The Czech Republic is one of the most visited countries in Europe all thanks to its capital and the largest city in the country Prague. But have you ever thought about visiting other cities like the second-largest city Brno? Though it is not as spectacular as Prague, the city of Brno has its own charms and I am sharing my selection of the top five must-see places in Brno.
After visiting Prague last month, I was itching to go somewhere and found some pretty affordable tickets to Brno, a city I had never heard of. Thinking for it to be the second largest, it must be on the same scale as Prague. To my surprise even though the city of big, for tourist purposes it is not that big and can be explored within a day.
Top Five Must-See Places in Brno | Czech Republic
Brno is the second-largest city in the Czech Republic after Praha (Prague), like most Eastern European cities it has the cobblestone-lined streets, the Gothic architecture and most importantly, is very easy to navigate. Dependent on where you staying in Brno your starting point should be Hlavni Nadrazi or Nove Sady.
Whenever I travel somewhere new for the first time I like to use city sightseeing tour services as they have the most common tourist destinations. Often these places are usually a must-see and then after you can explore alone but at least by then you would have had a feel of the city. During my recent visit to Brno, I managed to explore a lot more than I thought on foot and using public transport. The top five must-see places in Brno include:
Cathedral of St Peter & St Paul
Across from Nove Sady sits the Cathedral in its majestic glory. Cross the road and take a sharp left to climb up the path to the Cathedral to access it from the back and made your way around to the front. The Cathedral seats on a hill like more in Eastern Europe and acts as a vantage point to oversee the city, it is truly beautiful to stand there and admire the view.
Capuchin Crypt & Church
From the front of the Cathedral slightly to your right walk down the narrow road for a few minutes to find yourself in front of the Crypt & Church. I did not go into either as both times I was there the places were either shut or not open yet for visitors. Stories have it that the Crypt harbours mummies and though I was eager to see this myself thinking back I am ok not to have seen it as I would have been dreaming about it for months to come.
Cabbage (vegetable) Market
Across from the Capuchin Crypt & Church is the so-called cabbage market and unfortunately both times I was there the market was either over or not happening for that day (Sunday). I am told the freshest of fruits are sold there no matter the weather.
Spilberk Castle
When I arrived in Brno, from my hotel I took Bus 26 which passes right in front of the Castle. The Spilberk Castle also nests on a hill but not as bad as the Bratislava Castle, this hill is easy to walk no matter the shoes you’re wearing. I was able to tour the entire Castle grounds to get my feel of it all. It is truly beautiful and magnificent Castle.
Phallic Clock
After wandering around the Cabbage market I took a wander around the town centre and found myself staring at the old town hall with the lopsided centre town before I wandered off and found this Phallic Clock. When you first see it you question whether you’re staring at a huge bullet or a dalleck with no ‘dalleck clothes’. It is an interesting clock indeed.
I had such an amazing time exploring Brno, to end my day of being a tourist I went back to the Cabbage market where a very nice restaurant was situated and ordered me some Czech cuisine which is a must should you be fortunate enough to visit Czech Republic. You can get everywhere in Brno with either a Bus or Tram, the services are regular and you don’t even need to know the language to navigate around. I downloaded an app called CG Transit and it saved my bacon many a time.
Joe Zly says
Dont forget a 100 years old but super modern house by Mies van De Rohe y Pisarkach
Michelle says
What a gorgeous place. I adore the old century and cobble style of Brno. The cathedral is just gorgeous, I would love to see the inside.
Miranda says
It’s such an amazing place to visit well I think entire Europe is
Rachel says
Well the clock is most definitely an interesting monument! I love the architecture x
Miranda says
Hahahaha you’re telling me. I had a good chuckle to myself.
Kiana says
I also love exploring a new town that I’m visiting. It looks like you were able to get a lot of sightseeing in!
Miranda says
I was so lucky to visit so many places in such a short time but then again I do like to make the most of my time when I am away
Janna says
I have never heard of this place but it looks amazing! It would be fun to take pictures of the architectures and brick sidewalks. I have a thing for pathways 🙂
Miranda says
I hadn’t heard of it myself until last month but happy I managed to visit it. The architecture is amazing but then again Eastern Europe has some of the best.
Emma White says
Dare I say I have never even heard of this place but how very pretty and quirky it is what beautiful pictures
Miranda says
It’s not the first place that jumps out in Czech Republic lol it’s beautiful though
Sarh S says
So beautiful! I’d love to visit one day. I love the brick roads and sidewalks.
