15+ Awesome Things To Do In Brno – Nightlife, Legends and Epic Day Trips

A guide to the most amazing things to do in Brno, including the best spots to enjoy the famous Brno nightlife and the most epic day trips.

Brno is the Czech Republic’s second largest city, and it’s full of contrasts and surprises waiting to be discovered.

From having plenty of legends and history and being a Mecca of modern architecture, to boasting a vibrant nightlife and opportunities for adventure seekers, Brno has something for everyone.

Here are my top recommendations for the best things to do in Brno. But before that, here is a little bit of an overview on the capital of the South Moravian region.

An Overview of Brno

Where to stay in Brno

Barcelo Brno Palace – Luxury Stay

Jacob Brno – Mid-Range Stay

10-Z Bunker – Budget Stay

Awesome things to do in Brno

Visit the second largest Ossuary in Europe

The Ossuary at the Church of St James (Kostnice u sv. Jakuba), is the second largest ossuary in Europe, after the Paris Catacombs. It’s estimated that over 50,000 people are buried here.

There has been a churchyard at the Church of St James since at least the 13th century. 

With the growth of the city and the frequency of cholera and the plague, the graveyard filled up very quickly and a system had to be developed where graves were emptied after 10-12 years to make room for new bodies.

In the 18th century, the churchyard was closed for hygiene reasons, the remains were moved into a crypt, and the area around the church was paved with the headstones. 

Over time, the existence of the churchyard was forgotten and it was only in 2001 that the crypt and ossuary were discovered while doing repairs to St James Square (Jakubské náměstí). 

Today you can visit the Ossuary and see all the bones and skulls arranged in haunting displays. It’s a really chilling experience, enhanced by the music that has been especially composed for the display. Despite this (or because of it), it is one of the most popular Brno tourist attractions.

The city has other underground sites that I didn’t have time to visit, that you might want to include in your list of things to do in Brno.

They include the underground reservoirs (likened to Istanbul’s Basilica Cistern), the Labyrinth under the Cabbage Market (Baroque storage cellars), or for something a bit more modern you have 10-Z Bunker, a nuclear shelter under Spilberk Castle where you can stay overnight.

Explore the city squares

Brno’s city squares are the perfect spot to indulge in a bit of people watching. They are where the city congregates or just whizzes past.

But there’s more to these social spaces than just people watching.

Freedom Square

Freedom Square (náměstí Svobody) is the main square in the city and where a lot of events and festivals take place. It is shaped as a triangle because it used to be an ancient trading route and there was a stream going through it too.

The square is surrounded by beautiful historic buildings like the Renaissance Dům pánů z Lipé (House of the Lords of Lipá) decorated with biblical scenes, or Dům U Čtyř mamlasů (The House of Four Giants), with four giants carrying the weight of the building.

Here you will find the famous Brno astronomical clock in the shape of a bullet (although some people say it looks like something else!). Every day at 11am one of the openings will spit out a small marble, so you will find people with their hands out just before 11am trying to catch it. You get to keep it if you do!

Look out for the outline on the ground of where St Nicholas Church used to stand.

Moravian Square

Moravian Square (Moravské náměstí) is one of the biggest squares in Brno, and it’s home to the Church of St Thomas (Kostel svatého Tomáše) and the Moravian Gallery.

It is here where you will find the now iconic statue of an 8-meter tall long-legged horse. It is the statue of Jobst of Luxemburg. Stand under the horse and look up towards the front and you’ll be greeted by a cheeky surprise.

Cabbage Market Square

Cabbage or Vegetable Market Square (Zelný trh) is a historical marketplace where the citizens of Brno have come to buy their fresh fruit, flowers and vegetables for centuries. 

It has a monumental Baroque fountain called ‘Parnas’, the Reduta, one of Europe’s oldest theaters and where Mozart played a concert aged 11, and the Moravian Museum (Moravské zemské muzeum), housed in the Dietrichstein Palace (Dietrichsteinský palác).

The square is also where the access point to the underground labyrinth of storage cellars is.

St James Square

And my favorite square, St James Square (Jakubské náměstí). This was the location of the churchyard where the bones from the Ossuary come from. From being a resting place after death, it is now one of the liveliest spots in Brno on a summer evening.

It is the center of Brno’s social life, so grab a glass of Czech wine, take a seat at one of the many tables or on the sidewalk, and soak up the atmosphere. It’s one of the many fun things to do in Brno.

Climb the Old Town Hall tower for the best view of Brno

The Old Town Hall tower is a late Gothic turret by sculptor Anton Pilgram and it’s home to two of Brno’s most famous legends. But before talking about the legends, let’s talk about the view first.

Climbing up the 63-meter tower in the Old Town Hall is one of the top things to do in Brno. Believe me when I say that the 174 steps to the top of the Old Town Hall tower are more than worth it. 

