Brno Old Town
Brno Old Town captivates with its historic charm, unique legends like the 'Brno Dragon,' and panoramic views from the Old Town Hall tower.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Brno Old Town
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Brno Old Town captivates with its historic charm, unique legends like the 'Brno Dragon,' and panoramic views from the Old Town Hall tower.
"Excellent views!! About 200 steps to walk to the top. Nice exhibits on the way up."
🎯 Climb the Old Town Hall Tower
Worth the steps for incredible city views! Exhibits on the way up add historical context. :climbing_woman:
🐉 Find the Brno Dragon
Look up in the Old Town Hall archway for the famous, slightly unsettling, taxidermied crocodile. :crocodile:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Old Town Hall Tower
Dominikánské náměstí
Climb for panoramic views of Brno's red rooftops and Gothic spires. Don't miss the quirky 'Brno dragon' legend.
The Brno Dragon
Old Town Hall Archway
A peculiar, taxidermied crocodile hanging in an archway, shrouded in local legend. A must-see oddity!
Old Town Square (Náměstí Svobody)
City Center
The vibrant heart of Brno, perfect for people-watching, enjoying cafes, and soaking in the city's youthful energy.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Brno Old Town
Navigating Brno's Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Climb the Old Town Hall Tower
Worth the steps for incredible city views! Exhibits on the way up add historical context. :climbing_woman:
🐉 Find the Brno Dragon
Look up in the Old Town Hall archway for the famous, slightly unsettling, taxidermied crocodile. :crocodile:
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
Cobblestone streets and tower stairs are best tackled with comfortable footwear. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture Aerial Views
Drones offer stunning perspectives of Brno's red rooftops and historic architecture. :camerawithflash: 
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Climb the Old Town Hall Tower
Worth the steps for incredible city views! Exhibits on the way up add historical context. :climbing_woman:
🐉 Find the Brno Dragon
Look up in the Old Town Hall archway for the famous, slightly unsettling, taxidermied crocodile. :crocodile:
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
Cobblestone streets and tower stairs are best tackled with comfortable footwear. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture Aerial Views
Drones offer stunning perspectives of Brno's red rooftops and historic architecture. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
Brno Old Town is compact and best discovered by wandering its charming streets. :walking:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Brno Old Town charming and rich in history, with the Old Town Hall tower offering excellent city views and the 'Brno Dragon' being a unique, albeit peculiar, attraction. While the views and historical exhibits are praised, some reviewers have noted unfriendly staff in the gift shop, detracting from the overall welcoming experience.
"I wouldn’t say it’s something impressive, but there is a crocodile hanging in the arch and it definitely attracts attention. You can go up the tower where there is a viewing platform. On the left there is a tourist info point."
Anya Nura
"Excellent views!! About 200 steps to walk to the top. Nice exhibits on the way up telling the history of the Old Town Hall and Brno. Don't forget to see the crocodile 🐊!"
Amy Stillwell-Cox
"Very nice view of the city center in Brno. Easy to climb even for children, the tickets are not too expensive. Definitely worth seeing while visiting the city."
Holden Wiggin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Brno Old Town is easily accessible by public transport. Trams and buses frequently stop near the main squares like Náměstí Svobody. If arriving by train, it's a pleasant walk or a short tram ride to the historic center.
Parking in the immediate vicinity of Brno Old Town can be challenging and expensive. It's recommended to use public transport or park in designated garages on the outskirts and walk or take a tram in.
Yes, the walk from Brno Hlavní nádraží (main train station) to the Old Town Square is about 15-20 minutes and is quite straightforward.
The best way to explore Brno Old Town is on foot. The historic center is quite walkable, allowing you to discover hidden alleys and charming squares at your own pace.
Yes, various guided tours are available, including historical walking tours and themed tours. Check with the local tourist information center for options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Brno Old Town Hall itself is free, but there's a fee to climb the tower for panoramic views. Tickets are reasonably priced and often include access to the exhibits on the way up.
