Brno

Czech_Republic

Panorama of Brno The Bishop´s Palace and the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul

Brno (German: Brünn, Štatl in the local dialect) is the major city of Moravia (a historical region in the Czech Republic). It is the largest city in Moravia and the second largest city in the Czech Republic by population and area. It was founded around the year 1000; and since the 14th century, the city served as the capital of Moravia. Brno is the heart of Moravia and its cultural hub; it's home to many institutions related to Moravian history and culture. At the same time, Brno represents the administrative center of the contemporary South Moravian region. It has a population of around 380,000 people, and it's in a beautiful natural environment between South Moravian vineyards and the Moravian Karst.

The New Town Hall (don't be fooled by its name, in fact it's very old). The city was founded about 1000 years ago, it received city status in the year 1243, and for centuries it served as the capital city of Moravia, until 1948 when communists abolished autonomy of Moravia. The city flourished mainly during the 19th century. Today's Brno is a mixture of many different architecture styles, there are many beautiful places. But still, it's a home to great culture, and countless beautiful buildings, the city has the third largest historic preservation zone in the country (the biggest one is in Prague, the second largest is in Olomouc). There are three castles, Špilberk (former royal castle, and former seat of rulers of Moravia), Veveří castle (near the Brno dam lake), and the Líšeň Castle.

Brno is not particularly well known by tourists so you can easily avoid crowds and overpriced services.

Brno is the cultural hub of Moravia, it's the home to a number of notable Moravian institutions, e.g. Moravian Gallery, Moravian Museum, National Theatre Brno, and Brno City Theatre. It's a city with a long tradition in motor racing (on the Masaryk Circuit), huge exhibitions and trade fairs (in the Central European Exhibition Center), and as vibrant university city. There are about 89,000 university students in Brno, a city with 380,000 inhabitants, it makes it the country's largest student city by percentage of population. Since 1998, there is also an international firework competition held annually at the end of May and beginning of June - Ignis Brunensis, it attracts about 100,000-200,000 visitors every day it's being held.

The most interesting places in Brno includes the Brno Underground, a labyrinth of underground cellars which includes the second biggest ossuary in Europe (after the Catacombs of Paris), the two (or three) castles in Brno, the cathedral on the Petrov hill (Pope Benedict XVI. visited the cathedral in 2009), the Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady in the Old Brno District, the St. Jacob's Church, the Moravian Museum (the biggest museum in Moravia and the second biggest in the country), Lužánky Park which is the oldest public park in the country, Denis Gardens, and various historical squares, churches, palaces, and other interesting buildings.

There are also many places which might be worthy of visit outside of the city centre, like an old Jewish cemetery in Brno-Židenice (by area, the biggest one in Moravia), or the Marian Valley in Brno-Líšeň, it's which is a cascade of lakes between forested hills. From the north, Brno is surrounded by hills and very pleasant nature, probably the most notable place is the Moravian Karst.

Brno lost its status of the capital city but it still behaves like a "cosmopolitan" capital, there is a rich variety of various cultural events, clubs, pubs, etc., and several excellent museums and theatres. Also there are two interesting things about theatres in Brno, Reduta Theatre is the oldest theatre building in Central Europe, and Mahen Theatre (part of the National Theatre Brno) is the first theatre in the entire Europe which was illuminated by Thomas Edison's electric light bulbs (in that time, it was only a four-year-old invention). Brno also serves as the capital of judicial authority of the Czech Republic (it's the seat of the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court, the Supreme Administrative Court) and many other state authorities, the rest of it is located in Prague.

Tourist information centre, Radnická 8, +420 542 427 150. 09:00-18:00.

Tourist information centre, Nádražní 1, +420 725 518 113. 09:00-17:00.

This is Brno information centre, Panenská 1, +420 513 039 035. 09:00-18:00.

Information Centre Airport, Letiště Brno-Tuřany 904/1, +420 727 923 523. Depending on the current flight timetable.

Church of Saint Thomas and the Annunciation on Moravian square. Buildings on Konečného náměstí (Veveri street). Denis Gardens The Spilberk Castle Tugendhat Villa St.Peter and Paul Cathedral St.James Church The Old City Hall

The city center is full of historical buildings, old churches, theaters, fountains, sculptures, clubs, restaurants, etc. It is very compact, so one can just walk around most of the places of interest.

