Brno – the capital of South Moravia - attractions and monuments
Brno is the beautiful capital of South Moravia and the second largest city in the Czech Republic. However, an urban mole does not overwhelm here, but captures a compact historical heart, transporting into the world of the mysterious past. At the same time light and holiday. It harmoniously intertwines the charm of monuments, modern architecture, culture and lush nightlife in iconic bars. Here you want to walk and relax sitting on a sun lounger and absorbing the pleasant atmosphere of the city. Check out our guide to Brno and start exploring the city, where a powerful cathedral, captivating underground water reservoirs and the second largest skull chapel in Europe await you!
Brno - location, access and parking
Brno is the capital of South Moravia, located in the south-east of the Czech Republic, close to the borders with Austria and Slovakia. This makes it a great starting point for Moravia and wine regions. The most convenient way to get to the city is by car, train or bus, and in the very center it is best to move on foot or by public transport. We from Upper Silesia reached Brno first on the A1 motorway, and then on the Czech one. Parking in the city is not easy and cheap. In the center, parking is payable 24 hours a day, and in addition, parking lots are often full. A convenient option, although not free, is usually to find accommodation in the center with a parking offer (usually it is additionally paid). We slept in the Europa Hotel and from here we walked around the city. It is a few minutes' walk to the Church of St. James and Freedom Square.
Things to do in Brno What to see in Brno
In the capital of South Moravia, you'll find attractions at every turn, and some of them will really surprise you! Here you will see the legendary UNESCO-listed Villa Tugendhat, an underground labyrinth, a secret nuclear shelter, a notorious castle prison or a huge chapel of skulls. Here are the top Brno attractions you can't miss! It is worth starting from the very center, because most of the most interesting places are within convenient walking distance.
Kapuściany Targ and Parnas Fountain - Zelný Trh and Parnas Fountain
The Green Market or the Cabbage Market or the Green Market (Zelný Trh) is one of the main squares of the city and an open-air market. Functioning since the Middle Ages, you can buy greens, fruits and local products in the morning, and in the evening the square turns into a meeting place with sun loungers, music and a relaxed atmosphere. In the middle of the square, the Parnas fountain attracts attention.
Brno underground - Labyrinth under the Vegetable Market
Under the Green Market there is a complex system of cellars. First, they were used to store food, and later to protect residents from invasions. Today, the labyrinth known as the Brno Underground offers an unusual underground walk and perfectly complements the tour of the historic center. You will see a pillory, a cage for the insane or an alchemist's laboratory. You will also learn that in the past, guests of the inn had their rights even after it was closed. Well, after dark, they were escorted home in the company of people with lanterns. It is somewhat outrageous today that these escorts were children aged 8-12!
Address: Zelný trh 320/21
Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Brno - Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul - legend about noon in Brno
The Neo-Gothic Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul towers majestically on Petrov Hill above the city center. Although it is quite modest in its interior, its impressive shape immediately attracts attention. This is one of the most recognizable symbols of Brno, also visible on the Czech 10 CZK coin. It is worth entering the paid tower, which offers a beautiful panorama of the city, and descending to the crypt in the basement. The cathedral presents itself magnificently from various points of the center, especially at the golden hour. The temple is associated with a legend from 1645, when the city was besieged by the Swedes. After months of besieging the city, the invaders announced that they would leave if they did not capture it by noon, measured by the ringing of cathedral bells. The locals resorted to deception and struck noon an hour earlier. This saved Brno from the Flood and made the city have its noon at 11.00 since then.
Address: Petrov 9
St. James Church in Brno with a chapel of skulls - St. James Church and Ossuaries
The Church of St. James made the biggest impression on me. The building itself is extremely interesting, and its interior also captivates. Next to it is worth visiting the second largest chapel of skulls in Europe, discovered by chance quite recently. The remains of more than 50,000 people lie here, rows and piles of skulls and bones. What is unique is the fact that this ossuary can be photographed, which makes it even more unique compared to other Czech morgues. This is one of the most unusual attractions in Brno and a strong point of the entire tour.
