BRNO
Brno is the historical capital of Moravia and the Czech Republic’s second-largest city, a dynamic hub of academia, innovation, and culture. It is a brilliant blend of dramatic medieval history, striking functionalist architecture, and a famously rich underground network.
This city is a central European jewel, often overlooked, offering an authentic, non-touristy Czech experience. From its dominant hilltop castle and cathedral spires to its renowned cafes and lively student scene, Brno is where history meets modern life.
Most Popular Attractions
City Core & Historic Sights:
Špilberk Castle (Špilberk Hrad): A magnificent medieval castle that served as a feared Baroque fortress and prison, now a city museum offering panoramic views.
Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul (Katedrála sv. Petra a Pavla): Dominating the city skyline from Petrov Hill, this Gothic cathedral is a national cultural monument famous for its unique midday chime at 11:00 AM.
Old Town Hall (Stará radnice): Featuring the legendary Brno Dragon and the Brno Wheel, its tower offers one of the best perspectives over the city center.
Capuchin Crypt (Kapucínská hrobka): An eerie and fascinating burial site containing the naturally mummified remains of Capuchin monks and benefactors.
Ossuary under the Church of St. James (Kostnice u sv. Jakuba): The second-largest ossuary in Europe, containing the remains of over 50,000 people.
Vegetable Market (Zelný trh): A historic, triangular square hosting a daily market, featuring the Parnas Fountain, a beautiful Baroque centerpiece.
Freedom Square (Náměstí Svobody): The main city square, notable for the controversial, black, rocket-shaped Brno Astronomical Clock.
Labyrinth under the Vegetable Market (Labyrint pod Zelným trhem): A network of historic cellars, corridors, and tunnels beneath the main market square.
Church of St. James (Kostel sv. Jakuba): A striking Gothic church known for its soaring architecture and the ossuary beneath it.
Diocesan Museum (Diecézní muzeum): Located near Petrov Hill, offering ecclesiastical art and historical artifacts.
Functionalist Architecture & Modern Culture:
Villa Tugendhat: A UNESCO World Heritage site and a seminal masterpiece of modern functionalist architecture by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (booking far in advance is essential).
Villa Löw-Beer: A beautiful, historically rich villa near Tugendhat, part of the functionalist district, which now houses the Museum of the Brno Region.
Moravian Gallery (Moravská galerie): One of the largest and most prestigious museums in the Czech Republic, with collections of art, applied arts, and graphic design.
Jurkovič Villa: A colorful and unique villa by architect Dušan Jurkovič, showcasing a fusion of modernism and folk architecture.
VIDA! Science Centre: An interactive, modern science park perfect for families, offering hands-on exhibits on science and technology.
Janáček Theatre (Janáčkovo divadlo): A significant modern building and a major venue for opera and ballet in the city.
10-Z Bunker (Kryt 10-Z): A former secret fallout shelter under Špilberk Castle, now a museum offering tours of Cold War history.
Old Water Tanks on Žlutý kopec (Staré vodojemy na Žlutém kopci): Massive, historic underground water reservoirs with impressive architecture, sometimes open for tours.
Greater Brno & Nature:
Brno Reservoir (Brněnská přehrada): A large artificial lake on the Svratka River, popular for recreational activities, swimming, and boat trips.
Veveří Castle (Hrad Veveří): A large, historic royal castle perched above the Brno Reservoir, accessible by boat or bus.
Moravian Karst (Moravský kras): A stunning protected landscape area just north of Brno, featuring impressive cave systems, including the Punkva Caves and the Macocha Abyss.
Lužánky Park: The oldest public park in the Czech Republic and a peaceful green space close to the city center.
Masaryk Circuit (Masarykův okruh): A famous motorsport race track that hosts major international events like the Grand Prix.
Mariánské údolí (Marian Valley): A popular recreation area on the outskirts of the city with a series of small ponds and hiking trails.
Activities & Experiences
Explore Špilberk Castle: Visit this iconic, hilltop fortress that has served as a royal castle, a feared Baroque prison, and a military barracks. The casemates (underground tunnels) are a must-see.
Discover the 10-Z Bunker: Take a guided tour of this Cold War-era nuclear bunker, located directly under Špilberk Castle, which was prepared to serve as a command post for city leaders.
Visit the Brno Ossuary at St. James’ Church: Descend into the second-largest ossuary in Europe, containing the remains of over 50,000 people. It’s a fascinating and moving historical site.
Marvel at the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul (Petrov): Climb the tower of this magnificent Gothic cathedral for panoramic views of the city. Be sure to check its clock, which chimes noon at 11:00 AM (a historical tradition).
Find the Unique Astronomical Clock: Head to Náměstí Svobody (Freedom Square) and try to catch the moment at 11:00 AM when the black granite ‘time machine’ dispenses a small glass marble.
