The Old Town Hall Brno is more than just an office. It is a symbol of the city's identity. The building dates back to the 13th century. Its most famous feature is the stone portal. Look closely at the central pinnacle. You will see it is strangely crooked. Legend says the architect was not paid enough. He bent the stone to get revenge. This story is just the beginning of Brno's local lore.

Inside the entrance passage, you will see the Brno Dragon. It looks like a crocodile hanging from the ceiling. Another legend tells of a giant wheel. A local craftsman made it and rolled it from Lednice in one day. These icons make the hall a favorite for families. The courtyard often hosts cultural events and markets. It is a lively spot throughout the year.

You should also climb the hall's tower. It stands 63 meters tall. From the top, you get a 360-degree view. You can see the Cathedral and the Castle clearly. The stairs are narrow but the view is worth it. It is the perfect way to orient yourself. You can plan your next stop from this high vantage point.

13 Best Things to Do Near Old Town Hall Brno

Brno offers a mix of gothic history and modern vibes. Most attractions are within walking distance of the center. You can easily spend several days exploring. Here are the top 13 things to do in and around the city.

1. Name: Old Town Hall (Stará radnice) Type: sight Why go: See the famous dragon and climb the tower for views. Best for: History buffs and photographers. Where: Radnická street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Small fee for the tower. Getting there: Walk from the main train station. Tip: Visit the tourist information center located inside the courtyard.
2. Name: Špilberk Castle Type: sight Why go: Explore a massive fortress that once served as a feared prison. Best for: Families and history lovers. Where: Špilberk hill. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Moderate for museum entry. Getting there: Walk uphill from the city center. Tip: Book a tour of the casemates to see the dark cells. Learn more about Špilberk Castle Brno before you go.
3. Name: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul Type: sight Why go: Admire the stunning twin towers and Gothic architecture. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Petrov hill. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free entry to the nave. Getting there: Short walk from the Vegetable Market. Tip: The bells ring at 11:00 AM to honor a 1645 legend. Visit the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul for the best interior views.
4. Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: experience Why go: Visit a UNESCO World Heritage site of modern architecture. Best for: Design enthusiasts. Where: Černopolní street. Time: 2 hours. Cost: High. Getting there: Take tram 9 or 11 from the center. Tip: You must book Villa Tugendhat tickets several months in advance.
5. Name: Labyrinth Under Vegetable Market Type: experience Why go: Walk through medieval tunnels used for food storage and alchemy. Best for: Adventure seekers. Where: Zelný trh square. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Located in the central market square. Tip: Wear a light jacket as the labyrinth under Vegetable Market is quite cool.
6. Name: Brno Ossuary Type: experience Why go: See the second largest collection of skeletal remains in Europe. Best for: Those interested in unique history. Where: Under St. James Church. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Near Náměstí Svobody. Tip: The Brno Ossuary St. James is a very somber and respectful site.
7. Name: Capuchin Crypt Type: museum Why go: View the naturally mummified remains of Capuchin monks. Best for: Mature travelers. Where: Kapucínské náměstí. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Low. Getting there: Near the Old Town Hall. Tip: The Capuchin Crypt Brno shows the fragility of life.
8. Name: 10-Z Bunker Type: experience Why go: Experience a Cold War shelter built for the city elite. Best for: History fans. Where: Husova street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Located at the base of Špilberk hill. Tip: You can stay overnight in the bunker for a unique experience.
9. Name: Brno Astronomical Clock Type: sight Why go: See the modern black stone clock that releases marbles. Best for: Quick photo stops. Where: Náměstí Svobody. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: The main square of the city. Tip: Be there at 11:00 AM to try and catch a glass marble.
10. Name: Brno Reservoir Type: day trip Why go: Enjoy boat rides and swimming in a large lake. Best for: Nature lovers and families. Where: Bystrc district. Time: Half-day. Cost: Free (boat rides extra). Getting there: Take tram 1 to the Bystrc stop. Tip: Combine this with a visit to the nearby Veveří Castle.
11. Name: VIDA! Science Centre Type: indoor Why go: Interact with over 180 science exhibits in a fun way. Best for: Families with children. Where: Near the Brno Exhibition Centre. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Take tram 1 to Výstaviště. Tip: It is a perfect activity for a rainy afternoon.
12. Name: Denis Gardens Type: viewpoint Why go: Relax in a beautiful park with great city views. Best for: Couples and casual walkers. Where: Near Petrov hill. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Short walk from the main station. Tip: This is the best spot to watch the sunset over the city.
13. Name: Moravian Gallery Type: museum Why go: See a wide range of fine arts and applied design. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Multiple locations in the center. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Varies by exhibition. Getting there: Most buildings are near the ring road. Tip: Check the Governor's Palace for classical art collections.

Practical Tips for Visiting Brno in 2026

Planning a trip to Brno is straightforward. The city is very walkable. You can reach most historic sites on foot. For longer trips, use the excellent public transport. You can check schedules on the official DPMB - Brno Public Transport website. Tickets are easy to buy via contactless cards on trams.

Brno is less crowded than Prague. However, 2026 will see many visitors. It is wise to book popular sites early. This is especially true for the Villa Tugendhat. You should also check the Go To Brno portal for events. They list local festivals and seasonal markets. This helps you avoid or join the crowds.

The local currency is the Czech Koruna (CZK). Most shops and restaurants accept credit cards. However, keep some cash for small market stalls. Most locals speak some English. Learning a few Czech words is always appreciated. Start with "Dobrý den" for hello. It goes a long way with the friendly residents.

Safety in Brno is very high. It is a safe city for solo travelers. Standard precautions apply in crowded areas. Be aware of your surroundings at the main station. Overall, the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. You will find plenty of great cafes and bars. Brno is famous for its vibrant coffee culture. Make sure to take breaks and enjoy the local scene.