Whether Znojmo is just a stopover on your way somewhere else or you’re visiting the city specifically (perhaps for its famous grape harvest), you’ll find this article on what to see in Znojmo extremely helpful. Zdenka and I have very fond memories of our walks through Znojmo, partly because it has so many little cafés! 🙂
It’s also the city where my father is from, so I feel a sense of satisfaction when we get to come back here. And 2026 is a particularly good year to visit— Znojmo is celebrating the 800th anniversary of its elevation to the status of a royal city, and the whole year is packed with events. Enough chit-chat—let’s take a look at the most interesting things to see in Znojmo!
Where to Stay in Znojmo
Znojmo is small and easy to get around on foot, so it’s worth staying right in the historic center—on Horní, Masaryk, or Mikulášské Square, you’ll have everything within easy reach and won’t need to drive anywhere in the evening. A cheaper option is Hradiště across the river (just a few steps from the Museum of Great Moravia) or apartments on the outskirts toward the vineyards, though these are harder to reach without a car.
Modrý Janek – apartment for 5 people
Bikebox— more like glamping, for three people, veeeery basic accommodations
House by the Spa – wellness facilities, nice rooms, in the center of Znojmo
PREMIUM Wellness & Wine Hotel Znojmo – Accommodations, Wellness, Restaurant
Znojmo Wine House —apartment accommodations, with an on-site microbrewery; meals prepared with high-quality local ingredients
What to See in Znojmo: Top Attractions
The historic center of Znojmo is small, and you can see all the main sights on foot in a single day. Let’s start with the oldest and most famous building.
St. Catherine’s Rotunda
The imaginary top spot goes to what is probably the most famous landmark in the Znojmo region. It is also the oldest—dating back to the 11th century and built in the Romanesque style. The rotunda, located within the grounds of Znojmo Castle, is dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria, an Egyptian princess who became a martyr. The interior of the rotunda is adorned with Christian-themed paintings and frescoes depicting the mythical origins of the Přemyslid dynasty.
Given its great historical significance and the age of the structure, entry to the rotunda and movement within it are very strictly regulated (you are not allowed to speak inside, and an audio guide provides the commentary). However, it is well worth a visit.
The Znojmo Underground
Whether it’s hot or cold outside, it’s always great down underground! The Znojmo Underground can be proud not only that we’ve included it in our article on what to see in Znojmo, but also for holding a record—it’s the most extensive system of underground passages and cellars in the Czech Republic —it’s 27 km long and has 4 levels.
The first tunnels began to be dug at the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries and were apparently used for economic purposes and as a refuge from the city’s enemies. These underground spaces were well-equipped enough to allow residents to survive there for extended periods of time. Today, you can take a guided tour through this slightly spooky underground labyrinth. You can choose from three different tours. In addition to the standard tour, you can also try the adrenaline-pumping route—but be prepared to get your clothes dirty.
- Classic Tour —a leisurely walk through the illuminated corridors with commentary; even children and seniors can manage it. It takes about an hour.
- Adrenaline Route —narrow crawl spaces; bring your own headlamp and rubber boots. Expect to get your clothes dirty—really. This isn’t just marketing hype.
- Spooky Tour —a version featuring ghosts and spirits, which families with young children will especially enjoy.
Brewery Exhibition
We Czechs are known for our love of beer. But so are the Moravians. Hostan beer was brewed on the grounds of Znojmo Castle (not far from St. Catherine’s Rotunda), but in 2009 the brewery closed and production moved to Brno. Now you can tour the former brewhouse and see the equipment used to produce this beloved golden brew, such as the lauter tun, the mash kettle, and the lauter trough.
This place definitely belongs on the list of things to see in Znojmo, because it also offers a fantastic view of the entire area outside the city.
Children will also enjoy the tour, as special entertainment has been arranged for them here.
Znojmo Castle
Znojmo Castle was mentioned several times in the article, and now it’s time to take a closer look at it. Although it is a castle, it looks like a chateau. That’s because the original castle was rebuilt in the Baroque style, particularly in the 18th century.
Znojmo Castle has a rich history. At one time, it even served as a mint. Today, the castle houses a museum chronicling the history of the Znojmo region. One interesting feature is the sundial located in the open space in front of the castle—you can check to see if it’s working properly. 🙂
The Way of the Cross
From the castle courtyard, you can get a great view of the pilgrimage route, which looks challenging at first glance. And it certainly is! You can access the route from the center of Znojmo, and along the way—on a fairly steep climb—you’ll encounter a total of fourteen chapels built in the early Baroque style, featuring scenes from the Passion.
