One of the most popular weekend trips to do in the Czech Republic is Prague to Brno. Brno is the second largest city in the Czech Republic right behind Prague.

With a young, hip, but also historic vibe Brno has a unique flair to it and it is worth making the trip from Prague to Brno to explore this beautiful city in the Moravian region of the Czech Republic.

Looking at a map it seems like it’s quite the trip from Prague to Brno but the train network in the Czech Republic is so good that you can get anywhere in the country, and neighbouring countries quite quickly.

It’s one of the perks of Prague and how centrally located it is to everything in the Czech Republic.

Thanks to the amazing public transport in Czech, we jumped on a train from Prague and made our way to Brno.

Even in two days, you’ll be able to see so much of Brno that most people skip out on because they think 2 days isn’t enough.

With this list of things to do, you can plan and see everything quite quickly with enough time to roam around and explore the rest of Brno.

A guy sitting on a park bench on a warm sunny day.

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Weekend trip from Prague to Brno

With trendy cafes, cute bakeries, and awesome pop-up food stands, Brno is full of energy and good vibes.

We felt this awesome energy the whole time we were there and it was an absolute treat to just walk around the city and enjoy all the smiling faces and the people.

In some ways, it’s similar to Prague but in other ways, it’s completely different.

There’s history, beautiful architecture, lots of delicious restaurants, some super cool bars, and of course some of the most amazing cafes in the country are actually in Brno.

The Highlights of Brno and things to do

Once you’ve finally made it to the (lower station in Brno) you can either walk (walking directions from Brno lower station to downtown Brno) or take a city bus to the center of Brno.

It isn’t that long of a walk but if you have a bag or small suitcase then it’s worth spending a few dollars to get into the city center of Brno.

One thing we love about Brno is that almost all the sights, highlights, good cafes, restaurants, and bars are all in the city center.

The city center is not that big and you can actually walk everywhere (or take the tram if you prefer).

Brno is such a walkable city and that’s one thing we absolutely love about Brno.

Below we have three main squares/streets/districts of Brno that we love to spend time in.

Each district has its own good cafes, restaurants, and places to hang out.

Each area is unique and worth checking out. With two days in Brno, you can easily explore all three and see all the highlights of Brno.

#1 Check out St Jakubs Church

If you’re a foodie and enjoy a nice beer, you could easily spend the whole day in a radius of about 200 meters around St Jakub’s Church.

For one, you can go inside and explore St Jakub’s Church but outside around the church is where you’ll find some amazing places.

There’s a great bar where you can get some of the best beer in the city. A sweet shop with some yummy treats and also one of our favourite vegetarian food chains in the country!

Vycep Na Stojaka (next to St Jakub’s Church)

You may be a little shocked when you see your beer because you’ll feel like you’re getting scammed. It looks like the glass may only be a quarter full of beer and that the last 75% is pure foam. But there’s no need to worry.

They weigh every single beer to make sure you’re getting the exact amount you pay for. The foam is an important part of Czech beer and once you go foam you’ll never go back. It really is that good!

The Czech Republic is famous for its beer and if you haven’t been to Pilsner brewery in Plzen you should add it to your day trips from Prague list.

Vycep Na Stojaka really impressed us with how good the beer was and the location is just awesome.

There’s usually a bunch of people hanging outside of the pub on a warm sunny day.

You’ll find it quite common in the Czech Republic to see people drinking a beer or two outside of pubs.

You’ll even have a nice view of St Jakub’s Church from the pub if you end up sitting outside.

Cukrarna Aida (next to St Jakub’s Church)

Cukrarna Aida is another place worth visiting just across the street from St Jakub’s Church. If you have a sweet tooth this sweet shop is calling your name.

You will find some authentic Czech sweets and even some international candies and pastries here too. Cukrarna Aida is also known for having some delicious ice cream as well.

They even have a vegan flavour that they change weekly, so there are options for absolutely everyone!

This is located just seconds away from Vycep Na Stojaka so if someone’s feeling a beer and someone’s feeling an ice cream it’s perfect. Or an even better option… beer than ice cream! 😉

Forky’s (next to St Jakub’s Church)

Inside a Forky's restaurant in Brno.

Forky’s is one of the best vegetarian food chains in the Czech Republic. This location is right around the corner from St Jakub’s Church and is a yummy vegetarian-friendly canteen.

You walk into this old building that has been completely redone and has the feel of a fancy retro nightclub with a gigantic chandelier hanging down in the middle and tables surrounding it.

They have a bunch of delicious food options and you can sit on the main floor or go upstairs and enjoy a nice lunch.

It’s a great place to eat if there are a few of you as there is quite a wide selection so everyone should find something yummy!

We could name a few more places around St Jakub’s Church but there’s so much more to see in Brno and this is just one area.

We love this area too because it’s not right in the heart of Brno (although still very central) but it’s right off the side still in the city center that people do miss sometimes.

Put St Jakub’s Church into Google Maps and explore this area for an hour or two!

#2 Explore around Brno Vegetable Market Square

The old town of Brno is super cozy and fun to explore. Even though it’s small it has so much going for it with it rooftop pubs, markes, and cute cafes!

