12 Best Things to Do in Brno for 2026

Brno is a city that surprises every visitor. It mixes old legends with a modern student life. You can spend days walking through the historic center. Every street has a story to tell about the local people. Here are the top twelve sights you must see during your stay.

1. Name: Capuchin Crypt (Kapucínská krypta) Type: Iconic sight Why go: This is the famous home of the Capuchin Crypt and mummies Brno. The air flow naturally preserved the bodies of friars and nobles. It is a powerful and quiet place for reflection. Best for: History buffs and those curious about the macabre. Where: Kapucínské náměstí, Old Town. Time: 45–60 minutes. Cost: ~120 CZK. Getting there: Walk 5 minutes from the main train station. Tip: Look for the mummified remains of Baron Trenck, a famous soldier.
2. Name: Spilberk Castle Type: Viewpoint/History Why go: This Spilberk Castle was once a tough prison. Today, it offers the best views of the city skyline. You can explore the dark casemates and the city museum. Best for: Families and view seekers. Where: Spilberk Hill. Time: 2–3 hours. Cost: ~150 CZK for the casemates. Getting there: Walk uphill from Husova street. Tip: Visit at sunset for amazing photos of the cathedral.
3. Name: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul Type: Iconic sight Why go: This cathedral dominates the Brno skyline with its twin towers. It is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The bells ring noon at 11:00 AM due to a local legend. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Petrov Hill. Time: 30–60 minutes. Cost: Free entry to the nave; small fee for towers. Getting there: Walk up from the Vegetable Market. Tip: Climb the tower for a 360-degree view of South Moravia.
4. Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: Museum/Architecture Why go: This is a UNESCO World Heritage site designed by Mies van der Rohe. It is a pioneer of modern functionalist architecture. Use our Villa Tugendhat visiting guide to plan. Best for: Design enthusiasts. Where: Černá Pole district. Time: 2 hours. Cost: ~400 CZK. Getting there: Take tram 3 or 5 to Dětská nemocnice. Tip: Book your tickets at least 3-4 months in advance.
5. Name: St. James Ossuary Type: Unique experience Why go: This is the second-largest ossuary in Europe after Paris. It holds the remains of over 50,000 people. The atmosphere is solemn and beautifully arranged. Best for: Unique photo opportunities. Where: Under St. James Church. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: ~160 CZK. Getting there: Walk to Rašínova street in the center. Tip: Purchase a St. James Ossuary Brno entrance ticket online to save time.
6. Name: Labyrinth under Vegetable Market Type: Unique experience Why go: Explore a labyrinth under the Vegetable Market that dates back to the Middle Ages. You will see old wine cellars and food storage areas. It shows how people lived centuries ago. Best for: Adventurous travelers. Where: Zelný trh (Vegetable Market). Time: 1 hour. Cost: ~180 CZK. Getting there: The entrance is near the Parnas Fountain. Tip: Wear a light jacket as it is cool underground even in summer.
7. Name: Old Town Hall Type: Iconic sight Why go: See the famous "Brno Dragon" (which is actually a crocodile) hanging in the passage. The building has a beautiful courtyard and a crooked Gothic turret. Best for: Quick sightseeing. Where: Radnická street. Time: 20–40 minutes. Cost: Free for the passage; small fee for the tower. Getting there: Walk from the main square (Náměstí Svobody). Tip: Ask a local about the legend of the wheel in the hallway.
8. Name: 10-Z Bunker Type: History/Unique Why go: This 10-Z Bunker Brno nuclear shelter was built for the city's elite. You can walk through the cold tunnels and see Soviet-era equipment. It is a very immersive historical experience. Best for: Cold War history fans. Where: Husova street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: ~150 CZK. Getting there: Walk from the city center toward Spilberk Hill. Tip: There is a retro bar inside where you can grab a drink.
9. Name: Moravian Gallery Type: Museum/Art Why go: It is the second largest art museum in the country. The gallery spans several buildings with amazing modern and classic art. The design of the buildings is as beautiful as the art. Best for: Art lovers and rainy days. Where: Multiple locations (Governor's Palace, Pražák Palace). Time: 2–3 hours. Cost: Varies by exhibition; some parts are free. Getting there: Walkable from the central squares. Tip: Check out the giant slide in the Pražák Palace!
10. Name: Mendel Museum Type: Museum/Science Why go: Gregor Mendel discovered the laws of genetics right here in Brno. The museum is located in the beautiful Augustinian Abbey. You can see the gardens where he did his work. Best for: Science enthusiasts. Where: Mendlovo náměstí. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: ~100 CZK. Getting there: Take tram 1, 5, or 6 to Mendlovo náměstí. Tip: Visit the nearby brewery for a local beer after your tour.
11. Name: Brno Astronomical Clock Type: Unique experience Why go: This black stone clock looks like a bullet or a shell. Every day at 11:00 AM, it releases a glass marble. People gather around to try and catch it. Best for: Quirky photo ops. Where: Náměstí Svobody (Freedom Square). Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: It is in the very heart of the city. Tip: Read our Brno astronomical clock explained guide to learn how to read it.
12. Name: Villa Stiassni Type: Architecture Why go: This villa shows the luxury of the interwar period. It has a huge garden and grand interiors. It was often used to host important government guests. Best for: History and garden lovers. Where: Hroznová street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: ~200 CZK. Getting there: Take tram 1 to Výstaviště - hlavní vstup. Tip: The gardens are free to walk through during opening hours.

Planning Your Visit to the Capuchin Crypt and Mummies Brno

The Capuchin Crypt and mummies Brno offer a unique look at history. The crypt is located under the Church of the Finding of the Holy Cross. It was built in the 17th century for the Capuchin friars. Because of the special soil and air flow, the bodies did not decay.

When you visit, you will see the friars lying on the ground. They were buried without coffins to show humility. You can also see the tombs of local wealthy families. It is a very quiet and respectful place for all visitors.

To reach the site, go to Kapucínské náměstí near the main market. The crypt is open most days, but hours can change in winter. You can find more details on the official tourism portal. Photography is usually allowed if you buy a special permit.

Exploring the Mysterious Brno Underground

Brno has a massive network of tunnels and cellars. This underground world was hidden for many years. Now, several parts are open to the public. Each site offers a different look at the city's hidden history.

The St. James Ossuary is perhaps the most famous after the crypt. It is a place of deep respect for the dead. The bones are stacked in artistic ways that are quite moving. It is located right in the city center near the main shops.

The Labyrinth under the Vegetable Market is more about daily life. You can see where merchants kept their food and wine. There are even recreations of old alchemy labs. It is a fun and educational walk for all ages.

Culture and Art in the Heart of Moravia

Brno is not just about history; it is a center for art. The Moravian Gallery has a huge collection of design and fine art. You can see works from the Middle Ages to today. The buildings themselves are beautiful examples of local architecture.

Science fans should not miss the Mendel Museum. It celebrates the life of Gregor Mendel, the father of genetics. You can learn about his experiments with pea plants. The museum is located in a peaceful abbey with a lovely garden.

Finally, enjoy the modern vibe of the city squares. Náměstí Svobody is always full of life and events. You can see the astronomical clock and enjoy a coffee. It is the best place to watch the world go by in Brno.