Location: Brno
Top Things to do in Brno
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10 Things to do in Brno That You Shouldn't Miss
The charms of the Czech Republic's second-largest city may not be immediate, but spend a few days in this Moravian town and Brno's vibrant, authentic Czech ambiance will win you over. It's a fine way to experience Czech life without the teeming herds of tourists that visit Prague. Art Nouveau, Empire and Neoclassical buildings stand in the bar- and restaurant-packed old city center. Leafy parks abound. Be sure to get a photo with a local landmark, the suspiciously crocodilian Brno Dragon statue.
Restaurants in Brno
1. Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,031 reviews
This neo-Gothic cathedral is famous for the bells that always ring noon at 11 A.M., a tradition that dates back to a 1645 siege by the Swedes.
Reviewed By thejonpage - London, United Kingdom
1. Having occupied the hilltop at the southern corner of Brno and with both towers open to the public (requires ticket), the cathedral offers a magnificent view to the city (only the Spilberk Castle’s watchtower offers a more comprehensive outlook in this respect, having occupied another hill more overlooking to the whole city). 2. The church dates back to the 11th century but the main building and artistic elements are developed much later. The interior is built by the 18th-century Baroque architect, M Grimm. 3. Having finished the main halls, you’ll realize you can’t find the entrance to the towers. For to reach that entrance you’ll have to brace the snow again – enter through a side-gate outside. Ticket office to both the towers and treasury to be found mid-way as you walk up the stairs. 4. It is not uncommon for cathedrals to showcase their treasury. And it is even more strategic to include it as part of your tower ticket. 5. As you go up the flights of stairs, exhibition boards will tell you how the church comes into its being, how the bells are to be used three times a day to indicate the prayer times, the shortening of the southern tower to make the two equally attractive, and so on. 6. And then the same boards appear again and again repeating themselves on the top decks. So that you’ll not be excused to miss a single detail. 7. After you’ve visited one of the towers, go through the door to reach the opposite side. The corridor can be in complete darkness if the doors on both sides are closed. 8. On both sides of the corridor there is a trick step to punish the hasty and those with Vitamin-A Deficiency. ‘Be careful’. 1. Having occupied the hilltop at the southern corner of Brno and with both towers open to the public (requires ticket), the cathedral offers a magnificent view to the city (only the Spilberk Castle’s watchtower offers a more comprehensive outlook in this respect, having occupied another hill more overlooking to the whole city). 2. The church dates back to the 11th century but the main building and artistic elements are developed much later. The interior is built by the 18th-century Baroque architect, M Grimm. 3. Having finished the main halls, you’ll realize you can’t find the entrance to the towers. For to reach that entrance you’ll have to brace the snow again – enter through a side-gate outside. Ticket office to both the towers and treasury to be found mid-way as you walk up the stairs. 4. It is not uncommon for cathedrals to showcase their treasury. And it is even more strategic to include it as part of your tower ticket. 5. As you go up the flights of stairs, exhibition boards will tell you how the church comes into its being, how the bells are to be used three times a day to indicate the prayer times, the shortening of the southern tower to make the two equally attractive, and so on. 6. And then the same boards appear again and again repeating themselves on the top decks. So that you’ll not be excused to miss a single detail. 7. After you’ve visited one of the towers, go through the door to reach the opposite side. The corridor can be in complete darkness if the doors on both sides are closed. 8. On both sides of the corridor there is a trick step to punish the hasty and those with Vitamin-A Deficiency. ‘Be careful’. ~master jonjon
2. Old Town Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 324 reviews
A significant historical building in the centre of Brno. Today, the Old Town Hall serves mainly cultural purposes, as it houses a gallery, an information centre, and a permanent exhibition on its history. In summer, you can visit its historical halls and climb up the 63-metre tower to enjoy an impressive view of Brno from the top. The courtyard serves as a venue for various concerts, festivals, theatre performances, and film screenings. Enter its arched passage through the portal beneath the legendary Late Gothic turret by sculptor Anton Pilgram. In the passage, you can see two items from other famous Brno legends: a crocodile, also called the Brno dragon, and a wheel. The courtyard beyond, with Renaissance arcades from the end of the 16th century, was built by Italian designers, and later modifications are the result of its Early Baroque renovations. The Old Town Hall served its original purpose until 1935 when the authorities moved to the New Town Hall located at Dominican Square.
