Brno Old Town Hall Tower: 173 Steps and City Views
During my half-day in Brno, one of my favorite stops was the Old Town Hall Tower. After climbing 173 steps, I reached the narrow observation platform and had a 360-degree view over the historic center.
For me, this was the best viewpoint I visited in Brno. I could clearly see the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, Zelný Trh, Špilberk Castle, the Church of St. James, and other parts of the city.
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About Brno Old Town Hall
Brno’s Old Town Hall is one of the city’s most historic buildings. Parts of the complex date to the 13th century, and the tower rises about 63 meters above the city.
The entrance is on Radnická Street near Zelný Trh (Vegetable Market). I reached the Old Town Hall on foot while exploring central Brno.
If you are using public transportation, official Brno visitor information lists Zelný trh as the nearest stop.
Before heading up the tower, be sure to look inside the passageway beneath Old Town Hall. This is where you will find the famous Brno Dragon, which is actually a preserved crocodile hanging from the ceiling.
Tickets for the Brno Old Town Hall Tower
I purchased my ticket inside Old Town Hall. There was no line during my visit, and the employee at the ticket counter helped print my ticket and pointed me in the direction of the tower.
Official Brno visitor materials currently list tower admission at:
- Adults: 90 CZK
- Reduced admission: 50 CZK
- Children under 6: Free
- BRNOPAS: Free admission
Opening hours vary by season, so I recommend checking the official Brno Old Town Hall website before visiting.
Climbing the 173 Steps
There are 173 steps between the entrance and the top of the Old Town Hall Tower. I wouldn’t consider myself to be in peak shape, but I found the climb manageable. I simply took my time on the way up.
The staircase was also easier than some of the narrow, winding church towers I have climbed during my travels. Many of the steps were wooden and fairly wide. There are a few exhibits along the way, which gave me something to look at while taking a short break from climbing.
The biggest challenge came after reaching the top. The observation platform is extremely narrow, and there isn’t much room for people to pass each other. If climbing stairs is difficult for you, the 173-step climb is something to consider before purchasing a ticket.
Views from the Old Town Hall Tower
Once I reached the observation platform, I walked around the tower to see Brno from every direction. One of my first views was toward the Church of St. James, which was undergoing renovations during my August 2024 visit. Nearby, I had a great view of the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, with Zelný Trh visible below.
Looking away from Brno’s historic center, I noticed two large chimneys and the Špitálka cooling tower, which initially reminded me of a nuclear cooling tower. From another side of the platform, I could see Špilberk Castle and St. Michael’s Church. The mix of historic landmarks and more modern parts of Brno was one of the things I enjoyed about walking around the tower.
Photographing Brno from the Tower
I spent quite a bit of my time at the top taking photographs. In addition to the major landmarks, I enjoyed photographing the rooftops, streets, and buildings immediately surrounding Old Town Hall.
One of my favorite photos showed the unusual wavy façades along Průchodní Street.
I also recommend looking straight down from the platform. Some of my favorite views were of the streets and buildings directly below rather than the major landmarks in the distance.
Having a zoom lens was helpful for photographing the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul and some of the smaller architectural details around Brno.
Is the Brno Old Town Hall Tower Worth Visiting?
For me, the Old Town Hall Tower was worth visiting.
The 173-step climb wasn’t especially difficult, and the view from the top was my favorite view of Brno. I also liked that the tower gave me a better understanding of how compact the historic center is and where the different landmarks were located.
The narrow observation platform may be uncomfortable when it is crowded, but it wasn’t a major problem during my visit.
If you enjoy viewpoints or photography, I think the Old Town Hall Tower is an easy attraction to add while exploring central Brno.
What Else Is Near Brno Old Town Hall?
There are several other attractions within a short walk of Old Town Hall. The Brno Dragon hangs in the passageway directly below the tower, while Zelný Trh is just around the corner.
At Zelný Trh, I also visited the Labyrinth Under the Vegetable Market, a network of historic cellars beneath the square. The Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, Brno Astronomical Clock, and Náměstí Svobody are also nearby.
During my visit, an African music festival was taking place in the Old Town Hall courtyard. It was an unexpected addition to my afternoon and made the area especially lively.
Video Highlights from Brno Old Town Hall Tower
I also filmed my climb to the top of the Old Town Hall Tower. The video shows parts of the 173-step climb as well as the views from the narrow observation platform.
Brno City Tours
I explored Brno independently, but a guided city tour could be useful if you want more historical information or have additional time in the city.
Below are several Brno tours available through Viator. I am a Viator affiliate, which means I may earn a commission if you book through one of my links at no additional cost to you.