The view from the top is the best in the city. You get to appreciate how big Brno is but also you get the best view of the Cathedral of St Peter and Paul and of Spielberk Castle.

Discover Brno’s legends

Brno is a city full of legends, and the best way to discover them all is by taking a walking tour of the city. You get to learn about the history of Brno, but also about the quirky things that are only obvious to those in the know.

One of the most famous legends of Brno is about a dragon that used to attack the people of the city and their livestock. No one knew how to make it stop until a visiting butcher had the idea of stuffing a cow hide with lime to make it look appetizing.

The lime killed the dragon and there is a body to prove this story – only that the body is that of a crocodile, not of a dragon.

Walk through the archway under the Old Town Hall tower and you will see a crocodile hanging from the ceiling. It is the Brno Dragon.

Another famous legend is the one about the crooked spire in the Old Town Hall on the outside of the archway. 

This crooked spire was not a mistake, but rather a deliberate act of a disgruntled Anton Pilgram, the sculptor, who received less payment for his work than he was promised.

Below the bendy spire you can see a statue of Lady Justice with a gilded sword and scales. No doubt a deliberate act too.

There are many more legends around the city of Brno, but the best way to learn about them is by booking a walking tour with a local expert.

Book a walking tour of Brno here

Visit two functionalist architectural gems

If you are an architecture lover, Brno will deliver in droves. As I mentioned earlier, Brno is known as a Mecca to modern architecture, and two of the best examples can be visited.

Villa Tugendhat

This amazing modernist villa is an architectural marvel and one of the most amazing places to visit in Brno.

It was designed by German architect Mies van der Rohe, one of the pioneers of modernist architecture, for Greta and Fritz Tugendhat. It was built between 1929 and 1930, and it was the first house of its kind in Czechoslovakia.

This functionalist building, as the style name suggests, prioritized function over form. Beauty was expressed by the principle of less is more, and the use of expensive materials such as onyx from Morocco, Italian travertine, and exotic woods such as zebrawood, and Makassar ebony.

It was built with, at the time, incredibly innovative technology such as central heating, air conditioning, and retractable windows. These systems are almost 100 years old!

Villa Tugendhat is a very significant building and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is one of the most popular Brno attractions, so booking well in advance (sometimes 3-4 months) is recommended.

Book your tickets for Villa Tugendhat here

When you finish your tour of Villa Tugendhat, leave the property through the gate at the bottom of the garden and continue down the hill through the gardens of Villa Löw-Beer. It’s an art nouveau villa that belonged to the parents of Greta Tugendhat.

Villa Stiassni

Villa Stiassni is another iconic functionalist building built in the 1920s. The contrast between the modern exterior and the traditional castle-like interior is what makes this villa unique.

Designed by the architect Ernst Wiesner for the family of Alfred Stiassni, a Jewish textile manufacturer, it is one of the most significant residential buildings built in the interwar period in Brno.

Alfred Stiassni was a big fan of functionalist design, but his wife Hermine wanted to live in a house that reminded her of her wealthy upbringing. They reached a compromise that the exterior of the villa would have a modern design, and the interior would be more traditional.

Don’t forget to have a wander around the garden. It’s beautiful!

Much like the Tugendhat family, the Stiassnis fled the country escaping Nazi persecution. Shortly after the end of World War II, the villa hosted a number of high mandatories, including Fidel Castro and it became known as a government villa.

Book a tickets for Villa Stiassni here

Travel back in time at Špilberk Castle

Špilberk Castle was established in the 13th century to protect both the Czech lands and the town of Brno. The castle then became a huge military fortress in the 17th and 18th centuries. 

In 1783, it was transformed into a jail for serious criminals and also for political prisoners from countries throughout the Austro-Hungarian Empire, earning it the nickname of a ‘jail of nations’.

A visit to the castle will reveal the transformation that this imposing structure has gone through. It is also a great spot for stunning views of the city!

While you are here, make sure you visit the casemates, a system of long passages that was once one of the toughest prisons in the world. You can walk though the historical torture chamber and enter the cells where prisoners were held in inhumane conditions.

Another great site within the castle is the Lapidarium, a collection of sculptures, gravestones, and stone ornaments from Brno buildings that no longer exist. But what’s most impressive about it is where it is housed.

The Lapidarium is inside two former water tanks that were restored after nearly 100 years of neglect. The tanks were made during 1870–71 and 1900 to hold water for the city and were used until the 1920s. One of the most unusual things to see in Brno but a must!

Explore the best foodie spots

Brno is known for being the top foodie city in the Czech Republic. From traditional beer halls to modern bistros and designer cafes, the restaurant and cafe scene in Brno will surprise you.

