12 Unusual Things to Do in Brno You Won't Find in Guidebooks

Brno is not your typical European city. While Prague entices visitors with classic beauty, the Moravian capital prides itself on being a bit weird. Finding unusual things to do in Brno is remarkably easy because the city embraces its eccentric side. It is a place where phallic clocks stand in grand squares and dragons hang from ceilings.

This guide skips the standard museums. Instead, we focus on dark tourism, bizarre legends, and hidden underground establishments. These spots show the true character of the Czech Republic's second-largest city. Prepare for an adventure into the quirky and unexpected.

Key Takeaways

Visit the St. James Ossuary for a moving underground experience.
Look up at the Old Town Hall portal to spot the Crooked Pinnacle.
Try to catch a marble from the astronomical clock at 11:00 AM.
Book a table at Super Panda Circus for a unique cocktail night.

Underground Secrets & Dark Tourism

Brno has a fascinating world beneath its pavement. The city is famous for its extensive underground networks and dark history. These locations offer a chilling glimpse into the past. They are perfect for travelers who enjoy the macabre.

Name: St. James Ossuary (Kostnice u sv. Jakuba) Type: Dark tourism sight Why go: It is the second-largest ossuary in Europe after Paris. You can see the remains of over 50,000 people stacked in artistic formations. Best for: History buffs and fans of the eerie. Where: Jakubské Square (city center). Time: 30–45 minutes. Cost: ~140 CZK. Getting there: Walk 5 minutes north from Freedom Square. Tip: The history of the bones at St. James Church is explained on multilingual panels inside.
Name: Capuchin Crypt Type: Historical mausoleum Why go: The unique air circulation system naturally mummified the monks buried here centuries ago. You can see their preserved bodies lying in rows. It is a humble yet shocking reminder of mortality. Best for: Those interested in religious history. Where: Capuchin Square (near the cabbage market). Time: 30 minutes. Cost: ~100 CZK. Getting there: A short walk from the main train station. Tip: Read about the Capuchin Crypt mummies beforehand to understand the preservation process.
Name: 10-Z Bunker Type: Nuclear shelter / Retro hostel Why go: This was a top-secret shelter built to protect the elite during the Cold War. Today, you can tour the diesel engine rooms and communication centers. The atmosphere is damp, cold, and incredibly authentic. Best for: Cold War enthusiasts. Where: Husova Street, under Špilberk Castle. Time: 1 hour. Cost: ~180 CZK. Getting there: Walk up the hill towards the castle. Tip: You can actually book a night sleeping in the 10-Z Bunker nuclear shelter for a full immersive experience.

Bizarre Statues & Public Art

Public art in this city is rarely boring. Locals love to joke about the controversial shapes and hidden meanings of their monuments. A self-guided strange statues walking tour in Brno is a must-do activity. These sculptures often spark laughter and debate.

Name: Brno Astronomical Clock (The Cock) Type: Public monument Why go: This black marble obelisk is shaped remarkably like a shell casing, though locals have a cruder nickname for it. Every day at 11:00 AM, it releases a glass marble. Best for: Funny photos and souvenir hunting. Where: Freedom Square (Náměstí Svobody). Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: It is the centerpiece of the main square. Tip: Catching the marble is rare; read about the Brno astronomical clock marble mechanics to improve your odds.
Name: The Indecent Little Man (Nehasil) Type: Architectural detail Why go: High up on a church window arch, a small stone figure exposes his bottom towards the cathedral. Legend says it was a sculptor's revenge for not being paid. It is easy to miss if you don't look up. Best for: Eagle-eyed observers. Where: St. James Church (southern window). Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk to the rear of the church near Jakubské Square. Tip: Bring binoculars or a zoom lens.
Name: Equestrian Statue of Jobst (The Horse) Type: Moving sculpture Why go: This huge horse has exceptionally long legs. If you stand directly underneath the horse's head and look up between its front legs, the snout resembles male anatomy. This visual pun was intentional by the artist. Best for: A good laugh. Where: Moravian Square. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: North end of city center, near St. Thomas Church. Tip: Wait for your turn; there is often a line of people taking photos from underneath.

Local Legends & Curiosities

The Old Town Hall is the epicenter of local folklore. Two specific objects here define the city's identity. They are strange items to find in a municipal building. You can see them hanging in the entrance passage for free.

