A weekend in Brno – The perfect trip from Vienna

Brno, the second largest city in the Czech Republic, had been on my list for quite a while and in August I finally made it there for a weekend. And let me tell you right away: the city absolutely won me over! Not only is it super conveniently close to Vienna, just one and a half hours away by train, it’s also the perfect size. There’s more than enough to see and do for a whole weekend, but not so much that you end up feeling stressed. In short: it’s the perfect spot for a relaxed getaway.

In this blog post, I’ll take you along on my three days in Brno: I’ll show you my favorite viewpoints, the most beautiful sights, cozy cafés, great restaurants, hidden courtyards and all the experiences and festivals that make the city so lively.

Day 1 in Brno – Scenic Views, City Stroll, Courtyards, Music Festival

We wanted to make the most of our time in Brno, so we took an early train from Vienna. The connection is great: from Vienna’s main station you can reach Brno with ÖBB in just about 1.5 hours, sometimes even without changing trains. Brno’s main station is close to the old town and our hotel, the Grand Hotel Brno, was right next door. So we just dropped off our luggage and were ready to start exploring!

Tip: Near the train station and the Grand Hotel there’s a fantastic bakery (Dezertina, Novobranská 16, Tuesday to Friday 8 am – 5 pm, Saturday 10 am – 2 pm), where you’ll find delicious croissants and other sweet pastries.

Old Town Hall (Stará radnice)

Our first stop was the Old Town Hall. In its lovely courtyard, we got comfortable at Podobrazy Café and planned the day over a chai latte. Brno is well known for its coffee culture, so you’ll find cozy cafés all over the city. But even though I don’t drink coffee myself, I still found plenty of delicious alternatives everywhere.

We wanted to get an overview of the city right at the beginning, so we headed up to the tower of the Old Town Hall. The 173 steps are really manageable and the view from the top is simply stunning. From the surrounding terrace, you get a panoramic view of the entire city.

OPENING HOURS:
daily 9 am – 6 pm
TICKETS:
Adults: 90 CZK (~3.60 €)
Students/Seniors/under 15 years: 50 CZK (~2 €)
Children under 6 free
Free with BrnoPass
ADDRESS:
Radnická 8

The Old Town Hall itself is also worth a visit: it’s the oldest non-church building in Brno and full of legends. In the passageway to the right of the tower exit, for example, you’ll spot a crocodile, the so-called Brno Dragon, which supposedly once terrorized the city. And don’t miss the decorated portal with the crooked turret by Anton Pilgram (we Viennese know him from St. Stephen’s Cathedral).

Tourist Information Center Brno (TIC)

Right under the passageway with the crocodile, you’ll find the Tourist Information Center (TIC). Here you can get city maps, brochures, tickets for guided tours or events and really nice souvenirs.

Just a few minutes away (Zámečnická 2) is the newly renovated Designer Infocenter. You can also get tips for your stay in Brno there, pick up informational materials and buy tickets. In addition, you’ll find plenty of information and brochures about the entire South Moravia region.

Tip: At the TIC on Zámečnická Street you’ll also find luggage storage, internet access and some nice outdoor seating where you can plan your time in Brno.

Art Design Fashion at the Museum of Applied Arts

Brno has countless museums and we chose one we really wanted to visit: the Moravian Gallery. It is spread across five buildings, and we went to the Museum of Applied Arts with its Art Design Fashion concept. There you’ll find a beautifully curated permanent exhibition, as well as changing temporary exhibitions around design, fashion and the intersection of art and design.

The permanent exhibition on the ground and first floor is free to visit and I found it absolutely worth it.

What impressed me most was the artwork by the well-known Czech artist Krištof Kintera in the grand hall. Look closely, can you guess what it’s made of?

Tip 1: On the ground floor you’ll also find Café Robot, where your coffee is prepared and served by a robot, it was fascinating to watch.

Tip 2: Right in front of the museum there’s a terrace with a small kiosk (Moko Kafe) and plenty of seating, but the real highlight is the huge art installation “The Cloud”.