Reviewed By thejonpage - London, United Kingdom
... when the authorities moved to – surprise! – the New Town Hall. 1. Besides holding cultural/musical events, when you get on the middle floor you'll also see a permanent exhibition on the architect-sculptor behind the design - Anton Pilgram, a thriving period for him from the late 15th to the 16th century. Long story short – he worked and studied in places like Strasbourg and Vienna and brought back a Central-European late gothic style to Brno. 2. Go up the tower for a great outlook especially the Zelny Square and the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul. ~master jonjon
3. Villa Tugendhat
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 670 reviews
This modernist landmark is an outstanding example of the international architectural style that flourished in 1920s Europe.
Reviewed By MacAli61 - Brno, Czech Republic
The Villa of Greta and Fritz Tugendhat, designed by the architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and built in 1929–1930, is a monument of modern architecture, and is the only example of modern architecture in the Czech Republic inscribed in the list of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites.
4. Brno Technical Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 197 reviews
Reviewed By Siemi_1 - Ens, The Netherlands
One of the reasons to come back to Brno was that we missed this museum last time. We looked this museum a lot. There are many different exhibitions. Of course we liked the cars. Both the Lada's were a trip down memory lane for me. My best friends dad used to have a Lada shop. Since I work in IT, the old computer stuff was great to see. The old game Room was a trip down memory lane as well. The bottom floor, with the open turbines and aircraft engines was interesting to see as well. The staff was very friendly and helpful, however, they are only able to speak Czech. That's something which applies to the whole museum. It's focus is strictly czech. As a result of which there is a huge exhibition about the Czech history and the falling off the iron curtain. I rated it the maximum of 5 stars, even when there are some drawbacks for foreigners. What didn't catch my interest is surely interesting for others. The game Room could have been a bit more hands on. It would be so nice of there were a few arcades from the past. The experimental centre at the top floor really needs English information. Luckily I paid attention at school and could explain some to my son. We spent around 3,5 hours in here on a hot day. It is advisable to go on a less hot day, since it is a pity to spent such day inside and the airco inside can't deal with such heat. All in all, very nice experience.
5. Brno Observatory and Planetarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 109 reviews
Reviewed By UGM_BRNO - Brno, Czech Republic
Astronomy is the science that fascinates people of all ages. I love to visit the programmes of the planetarium both with friends and alone too. It is always wise to make a reservation in advance as the performances are very popular. The Exploratorium is open free of charge and visitors can admire the beauty of nebulas.
6. VIDA! Science Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 216 reviews
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. All these experiences and many more are waiting for you in the VIDA! science centre. 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. This unique exhibition is divided into four thematic sections: the Planet, Civilization, Man and the Microworld. The Science Centre for Children is an independent section for visitors from 2 to 6 years old. All exhibits are captioned in Czech, English and German.
Reviewed By 579martinv - Prague, Czech Republic
The centre is focused for hands-on experience in a large hall with small external area (opened in summer only). Our six years old daughter enjoyed the visit and we spent almost three hours by testing and exploring of various science topic suited also for younger kids. There are some 3D movies available. A small diner is part of the centre, but they were unable to accept credit cards during our visit there, whilst the centre tickets sales did.