Name: The Brno Dragon Type: Taxidermy legend Why go: It is actually a stuffed Amazonian crocodile gifted to the city in the 1600s. Locals believed it was a dragon terrorizing their livestock. It hangs from the ceiling of the Town Hall passage. Best for: Families and folklore fans. Where: Old Town Hall entrance. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Just off the Cabbage Market. Tip: Learn the full Brno dragon and wheel legends before visiting to appreciate the story.
Name: The Brno Wheel Type: Historical artifact Why go: This wooden wagon wheel was supposedly rolled by hand from Lednice to Brno in a single day on a bet. It hangs right next to the dragon. It symbolizes Moravian craftsmanship and stubbornness. Best for: Seeing a piece of local pride. Where: Old Town Hall passage. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Same location as the dragon. Tip: Look closely at the hub; it is said to be un-centered, proving it was made in haste.
Name: The Crooked Pinnacle Type: Gothic architecture fail Why go: Above the entrance portal of the Old Town Hall, the central stone pinnacle is twisted. The architect allegedly bent it on purpose after a payment dispute. It is a stunning example of medieval passive-aggressive revenge. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Old Town Hall exterior. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Look up before you enter the dragon passage. Tip: The Old Town Hall crooked pinnacle is best photographed from across the street.

Alternative Vibes & Nightlife

Establishments here often have a twist. The nightlife scene is famously high quality and surprisingly affordable. You will find hidden entrances and strange themes. Check the Go To Brno portal for current event listings.

Name: Kamenná Colony (Kamenná čtvrť) Type: Bohemian neighborhood Why go: This historic workers' colony feels like a separate village frozen in time. It is full of tiny houses, narrow alleys, and artists. The vibe is completely different from the city center. Best for: Photographers and slow walkers. Where: Near the stylized river banks, south of Mendlovo Square. Time: 1–2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take a generic tram to Mendlovo náměstí and walk 15 minutes. Tip: Explore the Kamenná Colony bohemian district in the late afternoon for the best light.
Name: Super Panda Circus Type: Speakeasy bar Why go: There is no sign outside, just a curtain. Inside, the menu is a game or a storybook. Drinks are served in seashells, Chinese takeout boxes, or bubbling cauldrons. Best for: Cocktail adventurers. Where: Šilingrovo Square area. Time: 2 hours. Cost: 200–300 CZK per drink. Getting there: Look for a doorman standing near a plain wall. Tip: It is one of the top unusual bars in Brno nightlife, so reservations are recommended on weekends.
Name: The Bar That Doesn't Exist Type: Cocktail bar Why go: Despite the name, it very much exists and sets the standard for service. The interior features exposed brick and a massive bottle collection. The burgers are as famous as the drinks. Best for: A lively night out. Where: Dvořákova Street. Time: Evening. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Near the Jakubske Square. Tip: Try their signature "crystals" drink if available.

Unusual Day Trips Near Brno

If you have extra time, the region around the city offers more oddities. The public transport system is excellent for these trips. You can plan your route using the official DPMB website.

Name: Punkva Caves & Macocha Abyss Type: Nature / underground river boat ride Why go: You can take a boat ride on an underground river inside a deep cave system. The tour ends at the bottom of a massive collapsed sinkhole. It feels like a journey to the center of the earth. Best for: Nature lovers. Where: Moravian Karst (30km north). Time: Half-day. Cost: ~300 CZK + transport. Getting there: Train to Blansko, then a connecting bus. Tip: Book cave entrance tickets weeks in advance in summer.
Name: Rosa Coeli Ruins Type: Roofless monastery Why go: This ruined convent has no roof, but the walls and arches remain. It is known for its strong spiritual energy. Grass grows where the floor used to be, creating a magical open-air cathedral. Best for: Quiet reflection. Where: Dolní Kounice. Time: 3 hours round trip. Cost: Small entry fee. Getting there: Bus or train south from the city. Tip: Visit at sunset for incredible shadows.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the strangest thing to do in Brno?

The St. James Ossuary is arguably the strangest sight. Walking among the bones of 50,000 people under a busy church square is a surreal experience. The 10-Z nuclear bunker is a close second for its eerie cold war atmosphere.

Is Brno worth visiting for tourists?

Yes, absolutely. Brno offers a more authentic Czech experience than Prague. It is cheaper, less crowded, and full of unique modern architecture and quirky folklore. The cafe culture and nightlife are world-class.

How do I find the Brno astronomical clock marble?

The clock releases a marble at 11:00 AM daily. You must pick one of the four openings and wait with your hand ready. People often line up 15 minutes early. If you catch it, you keep it as a souvenir.

Exploring the unusual things to do in Brno reveals a city with a great sense of humor and a deep respect for history. From the depths of the ossuary to the heights of the crooked pinnacle, there is always something surprising to see. Whether you are drinking cocktails in a hidden circus or hunting for marbles, this city will leave a lasting impression. Plan your visit today and embrace the oddities of Moravia.

Official resources

Use these sources for official schedules, tickets, routes, and updates.

Go To Brno — Official tourism portal; unverified source.
City of Brno — Official municipal portal; unverified source.
UNESCO World Heritage - Villa Tugendhat — International heritage designation; unverified source.
Lonely Planet Brno — Major editorial travel guide; unverified source.
Visit Czechia — National tourism board; unverified source.
Brno-Tuřany Airport — Official airport authority; unverified source.
DPMB - Brno Public Transport — Public transport authority; unverified source.