OPENING HOURS (Museum):
Wednesday – Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm, Thursday: 10 am – 7 pm
Closed Monday & Tuesday
OPENING HOURS (Moko Kafe):
Sunday – Thursday: 10 am – 6 pm
Friday & Saturday: 10 am – 9 pm
TICKETS:
Permanent exhibition: free (ground floor & 1st floor)
Current exhibition: 190 CZK (~7.60 €), reduced 95 CZK (~3.80 €)
20% discount with BrnoPass
ADDRESS:
Husova 14

Lunch at Domovina

Sightseeing makes you hungry! So we headed to Zelný trh (the Cabbage Market), a square that’s very popular with locals. You’ll find lots of nice restaurants here and we chose the Vietnamese restaurant Domovina.

You order inside and then pick a seat either indoors, outside with a view of the market, or (like us) in the charming courtyard under the galleries. We went for the crispy chicken nuggets in batter with rice and vegetables (Cơm Gà Teriyaki, 290 CZK/~11.60 €) and a cold noodle salad with spring rolls (Bún Nem, 210 CZK/~8.40 €). The food was absolutely delicious and the portions were really generous!

OPENING HOURS:
Monday – Thursday: 11 am – 9 pm
Friday & Saturday: 11 am – 10 pm
Sunday: 11 am – 8 pm
ADDRESS:
Zelný trh 293/10

Tip: Hidden in the courtyard is the small bookshop Book Therapy, which also carries English-language books, it’s a lovely spot for browsing.

Vegetable Market (Zelný trh)

For me, this square is one of the most beautiful spots in Brno. Every day (except Sunday) there’s a market with fresh fruit, vegetables, and flowers, and we just strolled a little bit around. In the center stands a fountain by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach (the same architect who designed St. Charles Church in Vienna!). Around the square, you’ll find beautiful palaces, the theater building and even a statue of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. What I particularly loved: deck chairs are set up all over the square, so you can just sit down, enjoy the sun, watch the hustle and bustle, and soak in the special atmosphere.

MARKET OPENING HOURS:
Monday – Friday: 6 am – 6 pm
Saturday & public holidays: 6 am – 2 pm
Sunday: closed
FOOD & DRINK:
daily 6 am – 10 pm

St. James Church – Multimedia Exhibition and Trusses

We wandered through the streets of the city and across Freedom Square to St. James Church, where we had something very special planned: we wanted to climb up to the trusses. We had read in advance that sturdy shoes were required, and as we climbed the stairs, we understood why. I’ve visited many church towers and viewpoints, but I’ve rarely seen stairs this steep. For people with limited mobility or small children, I wouldn’t recommend it.

Those who make it to the top are rewarded: in the huge, renovated historic trusses, there’s a multimedia exhibition about the history of the church, beautifully designed with light projections and a great atmosphere (available in several languages). We were lucky to have it all to ourselves, the feeling was simply unique.

From there, we went even higher, right past the enormous bells (you can even walk underneath if you like). Once at the top, the windows offer a fantastic view over the city. I just love views like that so much. Finally, you can visit the choir and organ, giving you a special perspective of the church interior.

The trusses can be explored individually or with a guided tour. Along with your ticket, you get a video guide (short version for a quick visit: 22 min, full version: 42 min), which you can download to your phone.

Tip: Afterwards, you can also visit the Ossuary next to the church. With the BRNOPAS, it’s even free.

OPENING HOURS:
Monday – Sunday: 9 am – 9 pm
TICKETS:
e.g. Combination Tower + Multimedia Expo (without guide): 351 CZK (~14 €)
Tower only (without guide): 140 CZK (~5.60 €)
30% discount with BRNOPAS
Tickets available online or on-site at the machine or with a guide
The app or website shows available timeslots

Coffee Break at Typika Coffee

After all that stair climbing, we needed a break, so we headed a few minutes to Moravian Square. Hidden in the beautiful courtyard of the Moravian Gallery (Governor’s Palace) is Typika Coffee, a really great place and a local hotspot. The Strawberry Iced Matcha Latte was a dream!

Tip: Be sure to check out the café interior as well, the ceiling is from the former monastery.

