Top 10 Things to Do in Brno on Your First Visit
As the Czech Republic’s second-largest city, I’d heard about Brno plenty of times, but I’d never had the chance to visit – until just recently.
When I spent a few days in the lovely town of Znojmo and realized Brno was just an hour away, I decided to extend our trip and spend an extra 2.5 days exploring the city.
And honestly, it turned out to be such a good decision!
Brno has this unique blend of history, creativity, and laid-back charm. With its charming streets, hidden underground tunnels, and stunning viewpoints, the city manages to feel both vibrant and relaxed at once.
If you’re also visiting Brno for the first time, this post will show you the best things to do and see to make the most of your trip.
(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking.)
TIP: I recommend getting the BRNOPAS for your trip to Brno. Many of the activities mentioned in this post are free with it, and you also get discounts on other attractions!
1. Visit St. James Church & The Ossuary
The Church of St. James (Kostel sv. Jakuba) is a significant Gothic landmark in Brno and one of the city’s most famous churches.
The church nave itself is impressive, but be sure to join a guided tour — it makes the visit even more interesting. Tickets cost between 190–390 CZK (€7.80–16).
During the tour, you can climb up to the historic trusses, watch a multimedia presentation about the church’s history, and enjoy a fantastic view of the city.
You’ll also get to ring one of the old church bells — it’s very loud, but definitely a fun experience!
What St. James Church is most famous for isn’t actually in the church itself, but lies beneath it — accessible via stairs right next to the building.
I’m talking about the Brno Ossuary, the second-largest ossuary in Europe after Paris. It contains the remains of over 50,000 people, mostly from the 17th and 18th centuries.
The ossuary was initially created because the city had limited burial space, and it was rediscovered in 2001 during a land survey for the renovation of Jakubské náměstí, the square outside the church.
This unexpected find led to archaeological investigations and the decision to stabilize and refurbish the chambers. It has been open to the public since June 2012.
Inside, you can see stacked bones arranged along the walls, including skulls, femurs, and other skeletal remains. It’s an interesting, but also a little eerie experience.
The ossuary is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm, with the last entry at 5:30 pm. It’s included in the BRNOPAS — otherwise, tickets cost CZK 140 (€5.80).
2. Enjoy The View From The Old Town Hall Tower
Whenever I visit a city, one of the first things I want to do is get an overview from above — and in Brno, the Old Town Hall Tower is the perfect spot for that.
The climb up is pretty easy and quick, and once you reach the top, you get a fantastic view over the city’s rooftops, historic squares, and winding streets.
We went there in the evening when the sun was already low, which made it a lovely spot to enjoy the sunset. Watching the city bathed in golden light is a wonderful experience and perfect for photos.
The tower is included in the BRNOPAS, so it’s easy to add to your sightseeing list. Without the pass, tickets cost only CZK 100 (around €4) for adults.
The opening days and times depend on the time of year, so be sure to check them in advance.
While you’re at the Old Town Hall, don’t miss a quick stop at the Brno Dragon. It’s actually a stuffed crocodile that has been part of the city’s folklore for centuries and has become a fun little symbol of Brno.
3. Check Out Brno’s Famous Villas
Brno is full of beautiful villas, many of which are architectural gems from the early 20th century.
While there are plenty to explore, in this post I’ll focus on the two we visited: Villa Löw-Beer and Villa Tugendhat.
Both are impressive in very different ways, and I can recommend visiting both. If you have more time, definitely try to check out some of the other villas around the city as well.
Villa Löw-Beer
Villa Löw-Beer was built in 1904 and once belonged to Alfred Löw-Beer, a wealthy Jewish industrialist. Today, it’s a museum with several exhibitions on the upper floor.
When you visit, you first get an introduction from a staff member about the history of the house and the architectural changes it has gone through.
After that, you can explore the rooms where Alfred Löw-Beer once lived and see exhibitions about the family, Brno’s bourgeois lifestyle in the early 20th century, and the city’s Jewish community.
Unfortunately, a lot of the original furniture is gone, stolen by the Gestapo during World War II, but you can still get a strong sense of how the family lived and the style of the era.
Before the villa became a museum, it was even used as a Youth Home for some time.