  • Capuchin Monastery, Kapucínské náměstí 5, +420 539 002 163. November–March: M–Sa 10:00–16:00, Su 11:00-16:30, April-October: M-Sa 09:00-18:00, Su 11:00-17:00. The 17th-century monastery lies right in the city center. It has Baroque statues and a mummified monks exhibition in an underground tomb. 70 Kč.
  • Church of St. James, Jakubské náměstí. Tu-Su 09:30-18:00, M closed. This church is doubtlessly one of the most notable churches in Brno. It's a big gothic church and was founded in the 13th century. It has remained unchanged since the 17th century which is quite rare). Beneath the church, there is the Brno Ossuary, the second biggest ossuary in Europe (after the Catacombs of Paris) and open since 2012. 140 Kč.
  • Old Town Hall, Radnická 8 (between Náměstí Svobody and main station. See beloved Brno symbols the Brno Dragon (Brněnský drak) and the Wheel. Also notice the lopsided tower above the entrance. Legend has it that the city council stiffed the mason who built it and he made the crooked ornament in a fit of pique.
  • Petrov Cathedral, Petrov Street. Cathedral: 08:15–18:30; tower: May–Sep 12:00–18:30, Oct–Apr 12:00–17:00; crypt: Tu–Su 11:00–17:00. St. Peter and Paul Cathedral, known as Petrov forms a dominant silhouette of Brno skyline. (Petrov is the name of the hill which the cathedral is built upon, not the cathedral.)
  • Špilberk Castle, +420 542 123 615. May–Sep 09:00–18:00, Oct–Apr 10:00–17:00. Formerly the major royal castle in Moravia, the seat of Margraves (rulers) of Moravia, and once the seat of the King of the Holy Roman Empire (King Jobst of Moravia). Later it become a famous fortress which was for a long time used as one of the most feared prisons in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Many people have been tortured here from all around Europe, mostly during the time of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It's the city museum with restaurant and there's a nice park around it, open for walks and beautiful sightseeing, the castle and the park are parts of the national cultural heritage of Czech Republic. Permanent exhibitions 120 Kč, casemates 70 Kč.
  • Tugendhat Villa, Černopolní 45 (tram stop „Dětská nemocnice”, +420 545 212 118. The villa is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Designed by Mies van der Rohe, it is seen to be a classic example of Bauhaus architecture, and was also the location of the meeting which decided upon the Velvet Divorce that separated the Czech and Slovak republics in 1992. It is possible to visit the Villa by guided tour; tours are led hourly and must be booked in advance (see the Villa website). The building reopened in March 2012 after an extensive restoration.
  • Veveri street. This street is a group of outstanding Art Nouveau buildings called Tivoli (tram stop Konečného náměstí), and a number of baroque and other beautiful historical buildings. Nearby, is one of three botanical gardens in Brno. The street goes from the historical center and leads to the north.
  • Villa Stiassni, Hroznová 14, +420 778 545 993. It was built between 1927-1929 for the family textile factory owner Alfred Stiassni. It was later a government villa that hosted many important state visits, such as President Edvard Benes or Cuban dictator Fidel Castro.

Capuchin Monastery, Kapucínské náměstí 5, +420 539 002 163. November–March: M–Sa 10:00–16:00, Su 11:00-16:30, April-October: M-Sa 09:00-18:00, Su 11:00-17:00. The 17th-century monastery lies right in the city center. It has Baroque statues and a mummified monks exhibition in an underground tomb. 70 Kč.

Church of St. James, Jakubské náměstí. Tu-Su 09:30-18:00, M closed. This church is doubtlessly one of the most notable churches in Brno. It's a big gothic church and was founded in the 13th century. It has remained unchanged since the 17th century which is quite rare). Beneath the church, there is the Brno Ossuary, the second biggest ossuary in Europe (after the Catacombs of Paris) and open since 2012. 140 Kč.

Old Town Hall, Radnická 8 (between Náměstí Svobody and main station. See beloved Brno symbols the Brno Dragon (Brněnský drak) and the Wheel. Also notice the lopsided tower above the entrance. Legend has it that the city council stiffed the mason who built it and he made the crooked ornament in a fit of pique.

Petrov Cathedral, Petrov Street. Cathedral: 08:15–18:30; tower: May–Sep 12:00–18:30, Oct–Apr 12:00–17:00; crypt: Tu–Su 11:00–17:00. St. Peter and Paul Cathedral, known as Petrov forms a dominant silhouette of Brno skyline. (Petrov is the name of the hill which the cathedral is built upon, not the cathedral.)

Špilberk Castle, +420 542 123 615. May–Sep 09:00–18:00, Oct–Apr 10:00–17:00. Formerly the major royal castle in Moravia, the seat of Margraves (rulers) of Moravia, and once the seat of the King of the Holy Roman Empire (King Jobst of Moravia). Later it become a famous fortress which was for a long time used as one of the most feared prisons in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Many people have been tortured here from all around Europe, mostly during the time of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It's the city museum with restaurant and there's a nice park around it, open for walks and beautiful sightseeing, the castle and the park are parts of the national cultural heritage of Czech Republic. Permanent exhibitions 120 Kč, casemates 70 Kč.

