Czech Republic: A Budget travel guide to Brno
Maybe you’ve been to Prague but have you been to Brno?
Brno is a city that many travelers don’t know much about beyond seeing it as a name on the map somewhere between Prague and Vienna.
But this city, the second biggest in the Czech Republic, has its own unique charms. With a beautiful Gothic cathedral, quaint cobblestoned squares, and a fun dining scene, it’s a destination you are likely to be pleasantly surprised by.
More reading about the Czech Republic:
• A Budget travel guide to Prague
• Czech destinations beyond Prague
• Our favorite budget hotels in Prague
Budget travel guide to Brno, Czech Republic
To help you get the most of your stay in Brno, we’ve gathered together the following tips to help you save on everything from hotels to dining out.
Getting there
By plane
Served by several low budget airlines, the international airport in Brno can be a great way to start a trip to the region. It’s located only 7.5 kilometers from the city center which makes it an easy taxi ride to get to your hotel.
As with most central European countries, it’s not advised to ever take a taxi that you’ve not ordered in advance, as there is a good chance that you will be overcharged. Be careful.
Savings tip: Take the public bus from the airport to the city center. With a ticket that only costs 25kc (about $1.20) and a trip that only takes 20 minutes, it’s an easy way to save.
Arriving by train or bus
Arriving by bus will take you to the Brno AS Bus Station, which is served by major international bus companies such as Flixbus. This station is only a few minutes walk to the city center. Similarly, the main train station, Brno Hlavni Nadrazi, drops you right in the city center for your convenience.
By car
If you rent a car and plan to incorporate Brno into your itinerary, you can get there in less than 90 minutes from Vienna and Bratislava and less than two hours from Prague.
Getting around Brno
The city is comfortably compact, making it easy to explore by foot. You ought to be able to see most of the sights and explore the Old Town center in less than a day, including a stop for lunch.
Public transport tips
Should you wish to use Brno’s public transport system, a ticket costs only 10kc (about $.50).
Be sure to buy your ticket in advance from an automatic ticket dispenser or from a convenience store. Once on the bus or tram, look for the ticket validating machine to punch your ticket.
There is a chance your ticket will be inspected by a public transport official, who will identify themselves with a badge. If you get caught without a validated ticket, the fine is €40.
The Brno City Hall tower in the fog. Photo: Roman
Things to do in Brno
This relatively small city packs in a surprising number of attractions. Whether appreciating the beautiful architecture in the city center, touring the 600-year old Cathedral, or enjoying a hearty meal in a medieval tavern, you’ll find plenty of fun stuff to see and do.
Old Town
Brno has a wonderfully preserved old town center that dazzles the eye. Mostly comprised of an eclectic mix of architecture that includes Baroque, Communist-era Functionalist, as well as more modern styles, you can’t help but be aware of the city’s legacy all around you.
Through most of the city center, you’ll find your way walking through old squares and narrow alleyways that harken back to life from hundreds of years ago. Don’t miss Stara Radnice (the Old City Hall) with its 63-meter tall tower, the classic Moravske Namesti (Moravian Square), and Zelnak (the vegetable market), a quaint square where you can still find local farmers selling fruits, veggies and artisanal products.
Freedom Square
Namesti Svobody, or Freedom Square, is the main square in Brno, and the place where you can really feel the heartbeat of the city. This is the official location for most major city-sponsored events that take place throughout the year, including the Christmas and Easter Markets. You’ll also be able to find many restaurants and cafes where you can sit down and grab a meal while observing local culture in action.
Cathedral with free admission
That huge, ominous, dual-spired church that can be seen off in the distance is none other than the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul. It’s history dates back to the 11th century, but as with most churches in Europe, war and stylistic upgrades have led it to be constructed and re-constructed, again and again, leading it to its current state in the dramatic gothic style. Admission is free, which makes it the ultimate budget attraction.
Museums and parks
Brno is home to the oldest city park in the Czech Republic dating to the year 1786 — the beautiful and vast Luzanky Park. Inside you’ll be able to explore more than 22 hectares of grassy fields, streams, statues, sculptures, and a Viennese designed pavilion from 1885 created for hosting balls and concerts. To get there from the city center, it is only a 15-minute walk or a couple stops on the tram.
A must-see in Brno is the Spilberk Castle has a long and incredible history with walls that date back more than 800 years. Used as a residence of Moravian royalty, an empirical military fortress, and a brutally harsh prison for dissenters, it has countless stories to tell. With an admission price of only 90kc (about $4.50), it’s a great option for budget travelers.
The Spilberk Castle also houses the Brno City Museum. Here you can enjoy fantastic exhibits that cover both the history of the city and the history of the castle. Other exhibits worth looking at include the Brno Architecture exposition, an art gallery that explores the trends of renaissance art to the modern day, and an 18th-century Baroque pharmacy. Tickets cost 150kc (about $7.50) per person.
