Welcome to Brno, a vibrant city in the heart of Europe that’s brimming with culture, history, and stunning sights. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, there are plenty of things to see and do in Brno that will leave you spellbound. From exploring ancient castles and cathedrals to indulging in local gastronomy and wine tasting, this Czech gem has something for everyone. So hold on tight as we take you on a whirlwind tour of the top 10 must-see attractions in Brno!
Old Town Hall
The Old Town Hall is a beautiful historic building in the heart of Brno. It was built in the 13th century and has been a part of the city’s history ever since. The Old Town Hall is open to the public and is a popular spot for tourists to visit. There are a few different things to see and do inside the Old Town Hall, such as:
-Take a guided tour: Guided tours are available in both English and Czech. They last approximately 45 minutes and take you through the main halls of the Old Town Hall.
-Explore on your own: You can also explore the Old Town Hall on your own. Be sure to check out the interesting exhibits on the first floor, which include a model of the Old Town Hall and historical information about its construction.
-Visit the observation deck: The observation deck is located on the top floor of the Old Town Hall and offers stunning views of Brno.
Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul
The Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul is one of the most important religious buildings in Brno. It is located on Petrov hill in the city center and is visible from all over Brno. The cathedral was built in the 13th century and its towers are 85 meters tall. The cathedral is the final resting place of Saint Cyril and Methodius, two important figures in the history of Christianity.
The Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul is the seat of the Archbishop of Moravia, who presides over the Roman Catholic Church in the Czech Republic’s second-largest city. The cathedral is also home to important religious works such as a baroque altar by sculptor Matthias Bernard Braun, an impressive organ with more than 5,000 pipes, and a reliquary containing a fragment of St. Cyril’s skull. Visitors to the cathedral can enjoy its beautiful stained glass windows, which depict biblical scenes in vivid colors.
The Cathedral has been carefully maintained for centuries by its parishioners, who view it as an important symbol of their faith and culture. It is also one of Brno’s most popular tourist attractions, with visitors from all over the world coming to admire its grandeur and history.
Spilberk Castle
Spilberk Castle is an imposing fortress that has been guarding the city of Brno for centuries. The castle complex consists of several buildings, the most notable of which is the main keep, which was built in the 13th century. The castle has been through a lot over the years, serving as a prison, a military barracks, and even an insane asylum.
Today, it houses a museum that tells the story of its long and turbulent history. Visitors can also explore the grounds and get some great views of the city from up high.
Spilberk is one of the most important monuments in the Czech Republic and is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is a must-see destination when visiting Brno, and offers an insight into the history of the city and its people.
Villa Tugendhat
Villa Tugendhat is one of the most iconic buildings in Brno and a must-see for any architecture lover. Designed by world-renowned architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, the villa was built in 1930 for wealthy industrialist Fritz Tugendhat and his family.
The building is considered one of the finest examples of functionalist architecture and is now a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can tour the interior of the villa, which has been beautifully restored to its original condition and learn more about the history and significance of this unique building.
The villa is open to visitors on a daily basis from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm, except for Mondays and certain holidays. The admission fee is 170 CZK (6.75 EUR) for adults, 80 CZK (3.15 EUR) for students and seniors, and 50 CZK (1.90 EUR) for children aged 6-15 years old. Guided tours of the villa in both English and Czech are available upon request and cost an extra 150 CZK (5.85 EUR).
Moravian Gallery in Brno
The Moravian Gallery in Brno is one of the best art museums in the Czech Republic. It houses a collection of over 3,000 paintings, sculptures, and other works of art from the 13th century to the present day. The museum is located in the city center, near the main square and the castle.
Some of the highlights of the collection include paintings by Czech master painter Alfons Mucha, as well as works by European masters such as Rembrandt, Rubens, and van Dyck. The museum also has a large collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and Andy Warhol.
The Moravian Gallery is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, with extended hours on Thursdays until 8 pm. Admission is CZK 120 for adults, CZK 60 for students and seniors, and free for children under 18.
Freedom Square
Situated in the heart of Brno, Freedom Square is one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations. Lined with cafes, restaurants, and bars, the square is a great place to relax and people-watch. On warm days, the square is filled with locals and visitors alike, enjoying the sun and each other’s company.
