Why Visit Brno?
Brno surprises as Czechia's second city where Mies van der Rohe's modernist Tugendhat Villa (UNESCO) showcases functionalist perfection, underground Capuchin Crypt displays mummified monks, Moravian wine regions beckon from hillsides, and student energy from six universities keeps nightlife buzzing. This Moravian capital (pop. 380,000) flies under tourist radar despite serious charms—no crowds like Prague, authentic Czech culture, and prices that make wallets happy.
Tugendhat Villa (about 400 CZK/$17 for basic tour; 450 CZK from 2026, book weeks ahead) represents pinnacle of modern architecture with retractable windows and onyx walls, while nearby Villa Stiassni offers similar elegance. Underground secrets include 10-Z Bunker Cold War shelter and Capuchin Crypt where bodies naturally mummified (about 120 CZK/$5 for adults). Špilberk Castle dominates hilltop with fortress tours and city views, while Cathedral of St.
Peter and Paul's Gothic spires anchor Petrov Hill. Yet Brno's real appeal lies in neighborhoods: Veveří Street's Art Nouveau facades, Zelný trh market selling fresh produce since 1200s, and Cabbage Market Square where locals shop daily. The student scene concentrated around Masaryk University creates vibrant bars, clubs, and cafés—Koun brewery serves excellent beer for CZK 40/$2
Day trips reach Moravian wine country (Mikulov, Pálava vineyards) producing whites comparable to Austria for fraction of price, plus Moravian Karst caves and Lednice-Valtice châteaux complex (UNESCO). Food scene celebrates Moravian specialties: moravský vrabec (pork), utopenec pickled sausages, and svíčková beef in cream sauce. Visit April-June or September-October for 15-23°C weather.
With English spoken by youth, walkable center, dirt-cheap beer (CZK 35-50/$2–$2), and authentic Czech experience minus Prague tourist hordes, Brno delivers underrated Central European culture.
What to Do
Brno Architecture
Tugendhat Villa (UNESCO)
Mies van der Rohe's modernist masterpiece from 1930—functionalist architecture with retractable windows, onyx wall, and open-plan living. UNESCO World Heritage site. Entry about 400 CZK (~$17) for the basic 90-minute guided tour (450 CZK from 2026; reduced 250/270 CZK). Guided tours only, multiple languages. Book online weeks or months ahead—very limited daily slots (often just 2-3 tours in English). Open Tue-Sun, closed Mondays. Strict rules: no photos inside, special slippers provided to protect floors. Architecture enthusiasts' pilgrimage—general tourists may find it overrated for price and restrictions. Best March-November when gardens accessible.
Špilberk Castle
Hilltop fortress with 800 years of history—medieval castle, Habsburg prison, Nazi Gestapo headquarters. Entry around CZK 150/$6 for adults (combined tickets with exhibitions available). Open daily 9am-6pm (shorter winter hours). Climb to ramparts for panoramic views over Brno and Moravian countryside (views free, exhibitions paid). Houses Museum of the City of Brno and rotating exhibitions. Summer concerts in courtyards. Allow 2-3 hours including walk up hill (15-20 minutes from center). Best afternoon for photography. Café with terrace.
Villa Stiassni
Another functionalist villa from 1920s-30s—less famous than Tugendhat but beautiful. Entry around CZK 150/$6 Guided tours in English (book ahead). Gardens designed by Viennese landscape architects. Hosts cultural events, weddings. Combined ticket with Tugendhat available. More accessible tour reservations—good backup if Tugendhat sold out. Interior preserved with original furniture. Allow 60 minutes. Located in quiet residential area—pleasant walk from center.
Underground & Unique Sites
Capuchin Crypt (Bone Church)
Underground crypt where 24 Capuchin monks naturally mummified due to unique air circulation—bodies preserved since 1600s-1700s without embalming. Entry about 120 CZK (~$5) for adults (cheaper for children/students/seniors; family tickets 250 CZK). Open daily 9am-12pm and 1pm-4:30pm (closed Sunday mornings). Small site—20-30 minutes. Macabre but fascinating—mummified monks visible through glass, fully clothed in habits. Photography usually allowed. Not gory—respectful display. More authentic than Czech Sedlec Ossuary. Combine with nearby Capuchin Square and Cathedral. Definitely unique Brno experience.
10-Z Nuclear Bunker
Cold War nuclear shelter 20m underground—could house 500 people for 3 days in case of nuclear attack. Basic entrance about 250 CZK (~$11) for the self-guided exposition (discounts for students/seniors; kids cheaper). Guided tours also available—check 10-z.cz for schedule and pricing. Tours show communist-era equipment, decontamination showers, air filtration, dormitories. Atmospheric and educational. Open daily except Mondays. Temperature constant 15°C underground—bring jacket. Unique look at Cold War paranoia. Photography allowed. English information available.
Brno Ossuary (Second Largest in Europe)
Underground ossuary beneath St. James Church with remains of 50,000+ people—second-largest bone repository in Europe after Paris Catacombs. Entry about 140-160 CZK for adults (concessions half price). Open daily with timed tours. Discovered 2001, opened 2012. Bones stacked in chambers from plague victims and cleared cemeteries. Less artistic than Kutná Hora's Sedlec but more extensive. Creepy but historically significant. 30-45 minute visit. Combine with St. James Church bell tower climb above. Different from Capuchin Crypt.
