27 Attractions in Brno and Surroundings Recommended for Visit

Brno, often referred to as the <<little Vienna>>, is the second largest city in the Czech Republic. The sights of Brno, of which there are many, make it one of the most interesting cities in the country. Beautiful architecture, streets imbued with centuries of history, and the cozy, peaceful atmosphere that prevails in the city attract tourists from all corners of the globe. So why not travel there together?

This austere cathedral, built in the 15th century, is well-known in Brno largely due to the baroque pulpit dated 1525 with a relief of Christ, beautiful stained glass windows, soaring gothic columns, and the atmosphere of grandeur that fills the interior.

However, many tourists come here not to savor all this splendor, but to look at a small <> of the church builders - a small stone sculpture known as <<The Shameless>>. Above the window on the second floor on the southern side of the clock tower, if you look closely, you will see a figurine of a man with bare buttocks turned towards the cathedral. Local legend states that this was a farewell <> from a disgruntled mason to his competitors who worked on the construction of the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul.

Address: Kostel sv. Jakuba, Jakubské nám. 101/2, 602 00 Brno-střed-Brno-město, Czech Republic.

In the 1920s, Brno became the first city in the Czech Republic where architects actively practiced the trendy Bauhaus style of the time. Perhaps the best example of this style in residential buildings is the family villa built in 1930, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Fritz and Grete Tugendhat.

By the way, this house inspired British writer Simon Mawer, who published the bestseller <<The Glass Room>> in 2009.

Address: Vila Tugendhat, Černopolní 45, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic.

Your visit to Brno wouldn't be complete without a look at the medieval town hall built in the 13th century. Today the city administration is housed in another building, while the Old Town Hall is rented out to a tourism firm.

The main attractions of this place are two unofficial city mascots - a crocodile hanging from the ceiling of the arch, which the people of Brno affectionately and respectfully call the Dragon, and a wooden wagon wheel. Both the dragon and wheel have become the subjects of many legends, which any resident of Brno would gladly share with you. If you wish, you can also climb the Town Hall tower.

Address: Stará radnice, Radnická 8, 602 00 Brno-střed, Czech Republic.

The Capuchin Monastery in Brno is widely known for its crypt, which lies deep underground. Here, in the 18th century, deceased monks, abbots, and local nobility were buried. By 1784, around 150 corpses were placed in the crypt. Due to the dryness of the soil and good ventilation in the crypt, many bodies did not decompose but instead became mummified.

Address: Kostel Nalezení svatého Kříže, Kapucínské náměstí 303/5, 602 00 Brno-střed-Brno-město, Czech Republic.

Beneath the historic center of the city lies an extensive, well-developed network of tunnels. Recently, several sections of this underground labyrinth have been opened to the public.

To explore the cellars located 6 to 8 meters below ground level, you will need about 40 minutes. These cellars were constructed under the Cabbage Market, which for centuries has been the city's main produce market, serving two purposes - for storing food items and sheltering people during wars.

Address: Labyrinth under Vegetable Market, Brno, Zelný trh 320/21, 602 00 Brno-střed, Czech Republic.

The eerie Spilberk Castle, standing atop a hill, is considered one of the city's major attractions. The history of the castle dates back to the 13th century when it was a residence for Moravian margraves and later became a fortress. Under the Habsburgs, during the 18th and 19th centuries, it served as a prison.

Today, it houses the City Museum of Brno with several temporary and permanent exhibitions. The most visitor-friendly tours are <<From Castle to Fortress>> (about the history of the castle) and <<Prison of Nations>> (about Spilberk as a prison from which escape was nearly impossible).

Address: Hrad Špilberk, Špilberk 210/1, 662 24 Brno, Czech Republic.

This cathedral on top of Petrov Hill was built in the 14th century on the site of a pagan temple of Venus. It has been reconstructed many times since. The exquisitely decorated main altar of the church, 11 m high with figures of Saints Peter and Paul, was created by Vienna sculptor Josef Leimer in 1891. You can climb the tower for stunning views.

Address: Katedrála svatých Petra a Pavla, Petrov 9, 602 00 Brno 2, Czech Republic.

The Moravian Museum of Natural History and Ethnography has about six million exhibits and is the second largest in the country. Items of great interest include archaeological treasures, covering a little-explored period of history - from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages.

Address: Moravské zemské muzeum, Zelný trh 6, 659 37 Brno-střed, Czech Republic.

In 2001, during the reconstruction of the square located next to St. James' Church, the remains of approximately 50,000 people were found, who for centuries had perished from wars, famine, and epidemics and were buried in the crypts below the church.

In 2013, the ossuary was opened to the public, although not everyone agrees to this 20-minute tour.

Address: Kostnice u sv. Jakuba, Jakubské nám., 658 78 Brno-střed, Czech Republic.