OPENING HOURS:
Monday – Sunday: 10 am – 9 pm
ADDRESS:
Moravské nám. 680/1A

Moravian Square (Moravské náměstí) and Freedom Square (Náměstí Svobody)

The café is right on Moravian Square next to St. Thomas Church and the famous (and also controversial) Jošt Lucembrusky statue also called Courage, an equestrian monument with oversized horse legs and a funny little detail. Just stand under the statue and look up at the head, then you’ll see what I mean… 😉

After that, we continued to Freedom Square (Náměstí Svobody), the liveliest and most important square in Brno. There’s always something happening, and I love that the colorful deck chairs are set up there too. On the square is also the famous (and much-debated) “Time Machine” in the shape of a black granite projectile. Every day at 11 am, a glass ball drops and comes out again at one of four openings. The lucky person who catches it gets to keep it as a souvenir. From what I saw, the spots are usually already taken well before 11 am.

Tip: The beautiful glass balls can also be purchased at the tourist information centers.

Music Festival “Marathon of Music”

Brno is an incredibly lively city, especially in summer when there are always a number of festivals! When we were there, the annual “Marathon of Music” festival was taking place. Small and large stages were set up all over the city, with music ranging from jazz to pop, rock, folklore, and even musicals. Most of the concerts are free and it’s so much fun to walk around the city and stop at different stages along the way. I especially loved the small, creative street music stages, like one shaped as a doctor’s office or a kitchen, and the courtyard stages were also really beautiful.

DATES:
Every year, 4 days long (in 2025, the festival was from August 7 – 10)
Daily from 4 pm – 10 pm

Tip: Countless events take place in Brno all summer long, as well as in other seasons. You can find an overview of all planned events here.

Dinner at Element Brno

For dinner, we went to Element Brno, a modern restaurant with an open kitchen and beautifully presented dishes. We had beef tartare as a starter (360 CZK/~14.40 €), agnolotti with zucchini flower tempura (390 CZK/~15.60 €), and veal cutlet with mushroom purée (540 CZK/~21.60 €) as mains, finishing off with a cheesecake (160 CZK/~6.40 €). Everything was really excellent, and I can definitely recommend the restaurant for a nice, special evening.

OPENING HOURS:
Monday – Thursday: 5 pm – 12 am, Friday & Saturday: 12 pm – 1 am, Sunday closed
The kitchen is open daily until 10 pm, on Fridays and Saturdays until 11 pm
ADDRESS:
Biskupská 283/1
Reservation recommended!

Tip: The restaurant is listed in the Gourmet Brno Guide, a selection of the 63 best places in the city in different categories such as restaurants, cafés, patisseries, etc. The places are rated by locals and checked by a jury. You’ll also find information about price level, vegan/gluten-free/lactose-free options, outdoor terrace, and more. Most of the restaurants and cafés I visited were from this list and honestly, everything was excellent.

Evening stroll and stop at 4Pokoje

To end the day, we strolled through the city a bit, listened to some performances of the music festival and just enjoyed the atmosphere. Along the way, we passed by the bar 4Pokoje. I don’t drink alcohol, but the vibe was so cool that we still went in for a quick stop. The bar is quite popular and fills up quickly, so if you want to be sure to get a spot, I’d definitely recommend making a reservation.

OPENING HOURS 4POKOJE:
Monday, Tuesday: 5 pm – 1 am / Wednesday: 5 pm – 3 am / Thursday – Saturday: 5 pm – 4 am, Sunday closed
ADDRESS:
Vachova 6

Day 2 in Brno – Villa Tugendhat, Špilberk Castle, Festival of Planets

Brunch at Večerka Brno

The second day started with a brunch at Večerka Brno, a small, stylish bistro. Here you get a combination of Czech and Vietnamese cuisine and everything on the menu looked really good. We went for waffles (275 CZK/~11 €) and a burrito (255 CZK/~10.20 €). Both were delicious, but the portions were so huge that we even had to take some with us for later.

