Playing second fiddle to Prague isn’t easy, but Brno is well worth your time. Czechia’s second-largest city packs in history, culture and a refreshing lack of tour groups.
I spent four nights here during a train trip through Central Europe, which gave me plenty of time to work out the best way to spend 24 hours in Brno. Here’s my tried-and-tested one-day itinerary that hits all the highlights without the rush
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Is One Day in Brno Enough?
One day gives you a solid introduction to Brno’s key sights. You’ll see the castle, explore underground attractions and sample the local cafe scene. If you have more time, I’d recommend two days in Brno to include Villa Tugendhat, and a wine tour of South Moravia.
But if 24 hours is all you have, this itinerary will work brilliantly as a day trip from Prague, Vienna or Bratislava, or as an overnight stop between cities.
Getting Around Brno
Brno’s Old Town is compact and walkable. This itinerary covers just over 2 miles (3.7 km) and you won’t need public transport. The main train station is a five-minute walk from the Cabbage Market, making it perfect for day-trippers.
I’ve mapped out the entire route for you, which you can use as a self-guided walking tour of Brno. For an interactive version you can send to your phone, click here.
Morning: Castles and Bunkers
Špilberk Castle (2-3 hours)
Start early at Špilberk Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the city. This 13th-century fortress has served as a royal castle, Habsburg prison, and now houses the Brno City Museum.
The walk up through parkland takes about 15 minutes from the Old Town and you’ll be rewarded with cracking views over Brno’s red rooftops.
What to See: The museum traces the castle and city’s history from medieval times through the Communist era. I particularly enjoyed the exhibition on the Habsburg prison period.
Entry: Free to explore the grounds and courtyards. Museum tickets are 260 CZK (about £9). Plan what you want to see before arriving as different exhibitions require separate tickets.
My tip: Arrive when it opens at 9am to beat any crowds and get the best light for photos.
10-Z Bunker (45 minutes)
After the castle, head underground to the fascinating 10-Z Bunker, a Cold War nuclear fallout shelter that was top secret until 1993. This communist-era bunker could house 600 people for three days.
The one-way route takes you through the shelter’s functional rooms, including the crucial air filtration system (without it, everyone would have suffocated). Videos with English subtitles bring its history to life.
Entry: 250 CZK (about £9)
Location: Just a short walk downhill from Špilberk Castle.
Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul (30 minutes)
Those twin Neo-Gothic spires you can see from everywhere? That’s your next stop. The Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul dominates Brno’s skyline and dates back to the 1170s, though the distinctive towers were added in 1909.
The interior is free to visit and worth seeing for the ornate wooden pulpit and stained glass windows. If you’re up for it, climb one of the bell towers for panoramic views (60 CZK).
Listen out for: The bells ring at 11 am instead of noon, a tradition dating back to when Brno tricked Swedish attackers during the Thirty Years’ War.
Afternoon: Underground Secrets and Old Town Curiosities
Cabbage Market (Zelný trh)
Stop by the Old Town at Cabbage Market, which has been trading since the 13th century. The Baroque Parnas Fountain in the centre represents a cave decorated with allegorical statues of ancient civilisations.
This square is surrounded by beautiful buildings, including the Reduta National Theatre, where 11-year-old Mozart performed.
Good to know: There’s often a small market selling fresh produce and flowers. Perfect for grabbing lunch supplies or a snack.
Labyrinth Under the Vegetable Market (40 minutes)
Time to go underground again.
In the 14th century, Brno’s population exploded to 7,500 and the only solution was to build down. The result? A maze of cellars, 6-8 metres beneath the cobblestones.
The 40-minute guided tour takes you through these atmospheric spaces, including an alchemist’s den complete with a dead canary. Tours are officially in Czech, but guides often switch to English if there are enough English speakers (this happened on my visit).
Entry: 180 CZK. Book ahead online during peak season.
Location: Entrance is on Cabbage Market Square.
Find out more here.
Capuchin Crypt (20 minutes)
Next, walk to the Capuchin Crypt, the final resting place of 153 monks and 52 benefactors buried between 1656 and 1784. The dry, well-ventilated conditions accidentally mummified the bodies.
Rather than being macabre, I found it a moving reflection on mortality. The Latin inscription reads: “We were as you are; you will be as we are.”
