Brno is often called the “Prague without the crowds,” and for good reason. As the capital of Moravia, it balances a dark history with a vibrant culture of modern cafes and bars. If you are wondering what to do in Brno, you will find many exciting options. You can explore famous UNESCO architecture or walk through spooky underground tunnels. The city also offers one of the best food scenes in Central Europe. Whether you like history or great coffee, here is your guide to the best things to do in the city.
What to do in Brno: Explore the Historic Landmarks
Brno’s skyline is dominated by two massive structures that tell the story of the city’s resilience.
- Špilberk Castle: Originally a royal castle, it later became the “harshest jail in the Austro-Hungarian Empire.” Today, you can tour its dark casemates and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
- Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul (Petrov): This neo-Gothic masterpiece is famous for its noon bells, which actually ring at 11:00 AM. This commemorates a 1645 trick that fooled the Swedish army into ending their siege an hour early.
- Old Town Hall: Look for the Brno Dragon (actually a preserved crocodile) hanging in the entrance. Climb the tower for a 360-degree view of the medieval center.
Descend into the Brno Underground
The underground spaces in Brno were created over many centuries for different reasons. In the Middle Ages, local merchants began digging deep cellars under their houses to store food, beer, and wine at a cool temperature. Later, during the 18th and 19th centuries, the city built massive brick water tanks and technical tunnels to support the growing population.
During the world wars, some of these areas were expanded into air-raid shelters to protect the people. Today, these historic tunnels are a popular choice when people look for what to do in Brno. You can now visit these hidden labyrinths and see how the city lived under the ground for hundreds of years.
- The Labyrinth under the Vegetable Market: A network of medieval cellars where food was stored, alchemists worked, and prisoners were kept.
- The Ossuary at the Church of St. James: The second-largest ossuary in Europe (after Paris), containing the remains of over 50,000 people. It is a hauntingly beautiful, respectfully arranged site.
- 10-Z Bunker: A former top-secret nuclear fallout shelter for the communist elite. You can take a tour or even stay overnight in their “Retro Hostel.”
- Žlutý Kopec Water Tanks: Often described as an “underground cathedral,” these massive, brick-lined reservoirs are a stunning feat of industrial architecture.
Architecture & Modernism
Brno is a pilgrimage site for fans of functionalist and modernist design.
- Villa Tugendhat: A UNESCO World Heritage site designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. It is a masterpiece of modern architecture.
Note: Tickets for interior tours often sell out 3–4 months in advance. If you can’t get one, you can still buy a ticket to walk the beautiful gardens.
- The Astronomical Clock: Located in Freedom Square (Náměstí Svobody), this black granite “bullet” is one of the most controversial clocks in the world. Every day at 11:00 AM, it releases a glass marble that you can try to catch as a souvenir.
What to do in Brno: The Famous Food & Bar Scene
Brno’s culinary scene is arguably more creative than Prague’s, fueled by a massive student population.
| Type | Recommendation | What to Expect |
| Traditional | Stopkova Plzeňská Pivnice | Hearty Czech classics like duck and goulash with perfect Pilsner. |
| Fine Dining | Borgo Agnese | Mediterranean-inspired elegance and excellent wine pairings. |
| Quirky Bars | Super Panda Circus | A hidden, surrealist cocktail bar with a “game” menu. |
| Cocktails | The Bar That Doesn’t Exist | Famous for its massive spirit wall and high-end atmosphere. |
| Café Culture | Café Momenta | Located on the Vegetable Market; perfect for people-watching and cake. |
Day Trips from Brno
If you have an extra day, the surrounding Moravian countryside is stunning. If you have an extra day, the surrounding Moravian countryside is stunning. When planning what to do in Brno, many people choose to visit the nearby Moravian Karst. It is a large nature reserve with beautiful green valleys and a massive system of underground caves.
- Lednice-Valtice Complex: A UNESCO-listed area known as the “Garden of Europe,” featuring two massive chateaus and miles of landscaped parks.
- Veveří Castle: Take a boat from the Brno Dam (Přehrada) to reach this rugged castle perched over the water.
- The Moravian Karst: This nature reserve has over 1,000 caves and is a top choice for day trips.
- Punkva Caves: Famous for its underground boat ride and the deep Macocha Abyss. You should book your tickets weeks in advance!
- Kateřinská Cave: Known for its huge “Main Dome” which has amazing acoustics for concerts, and unique stick-like rock formations.
- Balcarka Cave: This cave is smaller but very beautiful because it has the most colorful and rich stalactite decorations in the whole region.
- Sloup-Šošůvka Caves: A massive system of dark corridors and deep underground bridges that feels like a fantasy world.
Important Tip: The temperature in the caves is around 8°C all year round, so remember to bring a warm jacket even in the summer!
How to go to Brno from Prague
Getting to the city is the first step when planning what to do in Brno. Most travelers arrive from Prague, which is about 200 kilometers away. While you have two main choices—the bus or the train—local travelers will tell you that the train is almost always the better option.
The highway between the two cities (the D1) is currently undergoing major repairs near Brno. Because of this, the road is often very busy. A bus trip that should take 2.5 hours can easily turn into a 4 or 5-hour journey if there is an accident or a traffic jam. The train avoids these problems and is much more comfortable.
Travel Comparison: Prague to Brno
| Transport | Trip Length | Estimated Cost | Reliability |
| Train | 2h 30m – 3h | 150 – 450 CZK | High (Highly recommended) |
| Bus | 2h 30m – 5h+ | 150 – 350 CZK | Low (D1 highway is often blocked) |
Pro Tips for the Journey
- Book the Train: Use the České dráhy (ČD) or RegioJet apps. If you book a few days in advance, you can get a seat for as little as 150 CZK.
- Train Station: In Prague, the trains leave from the Main Station (Praha hlavní nádraží). In Brno, you will arrive right in the city center at Brno hlavní nádraží.
- Avoid the D1: If you must take a bus, try to travel early in the morning or late at night to avoid the worst traffic.
How to use trains in Czech Republic read here.
