Brno is a city in the Czech Republic. It’s known for its modernist buildings, like the restored Villa Tugendhat, completed in 1930 by architect Mies van der Rohe. The medieval Špilberk Castle houses a city museum, gardens and a former prison with vaulted tunnels. The Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul has baroque altars, a 14th-century statue of the Madonna and Child, and city views from its steeple.
May to September – Warm, great for cafés, festivals, and open-air events ๐
October – Colorful autumn scenery and fewer tourists ๐
December – Cozy Christmas markets and mulled wine ๐
Avoid August if you’re into nightlife – students are away!
From Prague:
~2.5 hours by train or bus (RegioJet, Leo Express, ฤD) ๐
From Vienna:
~1.5–2 hours by train
From Bratislava:
Just 1.5 hours by train or bus
Closest airport:
Brno Airport (BRQ) – limited flights
Best access via Vienna, Prague, or Bratislava airports
Špilberk Castle – Overlooking the city, former prison & great views ๐ฐ
Villa Tugendhat – UNESCO-listed modernist masterpiece by Mies van der Rohe ๐ก
Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul – Gothic landmark on Petrov Hill
Brno Underground – Explore the labyrinth of tunnels, cellars & ossuaries beneath the city ๐ฆ
Old Town Hall – Famous for its crooked tower and dragon legend ๐
Capuchin Crypt – Mummified monks in a fascinating 17th-century crypt
Moravian Museum – Explore Czech and regional history
Freedom Square (Námฤstí Svobody) – Main square, lively events, odd bullet-shaped clock โฑ๏ธ
Brno Dam & Veveลí Castle – Great summer day trip spot
Zelný trh (Vegetable Market) – Historic market square with fountains, food, and craft stalls
Climb to Špilberk Castle and enjoy panoramic views
Have a beer in a hidden cellar pub ๐ป
Take a villa tour (Tugendhat must be booked weeks ahead!)
Join a free walking tour – learn the city’s wild stories
Sip coffee in stylish cafés – Brno has an epic third-wave coffee scene โ๏ธ
Ride the Brno dragon tram (decorated during festivals)
Explore alternative culture in the Zbrojovka or Industra art zones
Bike or boat at Brno Reservoir in summer
Go underground in the ossuary or the Labyrinth under the Vegetable Market ๐ฆด
Luxury:
Barceló Brno Palace – Central, modern, with historic flair
Hotel Grandezza – Elegant, overlooks the main square
Mid-range:
Hotel Passage – Stylish design & great value
Courtyard by Marriott Brno – Contemporary comfort
Budget:
Wake Up Wellness Hostel – Clean & modern
Hostel Eleven – Right in the city center, social vibe
Czech & Moravian dishes to try:
Moravian Sparrow (Moravský vrabec) – Pork with dumplings and sauerkraut
Carp (at Christmas) or Trout (in local restaurants) ๐
Svíฤková, Guláš, Fried cheese (smaลพák)
Koláฤe – Moravian sweet pastries
Local wine – Moravia is Czechia’s wine region! ๐ท
Starobrno beer – The city's pride
Where to eat:
Stopkova Plzeลská Pivnice – Classic Czech food & beer hall vibes
Forky’s – Amazing vegan fast food, local fave
Borgo Agnese – Fine dining with Mediterranean flair
Pavillon – Elegant modern Czech cuisine
Bar Který Neexistuje (The Bar That Doesn’t Exist) – Amazing cocktails & food
Café Tungsram – Cozy coffee, cake, and local art
Brno is a student city – young, vibrant, innovative
Known for its alternative art scene, quirky monuments, and nerdy festivals
It’s the heart of Moravian wine country, so expect wine cellars and wine-tasting spots
You’ll find fewer tourists, more locals – and lots of surprises
Design and architecture lovers will adore the city’s mix of Gothic, Baroque, and modernist structures