Brno may not be the first city that comes to mind when planning a trip to Czechia, but that is exactly what makes it such a great destination. This creative student city is the second-largest city in Czechia and offers much of Prague’s charm, but without the crowds. Think beautiful architecture, cosy wine bars and a surprising number of hidden underground attractions. During a city break in Brno, you will discover a mix of historical landmarks, art, culture and a relaxed atmosphere. In this Brno travel guide, you will find the best things to do and see in Brno Czechia, great restaurants, practical travel tips and places you simply should not miss during your visit.
For years, I mainly knew Brno as the city with the distinctive name that kept appearing on motorway signs while travelling through Czechia and Austria. I had been curious about the country’s second city for quite some time. When I later learned that Brno is not only the gateway to South Moravia, Czechia’s most important wine region, but is also home to an emerging culinary scene that has even caught the attention of the Michelin Guide, I knew a visit could no longer be postponed. In this guide, I share my favourite tips for Brno and explain why this underrated city deserves a place on every Czechia itinerary.
Brno is located in the southeast of Czechia and is the country’s second-largest city. It is the heart of the South Moravia region and lies close to both Austria and Slovakia. Thanks to its central location, Brno can easily be included in a Central European itinerary and combined with cities such as Vienna, Prague and Bratislava. It is also the perfect starting point for a South Moravia road trip.
While Prague is often centred around busy highlights and tourist hotspots, Brno feels much more relaxed and local. Thanks to its large student population, the city has a creative atmosphere and is filled with cosy cafés, wine bars and excellent restaurants. At the same time, Brno has a rich history. You can wander past churches, castles and historic squares, while beneath the city lies a network of tunnels and hidden cellars waiting to be explored.
Another reason to visit Brno is how easy it is to get around. Many attractions are located within walking distance of one another, allowing you to see a lot in a relatively short amount of time. Brno is also generally more affordable than Prague, both when it comes to accommodation and dining.
Although Brno’s city centre is relatively compact, there is a surprising amount of things to see and do. From historic castles and churches to hidden tunnels, modern architecture and lively wine bars, the city offers a fascinating mix of culture, history and creativity. These are some of the best things to do and see in Brno during your city trip.
One of the best things to do in Brno is the Roof & Tower Tour of the impressive Church of St. James. During this tour, you walk through the church’s historic roof structure and ancient vaults, areas that normally remain hidden from visitors. Along the way, an audiovisual presentation explains the history of the church and reveals the remarkable construction techniques behind this medieval building.
You then continue your climb towards the church’s 94-metre-high tower. Once at the top, you are rewarded with panoramic views over Brno. From here, you can admire the red rooftops of the historic centre, with Špilberk Castle and the city’s cathedral visible in the distance.
A fun detail: this exact view is featured on the Czech 10-crown coin.
One of the famous attractions and things to do in Brno is undoubtedly Špilberk Castle. Perched on a green hill at the edge of the city centre, this historic castle has been an important symbol of Brno for centuries. Originally built in the 13th century as a royal castle, it later served as a fortress and prison. During the Habsburg era, Špilberk gained a reputation as one of the harshest prisons in Europe.
Today, the castle is one of the best places to learn about Brno’s history while also enjoying spectacular views over the city. Inside, you will find a museum with several exhibitions, while the underground casemates provide insight into life within the fortress centuries ago. Even if you do not visit the museum, the castle grounds are well worth exploring. Several walking paths and viewpoints surround the fortress, offering panoramic views across Brno’s distinctive red rooftops
The best time to visit Špilberk Castle is early in the morning or later in the afternoon. During summer, the hill can become quite hot during the middle of the day, while late afternoon often provides the best light for photography.
One of Brno’s most important modern attractions and things to do is Villa Tugendhat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of modernist architecture. Designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, the villa is internationally renowned for its minimalist design, open-plan spaces and innovative use of glass and steel.