Tugendhat Villa, Černopolní 45 (tram stop „Dětská nemocnice”, +420 545 212 118. The villa is listed on the [[UNESCO World Heritage List]]. Designed by Mies van der Rohe, it is seen to be a classic example of Bauhaus architecture, and was also the location of the meeting which decided upon the Velvet Divorce that separated the Czech and Slovak republics in 1992. It is possible to visit the Villa by guided tour; tours are led hourly and must be booked in advance (see the Villa website). The building reopened in March 2012 after an extensive restoration.

Veveri street. This street is a group of outstanding Art Nouveau buildings called Tivoli (tram stop Konečného náměstí), and a number of baroque and other beautiful historical buildings. Nearby, is one of three botanical gardens in Brno. The street goes from the historical center and leads to the north.

Villa Stiassni, Hroznová 14, +420 778 545 993. It was built between 1927-1929 for the family textile factory owner Alfred Stiassni. It was later a government villa that hosted many important state visits, such as President Edvard Benes or Cuban dictator Fidel Castro.

  • The Mendel Museum of Genetics, Mendlovo náměstí (tram stop „Mendlovo náměstí”, +420 549 496 669. Tu–Su 10:00–17:00. The most famous biologist in the history of genetics worked and died in Brno. This interesting museum commemorates his revolutionary research. Information in English available. 60 Kč, admission free every last Wednesday in a month.
  • The Moravian Gallery, +420 532 169 111. W–Su 10:00–18:00. The second largest art museum in the Czech Republic. Mainly exhibits Moravian art and applied art throughout history. Most recommended is its exhibition of modern Moravian art. The gallery consists of three buildings: Admission to all three buildings 300 Kč.
  • The Moravian Museum, Zelný trh 8, +420 533 435 220. Tu–Sa 09:00–17:00. It's the second largest and oldest museum in the Czech Republic. It was founded in 1817 by Emperor Francis I and, today, has collections with millions of objects from different fields of human history. Apart from the main building in Dietrichstein Palace at Zelný trh the museum has various branches: 130 Kč.
    • Anthropos Pavilion, Pisárecká 5 (bus stop „Anthropos”, +420 543 248 391. Tu-F 09:00-18:00, Sa Su 10:00-18:00. Exhibition on the oldest history of the settlement in Moravia and on the whole European continent. Permanent exhibitions: adult 80 Kč, reduced 40 Kč, family 190 Kč. All exhibitions: adult 150 Kč, reduced 75 Kč, family 375 Kč..
    • Bishop Courtyard, Muzejní 1, +420 533 435 282. Numismatic exhibition and Moravian fauna exhibition.
  • Museum of Gypsy Culture, Bratislavská 67 (tram stop „Tkalcovská”, +420 545 571 798. Tu–F Sa 10:00–18:00. A museum dedicated to the Gypsy minority in Moravia. 40 Kč.
  • Brno Central Cemetery, Jihlavská 756/1. Gregor Mendel's burial site.

The Mendel Museum of Genetics, Mendlovo náměstí (tram stop „Mendlovo náměstí”, +420 549 496 669. Tu–Su 10:00–17:00. The most famous biologist in the history of genetics worked and died in Brno. This interesting museum commemorates his revolutionary research. Information in English available. 60 Kč, admission free every last Wednesday in a month.

The Moravian Gallery, +420 532 169 111. W–Su 10:00–18:00. The second largest art museum in the Czech Republic. Mainly exhibits Moravian art and applied art throughout history. Most recommended is its exhibition of modern Moravian art. The gallery consists of three buildings: Admission to all three buildings 300 Kč.

  • Governor Palace, Moravské náměstí. 140 Kč.
  • Museum of Decorative Arts, Husova 14. 150 Kč.
  • Pražák's Palace, Husova 18. 120 Kč.

The Moravian Gallery, +420 532 169 111. W–Su 10:00–18:00. The second largest art museum in the Czech Republic. Mainly exhibits Moravian art and applied art throughout history. Most recommended is its exhibition of modern Moravian art. The gallery consists of three buildings: Admission to all three buildings 300 Kč.

  • Governor Palace, Moravské náměstí. 140 Kč.
  • Museum of Decorative Arts, Husova 14. 150 Kč.
  • Pražák's Palace, Husova 18. 120 Kč.

The Moravian Gallery, +420 532 169 111. W–Su 10:00–18:00. The second largest art museum in the Czech Republic. Mainly exhibits Moravian art and applied art throughout history. Most recommended is its exhibition of modern Moravian art. The gallery consists of three buildings: Admission to all three buildings 300 Kč.

  • Governor Palace, Moravské náměstí. 140 Kč.
  • Museum of Decorative Arts, Husova 14. 150 Kč.
  • Pražák's Palace, Husova 18. 120 Kč.

The Moravian Gallery, +420 532 169 111. W–Su 10:00–18:00. The second largest art museum in the Czech Republic. Mainly exhibits Moravian art and applied art throughout history. Most recommended is its exhibition of modern Moravian art. The gallery consists of three buildings: Admission to all three buildings 300 Kč.