Opening hours for the Brno Old Town Hall tower can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website or the tourist information center for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
For the Old Town Hall tower, booking in advance is generally not required, especially during off-peak times. However, during peak tourist season or special events, it might be advisable.
Yes, wandering through Brno Old Town Square, admiring the architecture, and seeing the Brno Dragon (from the outside) are free activities.
A ticket for the Old Town Hall tower typically includes access to the tower's observation platform and the historical exhibits displayed on the staircase and within the tower.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The 'Brno Dragon' is a taxidermied crocodile hanging in an archway of the Old Town Hall. Local legend says it was a fearsome beast that terrorized the town until a clever butcher tricked it.
From the Old Town Hall tower, you get stunning panoramic views of Brno's historic center, including red rooftops, churches, and the surrounding landscape.
Restrooms are typically available within the Old Town Hall complex, often near the ticket office or gift shop.
The climb involves approximately 200 steps. While manageable for most, it might be challenging for those with significant mobility issues.
The exhibits on the way up the tower showcase the history of the Old Town Hall, Brno's development, and local legends, including the story of the Brno Dragon.
📸 📸 Photography
The Old Town Hall tower offers incredible aerial shots. The Old Town Square, with its unique architecture and astronomical clock, is also a prime photo location.
Drone photography regulations can be strict in urban areas. It's advisable to check local ordinances and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone over Brno Old Town.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, provides beautiful lighting for photography in Brno Old Town, casting a warm glow on the historic buildings.
The 'Brno Dragon' (crocodile) and the quirky astronomical clock are unique photo opportunities that capture the distinctive character of Brno.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the squares and architecture, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details on buildings from the tower. A tripod can help with low-light shots. :camerawithflash:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Exploring the Old Town Square provides space for kids to move around, and finding ice cream or a treat at a local cafe is always a hit. While some historical exhibits might be less engaging for very young children, the overall atmosphere of discovery and the unique landmarks make Brno Old Town a fun outing for families. Consider a shorter visit focused on the tower and the dragon to keep younger ones entertained.
🚶 Budget Travelers
The climb up the Old Town Hall tower is reasonably priced, offering excellent value for the panoramic views. Eating at local 'hospody' (pubs) or bakeries can be very inexpensive, and the city's public transport is efficient and affordable. Brno generally offers a more budget-friendly experience compared to other major European cities.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2Don't miss capturing the unique architectural details in the Old Town Square, the intriguing astronomical clock, and of course, the famously peculiar 'Brno Dragon.' The city's blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles offers diverse photographic opportunities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of the Brno Dragon
Visitors often express surprise and amusement upon encountering the crocodile. It's a stark contrast to the elegant architecture surrounding it, making it a memorable and often-photographed sight. The tourist information point near the tower often provides more details about this and other Brno legends, adding to the immersive historical experience.
While some might find it a bit macabre, the Brno Dragon is undeniably a symbol of the city's unique character and its ability to blend history with a touch of the fantastical. It's a conversation starter and a testament to the enduring power of local folklore.
Views from the Old Town Hall Tower
As you ascend, the tower itself houses interesting historical exhibits that detail the history of the Old Town Hall and Brno. These displays offer context and make the climb more engaging, turning it into a mini-museum experience. The journey upwards is as much a part of the attraction as the final view.
For photographers, the tower offers unparalleled opportunities. The best times for capturing stunning shots are during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset, when the light bathes the city in a warm, inviting glow. Even during the day, the clear views provide a fantastic perspective for understanding Brno's urban fabric.
Brno's Youthful Vibe and Lifestyle
The lifestyle in Brno is characterized by a blend of historical charm and modern dynamism. While the Old Town boasts centuries-old architecture, the city also embraces contemporary culture, art, and innovation. This duality creates a unique atmosphere where history and modernity coexist harmoniously.
Travelers often note that Brno feels more authentic and less crowded than Prague, offering a more relaxed yet equally engaging experience. The city's affordability and friendly locals contribute to its appeal as a place to explore and enjoy without the overwhelming tourist crowds.
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