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Most visitors to the Czech Republic go to Prague & nowhere else. That’s a shame since there are plenty of great places to see all over the country. Brno is the 2nd largest Czech city. Here are the 28 best things to do in Brno, including historical sites, museums, architecture, outdoor activities, day trips, arts & entertainment, bars & restaurants, and more.
Špilberk Castle
First built in the 13th century, Špilberk Castle is a medieval fortress that looks out prominently over Brno.
The surrounding park is a nice place for a walk, and the complex also includes the city museum, restaurants, and event spaces.
Cathedral of St. Peter & St. Paul
The Brno Cathedral of St. Peter & St. Paul is another prominent landmark in Brno. It towers over the city center not far from the main railway station. The interior of the Catholic cathedral is Baroque, while the exterior is Gothic from the 14th century.
Visitors to Brno may notice that the noon bells from the church actually ring at 11. Legend has it that during the Thirty Years’ War, the invading Swedes had set themselves a noon deadline of conquering Brno on August 15th. The townspeople rang the bells early, convincing the Swedish to give up the siege.
Old Town Hall
Brno’s former Town Hall is now a tourist information center & gallery. Visitors can climb the tower for some of the best views in Brno. The entryway of the Old Town Hall is notable for the crocodile hanging overhead, known as the Brno dragon.
Ossuary at the Church of St. James
There are a couple of places to see in Brno that can be described as creepy. Underneath the Church of St. James is the final resting place of thousands of Brno citizens, whose bones were left in the Ossuary.
The Ossuary is the 2nd largest of its kind in Europe, following Paris. Read more about the Brno Ossuary.
Capuchin Monastery & Vault
The Capuchin Monastery & Vault is another Brno place of interest that deals with death. Inside the museum, visitors can learn about the lives and deaths of the local Capuchins, whose bodies were mummified by the conditions of the vault.
Read more about the Capuchin crypt.
Náměstí Svobody (Liberty Square)
Liberty Square is the heart of Brno. The square is surrounded by bars and restaurants & is frequently the site of festivals & other Brno activities.
Náměstí Svobody is also home to the Astronomical Clock, which commemorates the victory over the Swedish. Try catching the ball every day at 11am!
Cabbage Market
The Cabbage Market is another center of activity in Brno. Every day except Sundays, vendors pack the square, selling fruits & vegetables, crafts, and more.
There are also several bars & restaurants surrounding the market square. Underground, there is a labyrinth waiting to be explored. The excellent Hotel Grandezza, one of the best places to stay in Brno, overlooks the market.
Villa Tugendhat
Architecture lovers will enjoy the Modernist home Villa Tugendhat, which was constructed in 1929 by architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Greta and Fritz Tugendhat.
Villa Stiassni
Villa Stiassni is another notable piece of architecture in Brno.
The beautiful former home of the Stiassnis, a Jewish family who had to flee the country in 1938, has now been restored & is open for tours. Read more about Villa Stiassni.
10-Z Bunker
The trend of underground things to do in Brno continues with the 10-Z Bunker. Formerly a nuclear fallout shelter, the bunker is now a museum encompassing over 500 meters of tunnels underneath Brno. Visitors can even stay overnight.
Moravian Museum
Located near the Cabbage Market in the Dietrichstein Palace, the Moravian Museum covers centuries of Moravian life, from prehistory to modern times.
VIDA! Science Center
One of the best things to do in Brno with kids is the VIDA! Science Center, which has over 180 interactive science exhibits.
Brno Technical Museum
Science lovers will also enjoy the Brno Technical Museum, which showcases local engineering and industry.
Brno Observatory and Planetarium
The science fun continues with the Brno Observatory and Planetarium. Not only does the museum cover astronomy, but it also has exhibits about geology, chemistry, physics, and more. The observatory is located in Kraví hora, a park with other activities as well.
Zoo Brno
The Brno Zoo has over 400 different animal species, including polar bears, lions, tigers, giraffes, monkeys, and more.
Papilonia
For more animal encounters, Papilonia has exhibits filled with butterflies & turtles.
Brno Dam
Brno Dam forms a lake that’s popular for recreation, including boating, fishing, camping, and more.
Aquapark Kohoutovice
Considered one of the most fun things to do in Brno, Aquapark Kohoutovice is an indoor waterpark with pools, slides, and saunas open year-round.
BRuNO Family Park
BRuNo Family Park is a kid-friendly activity in Brno that includes 40 attractions, including games, rides, climbing, and trampolines.
The National Theater Brno
The National Theater Brno presents an array of live performances including theater, ballet, opera, & more.
Slavkov Chateau & the Austerlitz Battlefields
In 1805, the French (led by Napoleon I) defeated the Russians & Austrians in the Battle of Austerlitz. Napoleon I stayed at Slavkov Chateau afterward. Today, the historic building is open for tours. Read more about Slavkov Chateau.
Day Trip to the Moravian Karst
North of Brno sits one of the most unique geological formations in the world. Known as the Moravian Karst, the area is filled with caves & other landforms, making for adventurous outdoor exploration. Read more about the Moravian Karst.
Day Trip to Valtice & Lednice
Together, the Valtice Palace & Lednice Castle form a UNESCO World Heritage Site that also includes the local landscape. In addition to the beautiful buildings & gardens, the area is also home to the National Czech Wine Salon. Read more about a day trip to Valtice.
Day Trip to South Moravian Tuscany for Wine Tasting
South Moravia is the most prominent winemaking region in the Czech Republic. The area is filled with beautiful scenery along with dozens of wineries. During the autumn months, be sure to try the local burcak (young wine). Read about my experience winemaking in South Moravia, as well as my visits to Spielberg Winery, Bzenec Castle Winery, & the Petrov Wine Cellars.
Strážnice Open Air Museum
The Strážnice Open Air Museum shows what rural life was like in South Moravia, including farming, cooking, winemaking, and other activities. Read more about the Strážnice Open Air Museum.
Bata Canal
Once used to transport coal through South Moravia, today the Bata Canal is a popular place for recreation, including boating & cycling. Read more about the Bata Canal.
Visit Brno’s Cocktail Bars Including Super Panda Circus
Brno has some outstanding cocktail bars, including Super Panda Circus, one of my favorite bars in the world. Read more about cocktail bars in Brno.
Drink Czech Beer & Craft Beer
Czechia is known for its beer. In addition to traditional Czech styles, local breweries are also brewing craft beer. Read more about craft beer in Brno.
Where to Eat in Brno
Brno has some excellent restaurants. There are plenty of places to eat traditional Czech food (often at breweries), including EFI, U Tomana, & Lokál U Caipla. For a nice dinner with local products & an always-changing menu, try Atelier Bar & Bistro. Fabrik Food Factory has lots of vegan & vegetarian options. There’s excellent Vietnamese food in Brno too. For breakfast & brunch, head to Eggo Truck Brno or 4pokoje.
Book a Brno hotel
If you’re looking for places to stay, Tripadvisor has reviews & price comparisons for Brno hotels.
I hope this comprehensive list of things to see & do in Brno has been helpful. What are your favorite places to visit in Brno?
Here are some great Brno tours & activities & other things to see & do in Brno.