  • Governor Palace, Moravské náměstí. 140 Kč.
  • Museum of Decorative Arts, Husova 14. 150 Kč.
  • Pražák's Palace, Husova 18. 120 Kč.

The Moravian Museum, Zelný trh 8, +420 533 435 220. Tu–Sa 09:00–17:00. It's the second largest and oldest museum in the Czech Republic. It was founded in 1817 by Emperor Francis I and, today, has collections with millions of objects from different fields of human history. Apart from the main building in Dietrichstein Palace at Zelný trh the museum has various branches: 130 Kč.

  • Anthropos Pavilion, Pisárecká 5 (bus stop „Anthropos”, +420 543 248 391. Tu-F 09:00-18:00, Sa Su 10:00-18:00. Exhibition on the oldest history of the settlement in Moravia and on the whole European continent. Permanent exhibitions: adult 80 Kč, reduced 40 Kč, family 190 Kč. All exhibitions: adult 150 Kč, reduced 75 Kč, family 375 Kč..
  • Bishop Courtyard, Muzejní 1, +420 533 435 282. Numismatic exhibition and Moravian fauna exhibition.

The Moravian Museum, Zelný trh 8, +420 533 435 220. Tu–Sa 09:00–17:00. It's the second largest and oldest museum in the Czech Republic. It was founded in 1817 by Emperor Francis I and, today, has collections with millions of objects from different fields of human history. Apart from the main building in Dietrichstein Palace at Zelný trh the museum has various branches: 130 Kč.

  • Anthropos Pavilion, Pisárecká 5 (bus stop „Anthropos”, +420 543 248 391. Tu-F 09:00-18:00, Sa Su 10:00-18:00. Exhibition on the oldest history of the settlement in Moravia and on the whole European continent. Permanent exhibitions: adult 80 Kč, reduced 40 Kč, family 190 Kč. All exhibitions: adult 150 Kč, reduced 75 Kč, family 375 Kč..
  • Bishop Courtyard, Muzejní 1, +420 533 435 282. Numismatic exhibition and Moravian fauna exhibition.

The Moravian Museum, Zelný trh 8, +420 533 435 220. Tu–Sa 09:00–17:00. It's the second largest and oldest museum in the Czech Republic. It was founded in 1817 by Emperor Francis I and, today, has collections with millions of objects from different fields of human history. Apart from the main building in Dietrichstein Palace at Zelný trh the museum has various branches: 130 Kč.

  • Anthropos Pavilion, Pisárecká 5 (bus stop „Anthropos”, +420 543 248 391. Tu-F 09:00-18:00, Sa Su 10:00-18:00. Exhibition on the oldest history of the settlement in Moravia and on the whole European continent. Permanent exhibitions: adult 80 Kč, reduced 40 Kč, family 190 Kč. All exhibitions: adult 150 Kč, reduced 75 Kč, family 375 Kč..
  • Bishop Courtyard, Muzejní 1, +420 533 435 282. Numismatic exhibition and Moravian fauna exhibition.

Museum of Gypsy Culture, Bratislavská 67 (tram stop „Tkalcovská”, +420 545 571 798. Tu–F Sa 10:00–18:00. A museum dedicated to the Gypsy minority in Moravia. 40 Kč.

Brno Central Cemetery, Jihlavská 756/1. Gregor Mendel's burial site.

  • Denis gardens. It's one of the most beautiful parks in Brno, there is an obelisk and a colonnade, and it offers a nice view on the city, including the Špilberk castle and the cathedral, also it is the oldest public park in the country which was founded by public administration authorities. It's located in the historical center, between the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul and the Špilberk Castle.
  • The Open Garden. An NGO project to bring city gardening and nature to the city center. You can walk there for free, have a picnic or join some of their periodic activities.
  • Freedom Square. It forms the heart of the city. It's shaped into big reversed "A". Many cultural events take place here and there are always a lot of people here. It is closed for most cars and trams running through the middle. Also most of the interesting places in the city center are within 10 minutes walk from the Square.
  • Lužánky park. The oldest public park in the country and the biggest park in Brno. There is an artificial brook with living fishes and a number of similar nice things. It's located north to the historical centere, about 15 minutes by walk, or 2–3 minutes by tram.
  • Moravian square. The biggest square in Brno, it's dominated by the Church of Saint Thomas which is the last resting place of Jobs of Moravia, German King and Margrave of Moravia, the nearby former Governor's Palace offers permanent exhibitions of the Moravian Gallery. The square is located in the historical centre near the Freedom Square.

Denis gardens. It's one of the most beautiful parks in Brno, there is an obelisk and a colonnade, and it offers a nice view on the city, including the Špilberk castle and the cathedral, also it is the oldest public park in the country which was founded by public administration authorities. It's located in the historical center, between the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul and the Špilberk Castle.

