Top Stops for Your Brno Hidden Passages Walk

The city center is dense with interconnected buildings. Most passages are open during business hours. They provide a unique perspective on Moravian urban life. Here are the top 10 locations to include on your route.

• Best overall: Alfa Passage
• Best for history: Old Town Hall
• Best for modern style: Omega Passage
• Best for quiet: Typos Passage

1. Name: Alfa Passage Type: Functionalist arcade Why go: It is the most famous passage in the city. The glass roof and sleek lines are iconic. Best for: Architecture fans and coffee lovers. Where: Between Poštovská and Jánská streets. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free to enter. Getting there: Walk from Freedom Square (Náměstí Svobody). Tip: Visit the Alfa Cinema entrance to see original 1930s details. This is a highlight of any Brno functionalism architecture walk.
2. Name: Jalta Passage Type: Historic arcade Why go: This passage has a rich history as a social hub. It recently underwent renovation to restore its former glory. Best for: Seeing the mix of old and new Brno. Where: Dominikánské náměstí. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located right next to the New Town Hall. Tip: Look for the small art gallery spaces often tucked into the windows.
3. Name: Old Town Hall Passages Type: Medieval courtyard Why go: You can see the famous Brno Dragon and the crooked turret. The courtyards lead to hidden seating areas. Best for: First-time visitors. Where: Radnická street. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free (climbing the tower costs extra). Getting there: Two minutes south of the main square. Tip: Check the Go To Brno portal for seasonal events held in the courtyard.
4. Name: Omega Building Passage Type: Modern glass passage Why go: It offers a sharp contrast to the surrounding historic buildings. The light-filled space is great for photos. Best for: A quick shortcut during rain. Where: Náměstí Svobody. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Entry is directly on the main square. Tip: Take the elevator to the upper floors for a unique view of the square.
5. Name: Pasáž Slunce (Passage of the Sun) Type: Shopping passage Why go: It is a quiet link between the vegetable market and the shopping district. It feels very local. Best for: Finding niche boutiques. Where: Near Zelný trh. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Enter from the square with the Parnas fountain. Tip: Stop at the small wine shop often found here for local Moravian bottles.
6. Name: Barvič a Novotný Passage Type: Literary arcade Why go: This passage is home to one of the oldest bookstores in the city. It has a very intellectual atmosphere. Best for: Bookworms and stationery fans. Where: Česká street. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Accessible from the main pedestrian street, Česká. Tip: The interior woodwork is beautifully preserved and worth a photo.
7. Name: Typos Passage Type: Residential courtyard Why go: It is one of the quietest spots in the center. It connects Běhounská street with a hidden inner block. Best for: Escaping the city noise. Where: Běhounská street. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Look for the modest entrance near St. James Church. Tip: This is a perfect spot for a quiet conversation away from crowds.
8. Name: Rozkvět Passage Type: Commercial arcade Why go: It features a large atrium with plenty of natural light. It is a great example of late 20th-century urban design. Best for: Window shopping. Where: Náměstí Svobody. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Entry is on the corner of the main square. Tip: Use this as a warm shortcut during the winter markets.
9. Name: Špalíček Type: Multi-building complex Why go: This is a cluster of buildings with narrow alleys between them. It feels like stepping back into medieval Brno. Best for: Exploring narrow walkways. Where: Near the Vegetable Market. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk towards the Cathedral from Zelný trh. Tip: There are several great ice cream shops hidden in the corners here.
10. Name: Kapucínské náměstí Shortcuts Type: Religious courtyard Why go: These paths lead through the Capuchin monastery area. It is peaceful and historic. Best for: A contemplative walk. Where: Kapucínské náměstí. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: South of the Old Town Hall. Tip: Pair this with a visit to the Brno old town walking circuit for a full day of history.

Why Explore Brno Through Its Secret Passages?

The Brno hidden passages walk is more than just a shortcut. These spaces reflect the city's growth over centuries. In the medieval era, they were vital for defense and trade. Later, the functionalist movement turned them into social centers. Today, they house the best independent businesses in Moravia. Exploring them helps you understand the local rhythm. You will see how residents move through the city efficiently. For more information on the city's layout, check Visit Czechia for travel inspiration. These passages also offer great accessibility for those who want to avoid steep hills. If you have mobility needs, see our guide on accessible walks in Brno.

Practical Tips for Your Walking Tour

Plan your walk for a weekday if possible. Most passages are open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. On weekends, some smaller courtyards might close early. Always be respectful of residents living in the upper floors. Keep your voice down in the narrow corridors. Wear comfortable shoes as some floors are original stone. Using public transport is easy to reach the start of your walk. Check the DPMB public transport site for tram schedules. Most of these passages are within a 10-minute walk of each other. You can easily combine this with other Brno viewpoint walking itineraries for a full experience.