The zoo in Brno is located in a picturesque spot on the outskirts of the city, about 5 km northwest of the center. It houses a sizable collection of wild animal species. The zoo's official website has photographs and descriptions of all the animals that reside there.

Address: Zoo Brno, U Zoologické zahrady, Brno-Bystrc, Czech Republic.

The magnificent Bishop's Court has a rich history, but today it is part of the Moravian Museum of Natural History and Ethnography. The exhibits here will introduce you to Moravian wildlife, including fungi, as well as the history of money in Moravia.

Complementing the exhibit dedicated to fauna is the largest freshwater aquarium in the country located here.

Address: Biskupský dvůr, Muzejní 298/1, 602 00 Brno-střed-Brno-město, Czech Republic.

Romani people exist in virtually every corner of the world. However, museums dedicated to the culture, traditions, and lifestyle of this minority can only be found in our Kostroma and in Czech Brno. The museum we recommend you visit reflects the colorful Romani culture.

Its collection includes items related to Romani daily life, various books, documents, and historical photographs gathered from across Europe. Visitors to the museum will have the opportunity to engage with video and audio materials directly related to this subject. In addition to the permanent exhibit, the museum regularly hosts special temporary exhibitions.

Address: Muzeum romské kultury, Bratislavská, Brno-střed-Zábrdovice, Czech Republic.

In the center of the Cabbage Market, right in the heart of the Old Town, is an interesting baroque fountain <<Parnassus>>, installed here as early as 1695. It represents a grotto <> with allegorical figures. Inside the grotto is Hercules, restraining the three-headed Cerberus, the watchdog of the underworld.

Surrounding the grotto are three female figures symbolizing ancient empires - Babylon (crown), Persia (horn of plenty), and Greece (quiver of arrows). Towering majestically above all this is a female figure embodying Europe.

Address: Kašna Parnas, Zelný trh, 602 00 Brno-střed, Czech Republic.

The exhibits in the Technical Museum, located 3 km north of the city center, illuminate various aspects of technical and industrial progress over the last two centuries. The museum is certainly very interesting, and you won't regret spending a few hours there.

Don't miss the panopticon on the second floor: this enormous wooden stereoscope allows 20 visitors to view images from antique glass slides, which are regularly changed.

Address: technické muzeum v brně, Purkyňova 2950/105, 612 00 Brno-Královo Pole, Czech Republic.

The impressive planetarium in Brno, located just 2 km northwest of the city center, can amaze not only children but also adults. Here, you can embark on a grand journey through time and space to explore the solar system, underwater life, the micro-world, and much more.

Unfortunately, most shows here are conducted in Czech. However, if you contact the staff in advance, they can arrange a presentation in English for you.

Address: Hvězdárna a planetárium Brno, Kraví hora 522/2, 616 00 Brno-střed, Czech Republic.

Gregor Mendel (1822-1884), an Augustinian monk whose studies on peas and bees conducted in the Augustinian Monastery of St. Thomas in Brno laid the foundation for modern genetics, undoubtedly deserves a museum in the city where he lived and worked for several years.

The museum houses photographs of the great scientist, his manuscripts and documents, as well as various tools Mendel used in his work. The foundation of Mendel's greenhouse has been preserved in the garden.

Address: Masarykova univerzita - Mendelovo muzeum, Mendlovo náměstí, Brno-střed, Czech Republic.

These medieval cellars were discovered during excavation work conducted in 1999. Descending into the cellar, you can view an exhibit dedicated to coin minting in medieval times. A self-guided tour usually takes about 20 minutes.

Address: Mincmistrovský sklep, Dominikánské náměstí, Brno-střed, Czech Republic.

The House of Arts gallery hosts traveling exhibitions of contemporary art. The focus is on works by Czech, Moravian, and other Central European artists. The House of Arts is usually only open during events.

Address: Dům umění města Brna, Malinovského náměstí, Brno-střed, Czech Republic.

Walking along the eastern side of Freedom Square, it is impossible to miss the house whose third-floor balcony is supported by four Atlases, each trying to hold up their loincloths. This building is colloquially known as the House of Four Mamlases.

Why? The reason is that the word <<Atlas>> sounds like <> in Czech, which translates to <> in English. Over time, <> in the name has transformed into <>. It should be noted that this nickname was not created without cause: the stone faces of these muscular guys are not exactly known for their intellect.

Address: dům U čtyř mamlasů, nám. Svobody 74/10, 602 00 Brno-střed-Brno-město, Czech Republic.

On the opposite side of Freedom Square, you will see the House of the Lords of Lipá. This Renaissance palace built between 1589-1596 features a richly decorated 19th-century facade done in sgraffito and an arcade courtyard.

Address: Dům pánů z Lipé, náměstí Svobody, Brno-střed, Czech Republic.

While in Brno, be sure to visit the Moravian Karst, known for its cool air and stunning caves. The area covers about 100 square kilometers, with the number of caves and gorges exceeding 1,100 (and that's just the known ones!). Four caves are open for self-guided visits (the routes are clearly marked with indicated levels of difficulty).

