Iconic Towers in the City Center

The city center is home to some of the most historic structures in Moravia. Climbing these towers gives you a direct look at the bustling squares below. You can see the intricate details of the surrounding Baroque buildings. These spots are perfect for travelers who love history and architecture. Most are located within walking distance of each other. This makes it easy to visit several in one afternoon. Don't forget to bring your camera for these classic shots.

• Best overall: Old Town Hall Tower
• Best for families: Denis Gardens
• Best free view: Petrov Hill
• Best for history: Špilberk Castle

1. Name: Old Town Hall Tower Type: sight Why go: It is the oldest secular building in Brno with a 63-meter tower. Best for: 360-degree views of the main squares. Where: Radnická street, City Center. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee (approx. 100 CZK). Getting there: Walk from Freedom Square. Tip: Look for the legendary Brno dragon in the entrance passage before climbing the Old Town Hall Tower.
2. Name: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul Type: sight Why go: These twin Neo-Gothic towers are the most famous part of the city skyline. Best for: Seeing the castle and the southern part of the city. Where: Petrov Hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate fee for tower access. Getting there: A short uphill walk from Zelný trh. Tip: The views from St. Peter and Paul Cathedral towers are best in the late morning light.
3. Name: Denis Gardens Type: experience Why go: This was the first public park in Moravia and offers a peaceful terrace. Best for: Relaxing while looking at the Špilberk fortress. Where: Below the Cathedral. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walkable from the main train station. Tip: Check the Go To Brno portal for seasonal events held in the gardens.

Historic Castles and Best Viewpoints in Brno

Brno’s history is tied to its defensive positions on high ground. The hills around the center offer some of the best viewpoints in Brno today. These locations combine military history with breathtaking scenery. You can walk along ancient walls while looking down at modern city life. It is a great way to understand the layout of the region. These sites are often less crowded than the main shopping streets. They provide a quiet escape with plenty of fresh air.

1. Name: Špilberk Castle Ramparts Type: sight Why go: The castle was once a feared prison but now offers the city's widest panorama. Best for: Sunset photos and historical exploration. Where: Špilberk Hill. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Free to walk the grounds; fee for museum. Getting there: Walk up through the park from Husova street. Tip: Consider visiting Špilberk Castle in the evening when the walls are beautifully lit.
2. Name: Petrov Hill Type: experience Why go: This hill is the spiritual heart of the city with cobblestone paths and hidden corners. Best for: Romantic walks and seeing the old city walls. Where: Adjacent to the Cathedral. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walking distance from any central location. Tip: Many of the free things to do in Brno start right here on Petrov Hill.

Green Parks and Scenic Vistas

Locals love to spend their weekends in the many parks surrounding the center. These green spaces offer a different perspective of the city skyline. You can see the spires poking out from a sea of green trees. These spots are ideal for a picnic or a slow stroll. They are very popular during the autumn when the leaves change color. Many of these parks also have small cafes nearby. You can grab a coffee and enjoy the view for hours.

1. Name: Kraví hora Park Type: experience Why go: Known as "Cow Hill," it features a planetarium and wide open grassy slopes. Best for: Watching the sunset over the city rooftops. Where: Masaryk District. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take Tram 4 to the final stop. Tip: The sunset spots at Kraví hora Park are a local favorite for student gatherings.
2. Name: Wilson Forest Type: nature Why go: A large forested park that feels far away from the city noise. Best for: Nature lovers and morning joggers. Where: Žabovřesky district. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Use the DPMB public transport to reach the forest edge. Tip: Look for the wooden lookout points hidden among the trees for the best views.

Modern Architecture and Lookout Towers

Brno is world-famous for its functionalist architecture. Some of these modern buildings offer unique vantage points. They show a different side of the city's personality. Beyond the buildings, new lookout towers have been built in the outskirts. These steel structures provide the highest views available. They are perfect for those who enjoy a bit of a hike. The contrast between the old center and these modern towers is fascinating. It shows how Brno continues to grow and change.

1. Name: Villa Tugendhat Garden Type: experience Why go: This UNESCO site offers a unique view of the city through the lens of modernism. Best for: Architecture fans and garden lovers. Where: Černá Pole. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Garden entry is cheap; house tours are expensive. Getting there: Tram 3, 5, or 9 to Dětská nemocnice. Tip: You must book Villa Tugendhat tours months in advance, but garden tickets are easier to get.
2. Name: Holedná Lookout Tower Type: sight Why go: A 35-meter tall steel tower located in a wild deer park. Best for: Seeing the entire Brno basin and surrounding forests. Where: Kohoutovice/Jundrov border. Time: 3 hours (including the hike). Cost: Free. Getting there: Bus to Starý Lískovec or Jundrov and then hike. Tip: Visit the Visit Czechia site for trail maps to the tower.

Nature Escapes and Water Views

If you want to escape the city entirely, head to the water. The outskirts of Brno offer beautiful natural scenery. The rolling hills around the reservoir provide a dramatic backdrop. This area is a hub for recreation and relaxation. You can see the reflection of the hills in the water on a calm day. It is the perfect place to end your tour of Brno's best views. The atmosphere here is very different from the historic center.

1. Name: Brno Reservoir Hills Type: day trip Why go: The dam is surrounded by high banks and the Veveří Castle. Best for: A full day of nature and scenic boat trips. Where: Bystrc district. Time: 4-6 hours. Cost: Free; boat tickets vary. Getting there: Tram 1 to Přístaviště. Tip: Exploring the Brno Reservoir recreational activities is best during the summer months.