Brno City Guide – 15 Things to See and Do
Brno, the second-largest city in the Czech Republic, is a lesser-known destination that deserves more attention. Though it may not be as famous as Prague, Brno also offers a lot of history, culture, and modern attractions. Whether you’re into history, architecture, local culture, or renowned Czech beers, the city won’t disappoint. In this guide we’ll cover the best things to see and do in Brno, where to stay, how to get around, and more.
Brno, Czech Republic
Brno is located in the southern part of the Czech Republic and serves as the capital of the South Moravian Region. The city has a rich history dating back to the 11th century, when it was founded as a royal town.
Over the centuries, Brno has played a significant role in the country’s history, particularly as a center of trade and culture. Today, Brno is known for its vibrant arts scene, stunning architecture, and a laid-back atmosphere that contrasts with the hustle and bustle of larger cities like Prague.
Things to See and Do in Brno
1. Spilberk Castle
Spilberk Castle, perched on top of a hill overlooking the city, is one of Brno’s most iconic landmarks.
Originally built in the 13th century, the castle served as a royal fortress, and later as a notorious prison.
Today, it houses the Brno City Museum, where you can learn about the history of the castle and the city itself. The castle’s grounds also offer incredible panoramic views over Brno.
2. Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul
The Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul is a Gothic masterpiece that is a prominent part of Brno’s skyline. Located on Petrov Hill, this cathedral dates back to the 14th century and is one of the most important religious buildings in the Czech Republic.
The interior is just as impressive as the exterior, with intricate stained-glass windows, vaulted ceilings, and a beautifully ornate altar.
You can climb the towers for another great view of Brno. If you enjoy loud noises, aim to get up there on the hour to hear the bells ring!
3. Villa Tugendhat
Villa Tugendhat is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its radically modern architecture. It was designed by the renowned German-American architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.
The villa was completed in 1930 and is considered a masterpiece of functionalist architecture. The villa’s design emphasizes geometric shapes, simplicity and open space, with large glass windows offering stunning views of the garden and the city beyond.
Guided tours are available, providing insight into the villa’s history and architectural significance.
4. Ossuary
Beneath the Church of St. James lies one of Brno’s most eerie and fascinating attractions—the Ossuary. Only discovered in 2001, this underground chamber contains the remains of over 50,000 people, making it the second-largest ossuary in Europe after the Catacombs of Paris.
The bones, particularly the skulls, are arranged in intricate patterns, creating a hauntingly beautiful but somber scene.
5. Villa Stiassni
Another modern architectural gem in Brno is Villa Stiassni, a luxurious mansion built in the 1920s for a wealthy industrialist family. The villa, designed by architect Ernst Wiesner, combines elements of modernism and traditional styles.
The villa has an interesting but checkered history. The Stiassni family were Jewish and had to flee from the incoming Nazi occupation in 1938. The building was then confiscated by the Nazis and used as a casino.
Today, it serves as a cultural monument, and visitors can explore its beautifully preserved interiors and gardens.
6. Veveri Castle
Veveri Castle is a picturesque fortress located just outside Brno, near the reservoir. The castle dates back to the 11th century and has been carefully preserved and restored over the years.
You can explore the castle’s historic interiors, courtyards, and gardens, with some amazing views of the surrounding area. The best way to reach Veveri Castle is by taking a boat trip across the Brno Reservoir. The boat ride departs from Bystrc Dock and offers beautiful views of the rocky gorge as you approach the castle.
7. Underground Labyrinth
The Underground Labyrinth of Brno is a network of tunnels and cellars that date back to the Middle Ages. Located beneath the vegetable market (Zelný trh), these subterranean passages were originally used for storage and as a refuge during times of conflict and war.
Today, you can explore the labyrinth on guided tours that delve into the history of the tunnels and the various uses they served over the centuries.
8. 10-Z Bunker
For a journey into more recent history, the 10-Z Bunker is a Cold War-era nuclear shelter that was built beneath Špilberk Hill. The bunker was designed to protect the city’s elite in the event of a nuclear attack.
Today, it has been converted into a museum about the bunker’s history, along with exhibitions on Cold War history and life during the era.
More unbelievably, the bunker is also a hotel, and yes, you actually stay in one of the underground rooms. It’s not the most comforting place to lay your head on a pillow, but it’s certainly a unique experience. We’d recommend just staying the one night and checking in somewhere else for the rest of your trip.
9. Old Town Hall – Home of the Brno Dragon
Returning to activities above ground, the Old Town Hall is one of the oldest buildings in Brno, dating back to the 13th century. It’s famous for housing the Brno Dragon, a large crocodile that has become a symbol of the city.
According to legend, the dragon was a fearsome beast that terrorized the town before being slain. Today, the “dragon” hangs in the Old Town Hall, where visitors can view it along with the historic interior of the building. The hall also features a twisted tower that you can climb for a panoramic view of Brno.
10. Super Panda Circus – Cocktail Experience
One of the best cocktail bars we’ve seen anywhere is Brno’s Super Panda Circus.
This somewhat speakeasy-style cocktail bar offers an immersive experience that goes beyond just drinks.
Using a tablet, you’re taken on an interactive story making decisions as you go. Every now and then, based on your character and choices, the story suggests one of the many weird and wonderful cocktails on offer.
You don’t have to go with your destiny, you can choose any cocktail from a menu if you’d prefer, but the story way is more fun!
11. Brno Observatory and Planetarium
The Brno Observatory and Planetarium is a great attraction for those interested in astronomy and science. Located on Kraví hora (Cow Hill), the observatory offers a range of interactive exhibits, shows, and presentations about space and the universe.
