Brno is the second-largest city in Czechia and the capital of Moravia; from Prague you can get here in just 2.5 hours by train or bus. Top sights include Špilberk Castle, the Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul, Freedom Square with its unusual astronomical clock, the functionalist Villa Tugendhat (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and the famous ossuary beneath the Church of St James — and just outside town, the Brno Reservoir, the zoo and the observatory.
Brno is noticeably calmer and cheaper than tourist-packed Prague, yet it's still full of striking architecture, a lively student vibe (thanks to several major universities) and excellent coffee. The compact historic centre can easily be covered in a single day, while a trip to the reservoir or a visit to Villa Tugendhat is worth setting aside half a day for.
Direct trains and buses run between Prague and Brno, with the journey taking around 2.5 hours. Trains depart from Praha hlavní nádraží (Prague's main station) and arrive at Brno hlavní nádraží right in the city centre; operators include the state railway České dráhy as well as RegioJet and Leo Express. Buses (RegioJet, FlixBus) leave from Praha ÚAN Florenc and Praha Roztyly. Tickets are noticeably cheaper if booked online in advance — check the carriers' websites for current schedules and prices.
The city's main landmark is Špilberk Castle, perched atop a hill and founded in the 13th century by the Czech king Přemysl Otakar II. It later became one of the harshest prisons in the Habsburg monarchy, holding political prisoners from across Europe — earning it the nickname "prison of nations." Today it houses the Brno City Museum (Muzeum města Brna); visitors can descend into the grim casemates, and the castle walls and surrounding park offer the best panoramic views of the city. Check the museum's official website for opening hours and ticket prices.
The Gothic Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul on Petrov Hill, with its two soaring neo-Gothic towers, is one of Brno's most recognisable symbols — it even appears on the Czech 10-crown coin. The cathedral has a legend attached to it from the Swedish siege of 1645: the enemy promised to withdraw if they failed to take the city by noon, so the bell-ringer struck "noon" an hour early — and to this day the cathedral bells ring noon at 11 a.m. Visitors can climb the towers for a view over the centre; check the parish website for visiting conditions.
Freedom Square is the city's main square and one of its largest, forming the heart of the pedestrian centre. Here you'll find the baroque Plague Column (morový sloup) and the house "At the Four Mamluks" (Dům U čtyř mamlasů), whose façade is held up by four atlas figures. The square is also home to the unusual black astronomical clock known as the Brno Orloj (Brněnský orloj): every day at 11 a.m. it dispenses a glass marble to one lucky onlooker — a nod to the same legend of victory over the Swedes.
Villa Tugendhat is a masterpiece of functionalist architecture, built in 1929–1930 to a design by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for the Tugendhat family. Since 2001 it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its open floor plan, floor-to-ceiling glass walls and a partition made of translucent onyx. The villa is located in the Černá Pole district, a short way from the centre. Entry is by advance booking only — tickets sell out early, so plan your visit and buy them through the official website.
Beneath the Gothic Church of St James on Jakubské náměstí lies an ossuary — Europe's second-largest bone crypt after the Paris catacombs, holding the remains of roughly 50,000 people. The burial site was discovered during excavations and opened to visitors in 2012. Take a look at the church itself, too: hidden on its tower is a cheeky little figure known as the "shameless man" (Nehaňba). Check the official website for opening hours and admission prices.
The Brno Reservoir, on the northwestern edge of the city, is a favourite spot for locals to unwind. In summer people swim, sunbathe, cycle along the shore and take boat trips on the local passenger line. One route leads to the medieval Veveří Castle (hrad Veveří) on the water's edge — a great way to combine a boat ride with a bit of castle sightseeing. Boat schedules vary by season, so check ahead.
Brno Zoo sits on Mniší hora hill in the Bystrc district, close to the reservoir — easy to combine into one trip from the centre. Spread across a wooded hillside, the zoo is home to polar bears, tigers, giraffes and many other animals, making it a great destination for a family day out. Check the zoo's official website for current opening hours and ticket prices.
Atop Kraví hora hill near the centre stands the Brno Observatory and Planetarium, featuring a digital dome and telescopes for stargazing. It's a good option for an evening out or a rainy day, especially with kids. The surrounding park is pleasant, and the Koupaliště Kraví hora public pool is right nearby. Check the official website for the show schedule and tickets.
If you have time to spare, check out these spots in and around the historic centre:
Planning to combine your trip with the capital? Check out our guides — top places in Prague, museums and our events listings can help you plan the rest of your stay.
This information is for reference only. Opening hours, prices and visiting conditions may change, and Villa Tugendhat can only be visited by advance booking — please check the official websites of each site before your trip.
Source: aroundprague.cz
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