Things to Do in Janáček Theatre, Česko

The Janáček Theatre is located in Brno, the second-largest city in the Czech Republic and the vibrant capital of South Moravia. This dynamic cultural hub seamlessly blends medieval architecture with modern innovation, offering visitors a rich tapestry of historical sites, world-class theaters, renowned universities, and a thriving café culture. The city serves as the perfect base for exploring the Moravian wine region while providing an authentic Czech experience away from the tourist crowds of Prague. Brno's compact city center is easily walkable, with the imposing Špilberk Castle overlooking red-tiled rooftops and Gothic spires. The city pulses with youthful energy thanks to its large student population, creating a lively atmosphere filled with galleries, music venues, and innovative restaurants. From the stunning Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul to the functionalist Villa Tugendhat (a UNESCO World Heritage site), Brno offers an impressive array of architectural styles and cultural attractions that reflect its important role in Central European history.

Top Things to Do in Janáček Theatre

Explore Špilberk Castle and Museum

This 13th-century fortress dominates Brno's skyline and houses the Brno City Museum with exhibits on local history, art, and culture. The castle offers panoramic views over the city and features well-preserved casemates that once served as a notorious prison. Visitors can explore the baroque fortress walls, attend concerts in the courtyard, and learn about the castle's role as the 'prison of nations' during the Habsburg era.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 120-150 CZK for adults with discounts for students and seniors. Visit in late afternoon for the best lighting for photos and fewer crowds. Combined tickets with other city attractions offer better value.

Tour Villa Tugendhat

This UNESCO World Heritage functionalist villa, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, is considered one of the most important works of modern architecture in Europe. The 1930 villa showcases revolutionary design concepts with its open floor plans, floor-to-ceiling windows, and innovative use of materials like onyx and exotic woods. Guided tours reveal the fascinating history of the Tugendhat family and the villa's architectural significance.

Booking Tip: Advance reservations are essential as tours are limited to small groups. Tickets cost around 350 CZK and must be booked online weeks in advance. English tours are available on specific days, so check the schedule carefully.

Discover the Moravian Wine Region

Brno serves as the gateway to Moravia's renowned wine country, with vineyards producing exceptional white wines just minutes from the city center. The region is famous for its Rieslings, Grüner Veltliners, and unique local varieties like Pálava and André. Wine cellars in nearby villages like Valtice and Mikulov offer tastings in historic settings, while the Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape provides stunning backdrops for vineyard tours.

Booking Tip: Half-day wine tours cost 1,500-2,500 CZK per person including transportation and tastings. Book tours that include multiple cellars and traditional Czech lunch. Spring through early fall offers the best weather and vineyard scenery.

Experience Traditional Czech Culture

Immerse yourself in authentic Czech traditions through folk performances, traditional craft workshops, and cultural festivals throughout the year. The Moravian Museum and various cultural centers offer demonstrations of traditional crafts like glass blowing, pottery, and folk art. Seasonal festivals celebrate everything from Easter traditions to harvest celebrations with authentic music, dance, and regional cuisine.

Booking Tip: Cultural workshops range from 500-1,200 CZK depending on duration and materials included. Check the tourist information center for seasonal events and festivals. Evening folk performances at restaurants typically include dinner and cost 800-1,500 CZK.

Explore Underground Brno

Descend into Brno's fascinating underground world, including the Brno Ossuary (second-largest bone church in Europe) and medieval cellars beneath the city center. The labyrinth of tunnels and chambers reveals centuries of history, from medieval storage areas to wartime shelters. The ossuary contains remains of over 50,000 people and offers a unique glimpse into the city's past, while guided cellar tours include wine tastings in atmospheric vaulted spaces.

Booking Tip: Ossuary tickets cost around 150 CZK with audio guides available in multiple languages. Underground cellar tours with wine tasting range from 400-800 CZK. Book combination tickets for multiple underground sites to save money.

Getting There

Brno is easily accessible by train from Prague (2.5-3 hours), Vienna (1.5 hours), and Bratislava (1.5 hours), with regular direct connections throughout the day. The city's main railway station (Brno hlavní nádraží) is located close to the city center and connects to major European cities. Brno-Tuřany Airport offers limited international flights, primarily to London, Milan, and seasonal destinations, while most international visitors fly into Prague or Vienna and take ground transportation. By car, Brno sits at the intersection of major highways, making it easily reachable from neighboring countries, with the drive from Prague taking about 2 hours via the D1 highway.

Getting Around

Brno's city center is compact and highly walkable, with most major attractions within a 15-minute walk of each other. The city operates an efficient public transportation system of trams, buses, and trolleybuses that connect all districts, with tickets costing 25 CZK for 90 minutes or 120 CZK for a day pass. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are readily available and reasonably priced for longer distances. For exploring the surrounding wine region, renting a car provides the most flexibility, though organized tours and regional buses also serve the major wine villages.

Where to Stay

Historic City Center

Špilberk Castle Area

Veveří District

Černá Pole

Žabovřesky

Brno-střed

Food & Dining

Brno's dining scene expertly balances traditional Moravian cuisine with contemporary culinary innovation, reflecting the city's student population and cultural sophistication. Traditional restaurants serve hearty regional specialties like svíčková (beef sirloin with cream sauce), moravský vrabec (roasted pork with sauerkraut), and locally-produced wines, while modern bistros and international restaurants offer everything from Asian fusion to farm-to-table concepts. The city's numerous cafés range from historic coffee houses to trendy third-wave coffee shops, and the local beer culture thrives in traditional pubs and modern craft breweries. Food markets, including the Zelný trh (Cabbage Market) operating since the 13th century, offer fresh produce and local specialties, while food trucks and casual eateries around the universities provide affordable options for budget-conscious travelers.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Brno is from late spring through early fall (May to September), when pleasant weather allows for comfortable sightseeing and outdoor activities in the surrounding wine region. Summer months offer the warmest temperatures and longest days, perfect for exploring castles, vineyards, and outdoor festivals, though this is also peak tourist season. Spring and early fall provide mild weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful scenery, with fall being particularly attractive for wine enthusiasts during harvest season. Winter can be quite cold but offers a cozy atmosphere with Christmas markets, reduced accommodation prices, and the opportunity to experience the city's cultural venues and thermal spas without summer crowds.

Insider Tips

Purchase the Brno City Card for discounts on attractions, free public transport, and restaurant deals - it pays for itself if visiting multiple sites

Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner (3-5 PM), so plan meal times accordingly or seek out cafés that serve food all day

The astronomical clock in náměstí Svobody shoots a marble at 11 AM instead of noon - a local quirk that catches many visitors off guard

Things to Do in Janáček Theatre