Destinations Europe

A perfect weekend in Brno

March 4, 2017
Brno travel guide

Brno – pronounced (“Br-no”) – is Czech Republic’s second largest city. Never heard of it? Well, this is just another good example for a country that is dominated by a big capital while other cities are hardly on a traveler’s map. However, from Vienna it’s just a stone’s throw away and I can’t believe I just made it there last weekend for the first time… Anyways, it was on my radar and I was happy that I got the chance to be hosted by some motivated, young people who share the same passion for traveling and manage a few visitor apartments in the centre of Brno. And these are themed apartments – each room with a very individual, extraordinary style – and yes! – I called the graffiti room my home for two nights 😀 I was warmly welcomed by Simi and Ondra from Internesto and from that point I knew I was in good hands: They provided me all necessary information and showed me a lot of cool places to get the best Brno experience. Btw, if you’re a travel blogger and interested into staying with them – just drop them a line under loveit@internesto.com or check their Facebook page.

Brno Internesto

Well, as much as I’d have loved to spend more time in the room, I wanted to explore the city too. The old town has a medieval feel with lots of pretty alleys, squares and churches. Trams are plentiful and the main form of public transportation, however not needed if you’re only staying in the city centre.

For those of you who are interested into more eerie stuff – Brno should be added to your travel list – because there’s a lot going on underground: Beneath St. James’ Church is a huge ossuary – 3 chambers full of bones and skulls that quickly piled up after cholera and plague epidemics in the 18th century… And if you haven’t had enough of death – head over to Capuchin Crypt where you’ll find accurately placed mummified monks which surely give you the creeps!

Brno crypt Brno cryptBrno crypt

Yes Brno certainly has a weakness for the strange. There is the crooked tower at the entrance of the old town hall, the “dragon” (a preserved crocodile hanging from the ceiling), the horse-and-rider statue (look up when you stand underneath the statue, I won’t say more 😉 ) and the astronomical clock (called “cock clock” by locals, ahem…)

But the most iconic building of all is the stunning Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul with its two gothic towers. The view from up there ain’t bad either…

Brno old townBrno old town

Simi and Ondra took me to some other spots to catch some great views over Brno. One of them was another Brno landmark, the Špilberk Castle that overlooks the city. We chatted and laughed and I really enjoyed their company!

Brno Spilberk Brno old townBrno Spilberk Brno Spilberk

Of course I had to check that place during daytime too. Best accompanied by a sweet, irresistible Trdelnik (funnel cake)!

Brno Spilberk

Turned out, that view was my favourite!

Brno Spilberk

The Špilberk hill also keeps a secret inside: The mysterious name 10-Z stands for a huge civil defense and nuclear shelter which was fully equipped for up to 500 people. It’s actually a giant underground maze but after a quick orientation tour you can explore the shelter on your own with a map. And also you can spend the night there if you’re up for that! Especially history and retro fans will love it.

Brno 10-Z bunkerBrno 10-Z bunker

Last but not least, a city trip would be incomplete without visiting some nice cafés and restaurants. You can’t miss SKØG – a  Scandinavian design heaven and a hipster’s dream!

Brno cafe

I had an excellent waffle breakfast at Kafec but they have other breakfast items and a great coffee selection too! (located at Veveří 457/10)

Brno cafe

Czech cuisine is tasty but not known for being light and healthy… Therefore Café Pilat is a welcome exception. They have a daily, middle-eastern inspired all-you-can-eat lunch buffet which was delicious and just under 5 EUR!

Brno food

As an important student city, Brno has a vibrant bar scene for its rather small size. Just walk around and watch the city getting ready for the night… From cheap to fancy there are places that suit every taste and budget. Cheers to Brno!

Directions:

Brno is easily accessible via train, bus or car from either Vienna or Prague. Bus or train tickets can be purchased for less than 10 EUR if booked in advance (one-way)! For bookings and timetables check for instance here (for trains) or here (for buses).

Are you looking for guided tours and activities in Brno? See the full list here or download GPS based itineraries to your smartphone through GPSMyCity.



*In collaboration with Internesto. The opinion remains 100% my own. This article contains affiliate links. I may receive a little commission through bookings on this site. This doesn’t cause you any extra costs but at the same time you’ll support me to run this site. Thank you ❤


If you’re into history, culture and arts you may also like these city articles:

Being a tourist in your own city: The ultimate year-round guide to Salzburg

Spring weekend trip to Zagreb

The melancholia of Venice – between beauty and decay


 

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35 Comments

  • Reply marestella March 4, 2017 at 9:37 pm

    oh super nice! brno was not at all on my bucket list… now it is… 😉
    thx for the inspiration – great weekend escape opportunity! <3

    great pics btw!!

    • Reply sileas March 8, 2017 at 11:10 am

      Thank you ❤️️

  • Reply SueT唐 梦 琇 March 5, 2017 at 6:34 am

    Julia, I really loved reading this post and your photos are wonderful as always. Such a great couple of days – that’s what I love about Europe you are in another country within a couple of hours..everywhere from Australia takes forever!! I have so many favourites with your photos that I don’t want to single any out on this post.

    • Reply sileas March 8, 2017 at 11:15 am

      Aww thank you Sue! I do enjoy the fact that everything in Europe is “so close”. However I do admire the vast, open landscapes in Australia too 😉

  • Reply Hanna March 5, 2017 at 11:17 am

    Lovely, lovely photos as always! So interesting place. Reading your story makes me sure about one thing, it is less touristic than Prague and has much more to offer to a tourist who has “seen it all”.
    Thank you for this informative article Julia!