It’s an educational and entertaining experience suitable for all ages. The planetarium’s digital projection system creates stunning visuals that transport visitors to distant stars and faraway galaxies.
12. Czech Beer Tasting
No visit to the Czech Republic is complete without sampling the local beer, and Brno is no exception. The city boasts a number of excellent breweries and pubs where you can taste a variety of Czech beers.
The most popular spot is the Starobrno Brewery, which has been brewing beer since 1872. You can take a tour of the brewery here, learn about the brewing process, and enjoy a tasting session.
13. Astronomical Clock
The Astronomical Clock in Brno is one of the city’s more unusual attractions. Located in the main square (náměstí Svobody), this modern clock was installed in 2010 and has a strange black, bullet-shaped design.
The clock apparently displays the time in a rather abstract way, but we didn’t figure it out. However, the real attraction is the daily event at 11am, when a glass marble is released from the clock.
You can try to catch the marble as a souvenir, but it’s likely you won’t be the only one here, so it requires some luck.
14. Brno’s Unusual Statues
Brno is home to a vast number of quirky and unusual statues. There are over 800 marked on this Sculptures of Brno Map.
The most famous is probably the statue of the Horse Rider, located in the main square. This statue is particularly well-known for its unusual proportions, and a hilarious likeness to something else from below.
An area not to miss is Moravian Square (Moravské Náměstí) with a number of works including the model of Brno—a bronze map of the city in the 17th century.
15. Atlantis Spa
Atlantis Spa is an ideal place to unwind and rejuvenate after a long day of exploring Brno.
Part of the Atlantis Hotel, just a short journey from the city center, the spa offers a range of wellness treatments. There are a variety of saunas, including Finnish and infrared options, as well as a steam bath and a saltwater pool.
Day Trips from Brno
If you have more time and are looking for some day trips outside the city, two great options are Lednice for a castle and wine tour or Moravian Karst to see some of Czechia’s incredible cave systems.
Lednice Castle and Wine Tour
Lednice Castle is a stunning neo-Gothic chateau surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens.
The castle is part of the Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can tour the castle’s lavish interiors and explore the ruins, ponds, and greenhouses outside.
The surrounding region is known for producing some of the best wines in the Czech Republic. There are plenty of vineyards offering tours like the wonderful Annovino.
Moravian Karst Caves
The Moravian Karst region is a protected nature reserve located north of Brno, known for its extensive cave systems and dramatic limestone formations.
The most famous of these caves is the Punkva Caves, where you can take a boat ride along an underground river and see the breathtaking Macocha Abyss, a 138-meter-deep sinkhole.
The caves are an adventurous experience, showcasing the natural beauty of the Moravian region. Guided tours are available at most caves, and if you have spare time, the area is great for hiking.
Where to Stay in Brno
Brno has a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Here’s a few options based on price ranges.
Luxury: For a luxurious stay, consider the Hotel Grandezza, located in the heart of the city. This elegant hotel offers spacious rooms with stunning views of the main square and the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul.
Mid-Range: If you’re looking for a comfortable and affordable option, the Barceló Brno Palace is a great choice. It’s a historic building with modern amenities and central location.
Budget: For budget travelers, Hostel Eleven is a good option. It’s located in the heart of Brno’s historic center and offers both private rooms and dorms.
Unique: Also, as mentioned earlier, for the ultimate unique stay, don’t forget the nuclear fallout shelter 10-Z Bunker.
How to Get to Brno
Brno is well-connected to other cities in the Czech Republic and Europe, making it easy to reach.
It does have its own airport, Brno-Tuřany Airport (BRQ), which offers flights to several European destinations. From the airport, you can take a bus or taxi to the city center.
Brno is a major railway hub, with frequent train services to and from Prague, Vienna, Bratislava, and other cities. The main train station (Brno hlavní nádraží) is located right in the city center.
Getting Around Brno
Brno is a relatively compact city, making it easy to get around on foot or by public transport. Many of Brno’s main attractions are located within walking distance of each other, making it an ideal city for exploring on foot.
There’s an excellent public transport system, including trams and buses. Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines, but the most convenient way is to use a contactless card or Apple Pay directly on the bus or tram.
Taxis are another option throughout the city, though its best to use a ride-hailing app like Uber or Bolt. These apps also have electric scooters and bikes which are a quick way to cover short distances.
Brno FAQs
Is Brno Worth Visiting?
Brno may not be as famous as Prague, but it is absolutely worth visiting! It’s a city that combines history, culture, and modern attractions. The city is less crowded and more relaxed than the capital.
Is Brno Cheap or Expensive?
Brno is very inexpensive for a European city. Accommodation, food, and transportation all have cheap options, making it a budget-friendly destination. Overall, Brno offers great value for money.
How Many Days Are Enough in Brno?
Two to three days are enough to see the main attractions in Brno and get a feel for the city. If you’re interested in exploring the surrounding areas or taking day trips to nearby towns, consider staying for four to five days.
What is the Best Month to Visit Brno?
The best time to visit Brno is during the spring (April to June) or early autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the city is less crowded with tourists. Summer (July to August) is also a popular time to visit, but it can be hot and busier. Winter (December to February) is also a quieter time to visit, and they have Christmas markets.
Is Brno a Walkable City?
Yes, Brno is a very walkable city. Most of the major attractions are located in or near the city center, making it easy to explore on foot. The city center is pedestrian-friendly, with well-maintained sidewalks and plenty of places to stop for a coffee or snack.
Brno City Guide – 15 Things to See and Do
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