My picks are Soul Bistro, a down to earth eatery that lives by their motto of ‘live to eat, not eat to live’. They serve simple but high quality seasonal food, in a light clean interior. 

For something a bit more sophisticated but still fun, 4pokoje (4Rooms) is, as the name suggests, a place with four different personalities. This award-winning bistro-cum-cocktail bar serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails from 8am till the early hours of the morning.

The sweet pancakes for breakfast are incredibly fluffy and really delicious, while the Asian inspired beef dumplings were just the perfect small plate to accompany a signature cocktail.

Another great place for breakfast is Podobrazy, near the Cabbage Market, where you can have eggs cooked any way you like, as well as continental or sweet breakfast. There is a great choice of options here.

If you would like to try some excellent traditional Czech food, Lokál U Caipla serves some of the best local fare. They use the freshest ingredients from local suppliers. I had a pork schnitzel here and it was so good!

And we can’t really talk about food without mentioning Czech wine.

South Moravia is an important wine growing region and the wine here is some of the best I’ve ever tried. And I’m not exaggerating. So make sure you do not leave Brno without trying some Czech wine. You’ll thank me later.

Experience the famous Brno nightlife

The famous Brno nightlife is famous for a reason and everyone should experience it at least once. Some of the coolest bars in the Czech Republic are here, so you’re in for a treat!

My absolute favorite drinking spot is the multi award winning and so-called weirdest bar in the Czech Republic – Super Panda Circus.

Once you find it (believe me, it’s not that easy), you ring the bell and someone wearing a ringmaster’s uniform opens the door, offers you a cup of green tea, and explains how it all works. 

They have an incredible selection of signature cocktails (I tried most of them!) that you can order directly from their menu. 

Or, you can play an RPG (Role Playing Game) where you choose a character and the decisions you make on this game will determine which cocktail you’ll try next. It’s seriously fun!

I have to mention the team behind the bar too. They were really knowledgeable, incredibly friendly and super fun too.

Another one of my favorite bars is Bar ktery neexistuje (bar that doesn’t exist), really sophisticated without being pretentious. This New York inspired cocktail lounge has an impressive collection of drinks displayed on backlit shelves.

Every signature cocktail comes with a story and those I tried were absolutely stunning. The mixologist that served me was really knowledgeable and friendly, and talked me through some of the rums he used in my choice of cocktails. He offered a few tasters too!

And of course, don’t miss the near-24/7 cocktail bar 4pokoje, where you can have breakfast for dinner, dinner for breakfast and cocktails throughout the day and night.

These are the top drinking spots I enjoyed while in Brno and I would highly suggest you add them at the top of your Brno things to do. Even if you only have one day in Brno.

Epic day trips from Brno

Brno is also a great city to base yourself in while exploring the region of South Moravia, and there are a lot of options if you’d like to go further afield.

Here are some of the best Brno day trips:

Go deep underground in the Moravian Karst Caves 

Located about an hour north of Brno, the Moravian Karst is one of the most significant karst regions in Central Europe. There are more than 1,100 caves, five of which are open to the public.

I visited the Sloupsko-Šošůvské Caves, where I took an adrenaline inducing tour that was exhilarating!

The Sloupsko-Šošůvské Caves are a large complex of underground domes, passages, abysses and have two height levels that take you 110 meters underground. Hundreds of bones of the extinct cave bear, as well as other animals, have been found here.

Here you will find the greatest underground abyss of its type in the Czech Republic, at 80 meters deep. It is the Nagel Abyss, named after the mathematician that discovered the Sloupsko-Šošůvské Caves at the beginning of the 20th century.

I went on the ‘In the Footsteps of Nagel’ tour, which takes you 110 meters underground going through huge passageways and underground gorges.

To get through we used ladders, bridges, ropes and sometimes we even had to crawl to get through very low sections of the cave. It was hard work but so much fun!

Helmets, harnesses, head torches and gloves are provided, but I’d recommend that you bring clothes that you can get really dirty, and waterproof boots.

If you’d prefer something a bit easier, they also have tours that are more accessible and less adventure focused.

To get to the caves, I would recommend hiring a car for the day as public transport is limited.

Book your tour of Sloupsko-Šošůvské Caves here

MORE ADVENTURE IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC
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Take a day trip to charming Mikulov

Mikulov is a beautiful small town about an hour south of Brno, very close to the Austrian border.

The town has a very charming feel with very well preserved historic architecture. The highlight is Mikulov Castle (or Chateau), built on a rocky cliff overlooking the town and the surrounding area.

There’s been a castle here since the 13th century, but the current one is a reconstruction of the 18th century chateau after it burned down in 1945. Today it houses the Regional Museum in Mikulov, which boasts a number of exhibitions. 

