Why Climbing the Old Town Hall tower Brno is Essential

The Old Town Hall is the oldest secular building in the city. It dates back to the 13th century. Its entrance is famous for a crooked gothic pinnacle. Legend says the architect was not paid enough, so he left it bent. This quirky detail sets the tone for your visit.

Before you start climbing the Old Town Hall tower Brno, look up in the passage. You will see the famous "Brno Dragon." It is actually a preserved crocodile from the late 16th century. There is also a wooden wheel hanging nearby. These symbols are central to local folklore.

The tower itself stands 63 meters tall. You must climb a narrow wooden staircase to reach the gallery. The effort is rewarded with a 360-degree panorama. You can spot the Cathedral, Špilberk Castle, and the busy Vegetable Market below. It is the best way to orient yourself in the city.

10 Best Viewpoints in Brno for 2026

Brno offers diverse vantage points for every type of traveler. Here are our top picks for the best views in the city.

• Best overall: Old Town Hall Tower
• Best for history: Špilberk Castle
• Best for sunsets: Kraví Hora Park
• Best free view: Denis Gardens

1. Name: Old Town Hall Tower Type: Sight Why go: It offers the most central 360-degree view of the historic district. Best for: First-time visitors and photographers. Where: Radnická Street, City Center. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Approximately 100-150 CZK. Getting there: Walk 2 minutes from Liberty Square. Tip: Visit the tourist information office on the ground floor for free maps.
2. Name: Špilberk Castle Type: Experience Why go: This fortress dominates the skyline and offers views from its bastions. Best for: History buffs and families. Where: Špilberk Hill. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Free for grounds; fee for visiting Spilberk Castle museum. Getting there: A 15-minute uphill walk from Husova Street. Tip: The castle walls are perfect for a golden hour stroll.
3. Name: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul Type: Sight Why go: The twin towers provide a unique look at the Petrov district. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Petrov Hill. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small fee for tower access. Getting there: Walk up from the Vegetable Market. Tip: Read about the views from St. Peter and Paul Cathedral towers before you go.
4. Name: Denis Gardens (Denisovy sady) Type: Viewpoint Why go: It is a peaceful park with a colonnade overlooking the southern part of the city. Best for: Romantic walks and budget travelers. Where: Below Petrov Cathedral. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Accessible by foot from the city center. Tip: This is the best spot to see the trains entering the main station.
5. Name: Kraví Hora Park Type: Nature Why go: A hilltop park near the observatory with wide views of the castle. Best for: Families and picnics. Where: Masaryk district. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram 4 to the final stop. Tip: Check out the sunset spots at Kravi Hora park for amazing photos.
6. Name: AZ Tower Type: Sight Why go: It is the tallest building in the Czech Republic, offering a modern perspective. Best for: Fans of modern architecture. Where: Štýřice district. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate fee for the observation deck. Getting there: Tram 2 or 5 to Hluboká. Tip: The tower is located in the business district, so it is less crowded on weekends.
7. Name: Yellow Hill Reservoirs (Vodojemy Žlutý kopec) Type: Experience Why go: While underground, the park above offers a unique view of the surrounding villas. Best for: Those seeking hidden gems. Where: Žlutý kopec. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free for the park; fee for reservoir tours. Getting there: Bus 38 or 39 from the center. Tip: Book reservoir tours months in advance as they sell out fast.
8. Name: Holedná Lookout Tower Type: Nature Why go: A steel tower in a deer park offering views of the city outskirts and forests. Best for: Hikers and nature fans. Where: Jundrov district. Time: 3 hours (including hike). Cost: Free. Getting there: Trolleybus 37 to Kohoutovice. Tip: Look for wild boar and deer in the surrounding enclosure.
9. Name: Veveří Castle Type: Day trip Why go: A royal castle overlooking the Brno Reservoir and surrounding woods. Best for: A half-day excursion. Where: Near the Brno Reservoir. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: Free for grounds; fee for interiors. Getting there: Take a boat from Bystrc during the summer months. Tip: The bridge leading to the castle is very photogenic.
10. Name: Mahen Theater Balcony Type: Experience Why go: View the beautiful Malinovského Square from a historic cultural landmark. Best for: Culture seekers. Where: Malinovského náměstí. Time: Depends on the performance. Cost: Price of a theater ticket. Getting there: Tram 1, 2, or 4 to Malinovského náměstí. Tip: This was the first theater in Europe to have Edison’s electric light bulbs.

Practical Tips for Your Brno Adventure

Planning your visit helps you avoid crowds and save money. Most viewpoints are open year-round, but hours change seasonally. Check the Go To Brno portal for current opening times. Spring and autumn offer the clearest skies for photography.

Using public transport is the easiest way to reach distant spots. You can buy tickets using a contactless card on any bus or tram. Visit the DPMB - Brno Public Transport site for routes. Brno is a very walkable city, especially in the historic core.

For those interested in architecture, don't miss the famous villas. While not a high viewpoint, the garden of Villa Tugendhat offers a lovely vista. You can find more things to do in Brno to fill your schedule. Always carry a small amount of local currency (Czech Koruna) for smaller entry fees.