The Legend of Old Town Hall and Brno Dragon

The Old Town Hall is more than just a building. It is a symbol of local identity. You can find it on Radnická street. The most striking feature is the Gothic portal. It was created by Anton Pilgram in 1511. Look closely at the middle turret. You will see that it is crooked. Legend says Pilgram was not paid enough. He bent the stone turret as a form of revenge. This story is a favorite among locals and visitors.

Inside the passage, you will see the famous Brno Dragon. It is actually a preserved crocodile. A Turkish embassy gave it to the city in 1608. In the past, people believed it was a real dragon. It supposedly lived in the Svratka River and ate livestock. Next to it hangs a wooden wheel. A carpenter once made it in one day. He rolled it all the way from Lednice to Brno. You can learn more about these stories at the official tourism portal for the city.

12 Best Sights Near Old Town Hall and Brno Dragon

Brno is easy to explore on foot. Most major sights are within walking distance of the dragon. This list includes iconic landmarks and unique local spots. We have also included a few day trips for longer stays. Each item offers a different look at Moravian culture. Here are the top 12 things to see in Brno.

• Quick picks:
• Best overall: Spilberk Castle
• Best for families: VIDA! Science Centre
• Best rainy-day: 10-Z Bunker
• Best free: Zelný trh (Vegetable Market)

1. Name: Old Town Hall and Brno Dragon Type: sight Why go: This is the heart of Brno's legends. You can see the dragon and the crooked portal. The tower offers a 360-degree view of the city. Best for: Everyone. Where: Radnická 8. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free for the passage; small fee for the tower. Getting there: Walk from Liberty Square. Tip: Visit the tourist office inside for free maps.
2. Name: Spilberk Castle Type: sight Why go: This massive fortress sits on a hill. It was once a notorious prison for political rebels. Today, it houses the Brno City Museum. You can explore the dark casemates and enjoy the view. Learn more in our Spilberk Castle visiting guide. Best for: History lovers. Where: Spilberk Hill. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Moderate fee for interiors. Getting there: Walk up from Husova street. Tip: The castle gardens are free and great for sunset.
3. Name: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul Type: sight Why go: This cathedral dominates the Brno skyline. It is famous for ringing its bells at 11 AM instead of noon. This tradition dates back to the Swedish siege of 1645. The interior is stunningly peaceful. Check out our guide to the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Petrov Hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free entry; small fee for the towers. Getting there: 10-minute walk from Old Town Hall. Tip: Climb the towers for a close-up view of the spires.
4. Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: museum Why go: This is a masterpiece of modern architecture. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ludwig Mies van der Rohe designed it in 1928. It features an onyx wall and huge glass windows. You must book Villa Tugendhat tickets months in advance. Best for: Design enthusiasts. Where: Černopolní 45. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Higher than average. Getting there: Tram 3 or 5 to Dětská nemocnice. Tip: If tickets are sold out, you can still visit the garden.
5. Name: Zelný trh (Vegetable Market) Type: market Why go: This square has hosted a market since the 13th century. You can buy fresh produce and local honey. It is a great place to soak up the local atmosphere. The Parnas Fountain stands in the center. Best for: Foodies and photographers. Where: Brno City Center. Time: 30-60 minutes. Cost: Free to explore. Getting there: 2-minute walk from Old Town Hall. Tip: Try the local seasonal fruit in the summer.
6. Name: Labyrinth Under the Vegetable Market Type: experience Why go: Explore the tunnels deep beneath the square. These cellars were used for food storage and wine aging. The tour shows how medieval people lived. It is a cool escape from the summer heat. Best for: Families and curious travelers. Where: Zelný trh 21. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Entrance is on the square. Tip: Wear a light jacket as it is chilly underground.
7. Name: Brno Ossuary at St. James Church Type: museum Why go: This is the second-largest ossuary in Europe. It contains the remains of over 50,000 people. The atmosphere is respectful and haunting. It is a unique way to see the city's history. Read our guide on the Brno Ossuary. Best for: Dark tourism fans. Where: Jakubské náměstí. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walk from Liberty Square. Tip: Photography is allowed for a small extra fee.
8. Name: 10-Z Bunker Type: museum Why go: This was a secret nuclear fallout shelter. It was built for the city's elite during the Cold War. You can take a self-guided tour with a map. The bunker also features a retro bar. Book your 10-Z Bunker tour online. Best for: History buffs. Where: Husova street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Near the base of Spilberk Hill. Tip: Stay overnight in the bunker hostel for a unique experience.
9. Name: Capuchin Crypt Type: experience Why go: This crypt contains the mummified remains of monks and nobles. The natural air circulation preserved the bodies. It is a somber and fascinating site. It reflects the Baroque era's view of death. Best for: History lovers. Where: Kapucínské náměstí. Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: Low. Getting there: Near Zelný trh. Tip: Be respectful and maintain silence inside.
10. Name: VIDA! Science Centre Type: museum Why go: This is an interactive science park. It has over 180 exhibits for all ages. You can launch a rocket or experience an earthquake. It is perfect for a rainy day. Best for: Families with children. Where: Křížkovského 554/12. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Tram 1 to Výstaviště. Tip: Check the schedule for the science shows.
11. Name: Veveří Castle Type: day trip Why go: This romantic castle overlooks the Brno Reservoir. It is one of the oldest castle complexes in Moravia. You can hike in the surrounding forest. The views of the water are beautiful. Best for: Nature and castle lovers. Where: 15 km northwest of the center. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: Low for grounds; moderate for tours. Getting there: Take a boat from the Brno Reservoir dock. Tip: Visit in autumn for the best colors.
12. Name: Moravian Karst Type: nature Why go: This is a stunning protected landscape north of Brno. It features over 1,100 caves. The Punkva Caves allow you to take an underground boat ride. The Macocha Abyss is also a must-see. Best for: Adventurers. Where: Near Blansko. Time: Full day. Cost: Moderate (includes cave entry). Getting there: Train to Blansko, then a local bus. Tip: Book cave tickets weeks in advance.

Practical Tips for Visiting Brno in 2026

Planning a trip to Brno is easy. The city is very walkable. Most attractions are in the pedestrian zone. You can reach the Old Town Hall and Brno Dragon on foot from the station. For longer trips, use the excellent tram system. You can find schedules on the DPMB website. Most drivers accept contactless cards for tickets.

Brno is less crowded than Prague. However, 2026 will see many visitors. It is wise to book popular tours early. This is especially true for Villa Tugendhat. Many museums are closed on Mondays. Plan your itinerary to visit parks or the reservoir then. English is widely spoken in the city center. Most restaurants offer menus in English as well.