Brno, the second largest city in the Czech Republic, offers many interesting sights, monuments, and attractions worth seeing and experiencing. In this guide I will share with you Brno, Czech Republic: Best Things to Do and See. A tour of the historic part of the city can be done in a few hours, and you can also visit some of the nearby landmarks and natural beauties of the Moravian metropolis. We have compiled 20 tips for you on what to see and do in Brno.
Where to Stay in Brno
You can’t go wrong with any accommodation in Brno city center:
Grandezza Hotel Luxury Palace (luxury option)
eFi Palace Hotel (mid-range option),
OREA Hotel Voro Brno (more affordable alternative).
TIP: What to do in Pálava: 15 tips for trips in the area.
Brno, Czech Republic: Best Things to Do and See
Among the city’s most famous symbols is the Brno dragon in the Old Town Hall. The area around Brno also offers many other interesting places to visit, such as the functionalist UNESCO monument Villa Tugendhat, castles, chateaus, and monasteries, as well as the Brno Dam or the Slavkov battlefield.
It may already be clear to you that you definitely won’t be bored in Brno, we have compiled 20 tips for you on what to see and do in Brno.
Historical Sights
Brno was founded in the 13th century , and offers visitors the opportunity to delve into its history through many preserved buildings and cultural monuments. Among the most significant historical sights are, for example, the majestic Špilberk Castle, the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, the Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady, or the Capuchin Crypt.
Špilberk Castle
Špilberk is a significant historical monument in Brno and a dominant structure on a hill in the city center. It was founded in the 13th century and served as a defensive stronghold and residence for Moravian margraves. Later, it was rebuilt into a fortress and was known in its time as “Austria’s toughest prison”. Today, the castle is open to the public.
Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul at Petrov
The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, also known as Petrov, is one of the most significant cultural and spiritual monuments in Brno. The original Romanesque church was founded in the 12th century, and the cathedral’s current Neo-Gothic appearance dates back to the 19th century. From the cathedral tower, there is a beautiful view of the city and the surrounding landscape.
Villa Tugendhat
Villa Tugendhat is one of Brno’s architectural gems and is inscribed on the UNESCO list. It was built in 1930 according to the design of the famous German-American architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for the Tugendhat family. The villa is a unique blend of functionalist architecture and luxurious living, with a remarkable view of Brno. Today, it is open to the public for tours and cultural events.
Old Town Hall
The Old Town Hall, located in the very heart of Brno, is the oldest preserved building on Freedom Square. It was built in the 13th century and later underwent several reconstructions. It is famous for its Gothic tower and stone arcaded corridor adorned with sculptures and coats of arms. The tower also houses a well-known symbol of Brno, a dragon hanging from the ceiling. The Old Town Hall is now home to an information center and tourist attractions.
Freedom Square
An iconic place in the center of Brno is Freedom Square, a bustling square full of shops, cafes, and historic buildings, where various cultural events and markets are held. The dominant feature of the square is a modern astronomical clock, which attracts the attention of both tourists and locals.
Zelný Trh
Zelný trh is Brno’s marketplace with a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages, where visitors can buy fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, and regional products.
Museums and Galleries
In Brno, you can visit a number of interesting museums and galleries that will delight all lovers of history, culture, and art.
Moravian Museum
The Moravian Museum is the oldest and largest museum in Moravia, focusing on the research and presentation of Moravia’s cultural heritage. It features exhibitions dedicated to archaeology, ethnography, art history, and natural sciences.
Moravian Gallery
The Moravian Gallery is the second largest art museum in the Czech Republic, specializing in visual arts, design, and architecture. The gallery hosts permanent exhibitions and temporary displays of various art movements and periods.
Mendel Museum
The Mendel Museum is a museum dedicated to the life and work of Gregor J. Mendel, the founder of genetics. In the museum, you will learn about his research on plants, especially peas, and how his discoveries influenced modern science.
Technical Museum
The Technical Museum is dedicated to the development of technology and techniques in the Czech Republic. In the museum, you will find collections of older and modern machines, means of transport, weapons, and many other technical devices that demonstrate progress and innovation over time.
Nature and other Activities
Brno also offers many opportunities for nature lovers and active holidays. For example, nature reserves and parks, such as Lužánky or the popular Špilberk Park, provide an ideal place for relaxation and sports activities.