Explore Villa Tugendhat: Tour this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a masterpiece of functionalist architecture designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Note: Book tickets well in advance.
Go on a Local Beer Tasting: Visit the Starobrno Brewery (Starobrno is Brno’s local beer) or explore the city’s many microbreweries and traditional Czech pubs (Hospoda) for a taste of authentic Moravian beer.
Stroll through the Cabbage Market (Zelný trh): Explore this historic lower square, which hosts a daily fresh produce market, and admire the Parnas Fountain and the hidden underground labyrinth beneath the square.
Take a Boat Trip to Veveří Castle: Catch the public transport ship (a historical electric boat) from the Brno Reservoir to the beautiful medieval Veveří Castle, making for a perfect day trip outside the city center.
Catch a Show at the National Theatre Brno: Experience the city’s strong cultural scene with a performance at one of the National Theatre’s venues (Janáček Theatre, Mahen Theatre, or Reduta Theatre).
Hike to Stránská Skála: Explore the geological and archaeological significant natural monument, known for its unique caves and former use as a wartime underground facility.
Visit the Moravian Gallery (Moravská galerie): Explore the extensive collections of fine art, applied art, design, and photography across its various buildings in the city center.
Local Tips & Transport
Public Transport is Excellent: Brno has an efficient and comprehensive network of trams (Šalina), buses, and trolleybuses run by the DPMB (Brno City Transport Company). The system also connects to the regional South Moravian Integrated Public Transport (IDS JMK).
Ticketing is Easy: The simplest way to pay for a ticket (jízdenka) is to use a contactless payment card (credit/debit card) directly at the payment terminals located inside every tram, bus, and trolleybus. Remember to tap your card when boarding and tap again when exiting to ensure you are charged the correct fare.
Central Hub: The Hlavní nádraží (Main Train Station) is the main interchange for most tram and bus lines, and all night lines converge here for timed transfers (the ‘night move-off’) that happen hourly after midnight.
Getting Around the Center: The historic city center is compact and very walkable. You can easily reach most major attractions like Petrov, Špilberk Castle, and the main squares on foot.
Useful Apps: Download the IDOS app for finding transport connections and schedules across the entire Czech Republic, and iRIS for real-time locations of Brno public transport vehicles.
The Beer Culture: Czech Republic has the highest beer consumption per capita in the world, and Moravia (where Brno is located) is famed for its own unique brewing tradition. Always order a local beer—it’s cheaper than water! Don’t be surprised to see people drinking beer at lunchtime.
Dining Customs: Tipping is customary in restaurants, usually rounding up or adding about 10% directly to the server when paying the bill. Lunch is the main meal of the day, typically eaten between 12 PM and 2 PM. Dinner is usually later, around 7 PM onwards.
Brno’s Nickname: Locals often jokingly refer to Brno as the “largest village” (největší vesnice) due to its relaxed, easy-going atmosphere compared to the bustling capital, Prague.
Embrace the Underground: Brno has an unusually extensive and fascinating network of underground spaces, from the Ossuary to the Labyrinth under Zelný trh and the 10-Z Bunker. Touring these sites is a hallmark Brno experience.
The “Šalina”: The local word for tram is šalina, derived from the German elektrische Linie (electric line). Using this term will mark you as a knowledgeable visitor!
Language: While English is widely spoken in the center, especially by the younger generation, learning a few basic Czech phrases like Dobrý den (Good day), Děkuji (Thank you), and Prosím (Please/You’re welcome) is appreciated.
Hidden Gems:
- The Capuchin Crypt (Kapucínská hrobka): Visit the crypt with naturally mummified remains of Capuchin monks and benefactors.
- The Old Town Hall’s Crocodile: Find the legendary “Brno Dragon” (which is actually a stuffed crocodile) hanging in the entryway of the Old Town Hall.
- Labyrinth under Zelný trh: Explore the network of cellars and tunnels under the Cabbage Market that were used for food storage, brewing, and as shelters.
- Café Culture: Brno has a burgeoning, high-quality café and independent roastery scene—look for places like Veselá Kavárna or Industra Coffee for an authentic taste of the modern city.
Top Restaurants
Lokál U Caipla [$15-$25] – An authentic, no-frills tavern focusing on traditional Moravian cuisine made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients and serving tank beer.
Stopkova Plzeňská Pivnice [$15-$25] – A large, classic Czech pub and restaurant in the center of Brno, known for its traditional Czech dishes like goulash and excellent Pilsner Urquell beer.
Pivnice Pegas Jakubská [$15-$25] – A traditional Brno tavern with its own microbrewery, offering classic Czech and Moravian dishes and a great selection of their house-brewed beers.
