The Golden Age of Functionalism in Brno

In the 1920s, Brno became a laboratory for the functionalist movement. Architects rejected ornate decorations for simple, useful designs. They believed that buildings should serve the people who use them. This philosophy transformed the city's skyline and its social life.

Cafes were the heart of this transformation. Many historic cafes in Brno Old Town adopted this modern look. They used steel, glass, and concrete to create bright, open spaces. These venues became meeting points for artists, thinkers, and business leaders.

The era brought a sense of optimism to the Moravian capital. Even today, the city feels like an open-air museum. You can see this legacy in private villas and public spaces alike. It is a testament to the city's forward-thinking spirit during the interwar period.

10 Iconic Functionalist and Historic Cafes in Brno

To truly understand the city, you must visit its architectural gems. Here are the top picks for your next coffee break. These locations combine great caffeine with stunning design.

• Best overall: Cafe Era
• Best for families: Confectionery Kolbaba
• Best rainy-day: Kavárna Savoy
• Best free view: Alfa Passage

1. Name: Cafe Era Type: Cafe & Architectural Sight Why go: It is the purest example of functionalist cafe design in the city. Best for: Architecture enthusiasts and design lovers. Where: Černá Pole neighborhood. Time: 1–2 hours. Cost: $5–$15 for coffee and cake. Getting there: Tram 9 or 11 to the Tomanova stop. Tip: Look for the iconic red spiral staircase inside.
2. Name: Villa Tugendhat Cafe Type: UNESCO World Heritage Site Why go: This is the most famous functionalist building in the world. Best for: History buffs. Where: Černá Pole. Time: 2–3 hours. Cost: Tours require paid tickets; gardens are cheaper. Getting there: A short walk from Cafe Era. Tip: You must book tours months in advance on the official UNESCO site.
3. Name: Kavárna Savoy Type: Historic Cafe Why go: It features a stunning restored functionalist interior from 1929. Best for: A sophisticated afternoon tea. Where: Near Jakubské náměstí. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walking distance from the main square. Tip: Try their traditional Czech pastries.
4. Name: Hotel Avion Cafe Type: Narrow Hotel & Cafe Why go: It is one of the narrowest functionalist hotels in Europe. Best for: Seeing clever use of small spaces. Where: Česká Street. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Low to moderate. Getting there: Central location near tram hubs. Tip: The facade is a masterpiece by architect Bohuslav Fuchs.
5. Name: Zemanova kavárna Type: Reconstructed Pavilion Why go: It is a faithful replica of the first functionalist building in Brno. Best for: A quiet park setting. Where: Koliště Park. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Affordable. Getting there: Short walk from Janáček Theatre. Tip: Great for a sunny afternoon outdoors.
6. Name: Confectionery Kolbaba Type: Sweet Shop Why go: Famous for its functionalist interior and legendary "Větrník" cakes. Best for: Families and dessert lovers. Where: Kounicova Street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: $4–$10. Getting there: Easy tram access from the center. Tip: Their cakes are considered some of the best in Brno.
7. Name: Alfa Passage Cafe Type: Indoor Arcade Why go: The passage itself is a functionalist landmark with a great vibe. Best for: People watching. Where: Poštovská Street. Time: 30–60 minutes. Cost: Budget-friendly. Getting there: Right in the heart of the Old Town. Tip: Check out the vintage cinema posters nearby.
8. Name: Cafe Pilát Type: Unique Experience Why go: It blends historic walls with modern, functionalist-inspired elements. Best for: Evening drinks and Mediterranean snacks. Where: Petrov Hill. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walk up from Zelný trh. Tip: The terrace offers lovely views of the cathedral.
9. Name: Podobrazy Type: Art Cafe Why go: Located in the Governor's Palace, it mixes baroque and modern styles. Best for: Art students and creatives. Where: Moravské náměstí. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Low. Getting there: Central tram stop Moravské náměstí. Tip: Visit the Moravian Gallery in the same building.
10. Name: Cafe Momenta Type: Modern Experience Why go: While newer, it respects the functionalist spirit of the Vegetable Market. Best for: Fresh breakfasts. Where: Zelný trh. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walking distance from the train station. Tip: Sit outside to watch the daily market bustle.

The History of Cafe Era and Its Architecture

The history of Cafe Era and functionalist cafes Brno is incomplete without mentioning Josef Kranz. He designed Cafe Era in 1928 as a private residence and public cafe. The building is a perfect example of the "Lesser Functionalism" style. It uses simple geometric shapes and a bright, airy layout.

For many years, the building fell into disrepair during the communist era. It was used as a storage space and lost its luster. Thankfully, a major restoration in 2011 brought it back to life. Every detail was carefully recreated to match the original 1920s vision.

The interior is famous for its blue and red color scheme. These colors guide the eye through the open-plan floors. It remains a favorite spot for locals to work and relax. Visiting Cafe Era feels like stepping back into a more hopeful time.

Planning Your Functionalist Architecture Tour

Brno is a very walkable city, especially in the center. To see the functionalist sites, you can follow a historic walk in Brno. Most cafes are within a 20-minute walk of each other. For further spots like Cafe Era, use the excellent public transport system.

The DPMB - Brno Public Transport website provides easy schedules. You can buy tickets using a contactless card on any tram. This makes exploring the outer neighborhoods very simple and cheap. Aim to visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds at popular spots.

If you have more time, consider a self-guided walking tour Brno. This allows you to set your own pace between coffee stops. Don't forget to bring a camera, as the lighting in these cafes is perfect for photography. You will find plenty of inspiration in the clean lines of Moravia.