15 Best Things to Do in Brno For A Laid-Back City Escape

Brno doesn’t get as much attention as Prague, which is exactly why I loved it. I spent a weekend there with friends and was surprised by how laid-back and local it felt. Even though it’s the second-biggest city in the Czech Republic, most tourists overlook it.

What makes Brno special isn’t just a list of attractions (though there are some cool ones). It’s the vibe. People actually use the parks and squares here, they hang out, talk, laugh, live.

In this post, I’m sharing the best things to do in Brno, from underground tunnels and castle views to quirky bars and seriously good vegan food. If you’re after something authentic and relaxed, Brno might just be your new favourite city.

1. Explore the Underground of Brno

One of the most unique things about Brno is what lies beneath the surface. Its underground is way more extensive than I expected. I managed to visit the four most popular underground spots (top 4 on the list), but there are even more if you want to go deeper (literally).

• Ossuary at St. James Church: This is the second largest ossuary in Europe, eerie yet fascinating. It was only discovered in 2001, and what’s on display is just a small portion of the bones found. Go early or book ahead, especially if you’re visiting on a weekend.
• Labyrinth under the Cabbage Market: A surprisingly detailed look at life in medieval Brno. The displays (though replicas) are really immersive. The guided tour is only in Czech but you can download an English audio guide app (they have wifi).
• Capuchin Crypt: A smaller site but nonetheless very impressive. You’ll see naturally mummified monks under the church.
• 10-Z Bunker: This World War II shelter, later used during the Cold War, is very unique. Parts are now a museum, while others have become a hostel (yes, you can stay overnight). I recommend reading about it beforehand as the the display isn’t very detailed.
• Water Tanks at Žlutý kopec: These massive brick and concrete tanks were used for water storage until 1997 and only opened to the public in 2024. Hidden under a quiet park, they look like something out of a video game or ancient civilization.
• Cellar under the New Town Hall: This isn’t your average museum. The cellar uses virtual reality and storytelling to bring Brno’s history to life in a fun, interactive way. I didn’t get a chance to visit, but it sounds like a cool mix of tradition and tech.
• Špilberk Castle Underground: The castle isn’t just impressive above ground, you can explore old fortifications and a lapidarium set in former water reservoirs beneath it. I’ll share more about the views and the castle itself in the next section.
• Atomic Bomb Shelter: Nearly a kilometre of underground corridors beneath Petrov Hill, designed to shelter 3,000 people in case of a nuclear attack. It’s only accessible via guided tours on Saturdays, and those are in Czech only for now.

For more detail, check out my post about Brno’s underground attractions.

2. Enjoy the Views from Špilberk Castle

Špilberk Castle towers over Brno and is one of the first things you’ll spot when you arrive. But it’s not just about the history, it’s genuinely one of the best places in the city for a relaxed stroll with a view.

We didn’t go inside the castle (you can, for a fee), but honestly, the best part for me was just walking up the hill and soaking in the atmosphere. Locals use it like a city park, couples holding hands, families pushing strollers, groups of friends just chatting in the sun.

At the top, you’re rewarded with some amazing views across Brno, and there’s even a cute little café where you can grab a drink and take it all in. If it’s a sunny day, make sure this is on your list, even if the castle doesn’t look that special, the vibe up there is worth it.

🌺 Learn about Brno’s fascinating history on a walking tour!

3. Climb the Old Town Hall Tower

If you’re after the best city center view in Brno, the Old Town Hall tower is where you’ll find it. Unlike the more distant views from Špilberk Castle, here you’re right in the heart of the city, looking out over the rooftops, squares, and spires.

There’s no elevator, so be ready for a bit of a climb, but it’s worth it. When we visited, only tow other people were there. It felt like a hidden gem, quiet, peaceful, and with 360-degree views.

Once you’re back down, take some time to explore the Old Town Hall itself. Some of the rooms are open to the public, including the stunning Fresco Hall (unless it’s being used for an event).

And don’t miss the next spot on this list, right here at the Old Town Hall: the Brno Dragon.

