Brno Activities

Unfortunately, Brno does not offer many highlights for children, although there are a few attractions which are sure to keep them occupied. Spilberk Castle and the Catacombs of the Monks are definitely your best bet as they have that classic spooky feel like something out of a fantasy storybook.

Capuchin Monastery
Some kids will love these dark and creepy tombs and others will probably be too scared to deal with it. Some of Brno’s most prominent citizens are interred under this monastery and the effective ventilation system has allowed the bodies to remain impressively intact. The slowly decaying corpses are displayed in open coffins and are definitely a morbid sight. While some might find this all too much, many kids will find the image of a decaying, mummified person rather fascinating.

Moravian Museum
The Czech Republic’s second largest museum is the country’s oldest and offers more than 6 million objects in its exhibitions, which cover the full gambit of typical museum genres. It’s likely your kids will find at least some of it interesting, and if not, then head straight over to the special Children’s Museum wing, where everything is geared towards young learners.

Spilberk Castle
Every kid loves a castle and Spilberk is Brno’s best. Its hilltop location overlooking the city is a great place to spend an afternoon. Although originally built in the 13th century, it was during the 18th century that it was turned into a prison complete with dungeons and torture chambers. The entire castle is fun to explore and you can even go underground to see the former prison cells.

Brno suffers something of an unfair reputation as one of the Czech Republic’s least interesting cities, but dig a little deeper past the Communist-era sprawl and you’ll find enough attractions to keep you busy for a few days and make a visit here worth the effort. The Old Town is where you’ll find most of the highlights, offering plenty of exploration and pleasant scenery from centuries past. A handful of museums, Spilberk Castle, the Catacombs and a number of Gothic churches are things you’ll want to see.

Cabbage Market
If you want to get a sense of what Brno’s early days as a trading town looked like, head down to the Cabbage Market (Zelny trh), which has been in business since the 13th century. Vegetable merchants are still selling their produce here clustered around the lovely Parnas Fountain with its imposing statue of Hercules. Located just south of the Old Town Hall, it is the perfect place to experience the surviving medieval atmosphere.

Capuchin Monastery
One of the more famous, interesting and morbid attractions in Brno are the catacombs beneath the Capuchin Monastery. A number of locally infamous people from Brno’s past as well as more than 100 monks are interred here and thanks to an ingenious ventilation system, their bodies are shockingly well-preserved. Displayed in open coffins, the corpses are in various stages of decomposition, their clothing and skin slowly fading away.

Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul
Brno’s main cathedral is an interesting combination of Baroque and Gothic architecture, making it one of the more unique churches in Central Europe. First built in the 11th century, the cathedral was remodelled and renovated several times over its long history in whatever style was the fashion of the day. Its hilltop location makes it a great spot for taking in the sights of Brno from a bird’s eye view.

Moravian Gallery
This comprehensive art gallery has the second largest collection of art in the Czech Republic, covering every genre and period from past to present in the Moravian region. From sculpture and photography to painting and drawing, visitors will get a solid feel of the artistic traditions which emanate from the Moravian region. An impressive number of temporary exhibitions from around the globe rotate throughout the year complementing the permanent displays. If you have any interest in art, this is the best place to experience what is unique to this part of Europe.

Moravian Museum
The Czech Republic’s second largest museum is also the country’s oldest, founded in 1817 and still one of the main cultural highlights of Brno. The museum houses more than six million objects representing just about every genre of scientific, artistic and cultural importance imaginable. Although not everything is on display at the same time, the Moravian Museum is a great place to learn more about this unique region of Europe. Also on site are several interesting highlights such as Dietrichstein Palace, The Bishop’s Courtyard and The Children’s Museum.

Old Town Hall
Brno’s oldest surviving secular building, the Old Town Hall, was built back in the 13th century and is an intriguing blend of Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance styles aptly representative of the city’s long uninterrupted history. Nearly every facet of this quirky structure has some interesting story behind it, so you’ll be sure to get an entertaining experience while wandering around. Special legendary highlights include the Wagon Wheel and the Brno Dragon (which is actually an alligator). The second floor is a museum full of Brno artefacts stretching from the 13th century to 1935. There are also some of the nicest views in the city from the top of the tower. The Old Town Hall makes the ideal point from which to start your explorations of the Old Town district

Spilberk Castle
Perhaps the most famous and popular attraction in Brno is the Spilberk Castle, which has been around as long as the city itself. Throughout its long and storied history, the castle has been overrun and controlled by Hussites, Prussians and even the Nazis during WWII. Today, Spilberk is overrun by tourists who come to experience the ambiance of a medieval castle and gawk at the dungeons and torture chambers which lie beneath the grounds. As part of the Brno City Museum complex, the castle always has an interesting rotation of exhibitions to complement the permanent ‘History of Brno’ and ‘Jail of Nations’ exhibits.

