Top Highlights of Old Town Hall Brno

The exterior and entrance of the Old Town Hall Brno hold some of the city's greatest secrets. These features are accessible all year round. Most visitors start their journey right in the arched passage. This area is free to enter and very easy to find. You will see many people stopping here to take photos. The legends found here are known by every local resident. For more official details, you can check the Go To Brno tourism portal.

1. Name: The Brno Dragon Type: sight Why go: This is actually a stuffed crocodile from the 16th century. Legend says it terrorized the city until a clever citizen tricked it. It is the most famous symbol of the city. Best for: Families and fans of local folklore. Where: Hanging from the ceiling in the entrance passage. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Freedom Square (Náměstí Svobody). Tip: Look up as soon as you enter the passage.
2. Name: The Brno Wheel Type: sight Why go: This wooden wheel represents a legendary bet from 1638. A wheelwright claimed he could make a wheel and roll it from Lednice to Brno in one day. He succeeded and the wheel remains here today. Best for: History buffs. Where: Mounted on the wall in the entrance passage. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located right next to the Dragon. Tip: Read the plaque nearby to learn the full story of the bet.
3. Name: The Crooked Gothic Portal Type: sight Why go: Created by Anton Pilgram, this stone entrance features a bent middle spire. Legend says the city council didn't pay him enough, so he left it crooked on purpose. It is a masterpiece of late Gothic art. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: The main street-facing entrance. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Visible from Radnická street. Tip: Look closely at the intricate stone carvings of the figures.

Historic Rooms and the Observation Tower

The interior of the Old Town Hall Brno is just as impressive as the outside. You can purchase tickets to explore the upper floors and the tower. The climb is steep but worth the effort for the view. Inside, you will find rooms that hosted royalty and city leaders. The atmosphere changes from Gothic shadows to bright Renaissance light. It is one of the most rewarding indoor experiences in the city. You might also enjoy visiting the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul nearby for more history.

1. Name: The Old Town Hall Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: At 63 meters high, it offers the best 360-degree view of the city. You can see the castle, the cathedral, and the distant hills. It is the perfect spot for photography. Best for: Photographers and active travelers. Where: Access via the stairs inside the courtyard. Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: Approximately 100-150 CZK. Getting there: Follow the signs for the tower ticket desk. Tip: Go during the "golden hour" for the best lighting on the rooftops.
2. Name: The Fresco Hall Type: indoor Why go: This room features beautiful wall paintings from the late Gothic and Renaissance periods. It shows how the city's elite lived and worked centuries ago. The details in the artwork are remarkably preserved. Best for: Art historians. Where: On the first floor of the main building. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Included in the interior tour ticket. Getting there: Guided tour or self-guided path from the tower entrance. Tip: Ask the staff about the specific scenes depicted in the murals.
3. Name: The Crystal Hall Type: indoor Why go: This room offers a unique contrast to the old stone walls. It features modern glass elements and a striking chandelier. It is often used for high-profile city meetings. Best for: Fans of interior design. Where: Located within the historic administrative wing. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Included in the interior tour. Getting there: Part of the standard visitor circuit. Tip: Check the ceiling for the modern glass installations.
4. Name: The Treasure Chamber Type: museum Why go: This secure room holds historical artifacts and documents related to Brno's administration. You can see old keys to the city and official seals. It feels like stepping into a vault of the past. Best for: Serious history enthusiasts. Where: Ground floor area near the courtyard. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Included in the interior tour. Getting there: Entrance is through the main courtyard. Tip: Look for the display of the city's ancient weights and measures.

Events and Culture at the Town Hall

Old Town Hall Brno is not just a museum; it is a living space. The courtyard is a popular spot for locals to gather. Throughout the year, you can find various festivals and markets here. It is the heart of the city's tourism efforts. The staff here are very helpful for planning the rest of your trip. You can also find information about unique statues in Brno at the desk. The building truly bridges the gap between the past and the present.

1. Name: The Renaissance Courtyard Type: experience Why go: This open-air space features beautiful arcades and a peaceful atmosphere. In summer, it hosts an outdoor cinema and live music. It is a great place to escape the busy streets. Best for: Relaxing and cultural events. Where: The central open area of the Hall complex. Time: 30 minutes to 2 hours. Cost: Usually free to enter; events may have a fee. Getting there: Walk through the passage with the Dragon. Tip: Check the local event calendar for evening concerts in June and July.
2. Name: Tourist Information Centre (TIC) Type: activity Why go: This is the best place to get maps and expert advice. You can buy high-quality souvenirs that aren't just plastic trinkets. They also sell tickets for many other city attractions. Best for: New arrivals in the city. Where: Located directly in the Old Town Hall complex. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free to browse. Getting there: Look for the "i" signs near the entrance. Tip: Buy the "Brno Pass" here to save money on multiple sights.
3. Name: Seasonal Art Exhibitions Type: experience Why go: The Hall often hosts temporary art shows in its gallery spaces. These range from local photography to modern sculpture. It is a great way to see the work of living Moravian artists. Best for: Culture seekers. Where: Various gallery rooms within the complex. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Varies by exhibition (often 50-100 CZK). Getting there: Entrance is usually marked near the TIC. Tip: Ask at the information desk what is currently on display.

Planning Your Visit to Old Town Hall Brno

Visiting the Old Town Hall Brno is very straightforward for most travelers. It is located in a pedestrian zone, so walking is the best option. The building is open most of the year, but tower access is seasonal. Always check the weather before planning to climb the tower. If it is raining, the interior halls are a great alternative. For those staying further away, the DPMB public transport system is excellent. You can take a tram to the nearby Zelný trh stop. If you have more time, consider a trip to Spilberk Castle for more views.

The cost of visiting is very affordable compared to other European cities. You can see the main highlights like the Dragon and the Wheel for free. A small fee is required for the tower and the historic rooms. Group discounts are often available for families or students. Most signs are in both Czech and English. This makes it very easy for international tourists to navigate. The area around the hall is full of cafes and restaurants. You can easily spend half a day in this specific neighborhood.