Read our article on what to see in Brno and what’s worth visiting.
You can travel to Brno by train (usually to the main station) or by bus (either to the bus station known as Zvonařka or to the Grand Hotel). You can of course also travel by car, but remember that Brno has blue parking zones all over the place.
Around the city you can get everywhere on foot, or use the dense public transport network – the iconic “šalinas” (trams), buses and trolleybuses run here.
Monuments and places to see in Brno
Villa Tugendhat and Villa Löw-Beer
First place on the list of what to see in Brno undoubtedly belongs to the city’s most iconic monuments – the connected Villa Tugendhat and Villa Löw-Beer. These villas were built before the Second World War and show visitors how Brno’s elite lived in the interwar period. Villa Löw-Beer was built earlier, which you can tell from its architectural style (Art Nouveau). There is, however, a link between it and the functionalist Villa Tugendhat – Greta Tugendhat, the daughter of the businessman and factory owner Alfred Löw-Beer.
The water reservoirs on Žlutý kopec
Brno is famous for its tangled underground passages, which breathe a mysterious atmosphere. The same goes for the water reservoirs beneath the green spaces on Žlutý kopec. Built in 1869, they make a genuinely imposing impression. In previous years they were only opened to the public on a provisional basis; since this spring visitors can explore the whole complex.
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Brno’s astronomical clock
On náměstí Svobody (aka Svoboďák) stands a slightly inconspicuous structure that nonetheless shouts through its shape – Brno’s astronomical clock. You won’t guess it’s a clock at first glance, I’d bet on it. You probably won’t stand admiring it at length the way you would the Prague one. On the other hand, the whole square offers places to sit and in summer plenty of cultural events take place here.
The historic city centre
Although Brno is primarily seen as an industrial city, you’ll still find plenty of historic monuments in the centre. Worth mentioning above all are the Old Town Hall, the Cabbage Market, the Cathedral of St Peter and Paul and Špilberk. Before you head off to taste a bit of history, we’d recommend reading up on Brno’s myths and legends – you’ll learn, for instance, why the lianas on the Old Town Hall are twisted, or why noon strikes at 11 o’clock at Petrov.
Nuclear bunkers
In the centre of Brno beneath Petrov you’ll find shelters that once served as possible protection in the event of weapons of mass destruction. The so-called Denis shelter (the Denis gardens are nearby) is a system of passages in which up to 3,000 people could shelter for 4 days in an emergency. Today the shelter serves as a museum and you can visit it on a guided tour. If you want something more thrilling, take the tour after dark.
Veveří castle
You’ll find the state castle of Veveří on the northwestern side of the Brno reservoir. Construction began in the 13th century under the Přemyslids. The castle is built in Gothic and Renaissance styles and its walls give visitors a gorgeous view over the surrounding countryside. Did you know, for instance, that Winston Churchill once visited? You’ll learn things like that and more if you stop by.
Špilberk castle
Another of the state castles, Špilberk, is a comfortable few minutes’ walk straight from the city centre. Just 14 minutes from náměstí Svobody and the whole of Brno is laid out in front of you. Besides guided tours, at Špilberk you can also hang about in the park or spend time taking in the city from one of the benches by the fortress walls. This place has to be on any what-to-see-in-Brno itinerary!
The roof timbers of St James’s church
While you’re around náměstí Svobody, consider taking a look inside St James’s church. Besides the second-largest ossuary in Europe, it hides newly restored and newly accessible roof timbers. Interestingly, not a single nail was used in building them! What’s more, the tour includes a viewpoint at the highest accessible point.
Activities and fun: what to do in Brno
- VIDA! science centre
The hit of the last few years are theme parks that bring science to visitors in a popular form. Brno has one too, by the exhibition grounds. A big strength of the VIDA! science centre is the chance to try the interactive exhibits, divided into six themed sections: Planet, Civilisation, Human, Microworld, Children’s Science Centre and the Outdoor Exhibition (open only from May to September).
- Brno Zoo
Whether you’ve come to Brno alone or with children, a trip to the zoo never disappoints. Brno Zoo has been running since 1953 and focuses mainly on breeding hoofed animals. Visitors, though, most seek out the exhibits with polar bears, tigers, bears, lions and chimpanzees. There’s a little train, a trampoline centre and playgrounds waiting for children. You’ll appreciate Brno and what it has to see even more.