The gardens are one of the largest chateau gardens in the Czech Republic and they are definitely worth visiting. 

Wander around the town, visiting the beautiful market square, the Dietrechstein tomb and the Jewish Cemetery. Also, climb to the top of Holy Hill for an incredible view of the Chateau and of the South Moravian landscape.

If you don’t have the energy to climb Holy Hill, an alternative viewpoint is Kozí hrádek (artillery tower) on the other side of town.

Also, don’t forget to try the local wine! Mikulov is one of the most important wine growing regions in the Czech Republic, so trying some is a must. You could also explore Mikulov town and the wine region through this Moravian Wine Trails tour.

If you’d like to stay overnight in Mikulov, I’d recommend staying in Boutique Hotel Tanzberg, a historic inn with ancient Jewish baths in the cellar.

Book Boutique Hotel Tanzberg here

To get to Mikulov, you can take a train from Brno that takes just over an hour (changing in Breclav), or you can hire a car, which would give you more flexibility. 

Visit Lednice Castle, the most beautiful building in Czechia

Lednice Castle is not only the most beautiful building in the Czech Republic, but it’s also one of the most beautiful complexes in the English Neo-Gothic style in the whole of Europe. 

It is the crown jewel of the Lednice-Valtice Complex and it rivals the famous castles of South Bohemia. 

Dating back to the 13th century, it belonged to the Liechtenstein family until 1945, when the Czechoslovak State took over the castle and opened it to the public. It has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1996.

The interior of the chateau is wonderful. The highlight is the spiral wooden staircase in the library, made from one single oak tree. I had a tour of the property with the castellana (lady of the castle) and she asked me if I wanted to take a photo on the staircase. An offer I couldn’t refuse!

Another highlight is the greenhouse, the second largest in the world after Kew Gardens in London. Built of cast iron, steel and glass, it is magnificent! It houses a large collection of tropical plants and trees, including a tree that is around 300-400 years old. 

If you have time, spend some time wandering around the gardens too. Both the English and French gardens are so beautiful. There is a Ha-ha (or sunk fence) to protect the garden built in a way that doesn’t interrupt the views of the landscape.

The best way to reach Lednice Chateau would be by hiring a car, but it is possible to get public transport from Brno. It would require getting a train and changing at Breclav.

Visit Valtice Castle

Valtice Castle (or Chateau) is part of the UNESCO Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape complex, and it’s an absolute dream.

It’s the former residence of the Liechtenstein family and it was built in stages over time by thirteen princes. In the 18th century, its collection of furnishings and art pieces was so grand that it competed with the Imperial court in Vienna.

Like Lednice Chateau, it was in possession of the Liechtenstein family until the end of World War II, when the state took over and opened it to the public.

Inside the castle you can find a permanent exhibition of the best wines of Bohemia and Moravia. And don’t miss walking around the grounds, with its Baroque theater and herb garden.

Again, the best way to reach Valtice Castle would be by hiring a car, but it is possible to get a train from Brno with a change at Breclav.

Go on a day trip to historic Znojmo

Znojmo is a beautiful historic town that dates back to the 7th century. It is famous for being the capital of an important wine growing region and also for pickles. In fact, Znojmo pickles are a local delicacy that everyone should try.

The historic town center has numerous churches and former monasteries, all surrounded by medieval city walls. The town has preserved its Renaissance look and getting lost in its narrow alleyways is the best way to explore it. 

Visit the underground network of corridors, about 30kms long, that run ​​below the majority of houses, streets and squares in the historic town center.

One of my favorite things about the town is the amount of viewpoints the historic center has over the dam (Vodní Nádrž Znojmo) and the Dyje River Valley. It’s just stunning!

If you’d like to stay overnight in Znojmo, I would highly recommend staying in Stára Pekárna (Old Bakery). It’s an old bakery, as the name suggests, that dates back to the 13th century.

It has been sympathetically renovated and it retains its old charm without compromising comfort. Check out the vaulted ceiling as soon as you enter through the gate and be amazed!

Book Stára Pekárna (Old Bakery) here

To get to Znojmo, you can take a bus from Brno that takes just over an hour, or you can hire a car, which would give you a lot more flexibility. 

How to get to Brno

The international airport Brno–Tuřany is about 7.5 km (4.66 miles) from the city center. However, there are only flights from a limited number of destinations. 

There are regular flights to London, Eindhoven and Munich. There are many more seasonal charter flights to popular holiday destinations in southern Europe and Turkey.

Alternatively, you can fly to Prague (226 km/141 miles) or Vienna (188 km/117 miles) and get to Brno by hiring a car or by bus or train.

Do you have any questions about things to do in Brno?
Let me know in the comments!

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Disclosure: This post has been created as a partnership with Czech Tourism. As always, all views are my own.