The Open Garden. An NGO project to bring city gardening and nature to the city center. You can walk there for free, have a picnic or join some of their periodic activities.

Freedom Square. It forms the heart of the city. It's shaped into big reversed "A". Many cultural events take place here and there are always a lot of people here. It is closed for most cars and trams running through the middle. Also most of the interesting places in the city center are within 10 minutes walk from the Square.

Lužánky park. The oldest public park in the country and the biggest park in Brno. There is an artificial brook with living fishes and a number of similar nice things. It's located north to the historical centere, about 15 minutes by walk, or 2–3 minutes by tram.

Moravian square. The biggest square in Brno, it's dominated by the Church of Saint Thomas which is the last resting place of Jobs of Moravia, German King and Margrave of Moravia, the nearby former Governor's Palace offers permanent exhibitions of the Moravian Gallery. The square is located in the historical centre near the Freedom Square.

Ignis Brunensis, fireworks show above the Špilberk Castle.

  • Brno Zoo, U zoologické zahrady 147/46, +420 546 432 311. Daily 09:00-16:00. A great zoo set in a nice area with hundreds of animals such as polar bears, seals, tigers, chimpanzees and more. 100 Kč.
  • ExploreBrno - easy walking, treasure hunt game in the city center. Min. 2-3 hours
  • Wine-Tours.cz - South Moravia Highlights by minibus (Mikulov, Lednice, Valtice, and big degustation in Wine Center of Czech Republic) or halfday trip to Moravian Karst (boat trip in punkva caves)
  • Ignis Brunensis. There are four firework competitions on the dam lake and at least two in the town centre. The fireworks begin every evening at 22:30. The show lasts about 22 minutes. Public transport runs longer and more frequently at these times. During the festival there are nights of theatres and museums. Entrance is free, but expect crowds.
  • Brno Racing Circuit. Moto GP Grand Prix every year takes place here in August.
  • Brno Trade and Fair Centre, Výstaviště 1 (tram stop „Výstaviště”. The largest trade center in the Central European region with many important fairs. The largest are Autosalon, MSV (International Engineering Fair), Invex (International Fair of Information and Communication Technologies), IDET (International Exhibition of Defence and Security Technologies and Special Information Systems) and of course a Vinex (International Wine Fair) and Pivex (International Beer Fair).
  • One World Brno. Documentary film festival on human rights held every March.
  • Treasure Hunt Brno, Čechyňská 8, +420 542 211 935. Treasure Hunt Brno is a dynamic team competition, that makes use of modern technology and GPS-enabled tablets and lets you visit a wide range of Brno's historical monuments in a record time. Suitable for larger groups and companies.
  • Jakubské náměstí. Grab a few friends and go have a drink at Jakubské náměstí during summer. After work or school, lot of people came here to have a drink. The area behind the St. James church has become a living part of Brno, recently. Many pubs, wine cellars and cafés make a unique atmosphere. If you are lucky, you can run into a concert or screening. Almost every day there are dancing lessons at Café Savoy (salsa, tango, swing....) If you are talented, you can use a free-to-play piano on the square.
  • VIDA! Science Centre, Křižkovského 554/12, +420 515 201 000. Launch a hydrogen rocket, star in the TV weather report, freeze your own shadow, experience an earthquake, set free a tornado, and get to the bottom of the Bermuda Triangle. Near the Brno trade fair complex, playful explorers of all ages will find more than one hundred and seventy interactive exhibits over an area of nearly 5,000 square meters that will give them a better understanding of the world around us.

Brno Zoo, U zoologické zahrady 147/46, +420 546 432 311. Daily 09:00-16:00. A great zoo set in a nice area with hundreds of animals such as polar bears, seals, tigers, chimpanzees and more. 100 Kč.

ExploreBrno - easy walking, treasure hunt game in the city center. Min. 2-3 hours

Wine-Tours.cz - South Moravia Highlights by minibus (Mikulov, Lednice, Valtice, and big degustation in Wine Center of Czech Republic) or halfday trip to Moravian Karst (boat trip in punkva caves)

Ignis Brunensis. There are four firework competitions on the dam lake and at least two in the town centre. The fireworks begin every evening at 22:30. The show lasts about 22 minutes. Public transport runs longer and more frequently at these times. During the festival there are nights of theatres and museums. Entrance is free, but expect crowds.

Brno Racing Circuit. Moto GP Grand Prix every year takes place here in August.

Brno Trade and Fair Centre, Výstaviště 1 (tram stop „Výstaviště”. The largest trade center in the Central European region with many important fairs. The largest are Autosalon, MSV (International Engineering Fair), Invex (International Fair of Information and Communication Technologies), IDET (International Exhibition of Defence and Security Technologies and Special Information Systems) and of course a Vinex (International Wine Fair) and Pivex (International Beer Fair).

