Why Visiting Villa Tugendhat Garden Without a Tour is Worth It

The garden ticket is the best-kept secret for last-minute visitors to Brno. It allows you to enter the grounds for a very small fee. You do not need to book this weeks in advance. You can simply show up and buy a ticket at the gate or the machine. This is perfect for those who want to see the exterior architecture.

From the garden, you get a clear view of the massive glass windows. These windows famously retract into the floor. You can also see the iron structure that supports the building. The garden itself is a peaceful space with historical significance. It was designed to blend perfectly with the house's interior spaces.

Another benefit is the connection to the neighboring villa. A gate connects the Tugendhat grounds to the Löw-Beer garden. This allows for a seamless walk between two historic properties. You can enjoy a coffee at the nearby cafe after your walk. It is a relaxing way to spend a sunny afternoon in Brno.

11 Best Sights to See in Brno and Beyond

Brno is a city full of architectural gems and hidden history. While the villa is a highlight, many other sites deserve your time. Here are the top picks for your 2026 itinerary. These include iconic landmarks, unique museums, and easy day trips.

• Best overall: Villa Tugendhat Garden
• Best for families: Špilberk Castle
• Best rainy-day: Brno Ossuary
• Best free: Lužánky Park

1. Name: Villa Tugendhat Garden Type: sight Why go: See the UNESCO-listed exterior and gardens without a prior booking. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Černá Pole neighborhood. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Low (approx. 50 CZK). Getting there: Tram 9 or 11 to Tomanova. Tip: Use the automated ticket machine if the queue at the desk is long.
2. Name: Villa Löw-Beer Type: sight Why go: This Art Nouveau villa belonged to the parents of Greta Tugendhat and features a great museum. Best for: History buffs. Where: Right next to Villa Tugendhat. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walk from Villa Tugendhat. Tip: The garden cafe here is much quieter than most city center spots.
3. Name: Lužánky Park Type: nature Why go: The oldest public park in the country, perfect for a stroll after visiting the villas. Best for: Relaxation. Where: Near the city center. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: 10-minute walk from Černá Pole. Tip: Look for the neo-Renaissance pavilion in the center.
4. Name: Špilberk Castle Type: sight Why go: A massive fortress offering the best panoramic views of the entire city. Best for: Photography and history. Where: On a hill overlooking the center. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Free for grounds; paid for casemates. Getting there: Walk uphill from Husova street. Tip: Read this Špilberk Castle sightseeing guide before you go.
5. Name: Brno Ossuary Type: experience Why go: The second-largest ossuary in Europe, located under St. James Church. Best for: Unique/dark tourism. Where: Jakubské náměstí. Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Central walking district. Tip: Visit the Brno Ossuary at St. James Church early to avoid crowds.
6. Name: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul Type: sight Why go: Iconic twin towers that define the Brno skyline. Best for: Architecture. Where: Petrov Hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free for nave; small fee for towers. Getting there: Walk from the main train station. Tip: The bells ring noon at 11:00 AM due to a local legend.
7. Name: Zelný trh (Cabbage Market) Type: market Why go: A vibrant daily market selling local produce, flowers, and crafts. Best for: Local atmosphere. Where: City center. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free to browse. Getting there: Short walk from the main square. Tip: Visit the Labyrinth under the market if you have extra time.
8. Name: Villa Stiassni Type: experience Why go: Another functionalist masterpiece with a stunning garden, often called the "Government Villa." Best for: Modernist design. Where: Pisárky district. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Take a bus or tram via the DPMB public transport network. Tip: Check the opening days as it is often closed for private events.
9. Name: Moravian Gallery (Governor's Palace) Type: museum Why go: Houses a vast collection of art from the Gothic period to the 19th century. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Moravské náměstí. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Central tram hub. Tip: Use the Go To Brno portal to check for current temporary exhibitions.
10. Name: Lednice-Valtice Complex Type: day trip Why go: A stunning UNESCO site featuring a Neo-Gothic chateau and massive landscaped gardens. Best for: Day trippers. Where: 50km south of Brno. Time: Full day. Cost: Moderate to high. Getting there: Train to Břeclav, then a local bus. Tip: Rent a bike to explore the many small structures in the park.
11. Name: Pernštejn Castle Type: day trip Why go: A perfectly preserved marble castle that looks like it belongs in a fairy tale. Best for: Medieval history. Where: 40km northwest of Brno. Time: 5-6 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Train to Nedvědice, then a 2km walk. Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for the steep walk up to the castle gates.

Essential Tips for Visiting Villa Tugendhat Garden Without a Tour

If you are visiting in 2026, keep a few things in mind. The garden is open year-round, but it can close during very bad weather. Check the official website on the morning of your visit. It is usually open from 10:00 AM until sunset. Tickets are sold at the main entrance desk.

Photography is allowed in the garden for personal use. You can get amazing shots of the villa's rear facade. The late afternoon light is best for capturing the glass and steel. Avoid visiting during the hottest part of the day in summer. There is very little shade on the main lawn.

Getting around Brno is very easy with public transport. You can buy tickets using a contactless card on any tram or bus. This makes reaching the Černá Pole district very simple. For more ideas on what to see, read our Brno sightseeing guide. It covers everything from food to hidden courtyards.