The villa is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Tickets cost CZK 160 (around €6.50) for adults, and BRNOPAS holders get a discount.
Also, don’t miss the lovely Café Löw-Beer in the garden house — a perfect spot for a coffee or snack.
TIP: I’d recommend visiting Villa Löw-Beer first and then heading to Villa Tugendhat, as it really helps you understand the family history and their influence on Brno’s architecture.
Villa Tugendhat
Just a 5-minute walk through the park from Villa Löw-Beer and you’ll find yourself in front of Brno’s most famous villa: Villa Tugendhat.
Designed in the late 1920s by German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, the villa was built for Greta and Fritz Tugendhat. Greta was the daughter of Alfred Löw-Beer, which explains the close family connection — and the short walk between the two villas.
Today, Villa Tugendhat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a true icon of modernist architecture.
What makes it so remarkable is its minimalist design, open living space, and innovative features — like huge glass walls that can be lowered into the ground at the push of a button.
You might think that sounds quite normal today, but keep in mind this was built 100 years ago! It’s incredible how modern and forward-thinking the villa was for its time.
Combined with the use of luxurious materials such as onyx and exotic wood, the result is a home that still feels incredibly modern a century later.
Villa Tugendhat can only be visited on a guided tour, and tickets tend to sell out quickly, so make sure to book ahead. Tours cost between CZK 400–500 (€16.50–20), and the villa is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
You’ll find all ticket details and tour options on the Villa Tugendhat website.
4. See The Mummies at The Capuchin Crypt
The Capuchin Crypt is one of Brno’s most unusual and fascinating places.
Hidden beneath the Capuchin Monastery in the city center, it’s the final resting place of dozens of monks and benefactors whose bodies were naturally mummified over time.
The mummification wasn’t planned, tho — it happened because of the special airflow and soil in the crypt, which perfectly preserved the bodies.
Walking through the chambers, you’ll see rows of open coffins with the monks’ remains still visible, along with plaques and inscriptions that tell their stories.
One of the most famous people buried here is Baron Franz von Trenck, a well-known (and rather controversial) military commander.
It’s both eerie and interesting, giving you a sense of what the Capuchin monks believed about life and death. Just note that taking close-up photos of the mummies isn’t allowed out of respect.
The Capuchin Crypt is open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm, and on Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, with shorter hours in winter.
It’s not included in the BRNOPAS, so you’ll need to buy a separate ticket, which costs only CZK 140 (around €5.80).
5. Shop For Local Goods at The Vegetable Market
The Zelný trh (Vegetable Market) sits right in the heart of Brno and is a colourful, lively square full of fresh produce, flowers, and regional specialties.
It’s a perfect spot to grab a snack, buy some local treats, or simply soak up the everyday atmosphere of the city.
The market runs on weekdays from early morning until around 6:00 pm and on Saturday mornings. In winter, the whole square turns into a festive Christmas market with lights, seasonal foods, and handmade gifts.
Besides the Vegetable Market, the square is also worth exploring for its sights. You’ll find a beautiful Baroque fountain, a statue of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (who once performed in Brno), and several elegant palaces that now house museums and theatres.
Plus, you can explore the Labyrinth beneath the Vegetable Market, a network of historical cellars and passages that were once used to store food and wine.
6. Admire The Cathedral of St. Peter & Paul
Definitely the most prominent landmark on Brno’s skyline — and the first thing we noticed when approaching the city — is the Cathedral of St. Peter & Paul.
Its twin towers rise above the rooftops, making it easy to spot and a must-visit for anyone visiting Brno for the first time.
The cathedral you see today was largely rebuilt in the 19th century in the neo-Gothic style, but its origins go back to the 11th century. Inside, the cathedral is impressive with its high ceilings, beautiful stained glass, and detailed architecture.
It’s also possible to climb one of the towers for a great view over the city. We didn’t do it ourselves, since we decided to go to the Old Town Hall Tower instead, but since tower access is included in the BRNOPAS, it’s definitely worth it if you have time!
Otherwise, a ticket for the tower costs just CZK 60 (€2.50), and opening times vary depending on the season, so make sure to check them in advance.
