Brno, the capital of South Moravia, hums with a laid-back, creative rhythm. The skyline mixes medieval spires with bold Functionalist lines, while Janáček’s music, café culture, and university energy keep the streets lively. From the Petrov cathedral to Špilberk’s ramparts and the legend of the “Brno Dragon,” history is never far from view.

Come for the UNESCO-listed Villa Tugendhat, stay for the wine-soaked hills, karst caves, and the city’s serious love of coffee. Markets bustle at Zelný trh, the 10-Z Bunker reveals Cold War stories, and the Moravian Karst shows off its Macocha Abyss and Punkva Caves. Even the astronomical clock on Freedom Square tells time “Brno-style” at 11:00.

Practical notes: the local currency is CZK; cards are widely accepted. Trams are punctual and easy—day tickets are inexpensive (about 100 CZK for zones 100+101). Czech cuisine is hearty (try svíčková and Moravian koláče), and tipping 5–10% is appreciated. Book Villa Tugendhat well in advance (often closed Mondays).

Brno

Brno feels refreshingly authentic—equal parts student town, design lab, and historical crossroads. You’ll wander grand squares like Náměstí Svobody, duck into the Old Town Hall to find the “dragon,” then sip natural wine in a vaulted cellar. Mornings start with third-wave espresso; evenings often end with world-class cocktails.

• Top sights: Špilberk Castle, Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul (Petrov), Villa Tugendhat (UNESCO), Zelný trh market, Ossuary at St. James, Old Town Hall, Moravian Museum, 10-Z Bunker.
• Local flavors: Tank Pilsner and unfiltered lagers, South Moravian wines (Riesling, Veltliner, Pinot gris), comforting Czech plates, and standout bakeries.
• Where to stay: For Old Town ambiance and easy tram access, base yourself around Zelný trh or Náměstí Svobody. For green space, look near Lužánky Park.

Accommodation: Compare hotels and apartments here: • VRBO Brno stays • Hotels.com Brno hotels

How to get to Brno: Fly into Vienna (VIE), Prague (PRG), or Bratislava (BTS), then train or bus to Brno. Typical trains: Vienna–Brno ~1h30 (~€8–€20), Prague–Brno ~2h30 (~€10–€25), Bratislava–Brno ~1h30 (~€7–€15). Search and book: • Omio flights (to/from Europe) • Omio trains in Europe • Omio buses in Europe

Day 1: Arrival, Old Town Orientation, and Market-to-Glass Evening

Afternoon: Arrive and drop your bags. Stretch your legs at Zelný trh (Cabbage Market), where seasonal stalls brim with berries, mushrooms, flowers, and pickles. Step inside the Old Town Hall to see the carved portal and the “Brno Dragon” (actually a crocodile) and wooden wheel—local legends wrapped in wood and scale.

Evening: Start with dinner at Soul Bistro (modern European plates; try the duck confit or seasonal risotto) or Stopkova Plzeňská Pivnice (classic Czech—svíčková with dumplings, schnitzel, and tank Pilsner). For a sweet finish, grab cake at Café Momenta by the market. Nightcaps at Bar, který neexistuje (The Bar That Doesn’t Exist) where the menu reads like a novel—ask the bartenders for a custom pour, or try the local-favorite gin cocktails.

Day 2: Historic Core, Petrov Views, and Špilberk Ramparts

Morning: Fuel up at SKØG Urban Hub (Scandi vibes, filter coffee, and pastries) or Monogram Espresso Bar (tiny, award-winning pours). Join a guided introduction to the city’s past and present:

Brno Historical Walking Tour

It’s a concise way to cover the Capuchin Monastery, market squares, and architectural highlights with context.

Afternoon: Climb to the Catholic Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul on Petrov Hill. The bells ring at 11:00 instead of noon—a tradition dating to the Thirty Years’ War. Then head to Špilberk Castle for fortress history and city panoramas; the casemates tell sobering tales from Habsburg times.

Evening: Dinner at Lokal U Caipla (crispy pork belly, beef tartare, fresh-drawn Pilsner Urquell) or Pegas (brewpub with hearty Moravian dishes and house lagers). Sip a late Negroni at Super Panda Circus, a theatrical speakeasy with playful menus and a devoted local following.

Day 3: Modern Brno—Villa Tugendhat and Design Details

Morning: Breakfast at Kafec Brněnský (famous waffles) or Café Placzek (classic brunch). Tour Villa Tugendhat (UNESCO), Mies van der Rohe’s modernist masterpiece—book weeks ahead; time slots fill quickly. Continue with nearby Functionalist gems like Villa Stiassni and peek into the Moravian Gallery (Museum of Applied Arts) for design and decorative arts.

Afternoon: Wander Lužánky Park, the country’s oldest public park, for a green breather. Coffee at Industra Coffee if you fancy a short tram ride for serious single-origin espresso.

