Things to Do in Brno

About Brno

Brno has 50,000 bones stacked beneath its streets and a UNESCO-listed modernist villa that changed architecture forever. This Moravian capital doesn't compete with Prague because it doesn't need to—while tourists clog Old Town Square up north, students and locals fill Brno's cobblestone squares and underground wine cellars that double as art spaces. The contradictions define the place. Villa Tugendhat represents pure functionalist vision in concrete and steel. Walk a few blocks and Špilberk Castle looms over markets selling klobása and koláče, same as they've done for centuries. The rhythm here is different. University students set the pace. Local Moravian wine flows freely in the cafés. You'll find ossuaries below ground, rooftop gardens above, and a city that refuses to choose between medieval spires and modern innovation—it just keeps both.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Use the KORDIS app for public transport—daily passes cost 110 CZK ($4.84) covering buses and trams. Taxis from airport to city center cost 300-500 CZK ($13.19-$21.98). Rent Nextbike bikes from stations downtown for 25 CZK ($1.10) per 30 minutes.

Money: Exchange euros at Československá obchodní banka for rates around 22.7 CZK per euro. ATMs accept international cards but charge 35-50 CZK ($1.54-$2.20) fees. Budget 400-700 CZK ($17.58-$30.77) daily for meals and activities.

Cultural Respect: Greet with 'dobrý den' (good day) in Czech. Remove shoes when entering homes. Tipping 10% is standard at restaurants—round up to nearest 10 CZK.

Food: Try svíčková na smetaně (beef in cream sauce) at Lokál Brno where meals cost 180-280 CZK ($7.91-$12.31). Sample trdelník (chimney cake) from street vendors for 60-90 CZK ($2.64-$3.96). Local Moravian wine costs 80-150 CZK ($3.52-$6.59) per glass.

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.