Places / Europe / Czech Republic
Brno
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At a glance
- Country
- Czech Republic
- Region
- South Moravian Region
- Population
- 400,000
- Best time to go
- May to June, September
- Main airport
- Brno-Tuřany (BRQ)
- Coordinates
- 49.20°N, 16.61°E
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Overview
Brno is the Czech Republic's second city and a refreshing change from Prague: a young, relaxed university town with a good café and cocktail culture, a handful of fine sights and very few tour groups.
It's also the gateway to Moravia, with its wine cellars, caves and castles all within easy reach. Brno sits roughly between Prague and Vienna, so it's simple to add to a longer trip.
Things to see
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Photo: Kirk, CC BY 2.5 Špilberk Castle
A hilltop fortress that became a notorious Habsburg prison, with casemates and views over the city.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Petr.adamek, CC BY-SA 4.0 Cathedral of St Peter and Paul
The twin-spired cathedral on Petrov hill, where the bells ring noon at eleven, a nod to a legendary siege.
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Photo: Petr1987, CC BY-SA 4.0 Villa Tugendhat
A landmark of modernist architecture by Mies van der Rohe; tours book up well ahead.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: TIC BRNO, příspěvková organizace, CC BY-SA 4.0 Brno Ossuary
Beneath the Church of St James lie the bones of tens of thousands of people, arranged in quiet rows.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Emillie & Lloyd, CC BY 2.0 Capuchin Crypt
Naturally mummified monks and nobles rest in the crypt beneath the Capuchin church.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: Prazak, CC BY 2.5 Moravian Karst
Limestone caves, an underground boat ride and the deep Macocha Abyss, under an hour north.
Find tours -
Photo: User:Sveter (Please credit as "Petr Šmerkl, Wikipedia" in ca, CC BY-SA 3.0 Moravian wine cellars
Head south to the wine villages to taste local whites in family cellars.
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Photo: Martin Ošmera, CC0 Cocktails in the centre
Brno has a reputation for excellent cocktail bars, many in cellars and courtyards.
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Photo: Dezidor, Public domain Brno Reservoir
A lake on the city's edge with walking trails, swimming and summer boat trips to Veveří Castle.
Where to stay
City centre
Compact and walkable, close to the main square, bars and the railway station.
Hotels in City centreVeveří
A student-friendly neighbourhood of cafés and apartments just north-west of the centre.
Hotels in Veveří
Getting around
The centre is easily walked, and a dense tram network covers the rest of the city.
Direct trains from Prague and Vienna arrive at the main station on the edge of the old town; bus 76 runs from the airport in about 20 minutes.
When to go
Late spring and September are warm and pleasant. In late spring the Ignis Brunensis fireworks festival lights up the reservoir, and autumn brings the new wine season.
Plan your trip to Brno
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.