Although the dining options in Brno pale in comparison to those found in Prague, there is still enough selection of authentic local eateries and somewhat upscale restaurants to satisfy most visitors. Traditional Czech cuisine is hearty stuff, with heavy emphasis on meat and starch. Spices and herbs aren’t often used, with the glaring exception of salt, yet somehow the Czechs manage to pack enough flavour into their dishes. If you enjoy eating meat, you will not go hungry. Smoked meats are a particular specialty around here, as are the familiar German and Hungarian dishes such as strudels, schnitzels and goulashes. Czech cuisine tends to borrow from its neighbours, with increasing creativity in some restaurants as tasty Czech meats are covered in creamy sauces and served over tender dumplings. You’ll rarely leave a Czech restaurant hungry, as portions are generous and the food rich and filling.

In the smaller neighbourhood restaurants and pubs, there is often a daily menu which has cheaper and fresher dishes than normally offered, but they are usually available only at lunchtime. Look out for delicious local dishes such as beef sirloin in cream sauce, potato soup with sour cream and filled dumplings. Most restaurants offer starters, which are usually ham rolls or strange gelatinous objects and of course plenty of soup. Main courses centre on the country’s three staples: pork, cabbage and dumplings. Smoked Moravian pork is a good choice in Brno, as well as wild game such as venison, wild boar and rabbit. Decent seafood will only be found at the top restaurants, but for dessert there are plenty of options.

Crepe-like pancakes covered in chocolate or fruit called palacinka and fruit filled dumplings known as ovocne knedliky are popular favourites. To wash it all down, get your fill of the incredibly tasty Czech beer. Pilsner was invented in this country and the local brews are some of the best in the world.

Shopping opportunities in Brno abound, although a few options particularly standout. One place popular with tourists and locals is the pedestrian shopping zone between the train station and Svobody Street. Brno offers the chance to buy Czech specialties such as Bohemian crystal and porcelain at cheaper prices than in the capital Prague.

Apart from the pedestrian zone, the best shopping in Brno tends to be hidden away in obscure but quaint shops that don’t advertise. The best thing to do if you’re determined to shop in Brno is either wander around and do the legwork yourself, or find a personable shopkeeper who is willing to share some of the local secrets. Take note, however, if you want to buy anything antique or valuable. The government requires export permits on many objects such as old glassworks, miniature art or paintings. You may want to check whether an item is exportable before you make that purchase.

It should come as no surprise that motor sports racing is the main sporting activity in the city, attracting some of world’s most prestigious motorcycle races and A1 Grand Prix each year at the famous Brno Circuit. Other than that, football is a big favourite among the locals, who cheer on their home team FC Brno.

Football
If you are a football fan, you’ll get a kick out of watching a local match at the Brno Stadium, an easy 20-minute walk from the centre of town. Czechs love football as much as anyone and when First League FC Brno plays one of their home matches at the stadium, the city comes alive. Tickets are shockingly cheap and readily available on game days. Grab a local beer and sausage and cheer FC Brno on with the rest of the pack.

Motor sports
Like many industrial cities, Brno loves machines with motors that go really fast. The local Brno Circuit racing track is one of the most famous circuits in the world and hosts a number of major racing events each year. The World Motorcycle Championship, Superbike World Championship, FIA Grand Tourismo Championship, World Touring Car Championship and A1 Grand Prix are among the star races held here. In addition to these international events, a number of smaller events are scheduled throughout the year.

Parks
If you need a bit of greenery and fresh air during your visit to Brno, the best place to find it is at the Denisovy Sady, the city’s main public park located behind the cathedral. There are a number of short walking paths here as well as a more strenuous uphill climb which will take you to Spilberk Castle. Along the way, you’ll pass by the Biskupska which is lined with some lovely old houses. If however going uphill isn’t your thing, there’s a handy tram which will take you most of the way there.