A fun fact about Brno is that it’s actually home to some of the best baristas in the country and all these cafes in Brno make exceptional coffee.

Let us share with you all the spots you have to Czech out! 😉 They’re all Czechmarks in our books! Enough Czech puns now Dom…

Explore the Vegetable Market

The Vegetable Market in the city center of Brno is absolutely fantastic! The Vegetable Market has been a staple for such a long time and is the most famous market in Brno.

The market is filled with fresh produce, flowers, and other Czech goodies.

Depending on the season you’ll have the chance to buy some delicious fruits and veggies at reasonable prices. Plants, spices, vegetables, fruit – you name it, they have it.

It’s best to go to the market earlier in the day before lunch since it closes around noon.

They tend to lower the price on certain things right before noon to try and sell everything.

If you’re looking for a bargain then go right before it closes. 😉

Otherwise, make sure you go early enough to get all your fresh goods.

After that, grab a coffee at Monogram Espresso Bar (by far one of the best coffees in Brno) and find a seat in the square and enjoy the sun.

Again, this is an area where you can sit down all day because of all the cafes, restaurants, and things to see just around this square.

Street food Bucheck (next to the Vegetable Market Square)

Buchek food truck is a delicious place to eat in Brno.

For some yummy food, we highly recommend going to the Bucheck food truck right in between the Vegetable market and Brno market.

Make sure to go around 11:30 am (when they open) as they get pretty busy and might sell out.

Unfortunately, we didn’t know about it and we missed out on deliciously looking pulled pork burgers, but we’re making sure you won’t have to. So be there before noon and enjoy a delicious Bucheck burger.

Underground Labyrinth

At the bottom of the square, there is a unique system of underground passages that you can explore. The cellars and passages date back to the Middle Ages.

The history of these underground Labyrinths is quite fascinating and you can go on a guided tour where you can learn a little bit about the history of Brno and why these passages were created.

The tour only takes about an hour and starts and ends at the Vegetable Market.

You can see the times and opening hours for the Labyrinth under the Vegetable Market here.

Visit the Brno Market

After that, you should head to the Brno Market (the building) all the way to the top floor and enjoy the stunning views.

What you’ll find there is a cute little rooftop spot overlooking the city center of Brno. With the old city hall behind you and Castle Spilberk on the other side, there are not many views in Brno that can beat this one.

On a sunny day, this is seriously the best spot in the city.

Grab an ice cream or an IPA beer from the Brno Market on the floor below and enjoy the afternoon suntanning on the rooftop.

Brno market is a fun activity to do in Brno.

#3 Kníničky Reservoir

The Kninicky Reservoir is an absolutely stunning spot on the outskirts of Brno.

It’s the perfect place for an afternoon stroll and getting some fresh air after being out in the city.

It’s only a short 20-minute tram ride from the city center, and once you’re there you’ll feel like you’re at a little Czech resort village.

It may only be a dam but the surroundings are beautiful. You can enjoy a boat ride on the water and visit the Veveri Castle.

Visiting the Brno resevoir during spring.

Orea Resort Santon Hotel in Brno (next to Kninicky Resevoir)

The Orea Resort Santon is located right next to the dam and it is the perfect place to stay while you’re visiting Brno. The resort as a whole is amazing and has some great facilities.

What that sold it to us was the wellness facility. It has a pool, a dry sauna, and a regular sauna which are all included in your stay. This comes along with a continental breakfast with a view facing the reservoir.

On top of that, it is marked as a Travel Sustainable property on Booking which is something we try to look out for when we book our stays!

Pristav u Vodu (next to Kninicky Resevoir)

This restaurant next to the reservoir was fantastic. It tasted like my (Dom’s) grandma’s home-cooked meals.

They have traditional dishes along with pasta and other mains that will give your taste buds a treat. We tried a creamy pasta and a traditional duck with sauerkraut and dumplings.

Prices were very reasonable, it was right next to the hotel, and it had a view of the reservoir which was really nice.

Veveri Castle (next to Kninicky Reservoir)

Now, this is a great trip to do if you’ve got a full day at the reservoir. If you plan on going in the summer then take the ferry across the reservoir to Veveri Castle.

The castle was founded in the middle of the 11th century and used as a hunting lodge.

You can either walk the castle grounds and explore the area or actually do a guided tour of the castle.

Unfortunately, all the tours are in Czech though so you’ll only be able to follow along on an English pan-flip but it’s still beautiful to see even though you can’t understand the guide.

How to get from Prague to Brno

Now, let’s check out how to actually get to Brno from Prague by train and also the return back to Prague.

The easiest way to get to Brno from Prague by public transport would be taking a train from (Prague’s main train station) to (Brno’s lower station).

The lower station in Brno is about 1 km from the city center. It’s a 2.5-hour journey across the Czech countryside by train or bus, and a one-way ticket will cost you roughly $14/325 CZK.

The return trip will almost 100% be the exact same price. You’ll make your way to (Brno lower station) and it will bring you directly to (Prague main train station).

So there is no need to worry about getting on and off and missing connections.

There aren’t really any discounts on buying round trips. It’s best to book it just a few minutes before getting on the train to make sure you can actually make it and get there in time.