The villa is an important part of Brno’s UNESCO heritage and offers a fascinating glimpse into how progressive architecture already was in the early 20th century. During a guided tour, you will not only explore the interior but also learn more about the Tugendhat family and the role the house played in European architectural history.
Visits to Villa Tugendhat are only possible as part of a guided tour and places are limited, so advance booking is highly recommended if you wish to see the interior. You can book Villa Tugendhat tickets here. Do not have time for a full tour? Then make sure to take a walk through the adjacent park, where you can also admire Villa Löw-Beer and Villa Stiassni.
Brno’s skyline is dominated by the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul. Perched on a hill above the city centre, it is one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. Its Gothic architecture and twin spires immediately catch your attention when arriving in Brno.
Besides the architecture itself, the viewpoint from the hill is well worth visiting. From here, you can enjoy beautiful views over the historic centre and surrounding neighbourhoods. One of the cathedral’s most interesting features is the local legend connected to its bells. They ring at 11am instead of noon, commemorating a historical deception that helped save the city during a siege.
One of my personal favourite attractions and things to do in Brno is the underground water reservoir complex at Žlutý Kopec. The moment you step inside, it feels as though you have entered a film set, with enormous brick vaults, endless rows of pillars and spaces that resemble underground cathedrals.
These impressive reservoirs were built during the 19th and early 20th centuries to provide Brno with clean drinking water, but they are no longer in use. The site consists of three separate reservoirs, each with its own unique atmosphere. Several times a day, a light show highlights the architecture in a spectacular way.
An audio guide is highly recommended, as it explains both the engineering behind the reservoirs and their importance to the development of the city.
Beneath the Church of St. James lies one of Europe’s largest ossuaries: the Brno Ossuary. This atmospheric underground site contains the remains of more than 50,000 people and offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past. The ossuary was redesigned by a team of archaeologists and artists, who created a respectful and understated presentation using light, space and historical interpretation. Although the visit itself is relatively short, it is one of the must things to do in Brno Czechia.
If you find this site fascinating, you should also consider visiting the famous Sedlec Ossuary near Kutná Hora. More than 60,000 human bones have been incorporated into chandeliers, altars and decorative artwork, creating a place that is both macabre and strangely beautiful. Read my complete 3-day road trip in the Prague area here.
Although Brno is easy to explore independently, joining a guided tour is a great way to learn more about the city’s history and culture. Walking through the historic centre with a local guide allows you to discover not only the main landmarks but also hidden stories, architectural details and places you would likely overlook on your own.
A great option is a historic walking tour of the city centre or a themed three-hour tour that explores Brno’s culture, legends and development in greater depth. Having this extra context brings the city to life and adds another layer to your Brno city break.
Beneath the centre of Brno lies a fascinating network of tunnels and historic cellars: the Labyrinth under the Vegetable Market. It is one of the most unique things to do in Brno Czechia. You literally descend beneath the everyday life of the city and discover how people stored food, traded goods and lived underground centuries ago. Make sure to also explore the square above ground, where you’ll find the iconic Parnassus Fountain and the Renaissance façade of the Reduta Theatre.
In the weekends, a traditional fruit and vegetable market still takes place here.
Freedom Square is Brno’s central square and a great place to soak up the atmosphere of the city. It is a popular meeting point filled with cafés and outdoor terraces. Regular events and markets with local products and spices are held here, and during my visit I even came across a local folklore festival with traditional Czech food.
A remarkable feature of the square is the modern astronomical clock. This futuristic black granite structure is not a traditional clock face, but an artistic interpretation of time and history. Every day at 11am, a glass marble is released as a symbolic gesture of time, chance and unpredictability in the city’s history.
One of the best ways to experience Brno is by using its iconic tram system. Locals call them “šaliny”, a nickname you will hear everywhere in the city. These trams have been an essential part of public transport for decades and make it easy to travel from the historic centre to neighbourhoods, parks and attractions such as Špilberk Castle and Villa Tugendhat.