4. See the Brno Dragon

You’ll find Brno’s most legendary (and most confusing) creature hanging right inside the entrance of the Old Town Hall. Meet the Brno Dragon, which is, very clearly, a crocodile.

According to local legend, it once terrorized the city until a brave man figured out how to defeat it using a sack of lime. In reality, the crocodile was likely a gift from a visiting dignitary centuries ago, but Brno stuck with the dragon story.

It’s a quick stop, but it’s fun to see such a bizarre piece of folklore displayed in the middle of town. Just look up when you enter the passageway of the Old Town Hall, you can’t miss it.

🐲 Hear the details of the legends from a local guide!

5. Find Interesting Statues

Brno is full of quirky and surprising statues, you’ll find just by walking around. Some are famous, others are easy to miss, so keep your eyes open. Here are some highlights:

• Equestrian Statue of Margrave Jobst of Luxembourg: Located in front of the Moravian Gallery. The giant horse is striking on its own, but if you stand directly underneath and look up… the view is memorable (and very suggestive). Intentional or not, it’s one of the most photographed statues in Brno.
• Waiting Adam: The tiniest statue in Brno, sitting quietly next to a large clock. You’ll find it close to FRYENDS, one of the best vegan restaurants in the city.
• Samurai and Goose: Perched on top of an apartment building, this statue looks like it’s straight out of a dream. A samurai, a goose, and absolutely no explanation in sight.
• Mozart Statue: Right at the Vegetable Market, it might leave you puzzled. It shows adult Mozart’s head on a child’s body, marking his performance in Brno as a young prodigy.

And these are just a few! Brno’s streets are filled with creative sculptures, so take your time wandering, you never know what you’ll find.

6. Be at the Astronomical Clock at 11am

Right in the middle of Freedom Square, you’ll spot what looks like a tall, bullet-shaped black statue, that’s Brno’s Astronomical Clock. It’s modern, abstract, and… impossible to read. Seriously, it’s a clock, but you won’t be able to tell the time with it.

Every day at 11am, it releases a small glass marble through one of four openings at the base. People gather around, trying to catch it as it’s supposed to bring luck. We didn’t manage to get one, but watching the little crowd of hopefuls was entertaining enough.

The reason it’s at 11am? It commemorates the successful defense of Brno against the Swedish siege in 1645. Legend has it that Brno tricked the Swedes into retreating by ringing the noon bell an hour early and they gave up at “midday,” just as they’d vowed.

7. Shop at the Cabbage Market

The Cabbage Market (Zelný trh) is one of Brno’s oldest and most vibrant public squares, and easily one of my favourite spots in the city. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s perfect for a quick drink and some people-watching.

What I loved most was the color-coded umbrellas:

• Green: self-produced goods only
• Yellow: refreshments
• Red: a mix of local and imported products

In spring, the market was full of flowers and fresh produce. Even though it was still a bit chilly when we visited, people were sitting on benches or sun loungers, imagine how perfect that is on a warm day in Brno. The market is closed Sundays, but drinks are still available.

🌺 Visit the best spots of the city on a guided walking tour!

8. Chill at the Moravian Square Park

If you need a break from sightseeing, Moravian Square Park (Moravské náměstí) is the perfect spot to slow down and just enjoy the city. It’s feels like Brno’s outdoor living room.

In warmer months, there’s a fully vegan ice cream stall at the edge of the park (definitely worth checking out). The big fountain in the middle is sometimes called the “Lake of Brno”, unfortunately it was still off when I visited in April.

What I loved most was the giant bench that wraps around the park. You can sit, stretch out, or lie down with a book, it’s made for relaxing.

In winter the park turns into a big ice skating rink.

9. Visit the Cathedral

The Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul is one of Brno’s most iconic landmarks, you’ll spot its twin towers from all over the city. It’s seriously impressive from the outside, perched on a hill and towering over the surrounding streets.

To be completely honest, I wasn’t blown away by the interior though. It’s nice, but nothing that really stood out to me. That said, it’s free to enter, so it’s worth popping in for a quick look, maybe you’ll appreciate it more than I did. Just a heads up: no photos allowed inside.

