If you’ve already ticked off the fairytale streets of Prague and you’re looking for your next Czech adventure, let me introduce you to Brno.
While everyone usually flocks to the capital, Brno is like Prague’s cooler, slightly more rebellious younger sibling. It is the second-largest city in the Czech Republic, but it feels incredibly walkable and friendly.
I recently spent some time here and, honestly, I was blown away by how much there is to discover.
From ‘selfieccinos’ made by robots to underground water tanks that look like something out of a film set, there are so many things to do in Brno that you won’t find anywhere else.
When I share travel inspiration and adventures around the world, I’m always looking for those hidden gems, and Brno fits the bill perfectly. It is a city of legends, incredible food and some of the most unique architecture I’ve seen.
If you are planning more adventures around the Czech Republic, you absolutely have to add this city to your list.
Here are the 11 top things to do in Brno that you’ll absolutely love.
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1. Meet the Brno Dragon and the Wheel
You cannot visit Brno without hearing about the Dragon and the Wheel. If you head to the passage of the Old Town Hall, you’ll see a massive ‘dragon’ (which looks suspiciously like a crocodile!) hanging from the ceiling.
Legend says it once terrorised the locals until a clever butcher tricked it into eating a hide filled with lime.
Right next to it, you’ll see a wooden wheel. This relates to a local legend about a wheelwright who made a bet in 1636 that he could make a wheel and roll it all the way from Lednice to Brno in a single day. He did it, and the wheel has stayed there ever since!
Top Tip: Look closely at the turret above the Dragon. One of the stone pinnacles is intentionally crooked. Legend says the sculptor was underpaid and left it bent as a permanent ‘protest’ against the city council!
2. Explore the Cellar Under the New Town Hall
If you want to dive deeper into those legends, head underground to the New Town Hall. This isn’t just a museum; it’s a journey through the ‘City Under the City.’
Historically, these cellars were a mechanical necessity. Back in the Middle Ages, Brno was a fortified, walled city, meaning space on the surface was at a premium.
The solution was to build down. These cellars were originally established by the Royal Mint Master and were used for everything from storing wine and beer to being a safe haven for precious metals. They even acted as a mint where the city’s currency was literally pressed.
The current ‘Fire Horse and Dragon’ exhibition is a brilliant, interactive way to experience this. You can walk through these ancient vaults and see animations of how the city looked when it was being attacked by Swedish cannons in 1645.
Top Tip: If you are planning on seeing a few sights, you should get a BRNOPAS. It gives you free entry to the New Town Hall cellars, the Old Town Hall tower and the Cathedral, plus it includes all your public transport (trams and trolley buses). It’s a total game-changer for your budget.
3. Climb the Old Town Hall Tower
For the best view of the city, you have to climb the 63-metre-high Old Town Hall tower. It is the oldest secular building in Brno, dating back to the 13th century, and it served as the administrative heart of the city until the 1930s.
The climb up the stairs is a bit of a workout, but once you reach the observation gallery, you get a stunning 360-degree panoramic view.
You can see the spires of the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, the sprawling Špilberk Castle on the hill, and the red-tiled roofs that make the city feel so European.
Before you head up, make sure to spend a moment in the entrance passage to see the Dragon. It is easily one of the top things to do in Brno.
Top Tip: The Old Town Hall also houses the main Tourist Information Centre. Use your BRNOPAS here to get your free tower entry, and then grab a map for the underground trail – it’s the best way to find the hidden entrances to the city’s labyrinth system.
4. Discover St. James Trusses
I visited St. James Church, and they have a multimedia exposition in the trusses (the attic area) that is absolutely spectacular.
It is such an interesting way to get people to see a part of the church they wouldn’t normally see. You learn about the church’s history while walking through these massive wooden beams, with lighting used so beautifully to highlight the architecture.
What’s really cool is the staircase. There are two sets of staircases running wrapped around each other. Normally, when you climb a church tower, you have to wait for people to pass or squeeze to the side, but here you never bump into people going the other way!
I even got to ring the church bell, which was a total first for me and so exciting. You can do this on some of the guided tours, and it was the highlight of my trip.
Top Tip: While at St. James, look up at the window arch on the south side. You’ll see a tiny stone figure of a man showing his bare bottom towards the Cathedral. It was the architect’s cheeky way of insulting the rival builders at the other church!