The Moravian Gallery in Brno is one of the most important art museums and things to do in Czechia if you are interested in art, design and photography. The museum is spread across several historic buildings in the city, each with its own focus and changing exhibitions. Alongside classical art collections, you will also find exhibitions dedicated to modern design, architecture and photography, making it an interesting visit even if you are not a regular museum visitor.
During my trip to Brno, I happened to visit during Museum Night in May, when museums and galleries across the city stay open late with music, drinks and special events. The Moravian Gallery was part of this, creating a very lively and accessible cultural experience.
One of Brno’s most iconic landmarks and viewpoints is the Old Town Hall Tower. This 63-metre tower can be reached via a steep climb of around 173 steps. At the top, you are rewarded with panoramic views over the historic centre, church towers, Špilberk Castle and the surrounding hills.
What makes this place even more interesting are the local legends connected to the building, including the famous Brno dragon and the slightly tilted spire, which, according to legend, was added out of revenge by the architect.
Brno has a vibrant theatre scene, with the Janáček Theatre as one of its main cultural venues, hosting high-quality opera and ballet performances. During my city trip, I happened to visit during the Theatre World Brno Festival, which made attending a performance even more special.
What makes an evening at the theatre in Brno so enjoyable is not just the performance itself, but the entire experience. It is a great way to feel part of local life, with elegantly dressed visitors and a strong cultural atmosphere. Even if you do not understand the language, the music, dance and overall atmosphere make it a memorable experience.
Brno has developed into a surprisingly strong food destination in recent years. When I learned that the city is also on the radar of the Michelin Guide, I immediately became curious. What stood out most during my visit is how refined and creative the culinary scene has become. Alongside traditional Moravian dishes, you will find a young and dynamic food scene with modern bistros and restaurants that focus on seasonal local ingredients from Moravia and the surrounding wine region. The result is a culinary scene that is still relatively affordable but clearly evolving.
Several restaurants are included in the Michelin Guide selection or Bib Gourmand list, including Atelier Bar & Bistro, Element, Kohout na Víně, Valoria and Pavillon Steak House. These places are recognised for their excellent value and modern cuisine, even without Michelin stars.
Tip: start your evening with a fine dining experience and end it with a glass of Moravian wine in one of Brno’s many wine bars.
One of my favourite culinary spots in Brno is Kohout na Víně. This restaurant and wine bar is located in the House of Arts and offers a surprisingly high level of gastronomy. Expect tasting menus of eight to ten courses, starting with amuse-bouches and followed by dishes such as salmon trout with caviar and dill, chickpeas with shrimp and dates, and a main course of halibut with spinach, fennel and hazelnuts, finished with a modern take on traditional *štrúdl* with apple, raisins and vanilla. Naturally, everything is paired with excellent regional wines.
The wine list features more than 200 labels, with a strong focus on Moravian, Slovak, Slovenian, Hungarian and Italian wines. It is the perfect place to discover the wine culture of South Moravia.
Another great recommendation is Element, a modern and lively restaurant in the centre of Brno. The atmosphere is trendy and urban, with an industrial interior, open kitchen and a bar at the entrance where you can also enjoy cocktails. It is a place where creativity and presentation are just as important as flavour. Here you want to try a bit of everything: sturgeon fillet with kohlrabi, fennel, apple, dill and horseradish, trout with burrata, and dishes such as gazpacho or chickpea soup. The flavours are bold but beautifully balanced.
Looking for a casual lunch spot? Soul Bistro is a popular restaurant in central Brno with a relaxed atmosphere. The kitchen is international with a creative twist, offering simple but well-executed dishes such as soups, bowls and light lunches.
If you love wine, Brno is the perfect destination. Across the city you will find dozens of wine bars where you can discover local grape varieties and wines from small Moravian producers. Many are located in historic buildings, wine cellars or hidden streets.
Here are some of my favourite wine bars in Brno:
Looking for fun tours and sightseeing experiences in Brno? Below you will find an overview of great tours to help you discover the city with a local guide.