Wine Country & Local Life
Moravian Wine Region Day Trip
South Moravia wine country 40-60km from Brno produces excellent whites (Grüner Veltliner, Riesling) and reds comparable to Austria/Hungary at fraction of price. Mikulov town (1hr) has castle, cellars, and Pálava Protected Landscape vineyards. Wine tastings at cellars (CZK 200-400/$9–$17) include 5-6 wines. Lednice-Valtice UNESCO complex nearby combines châteaux with wine estates. Organized tours from Brno (CZK 1,200-1,800/$52–$78) include transport and tastings. Self-drive allows flexibility. September harvest brings festivals. Cycling routes connect villages. Czechs underrate their wine—quality surprises.
Zelný Trh & Local Markets
Zelný trh (Cabbage Market) has operated since 1200s—fresh produce, flowers, and local specialties sold daily 6am-6pm. Free to browse. Locals shop for vegetables, bread, honey. Fountain features Baroque sculpture. Surrounded by cafés—try Moravian wine at wine bars nearby. More authentic than touristy Bruges/Prague markets. Go morning (8-11am) for best selection. Indoor market in Zelný trh basement sells meats, cheese. Perfect for picnic supplies or authentic Czech atmosphere.
Student Nightlife & Beer Scene
Six universities make Brno lively—student bars, clubs, and breweries stay packed Thursday-Saturday. Koun Brewery serves excellent craft beer (CZK 40-60/$2–$3). Alligator and Fléda host live music and DJ nights (entry CZK 100-200). Bars along Veveří Street and around Masaryk University busy after 9pm. Beer cheaper than Prague—CZK 35-50/$2–$2 for half-liter in pubs. Lokál Brno offers Czech pub food and Pilsner Urquell. Locals friendly, less jaded than Prague. English spoken by students.
Gallery
Travel Information
Getting There
- Airports: BRQ
Best Time to Visit
May, June, September, October
Climate: Moderate
Weather by Month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3°C | -3°C | 6 | Good |
| February | 8°C | 1°C | 11 | Good |
| March | 11°C | 1°C | 5 | Good |
| April | 17°C | 4°C | 3 | Good |
| May | 18°C | 8°C | 13 | Excellent (best) |
| June | 22°C | 14°C | 15 | Excellent (best) |
| July | 25°C | 14°C | 10 | Good |
| August | 26°C | 16°C | 10 | Good |
| September | 21°C | 11°C | 9 | Excellent (best) |
| October | 14°C | 7°C | 13 | Excellent (best) |
| November | 7°C | 2°C | 5 | Good |
| December | 4°C | 1°C | 10 | Good |
Weather data: Open-Meteo Archive (2020-2024) • Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0) • Historical avg. 2020–2024
Budget
Excludes flights
Visa Requirements
Schengen Area
💡 🌍 Traveler Tip (November 2025): Best time to visit: May, June, September, October.
Practical Information
Getting There
Brno Tuřany Airport (BRQ) is small—mainly European flights. From BRQ take bus E76 (or night N89) to the center; single ticket ~25 CZK. Vienna Airport (2hr bus, $16) or Prague Airport (3hr bus/train) are alternatives. Trains from Prague (2.5hr, CZK 200-400/$9–$17), Vienna (1.5hr, $22–$38), Bratislava (1.5hr). Brno hlavní nádraží is main station—15 min walk to center.
Getting Around
Brno center is compact and walkable. Trams and trolleybuses cover wider areas (CZK 25/$1 single, 24-hour Brno (zones 100+101) ticket is 90 CZK). Buy tickets from machines or newsagents—validate on board. Most attractions within 2km walking. Taxis cheap (Bolt app, CZK 100-200/$4–$9 typical). Bikes available.
Money & Payments
Czech Koruna (CZK). Exchange $1 ≈ CZK $251 ≈ CZK 23. Cards widely accepted but carry cash for markets, pubs, small shops. ATMs plentiful—avoid Euronet. Tipping: round up or 10% in restaurants. Prices very low—beer CZK 35-50, meals CZK 150-300.
Language
Czech is official. English spoken by younger people and in hotels, less in pubs and markets. German sometimes understood (historical ties). Signs often Czech-only. Learning basic phrases helpful: Děkuji (thanks), Prosím (please/you're welcome). Friendly locals help tourists.
Cultural Tips
Beer culture: order at table, tap table when clinking glasses (tradition). Czechs serious about beer—Pilsner Urquell and Starobrno local. Food: heavy portions, meat-focused, try svíčková and utopenec. Moravian wine: whites (Grüner Veltliner, Riesling) excellent, wine cellars in villages. Student city: nightlife Wed-Sat, bars stay open late. Dress casual. Remove shoes when entering Czech homes. Tugendhat Villa: book online months ahead, extremely limited tours; guided tours from ~450 CZK (book well ahead). Capuchin Crypt ~120 CZK. Zelný trh market: daily except Monday, fresh produce cheap. Christmas: December markets in náměstí Svobody.
Perfect 2-Day Brno Itinerary
Day 1: City & Underground
Day 2: Wine Country
Where to Stay in Brno
Center/Náměstí Svobody
Best for: Main square, shopping, hotels, restaurants, Zelný trh market, central
Veveří/Student Quarter
Best for: University, student bars, nightlife, cheap eats, authentic energy
Špilberk/Petrov Hill
Best for: Castle, cathedral, hilltop views, parks, residential quieter
Černá Pole/Tugendhat
Best for: Modernist villas, residential, Tugendhat Villa, upscale, leafy
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit Brno?
What is the best time to visit Brno?
How much does a trip to Brno cost per day?
Is Brno safe for tourists?
What are the must-see attractions in Brno?
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Brno
Ready to Visit Brno?
Book your flights, accommodation, and activities