Hostinec U Semináru [$15-$25] – A charming tavern capturing the essence of Czech and Moravian cuisine, serving traditional specialties in a comfortable, historic-style setting.
U Tomana [$15-$25] – Located near the main square, this restaurant with its own microbrewery offers outrageously good traditional Czech fare, notably their confit duck leg.
Restaurace Špalíček [$15-$25] – A charming, traditional Czech restaurant with a cozy atmosphere, offering delicious food and a pleasant dining experience.
Pivnice U Čápa [$15-$25] – A very popular, authentic Czech pub offering traditional, hearty Czech dishes and a great atmosphere for locals.
Restaurace Velorex [$15-$25] – A spot specializing in classic Czech cuisine and serving Rychtář beer, offering traditional hot and cold meals in a relaxed setting.
Restaurace Baroko [$20-$30] – Located in the deep cellars of a former Jesuit establishment, this spot offers traditional Czech and international specialties in a unique, historic setting.
Hostinec U Bláhovky [$20-$30] – Highly regarded for its traditional Czech beer-hall atmosphere and quality, classic Czech pub food.
Restaurace U Mocnáře [$20-$30] – A local restaurant offering hot meals and drinks, with a garden, known for being a good spot for family and corporate events.
Restaurace Nová Chaloupka [$20-$30] – Offering Czech and foreign cuisine, specializing in grilled meats and traditional specialties outside the very center.
Jakoby [$25-$35] – Managed by a respected sommelier, this spot focuses on meat-heavy dishes cooked with excellent attention to detail, a step up from typical pub fare.
Na Stojáka [$10-$20] – A unique “taphouse for standing,” focusing on craft beers from local breweries and offering suitable, simple snacks and pub food.
Atelier Bar & Bistro [$25-$40] – A chic and minimalist bistro focused on contemporary Czech cuisine, offering a modern, fresh twist on traditional flavors with a seasonal menu.
Soul Bistro [$25-$40] – A cozy and inviting bistro with an eclectic fusion menu, prioritizing fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and offering options for all diets, including vegetarian and vegan.
Kohout NA VÍNĚ (Rooster on Wine) [$30-$50] – Situated in the Brno House of Arts, this restaurant offers a unique blend of sophisticated Czech and international cuisine with a relaxed yet refined atmosphere.
Element Bar & Restaurant [$30-$50] – Known for its focus on simplicity and quality, emphasizing the pure flavors of its ingredients in a sleek, stylish fine-casual setting.
La Bouchée [$35-$60] – A fancy dinner option offering high-quality modern European cuisine, a good choice for a special evening out.
Konfit [$35-$60] – Known for its high-quality gastronomy, likely with a focus on expertly prepared, slow-cooked or confit meats, in an upscale setting.
Domovina [$10-$20] – A tiny, family-run Vietnamese restaurant near the Cabbage Market, renowned for its authentic, fragrant Vietnamese dishes and a small, personal menu (often lunch-only).
Buchta C [$5-$15] – A very tiny café hidden in a courtyard, specializing in ‘buchteln’ (sweet Czech pastries, often filled with plum butter) alongside good coffee.
Manya Sushi & Sake Izakaya [$20-$40] – Brings a taste of Japan, serving excellent sushi and traditional Japanese dishes in an authentic, traditional style.
Forkys [$15-$25] – A completely vegan restaurant that offers a wide range of dishes, from creative, vegan-only bowls and curries to meat substitutes.
PLATZ Zelný trh 10 [$15-$30] – A shared food court concept with multiple establishments (including Vietnamese cuisine and a Mediterranean kitchen), perfect for groups with diverse tastes.
Super Panda Circus [$15-$30] – An eccentric, themed cocktail bar (entry through an unmarked door) that also offers snacks and a unique, immersive experience.
Korejské Bistro Doširak [$15-$25] – A small, basement-floor spot offering authentic Korean cuisine, including Bimbabs, Gimbabs, and Bulgogis, a great alternative to other Asian options.
Bucheck [$10-$20] – Located on Zelný trh (Cabbage Market), this spot is highly recommended for a quick, delicious meal, famous for its pork dishes.
Borgo Agnese [$60-$90] – An elegant restaurant offering a blend of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine with meticulous attention to detail, perfect for a sophisticated evening.
Pavillon Steak House [$70-$100] – A stunning restaurant housed in a functionalist building, focusing on high-quality meat dishes and modern European cuisine in a stylish setting.
Koishi fish & sushi restaurant [$70-$100] – A top-notch dining spot specializing in authentic and fresh fish and sushi, known for its high quality.
Sunset restaurant [$60-$90] – Offering a fine dining experience, often praised for a nice sunset view over the Brno skyline alongside its cuisine.