In Brno you will find a wide range of accommodation options: from modern design hotels to small boutique stays in the historic city centre. Many hotels are within walking distance of the main attractions, making it easy to explore the city on foot.
I personally stayed at Hotel International Brno, an iconic hotel in the heart of the city with modern rooms and an excellent location within walking distance of the main sights. Looking for more luxury? Grand Palace Brno is an elegant five-star hotel in a historic building. A more boutique-style option is Hotel Bronzo located just outside the busy city centre with a more intimate feel.
How much time you need in Brno depends on your travel style. The city is compact, but there is enough to see to comfortably spend two to three days here, especially if you enjoy dining at a higher level.
In one day, you can visit the main attractions and things to do such as Špilberk Castle, the Cathedral and the Brno historic city centre. This gives you a good first impression of the city, but you will miss the hidden gems and relaxed atmosphere that make Brno so special. Two days is ideal. This allows you to explore not only the main sights, but also cafés, underground spaces and quieter neighbourhoods. It also gives you time to slow down and enjoy the city instead of rushing through everything in one day.
Staying longer? Then Brno is also a perfect base to explore the Moravia region with its vineyards, small villages and castles. Read more aboout a road trip through South Moravia in the next article.
Brno has its own small airport (Brno-Tuřany Airport), but direct flight options are limited and vary by season. It is best to fly into cities such as Vienna or Prague, both of which are close by and well connected to Brno by train and bus. Brno is also easy to reach by car, especially from Austria, Germany and Poland. The roads are in good condition and the drive offers beautiful views of the Moravian countryside. You can easily find, compare and book a rental car here.
The route from Vienna to Brno is one of the most popular connections. By train, the journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours and is very comfortable. You can also travel by bus, private transfer or car. If you plan to explore South Moravia afterwards, renting a car is highly recommended for maximum flexibility. You can book a rental car here.
Brno is also easy to reach from Prague. The train ride takes around 2.5 to 3 hours and passes through the Czech countryside, making it a great next stop on a wider Czech itinerary.You can also choose a private transfer, but personally I still think renting a car is the most enjoyable option, especially if you want to explore more along the way.
Brno is also very easy to reach from Bratislava. By train, it takes around 1.5 hours from the Slovak capital to Brno city centre. Regular buses also operate between the two cities. If you want to explore more of the region, renting a car is a great option. It allows you to easily detour through the South Moravia wine region, turning your journey into part of the experience.
Brno is a year-round destination, but the most pleasant time for a city break is between April and October. Personally, I find spring and autumn the best seasons to visit Brno. In spring, you can enjoy pleasant temperatures and blooming parks, while autumn is especially atmospheric thanks to the grape harvest in the surrounding South Moravia wine region. The vineyards slowly turn golden, and wine bars and restaurants focus on the new harvest. Both seasons are also less crowded than the busy summer months, making the city even more enjoyable to explore.
Did you enjoy reading this travel guide aboout the best things to do and see in Brno Cezchia? You will find more inspiration and tips in the next articles. And make sure to have a look at Brno City Tourism, South Moravia, and VisitCzechia, which helped compile this guide.
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Are you interested in the world? Do you want to learn more about a country and its culture? Let me take you on a journey with Passport the World.
As a travel reporter, producer and tour guide, I have been traveling around the world for the last 20 years, looking for the most scenic places and stories that are worth sharing. In Passport the World, I am guiding you along scenic and cultural places, cities, art, viewpoints, hiking trails and unique experiences. To help you get the most out of your travels or to just get to know a country and culture better!
Are you interested in the world? Do you want to learn more about a country and its culture? Let me take you on a journey with Passport the World.
As a travel reporter, producer and tour guide, I have been traveling around the world for the last 20 years, looking for the most scenic places and stories that are worth sharing. In Passport the World, I am guiding you along scenic and cultural places, cities, art, viewpoints, hiking trails and unique experiences. To help you get the most out of your travels or to just get to know a country and culture better!