Because if you miss your train the tickets aren’t changeable.

We highly recommend using an app called Omio to book your trip from Prague to Brno or vice versa by bus or train.

It has all the major companies on there and it will show you the cheapest prices, etc.

As a matter of fact, for all your travels across the Czech Republic, the app is very reliable and will give you all the best routes and times to go.

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The Sony Alpha a6000 mirrorless camera

If you’re looking for the best and most affordable camera for beginners, check out the Sony Alpha a6000 Camera.

This is the camera we’ve been using for years and still use to this day.

It’s perfect for travelling and super easy to use – even if you’re a beginner.

More Hotels and Restaurants in Brno

Being a few hours from Prague, Brno tends to be less travelled too. We think this is great because it makes for a really authentic experience.

It’s still Czech’s second biggest city so you do have that feeling of being in a big city but it also has a very Czech charm to it.

You can totally see a lot of Brno if you’re just driving through or stopping by for the day. That’s why we created a 1 Day in Brno Guide. But to truly see all the hidden bars, great cafes, and historic sights a weekend makes for the perfect trip.

Restaurants in Brno

  1. Soul Bistro – This is a great family-styled and a little bit trendy restaurant in the center of Brno. Prices are very reasonable.

    You will find most meals for under $10 and they usually have weekly delicious specials as well. If you’re looking for a variety of good food then Soul Bistro is the place.
  2. Pegas – It’s a brewery, hotel, and restaurant pub all in one. If you’re really trying to get authentic and try some really delicious Czech food then order “Svíčková na smetaně” or “Vepřový vrabec” and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

    Most meals will cost you around $10-$15 for a meal and about $2-$3 for a beer.
  3. Starobrno Brewery This is another awesome brewery in Brno that has a restaurant and the food here is exceptional.

    They have duck, pork, stews, and even some delicious salads for vegans. Prices are a bit more but you can definitely eat for under $15/325 CZK per person and have a yummy meal.

So all three of these restaurants in downtown Brno are unique in their own way and have something different to offer.

It totally just depends on what mood you’re in but the pub restaurants are always a good time.

If you’re in Brno for only a day though and want a yummy cozy place to eat then go to Forky’s (the place we mentioned that is next to St Jakub’s Church)!

Great hotels to stay at in Brno

  1. Internesto Apartments – This a great place to stay downtown Brno if you’re looking for a budget-friendly hotel.

    Prices start around $50 for a double bed and the hotel itself is quite modern and have a young feel to them. With awesome staff and clean facilities, you can’t go wrong with the price and location.
  2. Hotel Continental – This is a great mid-range hotel that is around $100 per night and has a breakfast buffet included.

    If you’re looking for something clean, comfortable, and stylish Hotel Continental does a good job of that while still being affordable. Right in the thick of downtown makes this hotel convenient for a weekend trip to Brno.
  3. Barcelo Brno Palace – If you’re looking for a 5* fancy hotel right in the heart of downtown Brno then make your way to the Barcelo Brno.

    It is centrally located and close to all the touristy spots in Brno. The hotel is gorgeous and worth spending the $125 for a beautiful night in the Palace.
  4. Atlantis Hotel Wellness and Spa – Just on the outskirts of the city you can find the best wellness in Brno.

    This lovely hotel and wellness has everything you need to enjoy and relax for a few days while also enjoying the city of Brno.

    For roughly $100 a night, you’ll get access to the wellness facilities, beautiful hotel rooms, and a yummy breakfast buffet. Read our review of Atlantis Hotel here.

All four of the hotels mentioned above are great choices. We broke it down depending on your budget and an option for everyone. Along with the Orea Resort Santon, you will be able to find the perfect hotel for your stay.

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Recap of a Weekend in Brno

Well, it’s not everything you need to know about Brno but it’s a good start. The three different areas are all totally different and offer something different.

If you have any questions on how to get from Prague to Brno or more restaurants, the best cafes in Brno, or hotels we recommend then feel free to DM us on Instagram @redwhiteadventures or leave a comment below!

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5 Comments

  1. World of Lina on April 9, 2019 at 8:52 pm

    Brno looks beautiful! Looks like you enjoyed the day a lot 🙂

    • redwhiteadventures on April 13, 2019 at 11:04 am

      Yes, and we really did! I hop you get to visit one day – it’s definitely worth a visit 🙂

  2. Jenni on December 21, 2019 at 12:25 pm

    I adore Brno! It wasn’t so far away from Bratislava so it was an easy daytrip for us! It’s got such a lovely vibe and it’s food and cocktail scene is amazing too.

    • redwhiteadventures on December 23, 2019 at 7:16 pm

      Hey Jenni,

      Brno is fantastic! Ahh I can’t believe I completely forgot to mention that in the blog as well! It’s like a mini triangle with Vienna, Bratislava, and Brno!

      -Dom

  3. redwhiteadventures on December 23, 2019 at 7:17 pm

    Hey Krystianna,

    I think you’d also love Cesky Krumlov then. It’s a smaller city in southern Czech Republic but it’s absolutely beautiful! 🙂

    -Dom

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