Best City Views in Brno: A Local’s Guide to Scenic Spots

Brno is a city defined by its hills. This unique geography creates incredible photo opportunities around every corner. Whether you are looking for romantic sunsets or historic panoramas, the best city views in Brno are diverse and accessible.

You can climb medieval towers in the center or hike up limestone quarries on the outskirts. This list covers the top 10 scenic spots you cannot exclude from your itinerary. Get your camera ready for the capital of Moravia.

Quick Picks:

Best overall view: Old Town Hall Tower
Best for sunsets: Kraví Hora Park
Best for hiking: Hády Quarry
Best free view: Denis Gardens

Key Takeaways

Old Town Hall offers the most iconic center view.
Kraví Hora is the local favorite for sunsets.
Most viewpoints are accessible by tram or short bus rides.
Wear comfortable shoes; Brno is hilly and involves cobblestones.

Historic Icons: Types of Views in Brno Center

The city center is compact and walkable. You can easily visit several of these major landmarks in a single afternoon. They offer the classic red-roof skylines that define the region.

These locations frame the best city views in Brno for history lovers. Expect some stairs, but the rewards are worth the effort.

Name: Old Town Hall Tower (Stará radnice) Type: Historic Sight Why go: This is the definitive 360-degree view of the historic core. You get a perfect line of sight to the cathedral. Best for: First-time visitors and photographers. Where: Radnická Street, City Center. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: ~100 CZK (check current rates). Getting there: Walk 3 minutes from Náměstí Svobody. Tip: Look for the Old Town Hall tower view gallery inside to see the legendary "Brno Dragon" hanging in the passage.
Name: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul (Petrov) Type: Religious Site Why go: The twin neo-Gothic spires dominate the skyline. Climbing the narrow stairs puts you right among the bells. Best for: Architecture fans and couples. Where: Petrov Hill. Time: 30–40 minutes. Cost: Small fee (~50 CZK). Getting there: Walk up from the main train station or vegetable market. Tip: The Petrov Cathedral tower climb is tight; leave bulky backpacks at your hotel.
Name: Špilberk Castle Ramparts Type: Historic Fortress Why go: The castle sits on a hill opposite the cathedral. The outer walls offer a wide panorama of the entire city basin. Best for: Families and history buffs. Where: Špilberk Park. Time: 1–2 hours. Cost: Free to walk the walls; museum entry is extra. Getting there: Hike up the steep paths from Husova Street. Tip: The Špilberk Castle ramparts lookout faces south and is perfect for golden hour photos.
Name: Denis Gardens (Denisovy sady) Type: Public Park Why go: It connects the cathedral area to the city center. The terraces overlook traffic hubs and distant hills. Best for: A quick, free photo stop. Where: Just below Petrov Cathedral. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram stop Šilingrovo náměstí. Tip: Relax on a bench at the Denis Gardens city overlook and spot the obelisk commemorating the Napoleonic wars.

Modern Heights & Rooftop Drinks

Brno isn't just medieval history. The city has a growing number of modern vantage points. These spots are perfect for seeing the urban sprawl from a different perspective.

Enjoy a drink or see the tallest building in the country. These locations offer a sophisticated way to enjoy the scenery.

Name: AZ Tower Type: Skyscraper Why go: It is currently the tallest building in the Czech Republic. The observation deck offers a unique industrial and urban view. Best for: Architecture geeks and curious travelers. Where: Heršpická Street (South Brno). Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Check website for open days/fees. Getting there: Bus or short taxi ride from center. Tip: The AZ Tower observation deck is not always open; check availability before you travel.
Name: Vegetable Market Rooftop (Tržnice) Type: Rooftop Terrace Why go: Located right on Zelný trh, this accessible roof offers close-ups of the Parnas Fountain and Petrov. Best for: Summer evening drinks. Where: Zelný trh (Vegetable Market). Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free access or cost of a drink. Getting there: Right in the pedestrian zone. Tip: This is one of the best rooftop bars in Brno during the warmer months, offering deck chairs and cocktails.

Nature & Hikes: Scenic Lookout Points

Local residents love to escape the concrete. The hills surrounding the city provide excellent hiking trails with rewarding vistas. You can see the whole city nestled in the valley.

Wear comfortable shoes for these locations. They are perfect for catching a sunset or a breath of fresh air.

Name: Kraví Hora (Cow Hill) Type: Park/Nature Why go: It offers one of the best angles of the castle against the skyline. Locals gather here for picnics. Best for: Sunsets and picnics. Where: Near the Observatory and Planetarium. Time: 1–2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram line 4 to konečná (end station). Tip: Explore the Kraví Hora park viewpoints near the swimming pool complex for the clearest sightlines.
Name: Hády Quarry (Lamelland) Type: Nature Hike Why go: A former limestone quarry that looks like a slice of the Mediterranean. The top offers a sprawling view of south Moravia. Best for: Hikers and dog walkers. Where: Northeast outskirts (Líšeň/Vinohrady). Time: 2–3 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Bus to Velká Klajdovka. Tip: The Hády quarry scenic hike is steep in parts, so bring water.
Name: Holedná Observation Tower Type: Forest Tower Why go: A relatively new steel tower rising above the trees in a game preserve. You might spot wild deer or mouflon. Best for: Families and nature lovers. Where: Holedná Game Reserve (Kohoutovice). Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Bus to Kohoutovice, then hike. Tip: Plan your route for the Holedná observation tower hike using offline maps as signals can be weak.
Name: Babí Lom Lookout Tower Type: Day Trip Hike Why go: A rocky ridge hike leading to a romantic stone tower. It feels like a real mountain adventure just outside the city. Best for: Active travelers. Where: Near Lelekovice (North of Brno). Time: Half-day trip. Cost: Free. Getting there: Train or bus to Lelekovice. Tip: The ridge is rocky and uneven; sturdy footwear is mandatory for safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best place to watch the sunset in Brno?

Kraví Hora is widely considered the best sunset spot. It faces the castle and cathedral, allowing you to see the sun dip behind the city's silhouettes. Alternatively, the Špilberk castle walls offer great western views.

Are there any free viewpoints in Brno?

Yes, many are free. Denis Gardens, Špilberk Castle ramparts (outside areas), and Kraví Hora are completely free. Hiking spots like Hády and Holedná are also free public access areas.

How do I get around to these viewpoints?

Brno has an excellent public transport system. You can use trams to reach most city center spots and buses for the outskirts. Check DPMB for schedules and connection details.

Finding the best city views in Brno is a rewarding way to explore the Moravian capital. From the historic heights of the Old Town Hall to the natural serenity of Holedná, there is a perspective for everyone.

Remember to check weather conditions before heading to the outdoor towers. For accurate opening times of paid attractions, visit the Go To Brno tourism portal. Pack your camera and enjoy the climb.

Official resources

Use these sources for official schedules, tickets, routes, and updates.

Go To Brno — Official tourism portal; unverified source.
City of Brno — Official municipal portal; unverified source.
UNESCO World Heritage - Villa Tugendhat — International heritage designation; unverified source.
Lonely Planet Brno — Major editorial travel guide; unverified source.
Visit Czechia — National tourism board; unverified source.
Brno-Tuřany Airport — Official airport authority; unverified source.