Are you thinking of visiting Brno for a weekend to unwind, or taking advantage of your visit to the Czech Republic to visit some of the country’s most attractive destinations?
Brno has it all. Considered the “little jewel” of the south of the country, the city has something for everyone. Gastronomy, festivals, bars, art galleries and monuments – you’ll have no time to get bored!
Where is Brno?
With just under 380,000 inhabitants, Brno is the second largest city in the Czech Republic, after Prague, of course. Brno’s geographical location is quite interesting: it’s :
- 112 kilometers north of Vienna, Austria
- 123 kilometers northwest of Bratislava
- 139 kilometers southwest of Ostrava
185 kilometers from Prague, the capital
How to get to Brno
Would you like to visit Brno? To get there from Prague, you’re spoilt for choice. Brno is easily reached by bus. The journey takes around 4 hours. Buses leave from anywhere in the city, so be sure to check with your bus operator.
It’s also possible to get from Prague to Brno by train. Connections are relatively frequent, but the ticket price is not excessive. The journey takes around 2 hours. You can also get there by car. However, the road is complicated and traffic jams are fairly frequent. So be patient.
What to see in Brno
You’re about to visit Brno and would like to know a little more about the city’s must-sees? We’ll tell you everything you need to know before you hit the road.
Strolling through the city
Brno is a very friendly and dynamic city. So, before you set off, why not take a few hours to wander around? Don’t hesitate to push open the doors of local bars and restaurants, ask the locals for good addresses or take some pretty pictures. You won’t be disappointed!
Enjoy the Town Hall
Don’t miss the former and present-day town halls (Stará radnice) or the city’s old basements, which today serve as a labyrinth for the more courageous. The center of Brno is lively. You’ll find plenty of places to eat and enjoy your stay.
Visit St. Peter and St. Paul’s Cathedral
For a more leisurely visit, the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul is the place to be. It’s a lovely place of worship, where you can relax for a few minutes. The building is impressive, and the interior is just as splendid. A stop we highly recommend.
Visit Villa Tugendhat
The Villa Tugendhat is a true prototype of modern architecture. It was built by architect Ludwig Mied van der Rohe between 1928 and 1930. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Originally the home of a Jewish couple, it was later used by the Gestapo. Today, you can visit it!
Gregor Mendel Museum and Abbey
Gregor Mendel is the godfather of genetics. You can visit some of the places that were most dear to him, including the gardens of St. Thomas’s Abbey, where he conducted some of his experiments. For the more inquisitive, the next stop is the Mendel Museum. It’s just outside the old town. One of Brno’s must-sees.
Špilberk Castle
Špilberk Castle is probably older than Brno itself. It’s a large hilltop fortress that has served all sorts of roles. In the 1600s, the castle helped repel a number of invaders. Less gloriously, many Protestants were imprisoned and tortured here. Brno was Catholic at the time.
Where to stay in Brno?
Are you planning to visit Brno? First and foremost, make sure you book your hotel room. In a specially dedicated section, we tell you all about the best hotels in Brno. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover the establishments that will make your stay a real success.
Where to go out in Brno?
Want to go out in Brno? Once again, we’ve thought of everything. We’ve put together a list of some of the city’s best bars and restaurants. Once you’re here, you’ll have everything you need to enjoy your evening and your night out.
What are the must-do activities in Brno? Our conclusion
Would you like to visit Brno? We recommend spending around 2 days here. Small in size, the city has a lot to offer, and you may well regret not staying long enough, because there’s something for every taste and budget in Brno.
You can opt for a romantic weekend or an adventurous one, discovering the city’s history and its most unusual places. It’s the ideal place for a quality weekend away from Prague. A not-to-be-missed stopover if you’re on vacation in the Czech Republic.