- The observatory and planetarium
If your feet hurt after a full day of walking around Brno, ride up to Kraví hora and get over that last climb before resting in comfortable seats at one of the shows at the observatory and planetarium. Thanks to modern equipment you’ll feel like you’re right there in the infinite universe. Curious visitors will also find an interactive permanent exhibition on the greatest curiosities of space.
- The Technical Museum
Lovers of technology of every kind should visit the Technical Museum in Královo Pole. The museum has a total of 17 permanent exhibitions and a Technical Playroom. Visitors will find unique historic vehicles of all kinds, aircraft and locomotives. The museum also manages several other technical monuments – the historic vehicle depositories in Líšeň and Řečkovice, or the buildings of the former airfield in Černovice.
Nature and Brno
- The Brno reservoir
The Brno reservoir, known in the local dialect (hantec) as “Prýgl”, is an ideal place to relax and can easily fill a whole day. It was originally a drinking water reserve for the whole city, but now serves for swimming and, in winter, even skating. Around the reservoir you’ll find plenty of restaurants, stalls and cafés. From the reservoir you can also head to Veveří castle, mentioned above.
- Mariánské údolí
Although you’ll find this extensive natural area on the edge of the city, it’s still a sought-after weekend destination for many Brno residents – no wonder, since it suits walking, cycling, swimming and fishing. In the north of Mariánské údolí you’ll find several caves and the ruins of Horákov castle. The bobsleigh track and several singletrail spots add to the appeal. This place should be on your list of what to see in Brno.
- Lužánky park
This spot in the centre of Brno resembles New York’s Central Park in many ways. Across 22 hectares you’ll find beautifully maintained greenery where you can rest, read, exercise or chat with friends. Nearby or right in the park there are pleasant cafés and restaurants. You can also take in some monuments – there’s a neo-Renaissance pavilion hosting cultural events, a fountain with three putti and a monument to Emperor Joseph II. For football connoisseurs, the open-air museum that is the Za Lužánkami stadium is here too, decaying diligently away :/
Restaurants and cafés:
Ještě jednu
Try excellent artisan ice cream in the centre of Brno, the kind people queue a long time for. A delicious refreshment that will genuinely make you want another one.
Café Placzek
Some cafés are small, so it happens that there’s nowhere to sit when you arrive. That won’t happen to you at “Placzek”. Two floors of spacious café await, with friendly staff happy to help you choose your coffee, food or cake.
U Starýho Billa
A traditional restaurant in the centre that can claim the title of “the best steakhouse in Brno”. You can try not only widely known dishes but also genuine delicacies.
V Melounovém cukru
The very first café we visited in Brno, about 10 years ago now, and I talk about it nostalgically every time we reminisce about the city. A very likeable little café a short walk from Svoboďák and the station.
Kafec Brněnský
For now only on the bucket list, but we’ll get there soon (hopefully). The café has very nice reviews, a lovely interior and generally seems appealing.
Pivovar Harry
Bored of the classic beer brands? Then head into the centre to the Harry microbrewery. Right in the centre, in a space rather like a boxing ring, there’s pleasant seating and interesting-tasting beer (interesting doesn’t equal bad :D). Straight afterwards you can roll on to the METRO dance club.
Where to stay in Brno
Accommodation by price
For those looking for affordable options, there are hotels and guesthouses offering basic but comfortable accommodation at low prices. The mid-range includes three-star hotels and apartments offering good value for money. Luxury hotels, by contrast, offer top-tier service and comfort for more demanding guests.
Accommodation tips:
- Low cost: Hostel Eleven, Hostel Mitte, Penzion Na Staré Poště
- Mid-range: Orea Hotel Voroněž, Hotel Continental, Grandhotel Brno
- Luxury: Barceló Brno Palace, Grandezza Hotel Luxury Palace, Courtyard by Marriott Brno
Accommodation by location (distance from the city centre)
For those who prefer being close to the main attractions and the buzz of the city centre, accommodation in or right beside the centre is ideal. Staying in the centre gives you easy access to historic monuments, restaurants and cultural events. Hotels and guesthouses on the edge of the city, by contrast, offer a quieter setting and often better parking.
Accommodation tips:
- The city centre: Hotel Grandezza, Hotel Royal Ricc, Hotel Pegas Brno, Grandhotel Brno
- Just outside the centre: Best Western Premier Hotel International, Hotel Europa
- The city’s edge: Maximus Resort, Hotel Atlantis, Hotel Rakovec
Did this guide appeal to you? Then take a look at the others! České Budějovice, Český Krumlov or our guide to the Paris of the East – Budapest.