One World Brno. Documentary film festival on human rights held every March.

Treasure Hunt Brno, Čechyňská 8, +420 542 211 935. Treasure Hunt Brno is a dynamic team competition, that makes use of modern technology and GPS-enabled tablets and lets you visit a wide range of Brno's historical monuments in a record time. Suitable for larger groups and companies.

Jakubské náměstí. Grab a few friends and go have a drink at Jakubské náměstí during summer. After work or school, lot of people came here to have a drink. The area behind the St. James church has become a living part of Brno, recently. Many pubs, wine cellars and cafés make a unique atmosphere. If you are lucky, you can run into a concert or screening. Almost every day there are dancing lessons at Café Savoy (salsa, tango, swing....) If you are talented, you can use a free-to-play piano on the square.

VIDA! Science Centre, Křižkovského 554/12, +420 515 201 000. Launch a hydrogen rocket, star in the TV weather report, freeze your own shadow, experience an earthquake, set free a tornado, and get to the bottom of the Bermuda Triangle. Near the Brno trade fair complex, playful explorers of all ages will find more than one hundred and seventy interactive exhibits over an area of nearly 5,000 square meters that will give them a better understanding of the world around us.

  • Vaňkovka Gallery, Ve Vaňkovce 1 (Just between train station and central bus station. A large shopping centre converted from an old industrial center dating to the beginning of the 19th century. Many of the historical industrial buildings were saved and integrated into the new shopping center.
  • Avion Shopping Park, Skandinávká (Brno-jih district, Ikea bus stop or Avion Shopping. South of the center in the metropolitan area of Brno-jih, Avion Shopping Park is a huge shopping mall with dozens of shops, from small boutiques to large Ikea.

Vaňkovka Gallery, Ve Vaňkovce 1 (Just between train station and central bus station. A large shopping centre converted from an old industrial center dating to the beginning of the 19th century. Many of the historical industrial buildings were saved and integrated into the new shopping center.

Avion Shopping Park, Skandinávká (Brno-jih district, Ikea bus stop or Avion Shopping. South of the center in the metropolitan area of Brno-jih, Avion Shopping Park is a huge shopping mall with dozens of shops, from small boutiques to large Ikea.

Czech food is mostly based around pork, dumplings and potatoes. Another Czech favorite is smažený sýr, fried cheese, which is available at many restaurants and fast food stands. Soups plays an important part in Czech cuisine as it is almost always part of lunch (chicken, beef or vegetable broth, garlic soup, cabbage soup, goulash soup, vegetable soup or mushroom soup).

A good option is to visit one of the many pubs or restaurants that usually offer traditional Czech food all day long. You could easily find a restaurant where you get a meal and a drink for around €5, even in the city center. Many of these places also offer cheaper special (limited, pre-prepared) menus at mid-day. Cafés offer a nice selection of rolls and pastries if you're looking for breakfast food. Visit the cukrárna near the House of the Four Idiots on nam. Svobody and try a rakvička ("little coffin", small pastry covered with cream). This is the only place in the Czech Republic to find the chocolate ones.

There are plenty of restaurants in the city centre, where you can have a decent dinner. Both czech and international cuisine can be found. A very incomplete list of the good restaurants may include:

  • Na Švábce, Údolní 4. (tram stop „Komenského náměstí”. Czech cuisine, good Pilsner beer and daily menu even during weekend.
  • Cattani, Josefská 2 and Veveří 6. (tram stops „Zelný trh and Česká”. Fresh pasta, good wine selection. Has two branches, both close to city centre.
  • Pegas brewery, Jakubská 4. (tram stop „Česká or Náměstí svobody”. Goulash, roasted ribs, pickled cheese and many other "go-with-beer" courses. Self made beer.

Na Švábce, Údolní 4. (tram stop „Komenského náměstí”. Czech cuisine, good Pilsner beer and daily menu even during weekend.

Cattani, Josefská 2 and Veveří 6. (tram stops „Zelný trh and Česká”. Fresh pasta, good wine selection. Has two branches, both close to city centre.

Pegas brewery, Jakubská 4. (tram stop „Česká or Náměstí svobody”. Goulash, roasted ribs, pickled cheese and many other "go-with-beer" courses. Self made beer.

  • Piazza, OC omega, Náměstí svobody 9. (tram stop „Náměstí svobody”. Italian restaurant with fresh fish and sea food, pizza and pasta. Nice collection of Grappa.

Piazza, OC omega, Náměstí svobody 9. (tram stop „Náměstí svobody”. Italian restaurant with fresh fish and sea food, pizza and pasta. Nice collection of Grappa.