Tulip Restaurant [$80-$120] – An upscale dining establishment known for high-quality food and a fine dining experience in the city center.
Castellana Tratoria [$60-$90] – An elegant Italian restaurant offering a refined dining experience with a focus on Italian cuisine.
Noem Arch [$70-$110] – An upscale restaurant, often suggested for special occasions and higher-end gastronomy.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Super Panda Circus: Located just a stone’s throw from the main train station, this highly-rated bar offers a wildly imaginative and theatrical cocktail experience with an ever-changing, creative menu and a quirky, hidden entrance.
Bar, Který Neexistuje (The Bar That Doesn’t Exist): A popular and lively spot in the historic city center known for high-quality, inventive cocktails and a sophisticated yet unpretentious atmosphere.
Výčep u Poutníka (Poutník Taproom): While focused on craft beer, this central pub on Starobrněnská street also offers a selection of fine spirits and acts as a lively meeting place in the heart of the old town.
Slast (Lust): Found near the city’s main square, Náměstí Svobody, this cozy bar is known for its excellent service and well-crafted classic and signature cocktails.
The Catalyst: Situated in the city center, this sophisticated bar focuses on molecular mixology and experimental drinks, offering a high-end experience in a sleek setting.
Whiskey Bar, Který Neexistuje (The Whiskey Bar That Doesn’t Exist): A sister bar to “The Bar That Doesn’t Exist,” this downtown location focuses on premium whiskies and rums, offering expertly mixed cocktails with a dark, intimate atmosphere.
Zlatá Loď (Golden Ship): Positioned near the popular Jakubské náměstí, this bar is known for its extensive selection of local and international beers, but also serves up great mixed drinks in a friendly setting.
4 Pokoje (4 Rooms): A unique, centrally located spot that transforms its mood and menu throughout the day, offering brunch, coffee, dinner, and finally, cocktails and late-night vibes in its distinct ‘rooms’.
Podnebí (Climate): A cozy, well-established bar near the city centre, known for its relaxed atmosphere, good wine list, and a small but thoughtful selection of cocktails and spirits.
Trojka (The Three): Situated in the bustling Jakubské náměstí area, this bar is a local favorite offering a variety of drinks, including cocktails, in a laid-back, artsy environment.
Trafačka Bar: An artsy and alternative bar located a bit outside the immediate core but still centrally accessible, known for its laid-back vibe and good range of beverages, often frequented by the local creative scene.
Kabinet Múz (Cabinet of Muses): Primarily a music venue in the city center, this location also functions as a relaxed bar offering drinks before, during, and after shows, with a quirky, bohemian interior.
Naproti (Across): An absinthe bar in the old town that also offers other spirits and cocktails, perfect for a strong, unconventional drink in a unique, atmospheric setting.
Spektrum: Found close to the central transport hub, this is a popular spot with a great atmosphere, offering a variety of beers, spirits, and simple mixed drinks.
Spirit Bar & Lounge: Located centrally, this bar offers a slightly more upscale lounge experience with a wide range of cocktails and spirits, ideal for a refined evening.
Fléda: One of Brno’s most famous and largest multi-genre clubs and concert venues, located slightly north of the historical center, hosting major Czech and international DJs and bands, focusing heavily on drum & bass, techno, and alternative music.
Sono Centrum: A modern, multifunctional complex near the city center that includes a high-capacity music club and concert hall, primarily hosting major rock, pop, jazz, and electronic music acts.
7. Nebe (7th Heaven): A popular, large mainstream club in the city center, known for its multiple floors, high-energy atmosphere, and playing commercial dance, house, and pop music.
Exit Club: Located near the main square, this club is famous for its varied program, often featuring techno, drum & bass, and electronic music events, and is known for its vibrant dance floor.
Two Faces: A centrally located and popular club known for its lively party atmosphere, playing a mix of commercial hits and various dance genres, attracting a diverse, young crowd.
Metro Music Bar: Situated in the heart of the city, this venue is a staple of Brno’s nightlife, serving as both a concert hall for live bands and a club with varied music programming.
Pitkin Club: A music club located in the city center offering themed parties and a mix of genres, from commercial hits to retro nights.
Bastila Club: Found near the university campus, this club is popular with students, offering a lively and casual atmosphere with commercial and international music.
Mandarin Club: A centrally located club known for its modern design and focus on popular music, often hosting student parties and special events.
FBB klub dráha (FBB Club Dráha): An alternative, centrally located beer garden/club venue offering a relaxed and unconventional vibe, often featuring alternative music and a good selection of craft beers.
Kabinet Múz (as a club): While also a bar, this central spot regularly turns into an alternative club/venue after hours, hosting themed dance nights and lesser-known DJs, favoring underground and non-commercial music.