Old Town Hall
The Czech Republic is full of surprises. On this particular trip, it was my second time setting foot in the Czech Republic and I was still mesmerised by the towns that I come across.
Brno is not usually a town that probably makes the list of places to visit in the Czech Republic. For me, it only came onto my radar because the road would loop us back into Poland so was a good place to stop for the night to rest before hitting the road again. It was more a convenience stop and in hindsight, it would have been worth having a full day just to explore.
Brno is the second biggest city in the Czech Republic after Prague. But there is a huge difference in population. Prague has a population of roughly 1.3 million whilst Brno has a population of around 390, 000.
We arrived in the evening and after checking into our accommodation, were eager to explore the old town area and find some food. Prior to arriving, we had just been in Vienna and were so happy to be able to be met with a decent portion of food for a lot less of a price. When I had visited the Czech Republic many years ago and do remember being impressed by the architecture, but I had been blown away by the food. This time however, I was also blown away by the food. Consistently at every meal and with the beers.
Hovězí guláš (Czech goulash) and Smažený sýr (fried cheese)
Náměstí Svobody Plaza
The Old Town is huge and almost had a big town feel to it. Restaurants with outdoor dining were full. The square was huge and lined with Renaissance style buildings (and probably a mix of other styles). The cobblestone paths, not really a road in this case, was completely pedestrianised with a tram line. Walking around at sunset, it felt safe and lively.
The next morning, I did visit the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul which you will not miss as it towers above the city centre. The altar, stained glass windows and general interiors are worth seeing.
Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul in the background
Vegetable Market (There’s a Mozart statue outside the National Theatre as a tribute to when he performed here when he was 11)
I’ve made note of these places to explore for next time:
- Papilonia: a butterfly house housing and small birds
- Špilberk Castle: exploring a medieval fortress and former prison
- Moravian Museum: Brno was the former capital of Moravia (the historical region). I think this museum would be interesting to learn more about the history of the area.
- Old Town Hall- paid entry. The tower can be climbed in summer.
- Take a Labyrinth Tour Under the Vegetable Market
If you’ve been to Brno before, what did you think? Would you add this charming town to your next itinerary?
Lingo in Transit 
Brno looks and sounds very charming. Thanks for the introduction.. Maggie
Thank you for stopping by Maggie.
Brno has eluded me, despite two visits to the Czech Republic! Looks gorgeous, and I do love a good Czech fried cheese (even though I’ve gotten quite lactose-intolerant over time)! Thanks for sharing your adventure here 😊
Oh no! I wonder if they have lactose free fried cheese on offer somewhere. Maybe third-time lucky on your next Czech Republic trip.
A Labyrinth tour? Sounds intriguing! Brno is a city full of suprises. That fried cheese sounds delicious too!
It’s too bad fried cheese is not big in Aus!
You are so right!
Brno might not be as popular as Prague, but it’s the 2nd largest city in the Czech Republic, and it’s quite an underrated destination for a weekend trip in Central Europe. While I’ve never been to it, I know they have an amazing Ossuary underneath the Church of St. James which I would love to visit one day. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
Oh, that’s great to know about the Ossuary!
Magical place and beautiful blue hour, too!
It’s such a beautiful town!
Brno has the misfortune to always come after Prague, and I’ve always lacked the time to go further than the capital, which takes up so much of the attention. I feel bad.
Perhaps next time! It would work as a day trip from Prague as well.
Looks interesting!
It’s a very cool city!
Hi Lingo, we are planning a day trip to Brno f next week (Apr 24) by taking the train from Vienna. Is Brno easy to get around? Can you walk to most of these sites that you posted? Robyn
Hi Robyn, how exciting! I assume you’ll be getting off at the Main Train Station? If so, yes, everything mentioned is within the Old Town and accessible on foot from the train station. Spilberk Castle will be the furthest but it’s next to the Old Town. Let me know what you think! – Sophie.