Address: Jakubské nám. 11
Old Town Hall and Observation Tower - Old Town Hall
The Old Town Hall (Stará radnice) is a monument that is definitely worth visiting during your stay in Brno. It is located near the Green Market Square. Here you will see the symbol of the city – a dragon with a legend reminiscent of our Wawel dragon. Except that the Brno one is more of a crocodile. Particularly noteworthy here is the late gothic portal by Anton Pilgram, who made a joke about gothic art and twisted the middle turret. It was supposed to be a penalty for not paying the right amount for this work. Inside the building there is a gallery and a historical exhibition, but I also recommend the 63-meter-high tower with a Renaissance helmet roof. From here, you can perfectly see the charm of the old town, especially at sunset. I highly recommend this view of the city!
Address: Radnicka 8
Astronomical clock at Freedom Square - Brno Astronomical Clock and Svobody Square
The symbol of Brno at Freedom Square (náměstí Svobody) is an iconic astronomical clock with a characteristic shape, made of black granite. The astronomical clock was supposed to be associated with a missile and the siege of the city by the Swedes, but it turned out a little differently and today it is affectionately called the Brno phallus. It's hard to tell the time, but tourists like it for the collectible glass balls that fall out every day. The square is a kind of market and the heart of the old town. There are magnificent monuments, many restaurants and a fountain.
Address: nám. Svobody
Brno Castle - Špilberk Castle
Špilberk Castle has dominated the city since the 13th century, when it was built by the Czech king Przemysł Ottokar II. Later, the Gothic castle was rebuilt into a Baroque fortress, which resisted numerous attacks. It was also famous as a strict prison with a system of dark casemates and a torture chamber, and it served this function since the 18th century. Today, Špilberk invites you to paid exhibitions and free walks around the courtyard and the hill with beautiful views. It is a place that combines history, panorama and a stronger, more mysterious atmosphere of Brno. It is worth reserving no more time than just a quick look at the walls from the outside. It is a real cultural center that offers not only a museum, but also music festivals and summer theater performances. The castle tower and the aforementioned casemates are also open to the public.
Address: Špilberk 210/1
Water reservoirs - Žlutý Kopec reservoirs
Žlutý Kopec water reservoirs are extremely photogenic Water Reservoirs on the Yellow Hill. Three monumental, underground water reservoirs from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries are located next to each other and resemble ancient temples. It was built between 1874 and 1917 as part of the modern Pisárky water supply system, designed by the London engineer Thomas Docwra. Their task was to provide water to a rapidly developing city. For over 100 years, they operated as a key element of the infrastructure until 1997, when the system was taken out of service. Interestingly, in 2014, the reservoirs were intended for liquidation, but after the publication of the photos they caused such great admiration that in 2019 they were recognized as a cultural monument, and in 2020-24 revitalization was carried out. Today, they look spectacular and delight entire families. Children are eager to check even piercing acoustics, evoking echoes with shouts. This is one of the most unusual places in Brno and a great example of how technical infrastructure can become a tourist attraction. We came across a laser show in a concrete tank, which further intensified the wow effect.
Address: Tvrdého 15
Villa of the Tugendhats - modernism from the UNESCO list
A visit to Brno will become fuller when you visit Villa Tugendhat by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are many curiosities here, including the fact that for the first time in history the architect used a steel load-bearing structure on columns on a cross plan in a private house. In the villa you will see unique for the 1920s. Amenities, such as an air conditioning prototype, hot air heating system, photocells at the door, electrically lowered blinds, as well as a decorative onyx wall that even burns at sunset. It is one of the most important examples of modern residential architecture in Europe. This story is somewhat similar to that of Scheibler and Herbst in Łódź. Here, the father-in-law of Jewish origin made it possible to build a villa full of splendor and comforts for an amount that would allow to build several dozen luxury houses! Another jewel of Brno's modern interwar architecture is Villa Stiassni. After World War II, it functioned as a hotel for important state guests. The café is still operating today.
Address: Černopolní 45
Svratka lagoon cruise - a family attraction in Brno
A great summer attraction is a cruise on the lagoon created on the Svratka River thanks to the Brněnská přehrada dam. There is a peculiar water tram that stops at the beaches and swimming pools ideal for a summer family holiday. It also flows to Veveří Castle. Sail from Brno-Bystrc (Přístaviště Bystrc).
