What to do in Brno

Villas that shaped the history of architecture

Moravia’s biggest city boasts four beautiful villas that illustrate the development of architecture in the first thirty or so years of the 20th century. These are the Löw-Beer Villa, the Jurkovič Villa, the Villa Stiassni and the most famous of them all, the Villa Tugendhat. These eye-catching buildings are located not far from the historical centre of Brno and all are open to the public. The functionalist Tugendhat Villa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001, is the work of German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. It is one of the fundamental buildings in the world of modern architecture. Book your ticket for this villa online several months in advance.



Other architecturally interesting sights include the First Republic cafés Era and Savoy, as well as the replica of the Zeman Café near the Janáček Theatre.

Brno full of life

If you're in the mood for some entertainment, head to the centre. You will definitely have a great time around náměstí Svobody, Jakubské náměstí and Moravské náměstí. These squares form the heart of the city, which in the morning is bustling with a laid-back café scene, while in the evening restaurants and bars open up for that genuine metropolitan ambience. These hangouts attract not only locals, but also students and tourists. Especially in the warmer months, the squares come alive with gardens, where visitors can enjoy dinner or a drink with a view. The famous Advent and Christmas markets are held there in the winter. This year, Brno is the proud bearer of the title European Capital of Christmas 2024.

The youthful touch of an ancient city

One of Brno's newest landmarks is the statue of Margrave Jobst on horseback. This modern sculpture is a very popular spot for selfies. Just a stone's throw away you’ll find Brno’s astronomical clock in the shape of a mechanical cartridge case made of African granite. The clockwork machine on náměstí Svobody releases one glass ball every day at 11 a.m., which - if you’re lucky - you can catch. Here’s a brain-tickler for you: Can you tell the time from the clock?

Tips on what not to miss

But Brno offers so much more. If you have enough time, it's definitely worth getting a Brnopas tourist card. This will get you into some places completely free, such as the Zoo, the Ossuary at the Church of St. James or the Cathedral, while elsewhere admission will be discounted.

Villa Tugendhat

The most famous villa in Brno is Czechia’s only piece of modern architecture to be included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. And if you can't make it to the tour, at least check out the villa's garden, to which tickets are usually available.

Zelný trh marketplace and its underground

Want to buy fresh vegetables and see what a place where markets have been held almost continuously for 800 years looks like today? Here’s your opportunity! Head to Zelný trh first thing in the morning, when the greengrocers still have plenty to sell. If you go there in the afternoon, try exploring the underground. You can wander around a labyrinth of corridors and cellars up to eight metres below ground level. See what it was like back in the Middle Ages, when cellars were used instead of refrigerators.

Špilberk Castle

This castle was founded in the 13th century, and over the years it served not only as the seat of government over the whole of Moravia, but also as a prison and barracks. Nowadays it houses the Brno City Museum there and hosts concerts and theatre performances. Visit one of the exhibitions, the casemates or the adjacent park and enjoy a beautiful view of the city.

Old Town Hall

Nowadays, the Old Town Hall is mainly used for cultural events. In the summer you can visit the Crystal Hall, the Fresco Hall and the Treasury or climb the 63-metre-high tower, which offers some impressive views of Brno.

Underground reservoirs on Žlutý kopec

Another underground tip! The new "must see" in Brno can be found under the inconspicuous grassland of the revitalised park on Žlutý kopec near the city centre. The three historical underground reservoirs are known as the Underground Cathedrals and date from 1874, 1894 and 1917. There is nothing else like these two brick reservoirs and the third concrete one anywhere else in Europe and a visit to them will take your breath away!

Ossuary at the Church of St. James

The ossuary, which can be found under the Church of St. James, is a site of reverence with a mystical ambience. It is the second largest ossuary in Europe, after the one in Paris.

Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul

This unmissable landmark Gothic cathedral stands on a hill called Petrov. The bells in its towers strike noon at 11 o'clock, in homage to the legend of the ruse used by General Raduit de Souches when Brno was besieged by Swedish troops. Legend has it that the Swedish general Torstenson declared that if the city were not captured before the stroke of noon, he would end the siege. And so since then, noon has always been struck an hour earlier.

TOP events for autumn 2024

• Prototyp festival (25 to 27 October): The 10th annual festival combining art, science and technology will take place in the water reservoirs on Žlutý kopec.
• International Film Festival BRNO16 (2 to 6 October): The International Short Film Festival BRNO16 is one of Czechia’s oldest film festivals and one of the oldest short film festivals in the world. In addition to short films of various genres, it also hosts discussions, workshops, exhibitions and a video game programme.
• Janáček Brno (1 - 24 November): For the ninth time, this classical music festival will ring out in the city where Leoš Janáček spent much of his artistic life. Performed by leading opera houses, renowned conductors, directors and performers, you can look forward to a packed programme.