The traditional Brno beer is Starobrno, a traditional non-alcoholic drink is kofola (a very different but captivating kind of cola). Both must be tasted in draught form! Although Czechs are famous for their love of beer that love is mostly focused on pale beer, dark beer (černé pivo) is sweet and not very often drunk here. There's quite a few small breweries in the city, among them a small private brewery named Pegas, a block west from the steeple of St James Church (sv. Jakub). The pub is equipped with modern brewing technology, beer is made right in front of the guests' eyes. For a list of other breweries look at this list.

The go-to bar is the cramped and smoky Charlie's Hat (know to most locals simply as Charlie's), east on Koblizna street from the north end of Freedom Square (50Kč entry, includes drink voucher). A cluster of more down-tempo bars frequented by students can be found along Dominikánská (Kavárna Trojka - students caffee and bar) and Starobrněnská just west of the Zelný trh (cabbage market square). Around the main square you can find a lot of clubs, pubs, restaurants, coffee houses and lounge bars.

Bars in and around Dvořákova street in the city centre include:

  • Pivovarská, Mendelovo náměstí 20. It is a big pub & restaurant owned by Starobrno brewery
  • Bar, který neexistuje, Dvořákova 1. Cocktail bar featuring a huge menu of rums and whiskies
  • Lokál U Caipla, Kozí 3. Traditional pub, featuring lots of typically Czech dishes and beer served from big metal tanks
  • Zelená Kočka Pivárium, Dvořákova 3. Beer speciality pub - serving Dalešice beer (made in a brewery 60 km famous for appearing in the film Postriziny) as well as a selection of beers from around Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Austria which changes every day.
  • Pegas, Jakubská 4. Already above mentioned pub with self-made beer.
  • Rotor, Dvořákova 12. Cosy little bar with good wine, spirits and coffee
  • Výčep Na Stojáka, Běhounská 6. Probably the most popular bar in Brno during summer, where locals and foreigners alike drink cold Chotěboř (lager type beer) soak in the evening sun in the square.
  • Lucky Bastard Beerhouse, Bratří Čapků 8. M–Sa 17:00–00:00. The Lucky Bastard Beerhouse takes you to the world of ales where you can play a few songs on the piano and taste some quality gin.
  • Hostinec U Bláhovky, Gorkého 54. Daily 12:00–24:00. Relaxed atmosphere of the 1930s. Excellent Pilsner and pork knee.
  • Ochutnávková pivnice, Lidická 1860/10. M–F 15:00–24:00, Sa Su 16:00–24:00. The place where the beer connoisseurs gather. 8 types of draft beer and at least 20 bottled in the fridge
  • Super Panda Circus, Šilingrovo náměstí 3. M–Sa 18:00–02:00. Great light show
  • Cubana, Jezuitská 3. M–Th 16:00–02:00, F 16:00–03:00, Sa 18:00–03:00. Move your hips to Latin American music and have fun with your friends over a glass of Cuba Libre.

  • Coffee Fusion, Jánská 25. M–F 09:00–20:00. Choose your beans from two coffee grinders of different flavors and enjoy a slice of the local, divine cake quickly brought to you by the smiling barista.
  • SKØG, Dominikánské náměstí 5. M–Th 08:00–01:00, F 08:00–02:00, Sa 10:00–02:00, Su 12:00–22:00. Cordial service, latte art cappuccino, delicious homemade cakes, and innovative cocktails
  • Kafec, Veveří 10. M–F 08:00–20:00, Sa Su 09:00–20:00. Besides the excellent locally roasted coffee that you can read about in Kávové listy magazine, you can also try thick cocoa from Tanzania or homemade lemonades made from fresh juices and aromatic herbs.
  • Punkt, Bayerova 7. M–F 08:00–22:00, Sa Su 14:00–20:00. Popular also among people on gluten-free and vegan diets. Come have breakfast and a cup of cappuccino.
  • Cafe Mitte, Panská 11. M–Sa 08:00–22:00, Su 09:00–20:00. No generic coffee here in Café Mitte; behind every cup you can see the farmer who grew and harvested the beans himself. Tip – filtered coffee!
  • Café Placzek, Minoritská 470/4. M–F 07:30–22:00, Sa Su 08:30–21:00. Luxurious desserts, delicious breakfasts, and homemade pastries in various original shapes.
  • Kavárna Era, Zemědělská 30. M–Sa 10:00–22:00, Su 10:00–20:00. Are you a fan of functionalism? So when you leave Villa Tugendhat go straight to Café Era. Top-quality service and traditionally prepared Italian coffee.
  • Cafe Spolek. M–F 09:00–22:00, Sa Su 10:00–22:00. This place used to be a bookshop, but now instead of books you can smell excellent coffee, cocoa with rum, and homemade desserts.

Coffee Fusion, Jánská 25. M–F 09:00–20:00. Choose your beans from two coffee grinders of different flavors and enjoy a slice of the local, divine cake quickly brought to you by the smiling barista.