OPENING HOURS:
Monday – Friday: 9 am – 8 pm, Saturday & Sunday: 9 am – 3 pm
ADDRESS:
Pekařská 9

Villa Tugendhat

Next on the plan was one of Brno’s most famous sights: Villa Tugendhat. It sits slightly elevated with a wonderful view over the city and was designed in 1929 – 1930 by the German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Greta and Fritz Tugendhat. Today it belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage and is known for its clear, modern architecture, unique technical equipment and the use of rare materials.

The villa can only be visited as part of a guided tour and tickets are in high demand. And by high demand, I mean you should buy them 2 – 3 months in advance, especially for the English-language tours. I was lucky to get tickets for the Extended Tour and I have to say, it was absolutely worth it. The tour was very interesting, and I can definitely recommend it.

TICKET PRE-SALE:
Every Sunday at 6 pm tickets for a new full week are released, always 12 weeks in advance. Most tours sell out quickly (at least the English ones). Of course, you can try your luck later as well, but your best chance is right when the sales open.
TOURS:
Basic Tour (60 minutes, highlights of the interior without technical section, 400 CZK/~16 €)
Extended Tour (90 minutes, whole building + technical section, 450 CZK/~18 €)
Villa from the outside Tour (40 minutes, terraces and garden, 200 CZK/~8 €)
Tours are held in Czech or English.
Printed guides are available in various languages.

If you can’t get tickets for the interior, the “Villa from the outside” tour is often available at shorter notice. On this tour you visit the garden and terraces and can at least peek inside some of the rooms from the outside. A special tip for last-minute tickets is waiting for you after the photos!

Without any tickets you can still enter the garden of the villa (you’ll see the villa about like in the first photo under the heading) and the exhibition on the lower floor. But a look inside or access to the terrace is only possible with a guided tour.

Tip: With the BRNOPAS+ (with Villa Tugendhat) you can often get tickets for the Extended Tour at relatively short notice, namely from seven days before the date, starting exactly at the tour time. (For example: for a tour on August 20 at 1 pm, tickets become available on August 13 at 1 pm). Booking is not via the Villa Tugendhat website but through the link above. You select the desired tour, then choose the BRNOPAS+ (1, 2 or 3 days), and afterwards you’ll receive both the BRNOPAS+ and the Villa ticket by email. The tour is included once in the price of the pass.
1 day: 780 CZK (~31 €)
2 days: 900 CZK (~36 €)
3 days: 1010 CZK (~41 €)

OPENING HOURS:
Tuesday – Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm
Monday closed
PHOTOGRAPHY:
Allowed, but you need a photo pass (300 CZK/~12 €).
GETTING THERE:
On foot: about 30 minutes from the center
By tram: line 3, 5 or 9 to stop Dětská nemocnice, then about 10 minutes on foot,
or tram 7 or 9 to stop Tomanova and about 6 minutes on foot.

After your visit you can stroll through the beautiful garden down to the Art Nouveau Villa Löw Beer, which once belonged to Edith Tugendhat’s parents. In the garden you’ll find seating, deck chairs and even a small café.

Lužánky Park & Ice Cream Tip

Right across from it lies Lužánky Park, the largest and oldest park in Brno. If you feel like a little break you’ll find green spaces, sports facilities, a playground and more.

Tip: At the park exit at corner Lužánecká/Lidická you’ll see a retro-style ice cream trolley from Božský kopeček (translated: “Heavenly Scoop”) and the name really says it all. The ice cream is vegan and some flavors are quite unusual (1 scoop 60 CZK/~2.40 €). You’ll spot these pastel-colored carts all over the city (e.g. also at the Cabbage Market or Freedom Square).

Coffee stop at Kafe Friedrich

Just a few minutes from the park I happened to come across this cute little café. Kafe Friedrich is decorated in a minimalist way and only has a few seats, but I found it really cozy. They offer different cakes, coffee specialties, and drinks. The poppy seed cake and the chai latte were both really good.

