Brno
Discover Brno
Brno (pronounced Burno) (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 centre of the contemporary South Moravian region. It has a population of over 400,000 people (2024), and it's in a beautiful natural environment between South Moravian vineyards and the Moravian Karst. 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 communist government abolished Moravia's autonomy. The city flourished mainly during the 19th century. Today's Brno is a mixture of many different architectural styles, there are many beautiful places. But it remains home to significant cultural offerings, and countless beautiful buildings, the city has the third largest historic preservation zone in the country (the biggest one is in Prague, the second in Olomouc). There are three castles, Špilberk (former royal castle, and former seat of rulers of Moravia, fortress and prison), Veveří Castle (near the Brno reservoir), and Líšeň Castle.
What to Experience in Brno
Taste of Brno...
Czech food is mostly based on pork, dumplings and potatoes. Another Czech favourite 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 €7, 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. Visit the cukrárna (confectionery) near the House of the Four Idiots on nám. 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. Czech and international cuisine can be found. A very incomplete list of the good restaurants may include: The traditional Brno beer is Starobrno, and a traditional non-alcoholic soft drink is Kofola (a very different but captivating kind of cola).
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsBrno is on the Prague–Vienna and Prague–Bratislava–Budapest routes, and all IC, EC and Railjet trains stop here. Some trains originating in Prague terminate here. 49.1910816.613131 Brno hlavní nádraží (Brno Main railway station). Close to the city centre, almost all attractions are just within a few minutes walk. These attractions are to the north of the station, to the left coming out; follow the sign marked "Centrum," not the one marked "Centra." (updated Nov 2020) Using highways - D1 highway from Prague and Ostrava or using any of the national roads, D2 from Bratislava or D52 from the south (it runs towards Vienna, but ends about 25 km ahead of borders). For the highway, you have to buy a toll sticker. There are coach services from various European destinations including Prague where frequent buses run touting assorted amenities and stops (such as Prague Airport). A timetable of all buses (including international) can be found on IDOS. Two main bus stations are used....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
The Integrated Transport System of the Southern Moravia Region (IDS JMK) covers public transport over Brno and the whole Southern Moravia Region; it includes local trains, trams (called "šalina" in local dialect), buses and trolleybuses. Daytime transport ends up at 23:00, the night buses run every 30-60 minutes and have a central transfer node at the Main Train Station. Some night buses have a connection to night buses in the region, so you can get from Brno at night to surrounding villages. For journeys within the city, a short transfer ticket (valid 15 min, 20 Kč) and long transfer ticket (60 min, 25 Kč) are available. Tickets are available at yellow ticket vending machines at bus and tram stops, and also at railway station counters. People aged 70 and over travel for free, show your passport, if there is a ticket inspection.
Where to Stay
There are many hotels all around Brno city. You can compare and choose hotels on Brno Hotels Directory. Avoid the main train station after dusk 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 district during night and be cautious during the day for the same reasons. Take the tram or a bus between the stops Malinovského náměstí and Tkalcovská. Brno has 4G from all Czech carriers. As of Sept 2021, you might even get 5G but coverage is patchy. Moravia has a dense cluster of nearby sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List Hostels are available in these towns that can be easily reached by bus/train from Brno:
Money & Budget
The ATMs of these banks in the city centre do not charge a fee for withdrawing money: If you are spending some time in Brno, you should consider getting a 'Tourist Card BrnoPas', which gives you very attractive rates for bundled tourist attractions. Czech food is mostly based on pork, dumplings and potatoes. Another Czech favourite 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.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
Avoid the main train station after dusk 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 district during night and be cautious during the day for the same reasons. Take the tram or a bus between the stops Malinovského náměstí and Tkalcovská. Brno has 4G from all Czech carriers. As of Sept 2021, you might even get 5G but coverage is patchy. Moravia has a dense cluster of nearby sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List Hostels are available in these towns that can be easily reached by bus/train from Brno:
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Brno
a city with many buildings
a view of a city with a cathedral in the background
Brno 🤍📷
a city with many buildings
a large white building with a red roof
people walking on street near white concrete building during daytime
A view of a city at sunset from a high point of view
white and brown concrete building during night time
Villa Tugendhat by Mies van der Rohe in Brno, Czech Republic
cars parked on roadside near buildings during daytime
a city with many buildings
a view of a city with a cathedral in the background
Brno 🤍📷