The best views
Climb up to Spilberk Castle to catch a gorgeous view of the city and the surrounding countryside. If you want to get up higher and are willing to pay for an even better panorama, you can go to the castle’s View Tower (50kc or $2.50).
Free walking tours
There are several paid tours in the city but budget travelers can take advantage of the free tours offered by Brno Free Walking Tour or MyTourBrno. These are seasonal tours, so contact them in advance to make sure they are operating while you are in town.
Cheap eats in Brno
Czech food is pretty similar to the classic cuisines of the central European region. Expect to get a heavy dose of roasted meat, dumplings, and a touch of pickled vegetables on most dishes you order. It’s stick-to-your-ribs delicious, but you may need some alternatives if staying for more than a day or two.
Here are some of our local favorites, both traditional and international, in Brno to eat well for less:
What could be more Czech than eating huge plates of meat and drinking delicious homemade beer in a 14th-century tavern in the historic center? For under $10 per dish, Pegas (Jakubska 4) offers all of the classics including beef goulash, roast pork with cabbage, and Svickova (beef tenderloin in a sweet creamy sauce) with dumplings. For the cost of under $2 per half-liter, you can enjoy four different kinds of craft beer that they make on premises.
Stay at Hotel Pegas Brno to be just upstairs from this authentic restaurant. You want have far to go after a few liters of beer!
Come to Pivovarska Starobrno (Mendlovo Namesti 20), one of Brno’s biggest and most famous breweries, and stay for the fun beer garden setting. For about $10 or less, you can get a fried chicken schnitzel, enjoy a roast chicken supreme with potatoes au gratin, or get a bowl of warming cabbage soup with bacon, sausage, and potatoes for a mere $2.50. It doesn’t need to be said to try a half-liter of the fresh, unfiltered beer for only $2.25.
Hidden amongst the restaurants in Brno focused on carnivorous cuisine is this gem of a vegetarian eatery. Well priced with plates such as veggie lasagna, Asian stir-fry, and the classic fried cheese, Vegalite (Slovákova 10) is a miracle find for vegetarians. The best part is that the prices are incredibly low, with average costs coming in at between $5-7 for per plate.
Affordable Nightlife
Brno is the student capital of the Czech Republic, which can only mean that there are tons of affordable bars and fun-loving people to enjoy a night out with.
To help you get started, we’ve listed a few places to enjoy a night on the town:
Set right at Jakubse Namesti (Jacob’s Square), in the heart of Brno’s most happening nightlife area, Vycep na Stojaka (Behounská 16) is a beer lover’s paradise. Offering numerous microbrews on tap at Czech prices, you are certain to sample more than your fair share by the time you leave. Just don’t plan on staying too long because the bar is completely without chairs (hence the word stojaka, or “standing”, in the name of the bar). If you get hungry, you can try the homemade sausage.
U Alberta (Pellicova 10) is the beer connoisseur’s bar of choice. With a wide variety of ever-changing locally-produced beers, a charming and low key atmosphere, and a location in the green area underneath Spilberk Castle, it’s a great place to enjoy a few glasses and have a chat with some friendly locals.
A high-spirited underground pub, Charlie’s Hat (Pod Horkou 94) is where you can pull up a chair to the bar and find friendly folks ready to chat or go dancing if the mood strikes you. Try the Czech made Bernard beer on tap ($2.50 per .5L) or a Mojito ($4.50).
Metro (Poštovská 6) is a cool local music club that offers an excellent variety of eclectic music styles depending on the night. With live blues, jazz, rock, gypsy, or DJs, this is a great spot for listening or dancing without spending more than a few dollars for cover charge on most evenings.
Hotel Royal RICC is an affordable splurge oozing with old-school Czech style.
Cheap hotels in Brno
There are lots of hotels in the Old Town area around Freedom Square, so you shouldn’t have much trouble finding a good night’s sleep for a good price. Here are a few of our favorite options below.
Search more than 300 hotels in Brno.
Around $100
Hotel Omega Brno is a nice option for budget travelers with low rates, free breakfast, and an underground parking garage. Sono Hotel offers surprisingly affordable rooms for such a grand building and breakfast is included in the rate.
Affordable splurges
If you want to enjoy a little of the old-world charm that the Czech Republic is famous for. You might want to spend a little more on your hotel in Brno. Grandhotel Brno is a lovely choice in the heart of the city that has been welcoming guests for more than 140 years. Nestled in Old Town, Hotel Royal RICC is where you can find a romantic Czech atmosphere in beautiful rooms with elaborate ceilings and stained glass windows. They’ll even greet you with a glass of Champagne on your arrival!
Headed to Prague before or after your Brno visit? Check into one of our favorite Prague budget hotels.
Your Brno tips
Have you been to Brno? Tell us your best tips for visiting in the comments section below.
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