5. Explore the Water Tanks
The Žlutý kopec water tanks are, quite frankly, mind-blowing. These massive brick reservoirs look like something out of a film set.
They were built in the 19th century to supply the city with water, but today they are used for raves, concerts, fashion shows and other cultural events because the acoustics are so incredible.
They are slightly out of town but pretty easy to get to on the bus or trolley bus. Walking through these echoing, dimly lit ‘underground cathedrals’ was a highlight of my trip and is hands-down one of the most top things to do in Brno.
6. Visit the Iconic Villa Tugendhat
You can’t talk about Brno without mentioning Villa Tugendhat. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of modern architecture.
I took the 90-minute English tour, and it was fascinating to see how forward-thinking the design was back in the 1930s (it even had air conditioning!). The ‘onyx wall’ that changes colour when the sun hits it is breathtaking.
The story of the villa is as much about the people as the architecture. It was built for Greta and Fritz Tugendhat, a wealthy Jewish family who hoped to raise their children in this open, light-filled space. Tragically, they only got to live here for eight years.
In 1938, as the threat of Nazi occupation loomed, the family were forced to flee the country. Knowing that they had to leave such a beautiful home behind adds a very moving layer to the visit.
Top Tip: Tickets for Villa Tugendhat sell out months in advance. If you can’t get a tour ticket, you can usually buy a cheaper garden ticket on the day, which still lets you see the stunning exterior and those famous floor-to-ceiling windows.
7. Get a “Selfieccino” at Café Robot
For a more modern twist, head to the Moravian Gallery (Uměleckoprůmyslové muzeum), home to the quirky and futuristic Café Robot.
Here, ordering a coffee becomes an experience in itself – a robotic arm prepares your drink with impressive precision.
But the real highlight is having your face printed onto the foam! You click a selfie and using clever technology, the robot prints it on your coffee. It turns a simple latte into a personalised work of art.
It’s fun, a little surreal drinking your own face but it’s easily one of the most Instagram-worthy things to do in Brno.
8. Step Back in Time at Villa Stiassni
If you haven’t had enough of beautiful villas, make sure to visit Villa Stiassni. It’s often called the ‘Government Villa’ because it was used to house important political guests (including Edvard Beneš and Fidel Castro!), but its origins are much more personal.
The villa was built in the late 1920s for Alfred Stiassni, a Jewish textile magnate, and his family.
Much like the Tugendhats, the Stiassni family only enjoyed their home for a short time – nine years – before they were forced to flee from the Nazis in 1938.
The interiors are grand and traditional, offering a completely different vibe to the minimalist Tugendhat and showing the more opulent, ‘Old World’ side of Brno’s history.
Walking through the stunning gardens today – along with a tennis court and swimming pool – you can really feel the contrast between the family’s private sanctuary and the villa’s later role as a diplomatic residence.
9. Eat Like a Local: Schnitzel and Kofola
For a proper Czech lunch, head to U Caipla. I had a classic chicken schnitzel with potato salad, and it was huge!
To wash it down, you have to try Kofola. It’s the Czech Republic’s answer to Coca-Cola, but it’s less sweet and has a slightly herbal, liquorice taste.
I actually prefer it to Coke now. It’s a staple here, and trying it is a rite of passage for any visitor.
10. Indulge in Extraordinary Cakes at Sorry, pečeme jinak
The name of this café literally translates to ‘Sorry, we bake differently’ – and they truly mean it. This isn’t your average cake stop; each creation feels more like a piece of edible art than a simple dessert.
I tried a red velvet cake with a coffee, and it was absolutely divine – rich, perfectly balanced, and almost too beautiful to eat (almost). The menu changes regularly, so there’s always something new and inventive to try.
It’s also an absolute dream for Instagram. The owner and baker regularly shares behind-the-scenes videos of these unique creations coming to life, giving you a glimpse into the creativity and craftsmanship behind each cake.
It makes visiting feel even more special, as you’ve likely already seen some of the designs online before trying them in person.
It’s the perfect place to recharge after a day of exploring Brno, and a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth (and a camera).