OPENING HOURS:
Monday – Friday: 8 am – 6.30 pm, Saturday: 9 am – 6 pm, Sunday 10 am – 6 pm
ADDRESS:
Smetanova 45

For wine lovers: Klárabára Wine Café

If you’re more in the mood for a glass of wine, about 10 minutes further you’ll find the Klárabára Wine Café with a selection of local and international wines and snacks. It was highly recommended to me, but unfortunately I couldn’t try it out since it’s closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

OPENING HOURS:
Monday – Friday: 4 pm – 11 pm, closed on Saturday and Sunday
ADDRESS:
Čápkova 11

Špilberk Castle

From here it’s not far to Špilberk Castle, which sits on a hill above the city. Since we were already in the area, we took the admittedly steep path up to the fortress. In the heat it was quite a challenge, but definitely worth it. During summer season also a bus (No. 80 from stop Česká) runs up to the castle on Saturdays and Sundays.

Some parts of the castle can be visited for free and without a ticket, like the courtyard, the outer walls and the viewpoints around and in front of the castle. There are drink stands, a museum shop and a café right at the entrance. In the small courtyard you’ll also find the ticket office.

With the BRNOPAS the entrance to one of four experiences is included (Chapel of the Crosses, Museum, Treasures, Lookout Tower & Royal Chapel). I chose – of course – the Lookout Tower (120 CZK/~4.80 € without pass). Via a steep, narrow staircase you first reach an outdoor viewing platform and then a few steps higher you come all the way up. From four windows you get a breathtaking panoramic view over Brno. The ticket also includes the Royal Chapel, which is definitely worth a visit as well.

OPENING HOURS:
Exhibitions, tower, tours, etc.: Monday – Sunday 10 am – 6 pm
Castle grounds: Monday – Sunday 6 am – 11 pm
TICKETS:
Museum: 170 CZK/~6.80 €
Lookout Tower, Royal Chapel: 120 CZK/~4.80 €
Treasury: 90 CZK/~3.60 €
Prices for more tours, sights and available discounts

Burgers at Whiskáč na Gorkého

That evening we went for an early dinner, because we still had something very special planned afterwards. Once again I picked a place from Gourmet Brno and once again it was spot on. Actually, Whiskáč is a bar specializing in whiskey, but they also have a nice selection of food, cocktails, and other drinks, so definitely also a place for you if you’re not a whiskey fan.

The menu includes sandwiches, burgers, tartare and oysters. We went for the bacon cheeseburger (260 CZK/~10.40 €) and it tasted just as good as it looked. We were lucky to get the nice window seat, but if you prefer sitting outside, there are also a few tables in the small street-side garden.

OPENING HOURS:
Monday – Thursday: 5 pm – Midnight, Friday & Saturday: 5 pm – 1 am, Sunday: 5 pm – 11 pm
ADDRESS:
Gorkého 58

Festival of Planets

To end the day, we wanted to attend a really special event: the Festival of Planets. Every summer, the festival takes place in the park of Kraví Hora (Cow Hill) with free admission (in 2025 it was held from July 7 – 13 and August 4 – 10). On the meadows in front of the planetarium, huge inflatable models of the planets are set up, attracting thousands of visitors each time. Many bring blankets and snacks, picnic and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. It gets especially magical at sunset and in the evening when the planets light up.

To end the day, we wanted to attend a really special event: the Festival of Planets. Every summer, the festival takes place in the park of Kraví Hora (Cow Hill) with free admission (in 2025 it was held from July 7 – 13 and August 4 – 10). On the meadows in front of the planetarium, huge inflatable models of the planets are set up, attracting thousands of visitors each time. Many bring blankets and snacks, picnic and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. It gets especially magical at sunset and in the evening when the planets light up.

Tip: Be sure to also walk over to the small pond,  the glowing planets reflect beautifully in the water and it looks absolutely stunning.

Besides the models there’s also a varied program with exhibitions, film screenings and shows at the observatory. For us it was an unforgettable evening and an experience I can truly recommend to anyone visiting Brno in summer.

Day 3 in Brno – Water Reservoirs, Instagram Café, City Stroll

Sunday was our third and last day in Brno and since our train didn’t leave until late afternoon, we were able to make the most of the day. We could leave our luggage at the hotel, which was super convenient as it’s right next to the train station. More about the hotel at the end of this post under “My Tips for Brno.”