You will have the opportunity to admire numerous stalagmites and stalactites easily visible from the well-lit pathways, and for an additional fee, you can also take a boat ride on the underground river. Truly adventurous travelers can explore less <> caves with a qualified speleologist as a guide.

Also note the Macocha Abyss - a karst sinkhole that is over 100 m deep. The beauty of Macocha can be enjoyed from viewing platforms built at the edges of the abyss.

The Moravian Karst is located approximately 25 kilometers north of Brno. The caves attract a lot of tourists, so be sure to book your visit in advance.

Address: Moravský kras, Czech Republic.

Veveří Castle, located just 15 kilometers northwest of the city center, looks particularly majestic due to its elevation on a hill overlooking the Svratka River. Built in the 11th century, it has undergone numerous reconstructions and changes, primarily during medieval times.

Throughout the centuries, the castle has had many owners and even <> (there was a time when Moravia was part of Austria-Hungary). In the 20th century, Veveří became a national treasure but remained abandoned and inactive for several decades.

After recent reconstruction and restoration, the castle has transformed once again. Today it is open to tourists, making it one more item to add to the list of <<What to see in Brno>>. We recommend paying special attention to the beautiful frescoes and the collection of exquisite furniture.

Address: Hrad Veveří, 664 71 Veverská Bítýška-Brno-Bystrc, Czech Republic.

The Moravian Gallery in Brno, founded in 1961, is the second largest art gallery in the Czech Republic and one of the most important. It is housed in several significant historical buildings in the city, including the Pražák Palace, Museum of Decorative Arts, and Governor's Palace.

The exhibits of this museum-gallery include not only paintings but also sculptures, photographs, and applied art. Since 1963, it regularly hosts an international graphic design competition.

Address: Moravská galerie v Brně - Místodržitelský palác, Moravské nám. 680/1A, 662 26 Brno-střed-Brno-město, Czech Republic.

Freedom Square is the main square of Brno, located right in its center. Every day thousands of people gather here: in the morning, locals enjoy their coffee in one of the cafés, while in the evening pints of Czech beer and Moravian wine flow freely in pubs. The atmosphere of this historic square, surrounded by beautiful townhouses, is more than cozy.

Recently, an interesting modern monument has been erected in Freedom Square, which has become the subject of jokes, yet it hasn't affected its rapidly growing popularity. We're talking about a clock shaped like a giant bullet made of polished black stone.

People often refer to this clock as Astronomical, although it isn't (this name apparently arose from the <> cost of the clock - it cost the city budget €450,000).

Moreover, looking at this black stone, you won't even be able to tell the regular time. But every day, precisely at 11 o'clock, the clock <> a glass marble, which you can catch in one of four holes and take home as a souvenir.

Address: Freedom Square, nám. Svobody 96, 602 00 Brno-střed, Czech Republic.

Brno Lake, surrounded by beautiful forests and fields, is the largest recreation area in the city. The shores closer to the city center are home to several hotels and restaurants, while the far side features a rocky shore on which Veveří Castle stands.

On warm days, locals enjoy spending time on the shores of the lake or in its vicinity - relaxing on the beach, cycling, going for hikes, or taking canoe trips. Various cultural events regularly take place here (if you visit Brno in May or June, you might catch the stunning international fireworks festival).

Nearby, there is a zoo that is home to 1,450 animals, with polar bears being particularly popular among visitors.

Address: Brno Reservoir, vodní nádrž, Brno 635 00, Czech Republic.

Luřánky is the largest and oldest park in Brno. It was founded in the 18th century by Emperor Joseph II. In 1809, when Brno was occupied by the French army, a grand celebration of Napoleon Bonaparte's fortieth anniversary took place here. Today, the park is arguably the best place to relax in the city center.

Here you will see a magnificent fountain, numerous historical monuments, and a beautiful neo-renaissance building that once housed a casino. Among the trees and flowerbeds, there are many playgrounds, tennis courts, and even an artificially created stream (in ancient times, a real river flowed through the territory of the park, but it is no longer there, and people have made efforts to recreate the atmosphere of this place).

Address: Park Lužánky, Pionýrská, 602 00 Brno-střed, Czech Republic.

Kraví Hora (which translates oddly from Czech as Cow Mountain) is another recreational area in Brno located, as the name suggests, on a hill. It is a charming park where locals flock on warm days to take walks, relax on the grass, or go for a run.

Here you will find several playgrounds, a pool with a jacuzzi and sauna, as well as one of the city's major attractions - the Brno Planetarium. The campus of the planetarium features a terrace with magnificent views of the day or night city. From the terrace, you can also admire the night sky, not only with the naked eye but also with the help of a portable telescope.

GPS Coordinates: 49°12'15.0"N 16°34'24.0"E.