Quick Picks for Your Brno Trip

Planning a trip can be overwhelming. We have selected the best spots for different travel styles. These picks ensure you see the highlights of the city efficiently.

• Best Overall: Brno Ossuary St. James Church.
• Best for Families: Brno Reservoir and Zoo.
• Best Rainy-Day: Labyrinth under Vegetable Market.
• Best Free Sight: Old Town Hall courtyard and dragon.

These locations are easy to reach using local transport. You can check the official tourism portal for current event schedules. Most sites are within walking distance in the city center.

Top 10 Sights Including Brno Ossuary St. James Church

Brno is a city of layers. Much of its history is hidden beneath the streets. Start your journey in the historic center and work your way outward. Here are the top ten experiences you cannot miss in 2026.

1. Name: Brno Ossuary St. James Church Type: sight/experience Why go: It is the second largest ossuary in Europe after Paris. Best for: History buffs and those who love unique atmospheres. Where: Jakubské náměstí (St. James Square). Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Approximately 160 CZK. Getting there: Take a tram to Náměstí Svobody and walk two minutes. Tip: The lighting is very dim, so watch your step.
2. Name: Špilberk Castle Type: sight/museum Why go: This former fortress served as a notorious prison for centuries. Best for: Panoramic views and military history. Where: Špilberk Hill. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: 150-300 CZK depending on the tour. Getting there: Walk uphill from Husova street. Tip: Visit the casemates for a spooky experience.
3. Name: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul Type: sight Why go: Its twin towers define the Brno skyline. Best for: Architecture lovers and photographers. Where: Petrov Hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free for the nave; small fee for towers. Getting there: A short walk from the main train station. Tip: The bells ring noon at 11 AM due to a local legend.
4. Name: Old Town Hall Type: sight/viewpoint Why go: See the famous Brno dragon and the crooked turret. Best for: Folklore and city views. Where: Radnická street. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: ~80 CZK for the tower. Getting there: Located in the heart of the pedestrian zone. Tip: The tourist information center is located right inside.
5. Name: Labyrinth under Vegetable Market Type: experience Why go: Explore a network of medieval cellars and tunnels. Best for: Curious explorers. Where: Zelný trh. Time: 1 hour. Cost: ~180 CZK. Getting there: Enter from the Vegetable Market square. Tip: Wear a light jacket as it is cool underground.
6. Name: Capuchin Crypt Type: sight Why go: See the naturally mummified remains of Capuchin monks. Best for: Those interested in religious history. Where: Kapucínské náměstí. Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: ~100 CZK. Getting there: Near the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul. Tip: Be respectful as this is a sacred burial site.
7. Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: sight/museum Why go: A world-famous UNESCO World Heritage site of modern architecture. Best for: Design enthusiasts. Where: Černá Pole district. Time: 2 hours. Cost: 350-450 CZK. Getting there: Tram 9 or 11 to Tomanova. Tip: You must book tickets several months in advance.
8. Name: 10-Z Bunker Type: experience/museum Why go: A Cold War era nuclear shelter built into a rock. Best for: Modern history fans. Where: Husova street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: ~150 CZK. Getting there: Located at the foot of Špilberk Hill. Tip: You can stay overnight in the bunker for a unique experience.
9. Name: Veveří Castle Type: day trip Why go: One of the oldest and largest castle complexes in Moravia. Best for: A day out in nature. Where: Near the Brno Reservoir. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: ~100 CZK for grounds. Getting there: Take a boat from Bystrc or bus 303. Tip: Combine this with a boat trip across the water.
10. Name: Brno Reservoir Type: nature/experience Why go: A popular spot for swimming, hiking, and boat rides. Best for: Families and outdoor lovers. Where: Bystrc district. Time: Half-day. Cost: Free to walk; boat tickets vary. Getting there: Use the local public transport trams to Bystrc. Tip: Visit in summer to enjoy the beaches.

Planning Your Visit to Brno Ossuary St. James Church

The Brno Ossuary St. James Church was only rediscovered in 2001. It contains the remains of over 50,000 people. This makes it a significant historical site in Europe. The bones were moved here when the local cemetery became full.

Today, the site is a place of quiet reflection. The display is very artistic and hauntingly beautiful. Visitors often comment on the peaceful music playing in the background. It is a unique way to honor the past.

The ossuary is open most days except Mondays. It is best to visit during the morning hours. This helps you avoid larger tour groups. The entrance is located right next to the Church of St. James.

Exploring More History Near Brno

If you have extra time, explore the areas surrounding the city. Southern Moravia is famous for its rolling hills and wine culture. Many historic towns are just a short train ride away. You can find beautiful landscapes and quiet villages.

The Brno Reservoir is a great place to start your exploration. It offers a break from the busy city streets. You can hike through the woods or take a ferry. The castle of Veveří sits high above the water.

Public transport makes these trips very easy for travelers. Trains and buses run frequently from the main station. Always check the latest schedules before you depart. Most locals are happy to help with directions.