Brno is the capital of Moravia and the Czech Republic’s second-largest city. It is famous for trade fairs, universities, modern architecture, cafés, theatres and a lively cultural scene, but it also has enough historic sights to make it a rewarding city break or stop on a Moravian itinerary.
Brno is smaller and less crowded than Prague, which is part of its appeal. The centre is compact, walkable and full of cafés, pubs, galleries, churches and viewpoints. It is also a useful base for trips to the Moravian Karst, Lednice-Valtice, Slavkov u Brna and South Moravian wine country.
The city has several important theatres, including the Reduta Theatre, where the young Mozart performed in 1767. Brno also has a strong university atmosphere, which keeps the city lively throughout the year.
Brno’s Old Town
Brno’s Old Town contains most of the city’s central sights. It is mainly focused around Zelný trh, the old vegetable market, and Náměstí Svobody, Freedom Square, the city’s main meeting point.
The centre is easy to explore on foot. Within a short walk you can see the Old Town Hall, St Peter and Paul Cathedral, underground cellars, cafés, theatres, churches and several museums.
Outside the immediate old centre, the main sights include Špilberk Castle, Villa Tugendhat, the Augustinian Monastery and the Brno Zoo.
Villa Tugendhat
Villa Tugendhat is Brno’s most important modern architectural monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and completed in 1930, it is one of the key works of functionalist architecture in Europe.
The villa was built for Greta and Fritz Tugendhat, a newly married couple from a wealthy Brno family. They lived there only until 1938, when they had to flee the Nazis. The house later survived war, confiscation and political changes before being restored and opened to the public.
Villa Tugendhat is owned by the City of Brno and managed by the Brno City Museum. It is open daily except Monday from 10:00 to 18:00. Entry to the interiors is possible only with a pre-booked ticket, and tours often sell out well in advance.
- Address: Černopolní 45, Brno
- Opening hours: daily except Monday, 10:00–18:00
- Basic extended tour: adult ticket from around 450 CZK
- Website: Villa Tugendhat
Tip: Book Villa Tugendhat as early as possible. It is one of Brno’s most popular sights, and interior tours are often sold out weeks or months ahead.
Špilberk Castle
Špilberk Castle is one of the dominant landmarks of the Brno skyline. It began as the seat of the Moravian margraves, later became a major fortress and then one of the most feared prisons in the Habsburg monarchy.
Today, Špilberk houses the Brno City Museum. Visitors can explore exhibitions, courtyards, viewpoints and the famous casemates. The castle is also a pleasant place for a walk because it stands in a large park above the city.
The castle is usually open from 9:00 to 18:00, and admission depends on the chosen exhibition or tour. Current Brno tourism information lists entry from around 50 CZK to 280 CZK, with some options included in the Brno Pass.
- Address: Špilberk 210/1, Brno
- Best for: city views, history, museum exhibitions and fortress architecture
- Website: Špilberk Castle
Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul
The Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul stands on Petrov Hill and dominates Brno’s skyline with its twin towers. The site has medieval origins, although the present appearance reflects later Gothic Revival reconstruction.
The cathedral is one of Brno’s strongest symbols. Visitors can admire the interior, crypt and tower views, depending on current access. The towers provide one of the best views over the old town and Špilberk Hill.
A famous Brno tradition is connected with the cathedral bells. They ring at 11:00 instead of noon, recalling a legend from the Thirty Years’ War when Brno supposedly survived a Swedish siege because the bells rang early.
Old Town Hall
The Old Town Hall is the oldest secular building in Brno and one of the most charming sights in the centre. It stands near Zelný trh and is home to the tourist information centre, exhibitions, a courtyard and the lookout tower.
The Gothic portal, created by Anton Pilgram, is famous for its deliberately crooked central pinnacle. According to local legend, Pilgram made it crooked as revenge after the town councillors failed to pay him properly.
The Old Town Hall tower is 63 metres high and offers excellent views of Brno. Opening hours are seasonal. In 2026, the tower is listed with longer opening hours in summer, including daily opening until 22:00 from June to September.
- Tourist Information Centre: Radnická Street, daily 9:00–18:00
- Best for: city views, Brno legends and tourist information
- Website: Old Town Hall Brno
Capuchin Crypt and Church of the Holy Cross
At the foot of Petrov Hill stands the Capuchin Monastery and Crypt, one of Brno’s most unusual sights. The crypt contains the naturally mummified bodies of Capuchin monks and local benefactors.
The dry air and ventilation system preserved the bodies without artificial embalming. The result is a striking and sometimes unsettling reminder of Baroque attitudes to death, humility and faith.
This is not a light attraction, but it is one of the most memorable places in Brno for visitors interested in religious history and unusual historical sites.
New Town Hall
Despite its name, the New Town Hall is also a historic building. It occupies the site of a former Dominican monastery and still contains Gothic cloisters and attractive courtyards.
The complex now serves as the seat of Brno’s city administration. Visitors can usually admire the courtyards and architectural details, including Renaissance and Gothic elements, depending on access and events.
Moravian Gallery
The Moravian Gallery is one of the most important art institutions in the Czech Republic outside Prague. It operates in several buildings and covers fine art, photography, design, applied arts and modern visual culture.
Visitors interested in design, Art Nouveau, modern art or Czech visual culture should check the current programme. The gallery’s exhibitions change regularly, and some buildings may be closed or renovated at different times.
- Website: Moravian Gallery
Augustinian Monastery and Mendel Museum
The Augustinian Monastery is famous because Gregor Johann Mendel carried out his pioneering experiments with pea plants here, laying the foundations for modern genetics.
The Mendel Museum introduces Mendel’s life, scientific work and legacy. It is one of Brno’s most important scientific and educational attractions, especially for visitors interested in biology, history of science or education.
- Website: Mendel Museum
Other Places Worth Seeing in Brno
- Brno Zoo: a family-friendly attraction outside the city centre.
- Mahen Theatre: one of the first public theatre buildings in Europe lit by Edison’s electric lamps.
- Labyrinth under Zelný trh: underground cellars beneath the old vegetable market.
- St James Ossuary: one of the largest ossuaries in Europe.
- Brno Reservoir: a popular local recreation area, with boat trips in season.
- Freedom Square: the main central square and a natural meeting point.
Getting Around Brno
Brno’s centre is walkable, but the city also has a good public transport system of trams, buses and trolleybuses. Public transport is cheap and useful for reaching Villa Tugendhat, the zoo, the reservoir or outer districts.
Current basic public transport fares include a 15-minute ticket for 20 CZK, a 60-minute ticket for 25 CZK and a 90-minute ticket for 27 CZK. Tickets can be bought from machines, shops or directly in vehicles, depending on the system available.
Tourist Information
The main tourist information centre is located in the Old Town Hall on Radnická Street. It is useful for maps, Brno Pass information, current exhibitions, walking routes, tickets and event recommendations.
- Address: Radnická 8, Brno
- Phone: +420 542 427 150
- Website: Go To Brno
Is Brno Worth Visiting?
Yes. Brno is a strong choice if you want to see a Czech city that feels less touristy than Prague but still offers major architecture, history, cafés and culture. It is especially good for modern architecture, Moravian wine, student life and relaxed city exploring.
One day is enough for the old town, cathedral and Špilberk Castle. Two days allow time for Villa Tugendhat, cafés, museums and underground sights. Longer stays work well if you use Brno as a base for South Moravia.
In short: Brno combines Moravian history, UNESCO-listed modern architecture, lively cafés, theatres, universities, castles and underground sights in a compact city that is easy to explore on foot.