The final stop (but don’t worry—there are still plenty of places to see in Znojmo) is located in front of the Church of St. Anthony of Padua in the Znojmo-Hradiště district. During the climb, you can really enjoy the beautiful view of Znojmo. We also recommend taking a short detour to the Gránice Valley, which offers the perfect opportunity to relax in nature for both adults and children.
Museum of Great Moravia
A museum chronicling a significant part of our nation’s history: the Great Moravian Empire. Inside the museum, you’ll find important archaeological finds that illustrate what life was like in our region around the 9th and 10th centuries, as well as the process of uncovering these historical treasures. As a point of interest, we recommend taking a look around the museum’s surroundings, as the foundations of a Great Moravian church can be found there.
Půlnapůl Café
If you’re half-decided that you want to relax, there’s nothing better than heading to a great spot that will delight your taste buds—like a café Půlnapůl. Run by a young, enthusiastic married couple, you’ll find this café just a short walk from Horní náměstí. In addition to delicious coffee, you’ll find a selection of delicate sweet and savory treats. Whether you’re really hungry or just looking for a little something to nibble on, this café won’t let you down.
Town Hall Tower
Are you drawn to views into the distance? Then you should head to the Town Hall Tower, which rises between Masaryk Square and Upper Square. The town hall was built in the first half of the 15th century, and 162 steps lead to its top (the tower itself is 66.58 m high). The tower’s main purpose was to guard the town and its surroundings. A watchman was stationed on the tower, keeping watch over Znojmo and the surrounding area, until 1924. Today, the tower is open to tourists. On a clear day, you can see not only the entire city and its immediate surroundings but also the Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant and even the Alps.
If you’re looking for an unusual experience, take a night tour with the night watchman. Unfortunately, we weren’t so lucky—the weather was almost always bad during our visits. Maybe it really is worth visiting during the peak summer months 😀
The town hall itself, to which the tower belonged, has not survived. During an air raid at the end of World War II, a bomb slid down the roof of the tower and destroyed the town hall building beneath it—the tower survived, but the town hall did not. A department store was later built in its place (in a rather prominent Brutalist style—you’ll notice that right away), so today the tower stands somewhat isolated among the newer buildings. Viewed from the square, it looks strange—until you know why.
Masaryk Square and Upper Square
The center of Znojmo consists of two squares that are connected. Masaryk Square is the larger, more elongated one, surrounded by townhouses with arcades—and it is precisely beneath this square that the largest part of the underground complex lies. Horní Square is smaller, cozier, and it’s where almost everything in Znojmo happens today: cafés, outdoor seating, and markets.
We recommend simply setting aside an hour and strolling aimlessly through the narrow streets between the two squares. Colorful facades, niches, and passageways through courtyards. It’s the most pleasant part of a walk through Znojmo, and it won’t cost you a thing.
St. Nicholas Church (and St. Wenceslas Chapel)
The next stop in our article on what to see in Znojmo takes us to the city’s iconic landmark, St. Nicholas Church. This sanctuary was built in the Gothic style (on the site of an original Romanesque church destroyed by fire) and belongs to the Roman Catholic Church. St. Nicholas Church is, quite simply, located on St. Nicholas Square. As soon as you step inside, you’ll be amazed by the church’s colossal interior.
Here you can see frescoes, the altar, and, above all, the relics of St. Boniface. Right next to the church is the rather unassuming Chapel of St. Wenceslas, which is also worth a visit.
The Minorite Monastery and the South Moravian Museum
The Gothic Minorite monastery with the Church of St. Francis of Assisi is now part of the South Moravian Museum in Znojmo. Here you’ll find exhibits on the nature of the Znojmo region, the region’s archaeology, and an extensive collection of Oriental weapons. Znojmo was frequently raided by eastern raiders. The museum has several buildings throughout the city, so be sure to check where exactly what interests you is located before your visit.
House of Art (Slavíkov Palace)
The Baroque palace on Masaryk Square is another building belonging to the South Moravian Museum. In addition to art exhibitions, you’ll find a numismatic collection here that recalls the time when Znojmo had a mint. It’s the perfect place to stop when the weather turns bad.
Vlk’s Tower
A Gothic tower not far from the city center that now serves as an observation tower. It’s not as tall or as well-known as the Town Hall Tower, which is precisely its advantage—you don’t have to wait in line, and it’s quiet up there. If the Town Hall Tower is too crowded, this is a great alternative.
