Planning Your Self Guided Brno Architecture Walking Tour Map

Brno is very walkable, but some sites are in quiet residential areas. Most visitors start in the historic center near the main train station. You should wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestone streets. The city is especially beautiful in late spring or early autumn. This is when the light hits the white facades perfectly.

At a Glance:

• Day 1: Villa Tugendhat, Villa Löw-Beer, and the Era Café.
• Day 2: City center palaces, the Exhibition Grounds, and the Central Cemetery.
• Logistics: Use the local tram system for longer distances.

Before you start, download a digital map of the city. Many of these buildings are private residences or offices. You can view most exteriors for free at any time. However, interior tours require planning. Check the Go To Brno portal for current event schedules in 2026.

Day 1: The Iconic Villas and Northern Modernism

Start your morning in the Černá Pole district. This neighborhood is home to the famous Villa Tugendhat. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. You must book tickets months in advance to see the inside. Follow these Villa Tugendhat booking tips to secure your spot.

Day 1:
Morning (09:00 – 12:00): Explore the grounds of Villa Tugendhat and the nearby Villa Löw-Beer. The gardens between them are now connected. You can walk through the park for free. Look for the clean lines and large glass walls that defined the era.

Afternoon (12:00 – 15:00): Walk ten minutes to the Era Café. This is a functionalist masterpiece with a stunning spiral staircase. It is the perfect place for a light lunch. Afterward, head toward the city center to see the Moravian Gallery buildings.

Evening (15:00 – 18:00): End your day at the Lužánky Park area. This is the oldest public park in the country. It is surrounded by beautiful 19th-century villas that contrast with the modern style. Grab a coffee at one of the local kiosks to rest your feet.

Day 2: City Center Gems and the Exhibition Grounds

Today you will explore the commercial side of modernism. The city center is packed with functionalist banks and department stores. Many of these are still in use today. You can see how the style integrated into daily urban life. Use your self guided Brno architecture walking tour map to navigate the busy streets.

Day 2:
Morning (09:00 – 12:00): Visit the Avion Hotel on Česká Street. It is one of the narrowest hotels in Europe. Then, walk to the Moravian Bank on Freedom Square. These buildings show the "White Brno" style perfectly. You can find more famous functionalist buildings in Brno besides Tugendhat along this route.

Afternoon (13:00 – 16:00): Take Tram 1 to the Brno Exhibition Centre (BVV). This massive complex was built in 1928. It features incredible pavilions with glass and steel roofs. Check if a trade fair is on, as this allows you to enter the grounds. If not, the exterior of Pavilion A is still worth the trip.

Evening (16:00 – 18:00): Take a short tram ride to the Brno Central Cemetery official site. This might sound unusual, but the ceremonial hall is a functionalist treasure. It was designed by Bohuslav Fuchs. The peaceful atmosphere is a great way to end your architecture tour.

Logistics for Your Brno Functionalist Architecture Route

Navigating Brno is simple thanks to an efficient transit network. You can buy tram tickets using a contactless credit card on any vehicle. Simply tap when you enter and tap when you exit. Check the DPMB - Brno Public Transport site for route maps. Most architecture sites are within zones 100 and 101.

If you prefer walking, the city center is compact. However, the walk from the center to the villas is uphill. We recommend taking the tram for that specific leg. For more general travel advice, see our Brno sightseeing guide. Always carry a bottle of water, as Brno can get warm in the summer.

Optional Swaps: If it rains, spend more time inside the Moravian Gallery. It has excellent permanent exhibits on modern design. For a low-budget day, skip the interior villa tours. The exterior architecture is still very impressive from the street. You can see the best of Brno without spending much money.