    • Reply sileas March 8, 2017 at 11:17 am

      Exactly! It’s such a nice change to explore a city without bumping into another tourist every few metres 😉

  • Reply The Wayfarer March 5, 2017 at 4:24 pm

    I want to go to Brno so badly! It’s not far from where I live but the train/bus connection make it take soooo much longer. Maybe one of these long weekends…

    • Reply sileas March 8, 2017 at 11:21 am

      Luckily the train/bus connection between Vienna and Brno is so straightforward and fast. Maybe you can combine it with another (bigger) city? 😉

  • Reply Tiffany. Yang March 5, 2017 at 6:44 pm

    The room is so pretty! I would love to stay there one day! Brno has always been on my list, can’t wait to be there myself. And the waffles!! They look seriously amazing! Thanks for Sharing.

    Tiffany x
    http://www.thelookingglassbyty.com

    • Reply sileas March 8, 2017 at 11:50 am

      Thanks Tiff! Yes, waffles for breakfast – it can’t get much better than that 😉

  • Reply Christina March 6, 2017 at 12:00 am

    oh cool, you got to see a very beautiful city that hardly anyone ever seems to visit 😀 it looks like you were very lucky with the weather – the sun makes it look even more beautiful 🙂

    • Reply sileas March 8, 2017 at 2:16 pm

      Oh yeah, I was so happy that it was mostly sunny during my stay there 😀

  • Reply Paleica March 6, 2017 at 8:35 am

    auch so eine stadt, die ewig schon irgendwo auf der liste derer herumtümpelt, die man sich dann doch endlich mal ansehen sollte. hübsch ist es dort – ich find es immer wieder spannend, wieviel ähnlichkeit sich diese städte mit den unsrigen bewahrt habe, trotz ihrer abgeschotteten geschichte des 20. jahrhunderts. und: baumkuchen ftw!!

    • Reply sileas March 8, 2017 at 2:26 pm

      Den K&K Einfluss spürt man doch noch hier und da… Aber echt schade, dass sich die Baumkuchen nicht bei uns durchgesetzt haben 😛

      • Reply Paleica March 8, 2017 at 2:52 pm

        ich glaubed as kommt noch. zumindest auf den christkindlmärkten sind sie ja schon nicht mehr wegzudenken 😉

  • Reply Anna March 6, 2017 at 12:18 pm

    Das sieht wirklich toll aus! Wenn alles klappt, werde ich dieses Jahr Prag besuchen.

    Herzlich,
    Anna

    • Reply sileas March 8, 2017 at 2:29 pm

      Oh Prag ist auch wirklich bezaubernd! Ich hoffe es klappt alles 🙂

  • Reply Miyang March 6, 2017 at 2:07 pm

    Take me there please.😲Looks pretty good to visit! I love the room, very artistic and the city is quite laid back but the establishment are on a contemporary mode.

    • Reply sileas March 9, 2017 at 2:37 pm

      I couldn’t agree more Miyang 😉 It was a perfect little getaway!

  • Reply Vicky T. March 6, 2017 at 7:25 pm

    This looks like such a beautiful place to visit. Those apartments look really pretty as well. But I’m not so sure how I feel about those mummified bodies lol

    Vicky
    https://vickysscrapbook.com/

    • Reply sileas March 9, 2017 at 2:38 pm

      Haha me neither! It was a little on the creepy side actually 😛

  • Reply PinaySkattebasse March 7, 2017 at 8:53 pm

    Never heard of Brno until today! 3 chambers full of bones and skulls & mummified monks? Really? That sounds awesome. Sounds like a cool yet creepy (can I say it?) place. I bet my mom wouldn’t go there because she is so superstitious. I am in for the history. 🙂

    • Reply sileas March 9, 2017 at 2:41 pm

      It’s kinda surreal that all those bones and skulls belonged to real people! I wonder what’s all their stories…

  • Reply tayonthemove March 8, 2017 at 6:39 pm

    Oh my gosh! Love love this post! The photos are beautiful and I wouldn’t mind spending a night or two in that apartment!

    • Reply sileas March 9, 2017 at 2:42 pm

      Thank you Tay! I’m sure you’d enjoy it too 🙂

  • Reply Blueberry Stories March 10, 2017 at 11:27 am

    A perfect weekend in a lovely city – Café Pilat looks so nice, and so does the apartment. I’m not sure I would visit that church though…! 😉

    • Reply sileas March 29, 2017 at 11:02 am

      You said it – an absolute perfect weekend 🙂

  • Reply wazwu March 20, 2017 at 1:11 am

    Wow, you packed a lot into one weekend! All those bones and skulls… how creepy! Think I would have to pass on that. That colorful graffiti wall is so fun. I’ll have to remember to look it up if I ever have an opportunity to visit Brno, and I’ll have to learn how to pronounce the name of the city. ;P BTW, what kind of camera and lens is that in that overhead shot?

    • Reply sileas March 29, 2017 at 11:04 am

      I agree, it’s quite an bizarre idea to build a structure out of bones and skulls 😛 Oh that room had an extra floor from where I took that overhead shot 😉

  • Reply Sofia March 27, 2017 at 9:19 am

    I hadn’t heard of Brno. I was born in Borneo, so it sort of looks like that with a few letters missing lol. What an awesome hotel room! Anyway, it kind of looks like a hidden gem of a place.

    • Reply sileas March 29, 2017 at 11:05 am

      Borneo would be actually an amazing place to visit too 😉

      • Reply Sofia March 29, 2017 at 11:16 am

        Of course!

  • Reply Katerina June 23, 2018 at 6:52 pm

    I am from Brno! I really like my city but I like even more when other people like it too 🙂 You really captures Brno nicely. Thank you!

    • Reply sileas June 25, 2018 at 6:40 pm

      I hope to revisit Brno soon, I really enjoyed it there! Thanks for your feedback 😀

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