Kopal’s Monument and the Church of the Finding of the Holy Cross
Two quick stops for those with a little extra time. The Kopal Monument, dating from 1853, is an Empire-style monument featuring a bronze statue of the goddess of victory, erected in honor of Colonel Karel Kopal. The Church of the Finding of the Holy Cross, first mentioned in 1243, belonged to the Dominicans and features a crypt in its basement. Both are just a few minutes’ walk from downtown.
Znojmo and Wine: Vineyards, Wine Cellars, and Tastings
The Znojmo wine subregion is one of four in Moravia and ranks among the coolest in the country—which may sound like a disadvantage, but it’s precisely this that gives rise to the fresh, aromatic white wines produced here. Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, and Sauvignon are right at home here. If you’re heading to Znojmo and are even slightly interested in wine, this part of the article is for you. Just as it was for us 🙂
Loucký Monastery and Znovín, Znojmo
A former Premonstratensian monastery on the outskirts of town, founded as early as 1190. It served as the region’s economic and cultural center until the Josephine reforms of 1784, which dissolved it. It then served as a barracks and fell into disrepair.
Today, the Znovín Znojmo winery is located on its grounds, and the monastery is the best place in town to spend an afternoon enjoying a glass of wine. The vineyards
Paradise Vineyard
A vineyard right below St. Nicholas Church, on a slope leading down to the Dyje River. A footpath runs through it; it’s open to the public and free to visit, and it’s one of the most beautiful spots in Znojmo, especially in the late afternoon when the sun is setting. The last time we were here, we sat there for almost an hour and didn’t want to leave.
Where to go for wine tasting in the area
The Znojmo region is dotted with wineries, and most of them are open to the public. Here are some tried-and-true recommendations just a short distance from the city:
- Hnanice Vineyard: a winery with lodging and a restaurant, just a short distance from the Austrian border
- THAYA: a modern winery with an architecturally distinctive building and tours of the facilities
- U Šneka Wine Cellar and other cellar alleys in the surrounding villages—a more authentic and affordable option
You can find a complete overview in our article on the best wineries in Moravia.
Cycling Through the Vineyards
Several marked wine trails lead from Znojmo. Perhaps the best known is the Znojmo Wine Trail, which connects the city with the vineyards toward Šatov, Hnanice, and on to the Austrian border. The terrain is slightly hilly, but nothing too challenging. You can rent a bike right in the city and complete the loop with a few stops in a single day.
The Znojmo Wine Harvest and Other Events
If this article were to have just one chapter, it would be this one. Znojmo is literally brimming with events, and timing your visit to coincide with one of them is the difference between “a nice town” and “I’ll remember this.”
The tradition dates back to 1966, when František Koukal founded the event. It commemorates John of Luxembourg’s visit to Znojmo in 1327. During the communist era, the event was banned in 1974 and was not revived until the 1990s.
Fun fact: The second annual event, held in 1967, attracted about 110,000 people!
Practical Tips for the Grape Harvest:
- There is an admission fee to enter the historic center during the event (you can purchase a badge/ticket for the entire weekend or for individual days); the surrounding area is free.
- Arrange your accommodations in advance—see the section above.
- You cannot drive into the center; plan to park on the outskirts and walk.
- Saturday is the busiest day. If you don’t like crowds, come on Friday or Sunday.
- Bring cash for the burčák—not everywhere accepts cards.
Nature and Day Trips from Znojmo
Znojmo is a great base. Within half an hour by car, you can reach the national park, the dam, and the castle, and some of these trips are among the most beautiful that South Moravia has to offer.
Podyjí National Park
Let’s now shift the focus of our article on what to see in Znojmo from the city to the countryside—specifically, to the Podyjí National Park. The park stretches along the border with Austria (and the Thayatal National Park), practically from Znojmo all the way to Vranov nad Dyjí. Here you’ll find plenty of beautiful viewpoints (such as Králův stolec or Sealsfield’s Stone), as well as rare flora and fauna.
Maybe you’ll get lucky and, at just the right moment, come across a purple cyclamen, a large-flowered pasque flower, or a variegated iris—or perhaps you’ll spot a great horned owl, a black stork, a common stag beetle, or a giant longhorn beetle.
Cow Mountain
An unassuming hill just outside the city with a view of Znojmo and the Dyje Valley. There are no attractions here, no admission fee—just the view and peace and quiet—exactly the kind of place you’d head to when you want to see the city as a whole. You can walk there from downtown in less than an hour.