Entry: 140 CZK
Old Town Hall and the Brno Dragon (30 minutes)
Brno’s oldest secular building dates from the 13th century. The standout feature is the wonky Gothic portal turret, deliberately skewed by architect Anton Pilgram when he wasn’t paid for his work (or so legend claims).
Climb the 63-metre tower for a birds-eye view of the city.
In the vaulted passage below, look for the so-called Brno Dragon (it’s a stuffed crocodile) and a wooden cartwheel.
Evening: Modern Marvels and Ancient Bones
Freedom Square and the Astronomical Clock
Brno’s Freedom Square hosts one of the world’s most unusual astronomical clocks. This 6-metre-tall black granite bullet, installed in 2010, represents the city’s defence against Swedish forces during the Thirty Years’ War.
Ossuary at the Church of St James (30 minutes)
This is Europe’s second-largest ossuary, after the Paris Catacombs, and holds more than 50,000 people. Modern sculptures sit alongside bone arrangements, including a somewhat surreal column made entirely of skulls.
Tours are self-guided with an English information sheet provided.
Entry: 160 CZK
The “Courage” Statue
End your day at this striking 8-metre bronze sculpture on Moravian Square. The Equestrian Statue of Margrave Jobst of Luxembourg features an unusually long-legged horse.
However, many tourists don’t make a beeline for this sculpture for its artistic merits. If you stand between the horse’s front legs and look up at its head, you’ll see why.
Where to Eat and Drink
Brno’s food scene deserves more attention than I can give it here, but don’t miss trying traditional Czech dishes and Moravian wines. The city has over 650 bars and cafes, many clustered around the Old Town.
Wine bars: Sample local wines (Veltlínské zelené, Ryzlink Rýnský) at Vinotéka U Tří knížat near the Vegetable Market.
Cafes: The Grandezza Hotel Luxury Palace on Vegetable Market has an excellent cafe with a hand-painted glass ceiling and superb cakes.
Where to Stay in Brno
My pick: Luxury Oasis, Sauna, AC and Free Parking
I stayed in this spacious, centrally-located apartment with a full kitchen (dishwasher and washing machine included) and an absolute treat of a sauna. It’s quiet despite being in the Old Town, and having your own space makes a real difference after a day of sightseeing.
Luxury hotel: Grandezza Hotel Luxury Palace
Right on the Vegetable Market with opulent rooms overlooking the square and a gorgeous hand-painted glass ceiling in the lobby. The reviews are excellent.
Mid-range: VV Hotel & Apartments
Choose between a hotel room or an apartment at this highly-rated 4-star property near the main train station. Free breakfast is included in all nightly rates.
Getting to Brno by Train
Brno’s main station is a major international rail hub with excellent connections. It was my stopover between Salzburg and Bratislava.
Typical journey times:
- Prague: 2.5 hours
- Vienna: 1.5 hours
- Bratislava: 1.5 hours
- Budapest: 4 hours
- Salzburg: 4 hours
Buses also connect Brno with neighbouring cities, departing from Zvonark station (behind the main train station) or the Grand Hotel Bus Stop.
Is Brno Safe for Solo Travellers?
Czechia is one of the safest countries in the world, and I didn’t feel uncomfortable during my visit to Brno, even at night. But as with any travel destination, a little bit of common sense goes a long way. Remain vigilant, keep your belongings close to you and safely store your valuables at your hotel or apartment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I spend in Brno?
One day covers the main sights, but two days in Brno let you visit Villa Tugendhat and take a South Moravia wine tour.
Is Brno better than Prague?
Different, not better. Brno is smaller, cheaper and far less touristy. Prague has more famous sights. Both are worth visiting.
Can you do Brno as a day trip from Prague?
Yes, trains take 2.5 hours. Leave Prague early, follow this itinerary, and return in the evening.
What is Brno famous for?
Špilberk Castle, the Ossuary (second-largest in Europe), Villa Tugendhat (UNESCO site), and being the hometown of Gregor Mendel (genetics pioneer).
Is Brno worth visiting?
Absolutely. It offers excellent value, interesting history and a relaxed atmosphere compared to Prague.
Enjoy your day in Brno!
Brno won’t give you Prague’s fairytale architecture, but it compensates with affordability, fewer crowds and enough interesting sights to fill a day (or preferably two).
The city works brilliantly as a stopover between Vienna and Budapest or Prague. With friendly locals, inviting cafes and fascinating attractions, Brno deserves more attention than it gets.
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.