Are you planning a trip to Central Europe and wondering how many days in Brno are enough? As I have visited the Czech Republic’s (Czechia) laid-back second city, this is where I can help you.
If possible, I recommend staying two or three days in Brno. This will allow you to see the key sights in a relaxed manner, experience the local culture and take a day trip.
However, life isn’t always perfect, and if one day in Brno is all you have, grab it with both hands. You will still be able to cover the city’s main tourist attractions, albeit at a faster rate.
In this article, I’ll walk you through my suggested 1, 2 and 3-day Brno itineraries.
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Follow this self-guided walking tour if you have one day in Brno
If you want to explore Brno in a time-efficient manner, follow my self-guided walking tour. As Brno is a very walkable city, you won’t need to worry about navigating public transport.
Starting at Špilberk Castle and finishing at the Courage Statue, this route follows my 1-day Brno itinerary and covers a distance of just over two miles (3.7 km). For an interactive map with walking directions, or to send to your phone, click here or on the image below.
This will be a day that is jam-packed with Brno’s best attractions. Make an early start and wear your most comfortable shoes.
Špilberk Castle
Brno’s spooky Špilberk Castle is the city’s most iconic landmark and dates back to the 13th Century. Over the subsequent centuries, it served as a fortress and a prison and is now home to the Brno City Museum.
10-Z Bunker
This fascinating structure is a chilling reminder of the Cold War. The 10-Z Bunker was a nuclear fallout shelter and was able to shelter up to 600 people for three days.
Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul
Brno’s spiritual heart was founded in the 1170s as a Romanesque rotunda and, over the centuries, underwent one Gothic and two Baroque renovations. The Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul is worth visiting for its exquisite carved wooden pulpit and stained glass windows and you can scale one of its bell towers for one of the best views in town.
Cabbage Market (Vegetable Market)
Brno’s vegetable market dates back to the 13th Century and has been known as Zelný trh (Cabbage Market) since the 15th Century. Cabbage Market is home to some of Brno’s most beautiful buildings, including the Reduta National Theatre, where an 11-year-old Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart performed, and the showstopping Parnas Fountain.
Labyrinth Under The Vegetable Market
This labyrinth of cellars beneath the cobblestones of Brno’s Cabbage Market was built in the 14th Century to store the goods and foodstuffs of the city’s merchants, tradesmen and noblemen. I loved the wine store and the alchemist’s den with a dead canary.
Capuchin Crypt
For a moving reflection on the transience of life, visit the Capuchin Crypt. This is the final resting place of 153 Capuchin monks and 52 benefactors of the Order of Capuchin Friars Minor, buried here between 1656 and 1784.
Old Town Hall & the Brno Dragon
Parts of the Old Town Hall date back to the 13th century, making it Brno’s oldest secular building. It is known for its wonky late Gothic turret and you can climb its tower of the Old Town Hall for panoramic views of Brno.
Don’t miss the so-called Brno Dragon in the Old Town Hall’s vaulted passage (it’s actually a stuffed crocodile).
The Astronomical Clock
Head to Freedom Square to see an unusual astronomical clock. Hewn from black granite, its bullet shape evokes the defence of the city against the Swedes during the Thirty Years War.
Ossuary at the Church of St James (Kostnice u sv. Jakuba)
Brno is home to the second-largest ossuary in Europe after the Catacombs of Paris. It is thought that more than 50,000 people were buried here.
The “Courage” Statue
Standing 8 metres high, the bronze Equestrian Statue of Margrave Jobst of Luxembourg was created by the sculptor Jaroslav Róna in 2015 and is an allegory of courage. It is famous for its unusually long-legged horse and the view if you stand between its front legs.
If you have two days in Brno
An additional day in Brno presents you with a choice.
You can either see the city’s highlights in a more relaxed manner, spreading the 1-day itinerary over two days, and maybe fitting in a visit to Villa Tugendhat. Alternatively, stick with the walking tour on day one and take a day trip from Brno on day two.
Option 1: A relaxed Brno sightseeing schedule
There’s much to be said for a more relaxed itinerary. It will allow you to better absorb and reflect upon what you are seeing and build in time to experience some of Brno’s fabulous cafes.
I recommend Cukrové nebe on Orlí 560/20. Their creamy white chocolate and lime cheesecake is reason enough to spend an extra day in Brno.
Day 1
Day 2
Option 2: The highlights of Brno including Villa Tugendhat
This is the itinerary for you if you are an architecture fanboy or fangirl.
UNESCO-listed Villa Tugendhat is a world-famous example of the international style in architecture that developed in Europe in the 1920s. It has been called one of the most beautiful houses in the world.
But if you have your heart set on visiting Villa Tugendhat, don’t repeat my mistake. You can only visit the house on a guided tour which you must book in advance.
Day 1
Day 2
Option 3: A self-guided Brno walking tour and wine tasting in South Morovia
There are several day trips from Brno by train but I decided to combine two of my passions: wine and walking. Czech wine is very quaffable and walking between three of the best wineries near Brno gives you the chance to experience the countryside of South Moravia.
Day 1
Follow my one-day walking tour itinerary
Day 2
Take the train from Brno to Popice to visit these three wineries:
Trains leave every 1 – 2 hours and the journey time is around 35 minutes.
I visited these wineries on an 85-minute circular walk from Popice train station. Apart from the initial stretch from the train station, you are strolling along country roads and across vineyards.
The first two wineries offer tastings by the glass. You will need to book ahead for Židek Winery.
To find out more, take a look at my step-by-step guide on how to do this self-guided South Moravia wine tour.
3 Days in Brno
I spent a long weekend in Brno, the perfect length of time for me.
Three days allows you to explore the city at a more relaxed pace and take a day trip (I recommend visiting the vineyards near Popice). You can also visit Villa Tugendhat if that floats your boat.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
A DIY tour of the wineries near Popice
Getting There
Brno’s hulking main train station is a major international rail hub with regular services to neighbouring cities. It is on the southeastern edge of the historic centre, a five-minute walk from the Cabbage Market.
Buses also connect Brno with Prague, Bratislava and Vienna. Most of these services depart from Brno’s central bus station, Zvonark, which is located behind the main train station. Other services, including Flixbus and RegioJet, use the Grand Hotel Bus Stop in front of the train station.
Where to Stay in Brno
Luxury apartment: Luxury Oasis, Sauna, AC and Free Parking
I loved staying in this quiet yet centrally-located apartment. Its kitchen had a dishwasher and washing machine and I loved relaxing in its sauna in the evening.
Luxury hotel: Grandezza Hotel Luxury Palace
In a prime location on the Vegetable Market, most of the rooms and suites at the 5-star Grandezza Hotel Luxury Palace overlook the square. The hotel lobby’s hand-painted glass ceiling has that wow factor and I can recommend the cake and coffee in its café.
The reviews from other travellers are stellar.
Mid-range: VV Hotel & Apartments
Choose between a hotel room or apartment at this highly-rated 4-star property near the main train station. Free breakfast is included in all nightly rates.
Is Brno safe for solo travellers?
Czechia is one of the safest countries in Europe for solo travellers. At no point during my three days in Brno did I feel uncomfortable.
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.
I hope that this guide helps you decide how many days in Brno are right for you
Brno may lack Prague’s storybook charm but it more than makes up for this in its affordability and lack of crowds. Its friendly locals, inviting cafes and interesting attractions add to its appeal as a city break destination.
If you are looking for more help with planning your visit, take a look at my detailed 1-day Brno itinerary and how to do an independent South Moravia wine tour.
Happy travels.
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.