Jevišovice: Two Castles and One of the Oldest Dams in Europe
Sixteen kilometers north of Znojmo lies a small town that most people drive past without stopping on their way to Vranov. Jevišovice is one of the most enjoyable half-day trips you can take from Znojmo. Oh, and this is also where my dad spent his childhood!
What to See:
- Old Castle
- New Castle
- Jevišovice Dam
Vranov nad Dyjí and the Vranov Dam
Probably the most famous day trip from Znojmo. Vranov nad Dyjí Castle stands on a rocky cliff above the river, and its Baroque Hall of Ancestors is among the most beautiful interiors found in Czech castles. Not far from it lies the Vranov Dam, featuring beaches, boat rentals, and sightseeing cruises—in the summer, it’s the most popular swimming spot in the Znojmo region.
Bítov Castle and the Ruins of Nový Hrádek
Bítov is one of the oldest Czech castles and is famous for a rather bizarre curiosity: a collection of 49 stuffed dogs left behind by its last owner, Jiří Haas. In addition, there is an armory, a Romanesque chapel, and a view of the Vranov Dam.
Nový Hrádek u Lukova is a ruin in the middle of a national park, accessible only on foot or by bike—which is precisely why it’s so peaceful there. The path to it leads through a beautiful forest above a meander of the Dyje River.
We have more tips on the surrounding area in our article “13+ Tips for the Most Beautiful Places in South Moravia.”
Where to Go in Znojmo for Coffee and Cake
For a city of its size, Znojmo is surprisingly good when it comes to cafes. And that’s one of the main reasons why Zdéňa always loves coming back here. Below is a list of the places we’ve picked out.
Balance Coffee & Wine —breakfast, wine, lodging, pastries, coffee
Půlnapůl —coffee, pastries, French pastries, sweets—it already looks divine on Instagram!!
A café and pastry shop on Horní náměstí —a classic spot with a terrace right in the heart of the action. People come here more for the desserts and the view of the square than for specialty coffee.
Where to Eat in Znojmo
Al dente – bistro, Italian cuisine
Gastro-bar23 – Burgers
BaJo Bistro – burgers, sandwiches, toast, salads
MaxWilliam Pub —Old Bohemian cuisine, really bad Instagram!!!
PokeBowl Bistro— breakfast, coffee, poke bowls; too bad it’s in a mall…:/
What to Try in Znojmo
Three reasons why people come here:
Znojmo Cucumber. Pickled Znojmo cucumbers are a Protected Geographical Indication, and cucumbers have been grown in the area around the city since the 16th century. Buy a jar at the market, not at the supermarket—you’ll taste the difference. Notably, the Znojmia brand has long since stopped producing the famous Czech cucumbers; these are often imported from Turkey.
Znojmo Roast. Beef in cucumber sauce—a classic of Czech cuisine named after the town of Znojmo. It’s practically always on the menu at local pubs.
Znojmo wine. Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, and Sauvignon are right at home here. And in the fall, of course, there’s burčák—but be careful: you’ll recognize the “real” thing by the fact that it’s sold only in season and by local winemakers.
Things to Do in Znojmo When It Rains
Znojmo is largely an outdoor town, so when the weather turns bad, it’s good to have a Plan B. Fortunately, there are plenty of options:
Wellness: Both Dům u lázní and the PREMIUM Wellness & Wine Hotel offer wellness facilities open to non-guests. There’s nothing better than sitting in a hot tub and listening to the rain.
The Znojmo Underground: It rarely rains underground. It’s the best “rain activity” in town and will keep you entertained for a good hour.
Wine Tasting at Loucký Monastery: cellars, galleries, and a tasting. You can easily spend the whole afternoon here, and it doesn’t matter what’s falling outside.
The South Moravian Museum and the House of Art: two museum buildings with exhibits ranging from archaeology to Oriental weapons and a coin collection.
Museum of Motorized Transportation: forty pre-war cars and motorcycles. A great tip even for visitors who are generally fed up with museums.
Practical Information
How to Get to Znojmo
From Brno, it’s about an hour by car and about an hour and a quarter by bus, with frequent service. From Prague, expect a two- to three-hour drive; you can also get there directly by bus or train, but it takes longer. Vienna is also an interesting option—it’s closer than Prague, about an hour and a half away, which is convenient if you’re combining trips.
Parking in Znojmo
The city center has paid parking zones; you’ll find parking meters on Horní náměstí and in the side streets. You can park for free further down by the river and then walk to the center. It’s a few minutes uphill, and you’ll save money. For example, we always parked for free near the hockey stadium.
During the grape harvest and major events, the city center is completely closed to cars; expect to park on the outskirts.
