Things to Do in Villa Tugendhat
Villa Tugendhat, Česko - Complete Travel Guide
Villa Tugendhat in Brno, Czech Republic, stands as one of the most significant examples of modernist architecture in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. Designed by legendary architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and completed in 1930, this revolutionary villa represents the pinnacle of functionalist design with its open floor plan, floor-to-ceiling windows, and innovative use of materials like onyx walls and chrome-plated steel columns. The villa was commissioned by Fritz and Grete Tugendhat, a wealthy Jewish couple who fled Nazi persecution in 1938, leaving behind this architectural masterpiece that would become a symbol of modernist ideals.
Brno, the Czech Republic's second-largest city, serves as the perfect backdrop for this architectural gem, offering visitors a rich blend of historical sites, vibrant cultural scene, and excellent cuisine. The city combines Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture with modernist landmarks, creating a unique urban landscape that reflects centuries of cultural evolution. Beyond Villa Tugendhat, Brno offers medieval castles, underground tunnels, contemporary art galleries, and a thriving student atmosphere thanks to its numerous universities.
Top Things to Do in Villa Tugendhat
Villa Tugendhat Guided Tour
Experience the iconic UNESCO World Heritage modernist villa through expert-led tours that reveal the revolutionary architectural techniques and tragic history of the Tugendhat family. The tour includes access to the main living spaces with their famous onyx wall, retractable windows, and original Barcelona chairs designed by Mies van der Rohe.
Booking Tip: Book tours well in advance online (€12-15) as daily visitor numbers are strictly limited to preserve the villa. Tours run Tuesday-Sunday with English tours typically at specific times; arrive 15 minutes early and wear soft-soled shoes to protect the floors.
Špilberk Castle and Museum
Explore this 13th-century castle that served as a fortress, royal residence, and notorious prison throughout its history. The castle now houses the Brno City Museum and offers panoramic views over the city, plus exhibitions on local history and temporary art displays.
Booking Tip: Entry costs around €5-8 with discounts for students and seniors; visit in late afternoon for the best lighting for photos. The castle grounds are free to explore, and there's a pleasant restaurant on-site for refreshments.
Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul
Visit Brno's most recognizable landmark, famous for its twin Gothic spires and unique tradition of ringing noon bells at 11 AM. The cathedral offers stunning city views from its towers and houses beautiful frescoes and baroque altars.
Booking Tip: Cathedral entry is free, but tower access costs around €3-4 and requires climbing narrow stairs. Visit during weekday mornings for fewer crowds, and check the schedule for organ concerts which offer exceptional acoustics.
Brno Underground Tour
Descend into the extensive network of medieval cellars and tunnels beneath Brno's old town, including the famous Labyrinth under Cabbage Market. These underground spaces reveal centuries of history and include Europe's second-largest ossuary with over 50,000 human remains.
Booking Tip: Combined tickets for multiple underground sites cost €8-12 and offer better value than individual entries. Tours run year-round with consistent cool temperatures (bring a light jacket), and English audio guides are available.
Moravian Wine Tasting
Sample exceptional wines from the Moravian wine region at local wine bars and cellars throughout Brno. The region is known for excellent white wines like Riesling and Grüner Veltliner, as well as quality reds, often accompanied by traditional Czech appetizers.
Booking Tip: Wine tastings range from €15-30 per person depending on the number of wines and food pairings. Book evening sessions for the best atmosphere, and many venues offer English-speaking guides who can explain regional wine-making traditions.
Getting There
Brno is easily accessible by train, bus, or car from major European cities. The city's main railway station connects directly to Prague (2.5 hours), Vienna (1.5 hours), and Bratislava (1.5 hours) with frequent daily services. Brno-Turany Airport, located 15km from the city center, offers limited international flights, though most visitors fly into Prague (2 hours by bus/train) or Vienna (2 hours by car/bus). Regular bus services connect Brno to destinations across Central Europe, while the city sits conveniently on major highways for those traveling by car.
Getting Around
Brno has an excellent public transportation system consisting of trams, buses, and trolleybuses that efficiently connect all major attractions. Purchase tickets from machines, tobacco shops, or via mobile app (€1-2 for short journeys, day passes around €4). The historic city center is compact and walkable, with most attractions within 15 minutes of each other on foot. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available, while bike rentals offer an eco-friendly way to explore the city's parks and riverside paths along the Svratka River.
Where to Stay
Historic City Center
Petrov Hill Area
Veveří District
Žabovřesky
Černá Pole
Královo Pole
Food & Dining
Brno's culinary scene brilliantly combines traditional Moravian cuisine with modern international influences, reflecting the city's university town energy and cultural sophistication. Traditional restaurants serve hearty dishes like svíčková (beef sirloin with cream sauce), moravský vrabec (roast pork with sauerkraut), and excellent local wines from nearby vineyards. The city center buzzes with trendy bistros, craft beer pubs, and international restaurants, while the famous Cabbage Market hosts food stalls and the annual Christmas market. Don't miss trying burčák (young wine) in autumn, local Starobrno beer, and traditional koláče pastries from historic bakeries.
When to Visit
The ideal time to visit Villa Tugendhat and Brno is during late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) when weather is pleasant for walking tours and outdoor exploration, with temperatures ranging 15-25°C. Summer months offer the warmest weather and longest days but can be crowded with tourists, while winter provides a magical atmosphere with Christmas markets but limited daylight hours for sightseeing. Spring brings beautiful blooms to the city's parks and gardens, while autumn offers the bonus of wine harvest season with special tastings and festivals celebrating Moravian viticulture.
Insider Tips
Book Villa Tugendhat tours at least 2-3 weeks in advance, especially for weekend visits, as daily visitor limits mean tickets sell out quickly during peak season.
Visit the villa's garden area even if you can't get interior tour tickets - the exterior architecture and landscaping are impressive and free to view from the street.
Combine your villa visit with exploring the nearby Černá Pole district, which features other examples of functionalist architecture and pleasant cafes popular with locals.