Brunch at Eggo BreakFeast Bistro

Following a tip, we started the day at Eggo BreakFeast Bistro, a small spot in the city center. You can sit in the cozy indoor area, but there are also a few tables outside. The bistro is very popular, reservations are not possible, but it’s definitely worth waiting for a table.

That morning we went for an omelette (239 CZK/~9.60 €) and a No-Avo Bread (229 CZK/~9.20 €) and what can I say, once again, everything tasted absolutely delicious. But the real specialty here seems to be the breakfast burgers and sandwiches; at least that’s what we saw on the neighboring tables (and what practically everyone else was having)and they looked fantastic.

OPENING HOURS:
Monday 9 am – 1 pm, Tuesday – Saturday 8 am – 2 pm, Sunday 9 am – 1 pm
ADDRESS:
Dvořákova 12

The Water Reservoirs at Žlutý Kopec

Afterwards, we headed a little outside the city center to the historic water reservoirs at Žlutý Kopec. By bus, you get there quickly from the center, but walking also only takes about 20 – 25 minutes.

The reservoirs are considered an absolute must-see and rightly so, it was truly a very special and unique experience. There are three reservoirs you can visit: one brick and two concrete tanks. They are between 108 and 150 years old and look like underground cathedrals with their high arches and columns.

Tip: The temperature inside is always around 13°C and the air is quite humid. So if you get cold easily, bring at least a light jacket in summer.

You can visit the reservoirs individually or join a guided tour (tours start every full hour, last 60 minutes and are included in the ticket price, though only in Czech). I didn’t take a tour this time, but it was still impressive. If you want more information, you can download the audio guide (note: there’s no phone reception inside the reservoirs), which is also available in English and provides a lot of details. You can also get information sheets in various languages at the ticket counter.

Tip: If you want to take part in a tour, I recommend booking in advance, as they sometimes sell out (Czech only). For an individual visit, no reservation is needed.

TICKETS:
Adults: 350 CZK/~14 €, reduced: 250 CZK/~10 €, children under 6 free
You can buy a BRNOPAS+ (with water tanks) that includes admission to the reservoirs.
OPENING HOURS:
Tuesday – Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm (last entry 5 pm), Monday closed
HOW TO GET THERE:
Bus X4 from Česká (near St. Thomas Church) to Tvrdeho + 5 minutes uphill walk
or trolleybus 35, 38, 39 to Žlutý Kopec and a short walk downhill.

Did you know you can also explore other parts of Brno’s underground? For example, the ossuary (the second largest in Europe after Paris), the Mintmaster’s Cellar or the labyrinth under the Cabbage Market. You’ll find all the info in a separate brochure.

Brno Art Open

When walking around Brno, you’ll also come across installations of the Brno Art Open, a festival showcasing sculptures in public spaces. Around the water reservoirs, you’ll find some of them, sometimes quite hidden and we checked out a few on our way back.

Lunch at Ramen Brno

That day we had lunch at Ramen Brno, where the dishes are prepared in an open kitchen. The menu offers different ramen as well as a daily special ramen. We had Shoyu Beef Teriyaki Ramen (250 CZK/~10 €) and the daily special Classic Choyu Tonkotsu Ramen (250 CZK/~10 €). Both were really good and generous in portion size, so I can absolutely recommend it if you love ramen as much as I do.

OPENING HOURS:
Monday – Friday: 11 am – 8 pm, Saturday & Sunday: 11 am – 3 pm
ADDRESS:
Václavská 16

Patisserie “Sorry, pečeme jinak”

Directly opposite is “Sorry, pečeme jinak” (translated: “Sorry, we bake differently”). Voted best patisserie in Gourmet Brno, of course we had to try it. From the outside, the place looks rather unassuming, but inside it’s a lovingly decorated café in shades of pink, brown and cream, with the highlight being a large origami chandelier.

The cakes are little works of art: creative and often made with unusual ingredients. How about a moss cake with crickets or a beer-honey cake? But don’t worry, there are also some less extravagant cakes! I went for the Sachertorte – 179 CZK/~7 € – (maybe not the most original choice for a Viennese, but I just love chocolate). This version was slightly different from the Viennese classic, with moist chocolate layers, dried apricots, chocolate ganache and a glaze. It was delicious!