10. Attend an Event

Brno might not be a tourist hotspot, but it’s surprisingly lively when it comes to events. When I visited, there was an Easter market in Freedom Square and an Expat Fair happening at the Old Town Hall. It felt like there was always something going on.

The city’s main squares, especially Freedom Square and Moravian Square, are often buzzing with local events, from food festivals to markets and cultural fairs. You don’t even have to plan ahead, just walk around and see what’s happening.

But if you like to be prepared, check what’s on while you’re in town.

11. Step Into Another World at Super Panda Circus

Looking for a cocktail with a side of surreal? Super Panda Circus is one of the most unique bars in Brno. You’ll need to ring a doorbell to get in, and once inside, you’re greeted with a free non-alcoholic drink and a wild story about interdimensional worlds.

The bar rotates between three themed “worlds”: Asian sci-fi, Amazonian jungle, and David Lynch-style dreamscape. Lights and screens shift with each world, and you can only order drinks from the current one.

They don’t take reservations, so it’s first come. We went around 7pm and had no trouble getting a table. I asked for a non-alcoholic cocktail and got it in a baby bottle, just one of many playful touches in this wonderfully weird spot.

12. Look for Street Art

One of the best areas for street art in Brno is around Bratislavská Street, home to the Městská galerie (Muraly) project. It’s a bit outside the city center and the neighbourhood feels a little run down in places, but the murals here are absolutely worth the trip.

My favourite piece is the one of the Paternoster lift on Stará Street, just off Bratislavská. It’s creative, colorful, and one of those artworks that just makes you stop and stare.

13. Stop by the Surreal Kristek House

You won’t just stumble upon Kristek House, Kristkův dům, as it’s located a bit outside the city center, but if you’re into quirky art and surreal architecture, it’s worth the detour.

Created by Czech artist Lubo Kristek, the building is packed with strange and dreamlike details. The most eye-catching? Giant hands reaching out of the wall to hold a tree.

You can’t go inside, but standing in front of it feels like discovering a sculpture in the form of a house. Unexpected, odd, and very memorable.

14. Visit Villa Tugendhat

At first glance, Villa Tugendhat might not look like much, just a sleek, minimalist house on a quiet street. I’ll admit, when I first saw it, I didn’t quite get the hype. But then I read when it was built, 1930, and suddenly, it all made sense.

This groundbreaking architecture is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was one of the first buildings to use open-plan living, steel structures, and massive glass walls. If you’re into design or modernist history, this is a must-see.

We visited the garden, which is free, and it’s lovely to stroll through. If you want to tour the inside of the villa, make sure to book well in advance, spots fill up fast.

Either way, don’t miss walking down through the garden to Villa Löw-Beer. The connection between the two villas is really cool, and there are even sun loungers where you can relax.

15. Go for Amazing Vegan Food

Brno might not be known as a vegan hotspot, but I was really impressed by the food scene here. We tried almost all the vegan restaurants during our trip, and even my non-vegan friend couldn’t stop raving about some of the meals.

One standout was Vegan AF Ramen, their bowls are flavorful, creative, and absolutely satisfying. My non-vegan friend said it was one of the best meals of the trip.

If you’re curious to try traditional Czech food in a vegan version, VEGALITÉ is the place to go. It’s hearty, comforting, and gives you a taste of the local cuisine.

For more details and recommendations, check out my full post on vegan food in Brno.

🌺 Click here to book your guided walking tour in Brno!

What’s Next?

Brno surprised me in all the best ways. From hidden underground worlds and artistic oddities to relaxed parks and incredible vegan food, this city has a way of drawing you in without trying too hard.

If you’re planning on visiting Brno and wondering how to make the most of your time, check out my guide on how to spend 2 days in Brno. It has everything you need to turn this list into the perfect itinerary.

Read more:

• 15 Best Things to Do in Brno For A Laid-Back City Escape
• Brno Underground Attractions: What to Know Before You Go
• Is Brno Worth Visiting? 7 Reasons I Prefer It to Prague
• How to Spend One Day in Brno: Detailed Itinerary
• How to Spend a Weekend in Brno: Detailed 2-Day Itinerary
• All-Vegan Restaurants in Brno: Where to Eat & What to Know

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