Miranda says
You should it’s beautiful
Melissa says
Wow there really is some beautiful places with some really cool stuff to see. I want to travel more with my family and really see more than we have in the past.. We need to get out of Iowa during the Winter especially to see pretty things like this and the rest of the world. Great photos!
Miranda says
Thanks I would love to visit Iowa one day
Alana says
What a lovely looking place. I haven’t been to the Czech Republic yet, but it’s nice to read about somewhere different. Looks like you had nice weather too.,
Miranda says
Yep it was amazing weather so you can imagine my disappointment when I came back to the UK
Kara says
Looks like a fabulous place to visit and that clock is a little riske!!
Miranda says
Hahaha it is isn’t it, just right there in the centre of town
Little Pickle's Mom says
Ha ha, so distracted by the phallic clock – that’s all I can think to comment about! I’m so immature…! I love reading Top 5 places to visit for different places though. Will be sure to check these out should I ever visit Brno (how do you pronounce that?).
Miranda says
Hahaha I know the phallic clock is something isn’t it. It pronounced ber-no
Emma T says
Brno looks like another great place to experience. I love how everywhere in Europe seems to be so different in style and buildings.
Miranda says
Brno is gorgeous and yes Europe has some unique and building buildings
Mommy Pehpot says
I imagine myself standing at the front of Cathedral of St Peter & St Paul staring at the street while it is sunset and marveling at how the sun illuminates the city.
Brno seems like an amazing place to visit.
Miranda says
It is such an amazing city and I can just picture myself doing exactly that
Emma Spellman says
I have never been to Brno, but it looks like an amazing place. I always seem to miss fresh markets too. It is my curse lol. I hope you get to check it out when it is opened one day.
Miranda says
Yea me too I would have loved to see the market in action
Miles L. says
I’m a big believer that each country really has something to offer to tourists. I haven’t been in the Czech Republic but I’m sure there are plenty of great places to visit. Your photos are convincing me to go here someday.
Miranda says
Awww thanks miles glad to hear that. Each country indeed is unique
Melissa says
I would also love to visit Brno, Czech Republic. I have plans to travel to Europe in the next few years to visit a family friend and your post has convinced me to make sure that I put these top 5 must see in Brno in my plans!
Miranda says
Well I hope you do manage to visit your friend and explore Europe at the same time
Aileen Adalid says
I’ve been to CZ but have never had the chance to see this place — actually, it’s my first time to hear of it! And it looks so charming. I’ll take note of this for next time, that’s for sure!
Miranda says
You should definitely check it out, many people just consider Prague as the place to visit on CZ but actually Brno should be on the list too
ali says
lol that clock! I didn’t see it until I read it. looks like a lovely place to spend a mini break though, shame about the cabbage market.
Miranda says
Yea I know right it’s something else but lovely place
DannyUK.com says
I’m not a traveller, but I am ashamed to say that I have never heard of Brno! I must admit that I did a double-take at the clock photo!
Miranda says
Hahahah it’s not exactly the first name that pops when saying weekend destination lol
Jenni says
I’ve never thought of going here but looks lovely to explore, great photos x
Miranda says
Thanks to an amazing place
Ickle Pickle says
I have never heard of this place – it looks fascinating! That clock is a bit awesome! Kaz x
Miranda says
It’s an amazing
Grant R says
Check out those fan-shaped cobbles. Class. Can’t stand cabbage though EVEN WHEN MY WIFE SNEAKS IT INTO SOUP THAT I LIKE.
Miranda says
Hahaha your wife is a genius lol I loved the cobbles too
Ana De- Jesus says
I would love to visit Brno and it is your post that has made me want to go because before I read this I had never read it before!
Miranda says
Well I am glad to hear that, I only found out about it early this year on the wizz air app
Heather Lawrence says
Ummm…. now that’s a clock that could make anyone blush! I had to double check because my mind when “exactly where I had hoped it wouldn’t ” only to find out that that is exactly what it is! They would never allow anything like that here in Canada! LOL!!
Miranda says
Looool hahahaha I know right, I had to double take because it’s very unusual
Me, You and Magoo says
Looks beautiful…although the phallic clock looks a tad out of place! Although I’m not against mixing modern with old, this is just a bit too in your face. As it were! #ukawesomebloggers
Miranda says
Hahaha I know right, not really sure the reason behind it but hey it’s art I am told lol