Where medieval spires pierce the sky above a landscape of rolling vineyards and modern innovation hums beneath Gothic stones, Brno reveals itself as Czechia's most delightfully unexpected treasure. This Moravian capital moves to a different rhythm than its famous sister Prague – here, cobblestone squares echo with the laughter of university students rather than tour groups, and centuries-old wine cellars serve as the backdrop for cutting-edge art installations. The city's soul lives in its contradictions: where the stark functionalist Villa Tugendhat stands as a UNESCO monument to modernist vision, while just blocks away, the legendary Špilberk Castle watches over bustling markets selling traditional klobása and fresh koláče. In Brno's cafés, conversations flow as smoothly as the local Moravian wines, and every corner turned reveals another layer of this multifaceted gem – from underground ossuaries holding mysterious secrets to rooftop gardens offering panoramic views of a city that has mastered the art of honoring its past while embracing its future with quiet confidence.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Purchase the Brno Card (from 390 CZK) for unlimited public transport plus museum discounts. Trams run every 4-7 minutes during peak hours. Download the KORDIS app for real-time schedules and mobile tickets – it's more reliable than paper tickets.

Money: Czech Crowns (CZK) are essential – many local restaurants and markets don't accept cards. Exchange at banks rather than tourist areas for better rates. Tipping 10% is standard in restaurants; round up for taxis and cafés.

Cultural Respect: Remove shoes when entering homes and some traditional restaurants. Czechs value quiet public behavior – avoid loud conversations on trams. Greet with 'Dobrý den' (Good day) and always say 'Děkuji' (Thank you) when leaving shops.

Food Safety: Tap water is perfectly safe and high-quality throughout Brno. Try local specialties like svíčková and moravský vrabec at traditional hospodas. Avoid tourist restaurants near Svobody Square – locals eat at places like Lokál or Pegas Brewery.

When to Visit

Spring (April-May) offers Brno at its most enchanting, with temperatures ranging 15-22°C and moderate rainfall (40-60mm monthly). The city awakens with blooming parks and outdoor café culture, though expect 20-30% higher accommodation prices. Summer (June-August) brings warm weather (20-28°C) and the famous Brno GP motorcycle races in August, plus the Ignis Brunensis fireworks festival in June. This is peak season with 40-50% price premiums and crowds. Autumn (September-October) delivers ideal conditions with 18-24°C temperatures, minimal rain (30-40mm), and wine harvest festivals in surrounding Moravian vineyards. Hotels drop prices by 25-35% after summer. Winter (November-March) sees temperatures of 2-8°C with occasional snow, perfect for Christmas markets in December and exploring indoor attractions like the Moravian Museum. Accommodation costs drop 40-50% in this off-peak period. The Moravian Autumn International Music Festival (September-October) and Easter markets make shoulder seasons particularly appealing. Digital nomads and budget travelers should target November-March, while families prefer May-September despite higher costs.

Brno location map