Freedom Square is also home to several important landmarks. The most notable of these is the Church of St. James, which dates back to the 13th century. The church’s Gothic architecture is a sight to behold, and its history is fascinating. Visitors can also learn about Brno’s role in WWII at the Resistance Memorial, located on the square.
Capuchin Abbey
The Capuchin Abbey is a must-see for any history lover visiting Brno. This beautiful Baroque abbey was founded in 1629 and is home to the remains of over 5,000 monks, including Saint Lawrence of Brindisi. Visitors can explore the monastery, crypt, and museum, and learn all about the fascinating history of this unique religious site.
The abbey is located in the heart of Brno, within walking distance of many other local attractions. It is open to the public and offers guided tours, as well as a café where guests can enjoy traditional Czech dishes. A visit to the Capuchin Abbey is sure to be a memorable experience!
2. Chapel of the Holy Sepulcher – The Chapel of the Holy Sepulcher is a small but remarkable chapel located in the Capuchin Abbey. It is decorated with intricate frescos and contains a replica of the tomb where Jesus was laid to rest. Visitors can take part in Mass or simply soak up the beautiful atmosphere within this sacred space.
3. Monastery Garden – The monastery garden provides visitors with an opportunity to enjoy some peaceful respite from their busy sightseeing schedule. With its tranquil pathways, fountains, and sculptures, it’s easy to find a moment of quiet reflection here among some of Brno’s most beautiful scenery.
4. Museum of Applied Arts – The museum is home to an impressive collection of items related to decorative arts and design from all over Europe. Whether you’re interested in fine art, furniture, glassware, or textiles, there’s something here for everyone to appreciate.
5. Café & Restaurant – After exploring the abbey, why not take a break in one of its quaint cafés? Enjoy some coffee and cake while taking in views of the monastery grounds or grab a bite to eat at their restaurant which serves up traditional Czech cuisine and international dishes too!
Church of St. James
The Church of St. James is one of the most important historical landmarks in Brno. It is a Romanesque church that was built in the 12th century and has been remodeled several times over the centuries. The current appearance of the church is Baroque. The Church of St. James is open to the public and visitors can admire the beautiful interior and exterior of the church.
The church also holds regular masses and hosts musical events throughout the year. The Church of St. James is a great place to visit for those looking to learn more about Brno’s history and appreciate its architecture.
VIDA! science center
Over 170 interactive displays cover 4,600 square feet, attracting visitors of all ages. This one-of-a-kind permanent exhibit features a science center for kids aged 2 to 6, as well as separate sections devoted to the Planet, Civilization, Man, and Microworld. Exciting and entertaining experiments are performed regularly at the Science Theatre. There are other things to do at the center besides just visiting the museum.
A visit to this amusement park is highly recommended. The Bermuda Triangle Mystery can be solved, a hydrogen rocket can be launched, visitors can become the focus of a weather report, their shadows can be frozen, an earthquake can be felt, and a tornado can be started.
Botanical Gardens
There are many beautiful botanical gardens in Brno, and they are definitely worth a visit! The Moravian capital is home to several large parks and green spaces, so you can easily find a place to relax and enjoy the scenery.
The Botanical Gardens at the Faculty of Science of Masaryk University is the largest and most popular garden in town. Covering over 15 hectares, it is home to over 4,500 species of plants from all over the world. The gardens are open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, and admission is free.
If you’re looking for a more intimate setting, check out the Sadova Gardens near Namesti Svobody. This small but lovely park is perfect for a relaxing stroll or picnic lunch. Admission is also free.
Finally, don’t miss the chance to see the unique collection of cacti and succulents at the Cactus House in Luzanky Park. This unusual greenhouse is open from April to October, and admission is just a few Euros.
Conclusion
Brno is a beautiful city full of things to do and see. Whether you’re looking for historical sites, lively nightlife, or peaceful nature spots, there’s something in Brno for everyone. We hope that with this list of the top 10 things to see and do in Brno, you have been inspired to visit this wonderful city. From its stunning architecture to its vibrant culture, we guarantee that your trip will be one to remember!