Tip: On every table you’ll find origami paper with instructions (unfortunately only in Czech). If you feel like it, fold a crane, which then gets hung on the big origami chandelier as a symbol of health and good luck.

OPENING HOURS:
daily 10 am – 8 pm
ADDRESS:
Křídlovická 1

St. Peter & Paul Cathedral

Afterwards, we took the tram back to the old town. We definitely wanted to see the cathedral, which we had only admired from afar until then. It sits on a small hill in the city center and is a truly impressive building.

Fun fact: In Brno, the cathedral bells ring not at 12, but already at 11 am. Legend has it that the Swedish army general besieging the city had promised to call off the attack if Brno wasn’t taken by the midday bells. So the people of Brno simply rang the bells at 11 am and sure enough, the Swedes withdrew.

Tip: You’ll get a particularly beautiful view of the cathedral from Kapucínské Námestí, together with the statues, it makes a great photo.

City stroll

We still had some time left for one last relaxed stroll through the old town. We wandered through the streets and discovered beautiful houses and squares. The Marathon of Music festival was still going on, and again and again we heard music from courtyards and squares, so we stopped and enjoyed the great atmosphere until it was time to head home.

My Tips for Your Trip to Brno

Best time to visit

A trip to Brno is worthwhile all year round. It’s especially beautiful in summer with all the festivals and open-air events, or in the pre-Christmas season from November onwards, when the Christmas markets open.

How many days to plan

A day trip from Vienna is possible, but I recommend at least one overnight stay so you have enough time to really get to know Brno. Brno also combines perfectly with a trip to Prague: just spend 1 – 2 nights in Brno and then continue by train to Prague in about 2 ½ hours.

Hotel tip

We stayed at the Grand Hotel Brno, which I can highly recommend. The location is perfect: just a few steps from the train station and still within walking distance of the old town. The hotel has been completely renovated. We had an executive room, which was beautiful and very spacious, with a desk and two comfy armchairs. The bathroom was elegant and spacious too. Thanks to the lovely rooms and excellent location, I would book this hotel again anytime.

Getting there

The easiest way to reach Brno from Vienna is by train, it only takes 1 ½ hours from the main station, with several direct connections per day. By car, it’s about 2 hours.

Money

Despite being in the EU, the currency in the Czech Republic is the Czech koruna (CZK). Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere and you can also easily withdraw cash from ATMs in the city center. Note: fees apply both for withdrawals and payments!

BRNOPAS

If you want to visit many sights in Brno, the BRNOPAS is worth considering. There are 1-, 2- and 3-day passes as well as the BRNOPAS+ in combination with Villa Tugendhat or the water reservoirs. At over 50 places, you either get free entry or discounts. The BRNOPAS+ is also useful if tickets for Villa Tugendhat are sold out and you want to book a tour at short notice (from 7 days before). A good overview of all included places can be found in the TIC Brno brochure. The best way is to check which sights you want to visit and then calculate if the pass pays off for you.

Getting around in Brno

Brno’s old town is a great size and can easily be explored on foot. Even the slightly further away sights like Villa Tugendhat or the water reservoirs are still within a short distance. For longer trips, you can use the trams or buses; Brno’s public transport system is very well developed.

The easiest way to pay is directly on board: simply tap your credit card or Apple/Google Pay on the reader every time you board. If your ride is shorter than 15 minutes, you also need to tap out when exiting. The system automatically calculates the best fare for you. As a guide: 60 minutes: 25 CZK (~1 €), 15 minutes: 20 CZK (~0.80 €). For tourists using public transport all day, the 24-hour ticket for 90 CZK (~3.60 €) is a good option. You’ll find a really good and detailed explanation under this link.

Language & communication

The local language is Czech, but you’ll get along easily with English.

My conclusion on my trip to Brno

I was absolutely positively surprised by Brno and honestly wonder why I didn’t come here earlier, especially since the city is so close to Vienna. Brno is vibrant, a wonderful mix of historic buildings and modern touches and full of cozy cafés and restaurants. There’s also so much happening: festivals and events create a special atmosphere and beyond the classic sights, there are many unique places to discover.