7. Brno Dam
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 210 reviews
Reviewed By AndreaH6 - Kosice, Slovakia
When you are in Brno and you have more days to visit, it is really good idea to visit Brno water dam. What to expect: huge dam with lovely nature around. Castle Veveri to visit. Good for date, for walking around, swimming, family trip, friends trip, water sports, sunbathing.. How to get there: the best is to take tram 1 from HLAVNI NADRAZI (Main train station) in direction Ondrouškova and get off at Přístaviště. It takes 30mins approx. You need to buy 1hour ticket, as there are no 30mins ticket. Do not forget to mark it in the tram. What to do there: - sunbathing, watersports, - there are some restaurants and also fast-food snack bars - in June there is annual Ignins Brunensis - international fireworks exhibition - you can take boat trip till the end of the dam and on the way you can get of as many times as you want and come back then. The best stop is for the CASTLE VEVERI - It is really worth to take this tour, it is nice and relaxing BOAT TOUR (not guided tour,it is just a ride): - boat operates usually every 45mins or hourly from 8am - 5pm - however this depends on the season and the level of the water etc. - you can check the timetable of this boat at the web of Brno Transport office - The areal of Veveri castle is open in April - October on weekends and public holidays from 9am - 5pm, from May - September daily except Monday from 9am - 6pm - you can buy ticket only for the boat tour or also for the castle - Castle Veveri is very nice to visit, the area around is very nice and external area of the castle - there are also some exhibitions to visit, however we did not visit them Have fun! ps: for the boat tour always check the web of the transport office of Brno
8. 10-Z bunker Brno
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 234 reviews
10-Z is the most highly classified nuclear fallout shelter in Brno from the Communist era to protect the city's and region's representatives. It had been built during the Nazi occupation as a civil defense (Luftschutz) shelter from U.S. and Soviet bombardment of Brno. A total of 600 people could be housed for 3 days. It serves as a cultural space from May 2016. You may visit also its retro bar.
Reviewed By MichaelaK94
We stayed in the bunker overnight and it was a great and unique experience. We also did the tour and it was really interesting. I definitely recommend.
9. Spilberk Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,053 reviews
This imposing 13th-century castle first served as a fortress and then as a prison for common criminals and opponents of the Hapsburg monarchy.
Reviewed By ruzha14 - Prague, Czech Republic
n good weather, I recommend climbing the green hill to Špilberk Castle. This castle has been standing for more than 700 years, it was built in the Gothic and Baroque style. What I like most is the monument to the commander of the battles with the Swedes in the 17th century. There is also a nice view of Brno from Špilberk.
10. Ossuary at the Church of St James
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 321 reviews
After Paris, Brno has the second-largest ossuary in Europe. The number of people buried here is estimated to exceed 50,000. There was a churchyard at the Church of St James as early as the beginning of the 13th century. The churchyard capacity quickly became insufficient for the needs of the growing city, and a special system of burial had to be adopted in which graves were opened 10 to 12 years after burial and the remnants were removed to make room for another body in the grave. The remnants from the original graves were moved to special underground areas, called ossuaries. These also quickly filled up due to frequent plague and cholera epidemics. The reforms introduced by Joseph II in 1784 resulted in churchyards being closed down for hygienic reasons. The remnants from the graves were moved into a crypt, the churchyard wall was torn down, the area around the church was paved with the former headstones, and the ossuary was gradually forgotten.
Reviewed By H5525WBevan - Tournon-Saint-Martin, France
Návštěva Kostnice není opravdu na dlouho, ale pro mě to bylo zajímavé srovnání s Kostnicí v Kutné Hoře. Dávám přednost Kostnici v Brně právě proto,že zde nejsou žádné bizarní motivy jako erb a ctí se tak úcta k mrtvým. Je to lépe zrekonstruované, podzemní prostory jsou tajemné a kouzelné.Stále se zde může fotit a personál je příjemný. The visit of the Ossuary is really not very long, but for me it was interesting to compare this Ossuary with Ossuary of Kutná Hora.I prefer this Ossuary in Brno,because they don' t use any strange motives like the coat of arms made of bones and just respect the death people.It is better renovated, the underground parts are mysterious and magical.Still it is possible to take pictures and the staff is nice.
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