24. April 2026
A Day in Zlín: What Can You See in One Day?
Spending a day in Zlín? Where to go and what to see? You might not be able to see absolutely everything in a single day, but we’ve put together a bucket list that will let you see a lot. You’ll learn how Baťa conceived Zlín, enjoy its exceptional architecture, and savor some great food. And there’s just enough to fit into a single weekday.
What can you see in one day in Zlín?
Start with the Bata Principle
Approx. 60–90 minutes
Start by visiting the 14|15 Bata Institute, located on the edge of the factory complex just a few steps from the train station. Today, the renovated factory buildings house the Museum of Southeast Moravia and the Regional Gallery of Fine Arts. At the museum, we recommend visiting the “Bata Principle” exhibition. It will help you understand how the entire Bata conglomerate came into being, as well as its unique management system. You’ll learn a lot about Zlín, and as a bonus, you’ll also see travel artifacts from Messrs. Hanzelka and Zikmund, as well as a glimpse into the work of the famous Zlín film studios in Kudlov.
Approx. 60–90 minutes
And while you’re here, be sure to stop by the +- Zlín exhibition at the Regional Gallery of Fine Arts. Zlín design, architecture, and contemporary art—all beautifully brought together in this new exhibition.
TIP: The museum and gallery are located in the same building, and you can usually see both in one visit. On the ground floor, there’s also a regional information center where you can pick up brochures and maps of ZAM Zlín and the Bata Region, as well as purchase Zlín-themed publications or merchandise.
Take a stroll through the factory grounds
Once you’re at the edge of the factory grounds (which the locals in Zlín refer to simply as “Svit”), don’t hesitate to wander among the factory buildings. Grab a coffee from Kavárna Továrna or, if you’re feeling adventurous, from the more secluded Jedním tahem coffee.
Approx. 45 minutes
One thing you definitely can’t miss is Building 21, nicknamed the Bata Skyscraper. Inside, you’ll find a mobile office in the elevator, the original executive floor, a paternoster, and a magnificent view of the entire city of Zlín from the terrace on the 16th floor.
Approx. 90 minutes
The Zlín Architectural Manual will be an excellent guide, offering a route through the Factory Complex.
TIP: During the summer season, the city of Zlín organizes guided tours called the Zlin Zone. One of them will even take you inside the factory buildings.
Lunch at the First Republic-era Department Store
The functionalist Department Store on Náměstí Práce was the most modern building of its kind in the country. Escalators, specialized departments, and modern cafeterias for employees of the Bata factories and the public. And after a thorough renovation, it continues to serve its purpose to this day. Stop by Bistrotéka Valachy or one of the other restaurants for lunch, grab a bite to eat at one of the bistros or pastry shops, or relax on the 10th floor at Galerie Desítka with its stunning views.
Let yourself be enchanted by the Tomas Bata Memorial
45 minutes
By far the most daring building in Zlín is the Tomas Bata Memorial, designed in 1933 by František Lýdie Gahura. The crystal-clear structure is a tribute to Zlín architecture and symbolically encapsulates not only Zlín’s urban planning but, above all, the modern ideas of the company’s boss and founder, Tomas Bata.
The open space of the memorial is not cluttered with display cases or information panels. You’ll find plenty of open space filled with symbols of Zlín. A Junkers F 13 aircraft is also on display here—the very plane in which Bata and his pilot, Jindřich Brouček, perished in 1932.
TIP: It’s a short walk from the Department Store, but you can take bus No. 31 from Náměstí Práce for one stop. Tickets to the Memorial are sold at the Infopoint in one of the adjacent buildings, which you can find by following the arrows. Tours begin on the hour from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Until the end of 2026, you can see the amazing exhibition “The Dream City” here.
An Afternoon at the Film Studios or Čiperova Villa
Approx. 120 minutes
Still up for it? Then let’s hop on public transportation and head to today’s final stop. We recommend that movie fans take bus no. 32 from Náměstí Práce to the Film Studios. Get off at the Film Studios Fabiánka stop and immerse yourself among the studio buildings, workshops, and editing rooms. Karel Zeman and Hermína Týrlová filmed here, and movies and TV series are still made here today. The complex also includes the Film History Cabinet, which you can visit Monday through Friday during opening hours by appointment.
Approx. 45 minutes
The second option is to head from Náměstí Práce to Burešov (buses 35 and 36 or trolleybuses 4 and 5 from Náměstí Práce, Školní Street, or Dlouhá Street), where the magnificent Čipera Villa is tucked away in a garden on a hill. The newly renovated villa of Bata director Dominik Čipera is a stunning example of English modernism in Zlín. Inside, you’ll find an exhibition dedicated to Dominik Čipera, tour the original interiors, and learn about Bata-style living as well as other executive villas in Zlín. It’s a spectacular experience.
Dinner: Sharing at Baltaci Sour
It’s been quite a day, hasn’t it? The perfect time to slip away somewhere for a good dinner and let all those experiences sink in a bit. We recommend heading to Baltaci Sour, located in the Baltaci Atrium Hotel on Lešetín. This new restaurant concept, featuring an open kitchen and dinners designed for sharing, offers a very relaxed evening where you can discuss what you liked best.
We recommend:
- The Bata's Zlín app
- City walks with the Zlín Architectural Manual
- Guided tours with locals called The Zlin Zone
Food & chill
In Zlín, you shouldn’t miss restaurants like Bistrotéka Valachy, Baltaci Sour, or Hotel Tomášov. You can find the 20+ best cafés on the Zlínsko and Luhačovicko destination blog. And if you’re more in the mood for something to eat on the go, we recommend Komenský Park, where you can grab a burger or a light snack and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a free afternoon in a beautifully renovated park.
Shopping and Souvenirs
Want to take home something truly Zlín-style? For souvenirs, head to the Zlín Information Center or the Regional Information Center, or for original design pieces, visit the Živý Zlín office at Zlín Castle. You can buy local delicacies at the Bistrotéka Valachy shop and fresh fruits and vegetables at the Tržnice pod Kaštany market.
