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: 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 well 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.