11 Things To Do In Brno

Visit Brno to experience stunning architecture, a labyrinth of cobbled streets, busy market squares and the most bizarre clock you will ever see. There are plenty of things to do in Brno for those looking for an alternative to Prague.

Brno is a much smaller city than Prague (400,000 residents compared to 1.2 million). Part of its appeal is that it has largely remained undiscovered by most tourists and, as such, has not suffered by the presence of stag and hen parties.

How long it stays like this is anyone’s guess. There is certainly decent nightlife in Brno (though nothing like Prague). There are lots of bars and the beers are strong and cheap.

It would be a shame if Brno were to become as popular as Prague. It is too small a town to deal with large groups of drunkards. My advice is to visit Brno sooner rather than later whilst it still has its old town charm.

Things To Do In Brno

Brno has some bizarre ‘attractions’. Not every city can boast crypts with mummified friars and and an ossuary with the remains of approximately 50,000 people, both open to the public.

These are the things I got up to during my visit.

Brno Astronomical Clock (Brněnský orloj)

Located in the central Liberty Square, the astronomical clock (map) is almost impossible to read, despite a nearby information point explaining how to do so. At 11 am, every day, a black marble is released. There are four slots in which to place your hand. One person will be lucky and get to keep the black marble as a souvenir.

Brno Cabbage Market

Brno Cabbage Market (map) is a truly historic part of the city. Traders have sold fruit and vegetables here since the early 13th century. The produce is cheap and fresh and you can buy a hot mulled beverage on the colder days. During the summer, you can buy a vegan ice cream from the pink van that parks in the square.

The market is small but whilst you are here, be sure to check out the surrounding buildings and also the monuments, including this 17th century statue of Hercules holding a three-headed dog on a chain, and a young, naked Mozart.

Capuchin Crypt

One of the more macabre tourist attractions, the ‘Capuchin Crypt’ (map) is a monastery with an underground tomb that contains the remains of Capuchin friars. Whilst it is small (you will be in and out within half an hour), there is a lot of information on the history of the building and the friars that were laid to rest here. If you’re not interested in the history, it’s still worth a visit for the bizarre factor alone.

Capuchin Crypt Opening Times: April 1 – October 31: 9 am – 12pm, 1 pm – 6 pm, Mon – Sat. 11 am – 5 pm, Sun. November 1 – 31 March: 10 am – 4 pm, Mon – Sat. 11 am – 4.30 pm, Sun.
Capuchin Crypt Entrance Fee: 80 CZK

Cathedral of St Peter And St Paul

The Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul (map) dominates the Brno skyline as it sits atop the Petrov Hill in the centre of the old town. You cannot fail to be impressed by this incredible 18th century gothic cathedral which is one of the most important pieces of architecture in South Moravia. Unusually, the bells ring at 11 am rather than midday. This dates back to a 1645 siege by the Swedes who said they would retreat if they hadn’t taken over the city by midday. Cleverly, all the churches simply rang their bells an hour early and the Swedes retreated.

Climb the bell tower for incredible views over the city. Just be aware that if you climb the tower as the bells ring, it is VERY loud!

Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul Opening Times: 8 15 am – 6.30 pm, Mon – Sat. 7 am – 6.30 pm, Sun.
Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul Entrance Fee: 30 CZK to climb the bell tower.

Cerveny Kopec

‘Cerveny Kopec’ (map) is a small district outside the centre of Brno that offers views of the east side of the city. The area has a bohemian feel to it and many artists live there. I was hoping to check out a couple galleries and the local restaurant/bar but nothing was open. It’s a nice place for a wander and some of the houses are very pretty.

Cow Mountain

‘Cow Mountain’ (map) is a peaceful park to the east of the city centre. Popular with joggers and jog-walkers, tourists may venture here to see the big moon (it’s not there anymore) or the planetarium.

Labyrinth Underneath Zelný trh (Vegetable Market)

The Labyrinth Underneath Zelny Trh (map) is a medieval maze of underground tunnels. Originally, they were cellars of the houses and were not connected. They were used for storing food or brewing wine and beer. Over time, the cellars became connected. Visitors can now experience almost a km of underground tunnels that were used for storage, alchemists, prisons and even an alehouse.

You can also see the various torture methods used during medieval times. The cage of fools was used to imprison people with mental or physical disabilities. Poles were inserted so that the prisoner could neither lay, sit or stand comfortably.

Guided tours are available. The guide only directs you through the tunnels; you will receive an audio guide in your language of choice: English, German, Russian, Italian or French. Buy a combined ticket with the ossuary to receive a 10% discount.

For further info: https://ticbrno.cz/en/underground/labyrinth-underneath-zelny-trh-vegetable-market.

Labyrinth Underneath Zelny Trh Opening Times: 9 am – 6 pm, Tues – Sun.
Labyrinth Underneath Zelny Trh Entrance Fee: 160 CZK

Luzanky Park

‘Luzanky Park’ (map) is a historic park just north of the city centre. There are fountains, memorials and sculptures. It’s well maintained and perfect on a hot summer day. Apparently, it’s the oldest park in the Czech Republic.

Old Town Hall Tower

The Old Town Hall Tower (map) was located very near to the hostel I was staying at, so I was more than familiar with the bells that rang every 15 minutes.

The entrance to the tower contains the ‘dragon of Brno’, a local legend. It is, clearly, a crocodile.

The tower offers amazing views over the city.

Old Town Hall Tower Opening Times: 10 am – 10 pm, every day.
Old Town Hall Tower Entrance Fee: 50 CZK.

Spilberk Castle & Park

‘Spilberk Castle’ (map) can be seen from just about everywhere in Brno. This medeival fortress has given the people of Brno a feeling of security and familiarity for over seven centuries.

There are usually many access points to the castle. However, some were not accessible when I visited. This meant I had to take a long detour and explore the surrounding park. I recommend this as I found the park just as enjoyable as the castle grounds.

Entry to the castle grounds and courtyard is free but other attractions come with a fee. I was happy enough just to explore the park and castle grounds and take in the wonderful views.

Spilberk Castle Opening Times: 9 am – 5 pm, Tues – Sun.
Spilberk Castle Entrance Fee: Various prices. Click here for details.

St James’ Church (Ossuary)

St James’ Church (map) is a huge gothic 13th century church situated to the north of Liberty Square. Having been declined an extension of its churchyard (which quickly became inefficient for an increasing population, the church came up with a new burial system. After 10-12 years of burial, graves were opened and the remains were placed in the ossuary underneath the church.

It is estimated that there are the remains of around 50,000 people in the ossuary and it is open to the public. It is a short visit and I found it quite expensive but you can hardly not visit Europe’s second biggest ossuary (after Paris)!

Buy a combined ticket with the underground labyrinth and receive a 10% discount.

St James’ Church (Ossuary) Opening Times: 9.30 am – 6 pm, Tue – Sun.
St James Church (Ossuary) Entrance Fee: 140 CZK