SKØG, Dominikánské náměstí 5. M–Th 08:00–01:00, F 08:00–02:00, Sa 10:00–02:00, Su 12:00–22:00. Cordial service, latte art cappuccino, delicious homemade cakes, and innovative cocktails

Kafec, Veveří 10. M–F 08:00–20:00, Sa Su 09:00–20:00. Besides the excellent locally roasted coffee that you can read about in Kávové listy magazine, you can also try thick cocoa from Tanzania or homemade lemonades made from fresh juices and aromatic herbs.

Punkt, Bayerova 7. M–F 08:00–22:00, Sa Su 14:00–20:00. Popular also among people on gluten-free and vegan diets. Come have breakfast and a cup of cappuccino.

Cafe Mitte, Panská 11. M–Sa 08:00–22:00, Su 09:00–20:00. No generic coffee here in Café Mitte; behind every cup you can see the farmer who grew and harvested the beans himself. Tip – filtered coffee!

Café Placzek, Minoritská 470/4. M–F 07:30–22:00, Sa Su 08:30–21:00. Luxurious desserts, delicious breakfasts, and homemade pastries in various original shapes.

Kavárna Era, Zemědělská 30. M–Sa 10:00–22:00, Su 10:00–20:00. Are you a fan of functionalism? So when you leave Villa Tugendhat go straight to Café Era. Top-quality service and traditionally prepared Italian coffee.

Cafe Spolek. M–F 09:00–22:00, Sa Su 10:00–22:00. This place used to be a bookshop, but now instead of books you can smell excellent coffee, cocoa with rum, and homemade desserts.

Pivovarská, Mendelovo náměstí 20. It is a big pub & restaurant owned by Starobrno brewery

Bar, který neexistuje, Dvořákova 1. Cocktail bar featuring a huge menu of rums and whiskies

Lokál U Caipla, Kozí 3. Traditional pub, featuring lots of typically Czech dishes and beer served from big metal tanks

Zelená Kočka Pivárium, Dvořákova 3. Beer speciality pub - serving Dalešice beer (made in a brewery 60 km famous for appearing in the film Postriziny) as well as a selection of beers from around Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Austria which changes every day.

Pegas, Jakubská 4. Already above mentioned pub with self-made beer.

Rotor, Dvořákova 12. Cosy little bar with good wine, spirits and coffee

Výčep Na Stojáka, Běhounská 6. Probably the most popular bar in Brno during summer, where locals and foreigners alike drink cold Chotěboř (lager type beer) soak in the evening sun in the square.

Lucky Bastard Beerhouse, Bratří Čapků 8. M–Sa 17:00–00:00. The Lucky Bastard Beerhouse takes you to the world of ales where you can play a few songs on the piano and taste some quality gin.

Hostinec U Bláhovky, Gorkého 54. Daily 12:00–24:00. Relaxed atmosphere of the 1930s. Excellent Pilsner and pork knee.

Ochutnávková pivnice, Lidická 1860/10. M–F 15:00–24:00, Sa Su 16:00–24:00. The place where the beer connoisseurs gather. 8 types of draft beer and at least 20 bottled in the fridge

Super Panda Circus, Šilingrovo náměstí 3. M–Sa 18:00–02:00. Great light show

Cubana, Jezuitská 3. M–Th 16:00–02:00, F 16:00–03:00, Sa 18:00–03:00. Move your hips to Latin American music and have fun with your friends over a glass of Cuba Libre.

Avoid the main train station after dark as it attracts a number of unsavory characters, the usual caution applies. Also keep a keen eye out when using Automated Teller Machines in the immediate area for similar reasons. The area is also known be actively visited by pick-pockets. Also avoid the Cejl street during dark hours for the same reasons. Take the tram or a bus between the stops Malinovského náměstí and Tkalcovská.

Brno hosts many international social groups, including:

  • Living in Brno: international social group that hosts many events in Brno.
  • Couchsurfers Brno: based on the popular travelling website.

Living in Brno: international social group that hosts many events in Brno.

Couchsurfers Brno: based on the popular travelling website.

Moravia has a dense cluster of nearby sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List

  • Olomouc: a fine historic university town, with an impressive Plague Column (1½ hour trip)
  • Telč is one of the prettiest towns in the Czech Republic (2 hours trip)
  • Lednice-Valtice is one of the largest artificial landscapes in Europe dotted with palaces and follies (1 hour trip)
  • Třebíč has one of Europe's best preserved Jewish areas (1½ hour trip)
  • Žďár nad Sázavou contains a fine pilgrimage church (1½ hour trip)
  • Kroměříž: an impressive baroque chateau and formal flower gardens (2 hours trip)
  • Beautiful caves of Moravian Karst, with a boat trip inside the cave (45 minute trip)

Places near Brno - trips less than one hour

Other places

  • Vienna is easily accessible as a day trip by train or bus (return ticket by train €33, by bus €14)
  • Bratislava is less than an hour away