11. Beer Tasting at Pivovarský dům Poupě
You can’t visit the Czech Republic without talking about beer – it’s not just a drink here, it’s part of the culture. For dinner, I headed to Pivovarský dům Poupě, a modern brewery with a lively yet relaxed atmosphere.
Named after František Ondřej Poupě – often considered one of the fathers of modern brewing – the place pays tribute to his legacy.
In the 18th century, Poupě didn’t just brew beer; he also founded one of the first brewing schools and helped turn brewing into a more scientific craft.
That spirit carries through today. I tried a beer tasting flight paired with traditional Czech dishes, which made the experience feel both authentic and a little indulgent. The space itself is large and industrial, but still warm and welcoming – somewhere you can easily settle in for the evening.
It’s the perfect way to end a day in Brno, soaking up the country’s rich beer culture while raising a glass to one of its pioneers.
Where to Eat in Brno: From Quick Bites to Fine Dining
Brno is a massive foodie city, and honestly, you could spend your entire trip just eating. Beyond the traditional schnitzel and beer, there are two spots you absolutely cannot miss:
Soul Bistro: If you are looking for a fresh, modern lunch, this is the place. It’s right in the city centre and has such a cool, minimalist vibe.
Their menu is seasonal and creative – perfectly poached eggs, vibrant salads and great vegetarian options. It’s the kind of place that feels like a local favourite the second you walk in.
Kohout na víně: For something a bit more special, head here for dinner. The name translates to “Coq au Vin,” and as you’d expect, the wine list is exceptional – perfect if you want a preview of labels from the South Moravian wine region.
The food is high-end without any pretension; it’s fine dining that still feels like a relaxed evening out with friends. I went for the tasting menu, and it completely surprised me.
Some of the flavour combinations were things I’d never have thought to put together, yet they worked beautifully.
Each dish felt like a full sensory experience, from the creativity of the ingredients to the stunning presentation on the plate. And despite the elegance, the portions were generous enough that I left feeling completely satisfied.
More Coffee Stops
Because you can never have too much caffeine while exploring, keep these on your radar:
- Cecilie Café: Located in the gardens of Villa Arnold, this is a hidden gem. It’s incredibly peaceful and the perfect spot to sit with a book and a latte after touring the villas.
Where to Stay: Grand Palace Brno
During my stay, I was based at the Grand Palace Brno, and it is honestly one of the most beautiful hotels I’ve stayed in.
It’s a five-star retreat housed in a 19th-century palace, right in the heart of the Old Town – making it an ideal base for exploring the city. I found myself walking almost everywhere, with most of Brno’s main sights just a short stroll away.
The first thing you’ll notice is the atrium lobby. It is spectacular – a massive, light-filled central court with a glass ceiling that makes the whole space feel grand and airy. It’s the perfect spot for a morning coffee or an evening drink.
My room was incredibly spacious and modern. If you want a bit of luxury while you’re exploring the city, this is the place to be.
Getting to Brno
Getting to Brno is easier than you might think. You can fly into Brno-Tuřany Airport from several European hubs, including direct flights from London Stansted.
However, a ‘pro-traveller’ move is to fly into Vienna International Airport. Just like I mentioned in my guide to South Moravia wine country, there is no border control between Austria and Czechia.
It is a very easy 90-minute drive or a direct train ride from Vienna straight into Brno. You can also easily reach Brno by train from Prague in about 2.5 hours, making it a perfect addition to a longer trip.
Day Trips from Brno
If you have a few extra days, Brno is the perfect base for exploring the wider region.
- The Moravian Karst: Just north of the city, you’ll find incredible caves and the Macocha Abyss.
- Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape: A UNESCO site featuring stunning chateaux and gardens.
- South Moravia Wine Country: You are right on the doorstep of the best vineyards in the country. If you want to see ‘Hobbiton’ wineries and explore the local cellars, check out my full guide to South Moravia.
Why Brno Should Be on Your List
I’ve spent plenty of time in the capital, but Brno has a completely different energy. It feels more ‘lived-in’ and creative.
Whether you are ringing church bells at St. James, drinking selfie-coffee, or exploring the eerie beauty of the underground water tanks, there are so many things to do in Brno that will surprise you.
If you are planning a weekend in Prague, I highly recommend adding a few days in Brno to the end of your trip. It is the perfect way to see a more authentic side of the Czech Republic.
