Brno is the second-largest city in the Czech Republic and the main city of the South Moravian Region, in the east of the country. For a visitor, it offers a useful counterpoint to Prague: a city of comparable history with a more compact centre and a student-shaped rhythm.
What to expect
The city is known for its historic architecture, and walking through its old quarters is the simplest way to take it in. Streets and squares reward a slow pace, with buildings from several centuries sitting side by side. Because the centre is easy to cover on foot, a day or two is usually enough to see the main sights without rushing.
Brno is also a university city. Several universities and their students give it a young, lively character, and this shows in its cafés, bookshops and evening life. The cultural scene is active throughout the year, so you may find theatre, music, exhibitions or festivals on your visit, depending on the season.
Why visit
- Historic architecture across the old town and its surrounding streets.
- A lively atmosphere shaped by its universities and cultural life.
- A manageable size, well suited to walking.
- A base in South Moravia, a region of its own character within the Czech Republic.
If you are deciding whether to go, Brno suits travellers who enjoy history combined with a contemporary, student-influenced city feel, and who want something beyond the better-known capital. Plan your days around the seasons and any events on at the time of your trip, since the cultural programme varies through the year.
