Brno Travel Guide | Things to Do in Česko

Brno, the Czech Republic's second-largest city, is a captivating blend of medieval charm and modern innovation that often surprises visitors with its vibrant cultural scene and architectural diversity. Located in the heart of Moravia, this university town pulses with youthful energy while maintaining its historical significance as a former textile manufacturing center. The city's skyline is dominated by the Gothic Špilberk Castle and the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, both perched on hills that offer panoramic views of the red-roofed cityscape below. Unlike Prague's tourist-heavy atmosphere, Brno offers an authentic Czech experience with excellent museums, thriving nightlife, and a renowned culinary scene that's gaining international recognition. The city serves as a perfect base for exploring the Moravian wine region, with numerous vineyards and wine cellars within easy reach. From its functionalist architecture masterpieces like Villa Tugendhat (a UNESCO World Heritage site) to its underground labyrinth of medieval cellars, Brno seamlessly weaves together centuries of history with contemporary Czech culture.

Top Things to Do in Brno

Explore Špilberk Castle and Museum

This 13th-century fortress turned baroque citadel houses the Brno City Museum and offers spectacular views over the city. The castle's dark history as a prison for political prisoners adds intrigue to your visit, while the museum showcases the city's rich cultural heritage. The surrounding park is perfect for a leisurely stroll and provides excellent photo opportunities.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 130 CZK for adults, with combination tickets available for multiple exhibitions. Visit in late afternoon for the best lighting for photos, and check for special exhibitions which may require separate tickets. Book online during summer months to avoid queues.

Tour the Underground Labyrinth

Beneath Brno's Cabbage Market lies one of Central Europe's largest underground complexes, featuring medieval cellars, tunnels, and storage areas dating back to the 12th century. The guided tour reveals fascinating stories about medieval life, trade, and the practical uses of these subterranean spaces. The constant cool temperature makes it a perfect escape during hot summer days.

Booking Tip: Tours cost approximately 150 CZK and must be booked in advance as group sizes are limited. English tours are available but less frequent, so check the schedule online. Wear comfortable shoes with good grip as some areas can be slippery.

Visit Villa Tugendhat UNESCO Site

This modernist architectural masterpiece by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe represents the pinnacle of functionalist design and is one of Brno's most prestigious attractions. The villa's revolutionary use of space, materials, and integration with nature makes it a pilgrimage site for architecture enthusiasts worldwide. The guided tour provides insight into the Tugendhat family's story and the villa's architectural significance.

Booking Tip: Advance booking is essential as only 15 people are allowed per tour, with tickets costing 350 CZK. Book online up to 2 months ahead, especially for weekend visits. Photography inside requires a special permit for an additional fee.

Experience Moravian Wine Tasting

Brno sits in the heart of Moravia's wine region, offering exceptional opportunities to taste local varieties like Grüner Veltliner and Blaufränkisch. Many wine bars in the city center offer guided tastings, while day trips to nearby vineyards provide a more immersive experience. The wine culture here is deeply rooted in tradition, with many family-run wineries offering personal insights into their craft.

Booking Tip: Wine tastings in the city range from 300-800 CZK depending on the number of wines and accompaniments. Book vineyard tours through local operators for 800-1500 CZK including transportation. Spring through fall offers the best weather for vineyard visits.

Discover the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul

This iconic twin-spired cathedral dominates Brno's skyline and offers one of the city's most recognizable silhouettes. The neo-Gothic interior houses beautiful frescoes and religious artifacts, while the climb to the towers rewards visitors with panoramic city views. The cathedral's bells famously ring noon at 11 AM, commemorating a historic trick that saved the city during a Swedish siege.

Booking Tip: Basic entry is free, but tower access costs around 60 CZK and requires climbing narrow stairs. Visit during morning hours for the best natural lighting inside, and check the schedule for organ concerts which provide an exceptional acoustic experience.

Getting There

Brno is easily accessible by train, bus, or car from major European cities. The main railway station connects directly to Prague (2.5 hours), Vienna (1.5 hours), and Bratislava (1.5 hours) with frequent daily services. Brno-Tuřany Airport, located 10km southeast of the city center, offers flights to several European destinations, while Vienna and Prague airports provide more international connections with convenient bus transfers to Brno. The city is also well-connected by highway, making it accessible for those traveling by car or bus from neighboring countries.

Getting Around

Brno's efficient public transportation system includes trams, buses, and trolleybuses that cover the entire city and surrounding areas. A 24-hour ticket costs around 110 CZK and provides unlimited travel on all public transport. The historic city center is compact and easily walkable, with most major attractions within a 15-minute walk of each other. Bike-sharing systems and rental shops offer alternative ways to explore, while taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available for longer distances or late-night travel.

Where to Stay

Old Town Center

Veveří District

Černá Pole

Brno-střed

Žabovřesky

Královo Pole

Food & Dining

Brno's culinary scene brilliantly combines traditional Moravian cuisine with innovative modern gastronomy, earning recognition from food critics across Europe. The city center boasts numerous restaurants serving classic dishes like svíčková (beef sirloin with cream sauce) and moravský vrabec (roast pork with sauerkraut), while trendy bistros experiment with local ingredients and international techniques. The local food markets, particularly at Cabbage Market and Freedom Square, offer fresh regional produce, traditional pastries, and street food. Don't miss trying local specialties like olomoucké tvarůžky (strong cheese) paired with Moravian wines, and visit traditional wine cellars where food and drink pairings showcase the region's agricultural heritage.

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Brno is from May through September when warm weather allows for comfortable sightseeing and outdoor activities in the surrounding wine regions. Summer months (June-August) offer the most festivals, outdoor events, and the best conditions for vineyard visits, though this is also peak tourist season. Spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October) provide pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and beautiful scenery, with fall being particularly attractive for wine harvest activities. Winter can be quite cold but offers a cozy atmosphere with Christmas markets, reduced accommodation prices, and the opportunity to experience authentic Czech winter traditions.

Insider Tips

Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner (2-5 PM), so plan your meal times accordingly or look for continuous service establishments

The Brno Observatory and Planetarium offers stunning city views and is much less crowded than the main tourist viewpoints

Local university students often organize free walking tours - check social media groups and bulletin boards for informal tour opportunities that provide authentic local perspectives

Things to Do in Brno