Address: Přístavní 1166/40
Other attractions and monuments - what else to see in Brno
If you want to see more than the classic points from the must-see list, there are a few more places in Brno worth adding. Many of them will appeal to children:
- VIDA! Science Center, ul. Křížkovského 554/12 - a child-friendly center with interactive nature exhibitions on climate, space, physics and other sciences
- Papillonia - Motýlí dům BRNO, ul. Panská 393/6 - a tropical butterfly farm with flying butterflies and creeping turtles, will surely appeal to children here
- Kolorowa Fountain Curtain - Light fountain in the shape of a curtain, Roosevelt Street
- Lužánky Park, 602 Pionýrská Street - a great place to take a break from city sightseeing
- Villa Löw-Beer, ul. Drobného 297 - a villa constituting a museum
- Modernism of Brno - functionalist development of the city makes Brno one of the best European destinations for fans of modernism
- Moravian Museum, Zelný trh 6 - allows you to get to know the history and culture of the region better
- Pixel Game Brno, ul. Jánská 9 - family entertainment center
- Brno Zoo, U Zoologické zahrady 46 - a vast and pleasant zoological park was created on the outskirts of the city, in its north-western part, in the Brno-Bystrc district, next to the tram route over the lagoon
- A secret nuclear shelter from the 10-Z communist era - intended for the most important local communist party dignitaries, it was still being built by the Nazis, whom it was supposed to protect against raids by American and Soviet bombers, but it was not completed until 1959. He could have given safe shelter for 3 days for 500 people
- Veveří Castle - one of the oldest and largest castle complexes in Moravia
Brnopas card - tourist card of the Moravian capital
When visiting Brno, we used Brnopas. It is the official tourist card of the city of Brno, which allows free entry to the main attractions, public transport and discounts to other places. This type of solution is profitable for intensive sightseeing.
Selected free Brnopas entries:
- Špilberk Castle
- Old Town Hall
- Chapel of Skulls at the Church of St James
- St. Peter and Paul's Cathedral - entrance to the towers
- Brno Zoo
- Water Tram Cruise
In addition, unlimited rides by public transport in Brno during the validity of the card are free of charge.
Brnopas + special version is an option with the entrance to the famous Villa Tugendhat inscribed on the UNESCO list (requires prior booking)
The duration and prices depend on whether you choose Brnopas for 1, 2 or 3 days. You can buy Brnopas at TIC Brno tourist information points or online at the official website.
Where to eat - restaurants and bars - culinary guide to Gourmet Brno
Brno is famous for its good gastronomy, relaxed atmosphere and lively bars, where it is easy to feel the holiday atmosphere of the city in the evening. In the center, you will easily find both traditional Czech eateries and modern places with international cuisine. It is worth planning at least one evening for local wine, beer, dinner and a walk around the illuminated center. The Gourmet Brno Food Guide helps you choose a restaurant
The official tourist materials of the city are a good starting point if you want to arrange a route around restaurants, cafes and bars. This makes it easier to combine sightseeing with food and discovering less obvious addresses. This is a practical solution for people who like to have a plan, but do not want to lose spontaneity during a city break.
Accommodation in Brno
Brno offers a wide range of accommodation, from central hotels to apartments and smaller guest houses. It is most convenient to choose an accommodation base close to the old town, because then most of the attractions can be walked around. This saves time and allows you to feel the atmosphere of the city in the evening. It will also avoid problems with parking. We chose Hotel Europa. This is one of the more recognizable accommodation addresses in the center and allowed us to park the car safely, although for a fee, behind the hotel gate.
Here you will find a wide selection of accommodations. By booking your stay on Booking.com through our link, you support the development of our blog — and we thank you in advance! It helps us reach many interesting places that we later love to show you and share our experiences and information with you.
Tourist attractions in the area
- Slavkov Palace (Slavkov Castle) - a beautiful palace with interesting interiors, where armistice talks took place
- The Peace Memorial at Slavkov (formerly Austerlitz) commemorates the famous battle of the three emperors in 1805
- The Moravian Karst is a region with breathtaking views and caves and the legendary abyss of the Stepmother. Here is also the only underground rafting in the Czech Republic in the Punkva Cave
- The palace and park complex with Lednice Palace and Valtice Palace - the largest landscape park in Europe hiding wonderful palaces, is inscribed on the UNESCO list
- Mikulov - a picturesque town on a white rock in a sea of vineyards
Rent a car
Exploring becomes much easier when you have your own means of transport. You don’t have to worry about buses or taxis, and you can plan each day your way. The search box below will help you find the right car – right where your journey begins.
What's worth seeing in the area?
If you have already visited this attraction, it is also worth visiting several other interesting ones places nearby. Within a radius of 100 kilometers you will find many interesting places places that can diversify your stay in this part of Poland.