7. Travel in Time at Super Panda Circus
Super Panda Circus is unlike any bar you’ve ever visited. It’s often called the most special and unique bar in Brno, and honestly, I couldn’t agree more.
Every corner is full of surprises, from unusual artwork to themed decorations that make it feel like a mix between a circus and a time machine.
We’d heard it can get pretty busy, so since we visited on a Saturday, we went right at opening time at 6:00 pm. Finding the entrance was a challenge in itself — there’s no sign, and we walked right past it the first time!
To get in, you need to ring a bell, and someone lets you inside. Once in, the staff explains how everything works, but I won’t give too much away — it’s best to experience it yourself. 😉
Just let me tell you it’s a pretty fun and unusual experience for which you should plan at least 1.5 to 2 hours.
8. Discover The Water Tanks Under Žlutý Kopec
Brno has a fascinating underground, full of tunnels, cellars, and hidden spaces that few people get to see. Among the most interesting parts of this subterranean world are the Water Tanks under Žlutý Kopec.
The Water Tanks under Žlutý Kopec are large brick reservoirs built in the late 19th century as part of Brno’s water supply system. They were designed to store and regulate water for the city and are connected by a series of tunnels and corridors.
Today, the tanks are no longer used for water, but their impressive vaulted ceilings, massive arches, and the sheer scale of the space make them a cool place to explore.
Every year, the tanks host the Prototyp festival, a celebration of design, architecture, and urban innovation.
We were lucky to visit on the weekend it took place, and walking through the vast underground spaces filled with creative installations and exhibitions was one of my favorite experiences in Brno!
The tanks are open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and are included in the BRNOPAS. Otherwise, tickets cost CZK 350 for a guided tour or a tour with an audio guide and can be bought online.
If you’re in Brno when Prototyp is happening, it’s definitely worth timing your visit to experience both the historic site and the festival.
9. Explore The Former Prison at Špilberk Castle
Špilberk Castle is another one of Brno’s most iconic landmarks, perched on a hill overlooking the city. While the castle itself is impressive, one of the most fascinating parts is the former prison inside.
For centuries, Špilberk served as a fortress, a royal residence, and later as a notorious prison for political prisoners, criminals, and even war captives. It even earned a reputation as one of the harshest and most feared prisons in Europe.
Walking through the underground cells and dungeons, you can see how prisoners lived in small, cramped spaces with very basic facilities.
The exhibitions include stories of some of the most well-known inmates, their punishments, and the castle’s role in Brno’s history.
It’s fascinating but also haunting — I don’t want to imagine what it must have been like to be imprisoned there.
Visiting the prison without a tour is possible every day from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, and entry is included in the BRNOPAS. Otherwise, basic admission costs CZK 190 (around €7.80) for adults.
Besides the former prison, you can visit the castle museum and the bastion, climb up the lookout tower, and see other historical exhibitions. The castle also offers great views over Brno, so make sure to explore the grounds while you’re there.
10. Take a Day Trip to Znojmo
Last but not least, make sure to plan a day trip to Znojmo if you have enough time. This charming town lies in the heart of South Moravia’s wine region, just about an hour’s drive from Brno.
It’s full of history, cozy cafés, and beautiful viewpoints overlooking the Dyje River valley. You can wander through the old town, visit Znojmo Castle and St. Nicholas Church, or explore the city’s underground passages.
And since Znojmo is right in the heart of the wine region, don’t miss the chance to try some local wines – preferably at the Enotéka, where you can taste more than 100 different wines from the region.
Check out: Znojmo Travel Guide – What to See & Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Brno: Hotel International
If you’re looking for a great place to stay in Brno, I can highly recommend Hotel International Brno.
It’s perfectly located right in the city center — just a short walk from the Old Town Hall, St. Peter and Paul Cathedral, and Špilberk Castle. The rooms are modern, spacious, and many even offer stunning views of the castle.
One of my favorite parts was the breakfast buffet – it’s huge, with plenty of options for everyone, including a vegan corner.
The hotel also has a wellness area with a sauna and fitness room, which is perfect if you want to relax after a day of exploring.
Check out: Christmas in Brno: Best Markets & Festive Highlights
This blog post was written in cooperation with VisitCzechia and Go To Brno and is based on my personal experience.
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