Evening: Splurge on dinner at Borgo Agnese (Mediterranean tasting menus with Czech accents) or Pavillon (steak and seafood in a sleek glass pavilion). If you enjoy the performing arts, check schedules for the Janáček Theatre (opera/ballet) or Mahen Theatre (drama)—both historic stages with contemporary programming.

Day 4: Moravian Karst Half-Day, Ossuary, and Wine Bars

Morning: Dive into subterranean wonders on a guided excursion:

Half Day Tour to the Macocha Abyss and The Punkva Caves

Expect boat rides on an underground river, soaring limestone chambers, and views across the dramatic Macocha Gorge.

Afternoon: Back in town, explore the Ossuary at St. James, one of Europe’s largest, for a contemplative look at Baroque-era Brno. Grab lunch at Podnebí (garden setting, seasonal bowls) or Forky’s (fast-casual plant-based fare).

Evening: Sample South Moravia’s best at Petit Cru (masterful tastings), Víno z Čejkovic (small producers), or JustWINE (cheese boards and excellent whites). For dinner, try U Tresti for regional classics or Koishi if you crave top-notch fish and sushi prepared by Czech culinary pros.

Day 5: Moravian Wine Country by E‑Bike (All Day)

Trade city streets for vine-striped hills on this scenic day trip:

Moravian E-Bike & Wine Day Trip From Brno

Ride through “Tuscany-like” landscapes, stop at cellars for tastings (think Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Pinot Gris), and explore postcard towns like Mikulov or the Lednice–Valtice chateau grounds. It’s equal parts fresh air, wine education, and South Moravian culture.

Post-ride bites: Back in Brno, keep it casual at Bistro Franz (Czech seasonal), or head to 4pokoje for late-night kitchen and inventive cocktails.

Day 6: Underground Brno, Mendel’s Legacy, and Tank Beer

Morning: Step into Cold War history at the hillside shelter:

Skip the Line: 10-Z Bunker Entrance Ticket in Brno

Walk self-guided through 500 meters of tunnels, decontamination rooms, and exhibits. Coffee afterward at the retro café above the bunker or detour to Café Mitte.

Afternoon: Visit the Mendel Museum at the Augustinian Abbey in Staré Brno, where Gregor Mendel conducted the pea plant experiments that birthed genetics. If you’re a battlefield buff, consider a quick rail hop to Slavkov u Brna (Austerlitz) for the Cairn of Peace and Napoleon-era history (regional trains ~25 minutes; check Omio trains for times).

Evening: Tour the Starobrno Brewery precinct near Mendel Square or settle into Výčep Na Stojáka for standing-pint culture with cold cuts and pickled cheese. For dinner, Výtopna (family-friendly with model trains delivering drinks) or return to Pegas for robust Moravian classics.

Day 7: Markets, Towers, and Souvenirs—Departure Day

Morning: Brunch at SKØG or Placzek, then browse Zelný trh for edible souvenirs (honey, spices, herbal teas). Pop into the Labyrinth under the Vegetable Market if you missed it earlier—cellars where merchants once stored goods.

Afternoon: Climb the Old Town Hall tower for one last city view, then amble through Jakubské náměstí for a final espresso at Monogram. Depart after lunch—trams run frequently to main stations, and trains connect you onward (search Omio trains or Omio buses).

Optional/Alternate Add‑Ins During the Week

• Freedom Square astronomical clock: Be there around 11:00 to try catching the small glass “marble” that drops daily.
• Veveří Castle and Brno Reservoir: Tram-to-bus combo for a lakeside stroll and a castle perched above the water.
• More guided history: If you prefer a private, customizable city overview: Brno Private Walking Tour

  

  (Swap this in for Day 2’s group option if you want a tailored pace.)

Where to Sleep—Quick Picks

• Old Town, steps from Zelný trh: Elegant hotels with market views and easy tram access. Browse Hotels.com and VRBO for apartments with balconies.
• Near Lužánky Park: Quiet, leafy streets with cafés—good for families and runners. See both Hotels and VRBOs.
• Design-forward stays: Look for properties celebrating Brno’s Functionalist heritage; availability varies, so compare across dates on both platforms.

Local Logistics

• Trams and tickets: Buy at yellow machines or via mobile apps; inspectors do check. A 24-hour ticket for central zones is inexpensive and saves time.
• Dining tips: Reserve weekend dinners, especially at Borgo Agnese, Pavillon, and Koishi. Many kitchens pause between lunch and dinner—plan snacks.
• Seasonality: Summer brings festivals and longer cellar hours in wine country; winter is cozy in pubs and cafés. Popular tours (Punkva Caves, Villa Tugendhat) require advance booking.

More Great Tours You Can Swap In

• 3 Hour Private Tour with a Local Guide in Brno

  

Wrap-up: In seven days, you’ll have climbed castle walls, traced modernist lines at Tugendhat, sailed an underground river, and sipped your way through South Moravia’s vineyards. Brno rewards curiosity—linger in its cafés and wine bars, and the city opens up like a well‑loved book you’ll want to reread.