Brno Dam
The Brno Dam is a popular spot for sports activities, recreation, and relaxation. It offers opportunities for swimming, water sports like yachting or windsurfing, as well as walks and picnics in the surrounding nature. Nearby, you will also find the magnificent Veveří Castle, which is also worth a visit.
Brno Zoo
If you have children, we definitely recommend visiting the local zoo. Brno Zoo is home to many animal species, from mammals to birds and reptiles. It is an ideal place for families with children or animal lovers. The zoo regularly organizes various exhibitions and social events.
Kraví Hora
Kraví hora is a beautiful park that offers a natural oasis in the middle of the city and is also a very popular place for all those who want to exercise, relax, or simply meet friends. You will also find the Brno Observatory and Planetarium here, which are an excellent choice for curious visitors who want to learn more about space research or astronomy.
Observation Towers
In the city and its surroundings, there are several observation towers that offer breathtaking views of the landscape and Brno city center. For example, the observation tower on Holedná or on Babí lom are worth a visit.
Festivals and Theatres
Brno is also known for its rich theatre scene and diverse festival offerings.
Brno City Theatre
Brno City Theatre is among the most famous theatres in Brno and offers a wide range of genres, from drama to operetta and musical. The theatre’s artistic ensemble consists of talented actors, singers, and dancers. For audiences interested in theatre-related activities, Brno City Theatre annually organizes festivals focused on various genres.
The scientific community can look forward to festivals such as Science Mundi, which presents the latest scientific knowledge and research. Brno City Theatre also organizes events as part of the project Brno — City in the Heart of Europe, which supports intercultural dialogue and interaction among individual European countries.
HaDivadlo
HaDivadlo is another important part of Brno’s theatre scene. It is known for its unconventional productions and experimental approach to theatrical art. Performances are staged here that are not afraid to discuss sensitive social topics and open new horizons for audiences.
This theatre also regularly hosts the Brno Lunapark festival, or theatre with coffee, which offers theatrical performances in cafes throughout the city. HaDivadlo also frequently participates in Degeneration NEXT, a festival focused on young and new theatre creators.
Other Points of Interest
Finally, we have a few more Brno attractions that you shouldn’t miss during your visit.
Capuchin Crypt
The Capuchin Crypt is one of the most interesting places in Brno. Located in the heart of the city, near Zelný trh, it is known for its mysterious atmosphere and history. This Baroque crypt served as a burial place for members of the Capuchin order and important figures of the city. Thanks to specific conditions and burial methods, the bodies of the deceased naturally mummified here, which gives the crypt its special and mysterious atmosphere. Visitors can see not only the friars but also coffins with richly decorated inscriptions and symbols in the crypt.
Monastery of St. James
Brno is rich in monasteries. One of them is Monastery of St. James , located near the Church of St. James and the Ossuary of St. James. The monastery was founded in the 13th century and for centuries served as a center of spiritual life and education. Throughout its history, it underwent many architectural modifications that gave it its current form.
Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady in Brno is one of the city’s most significant sacred buildings. It is located on Mendel Square and is part of the former Cistercian monastery. This impressive Gothic structure was completed in the 14th century, and its majestic architecture with high vaults and rich decoration continues to fascinate visitors today. The basilica’s interior is adorned with magnificent frescoes, altars, and stained glass windows depicting scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary.
Labyrinth under Zelný Trh
One of the most mysterious and interesting places in Brno is the Labyrinth under Zelný trh. This mysterious underground maze of the oldest cellar spaces in Brno will take you into the city’s history and all its secrets. Explore the minter’s cellars, enjoy the atmosphere of past times, and discover the treasures hidden in this unusual place.
FAQ
What are the main tourist attractions in Brno?
The main tourist attractions include Špilberk Castle, the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Freedom Square, Zelný trh, the Capuchin Crypt, Villa Tugendhat, and the Brno underground.
Where can I find the best view of the city?
The best view of the city is offered by the tower of the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, the observation tower at Špilberk Castle, and Kraví hora.
Which museums are worth visiting?
We recommend visiting the Moravian Museum, the Technical Museum in Brno, the Museum of Romani Culture, and the Brno City Museum at Špilberk.
What to do with children in Brno?
For families with children, we recommend visiting the zoo, the Vida! science center, or taking a walk in Lužánky Park. Another great place is the Brno underground.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
