Quick Picks for Your Brno Visit

Short on time? Use these quick picks to plan your day around Petrov Hill. These selections cover the most popular travel needs for 2026.

• Best Overall: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul (Architecture and views).
• Best for Families: Špilberk Castle (Large grounds and history).
• Best Free Activity: Denis Gardens (Stunning city panoramas).
• Best Rainy-Day: Labyrinth Under the Vegetable Market (Indoor underground tour).

Exploring the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul

The Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul official site highlights its deep roots in Moravian history. This church is famous for ringing its bells at 11:00 AM instead of noon. This tradition dates back to the Swedish siege in 1645. Legend says the bell ringer saved the city with this clever trick.

Inside, you will find a stunning Baroque interior. The high altar and stained glass are breathtaking. Do not miss the Romanesque-Gothic crypt located beneath the floor. It offers a quiet look at the building's oldest foundations. You can also climb the towers for a small fee.

The towers provide the best 360-degree views of Brno. You can see all the way to the Moravian Karst on clear days. The climb is steep but worth the effort. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes for the stone steps.

11 Best Things to Do Near Petrov Hill

Brno is a walkable city with many treasures near the cathedral. Here are the top 11 sights to include in your itinerary.

1. Name: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul Type: sight Why go: It is the most iconic landmark in Brno with a unique bell-ringing tradition. Best for: History buffs and photographers. Where: Petrov Hill. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free for the nave; small fee for towers and crypt. Tip: Listen for the bells at 11:00 AM sharp.
2. Name: Špilberk Castle Type: sight Why go: This massive fortress was once a feared prison in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Best for: Families and history lovers. Where: Špilberk Hill (15-minute walk from Petrov). Time: 2-4 hours. Cost: Moderate fee for Špilberk Castle and casemates tours. Tip: The castle gardens are free and offer great sunset views.
3. Name: Denis Gardens Type: viewpoint Why go: It is the first public park in Moravia and offers a peaceful escape. Best for: Relaxing and photography. Where: Just below Petrov Hill. Time: 30-60 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Look for the obelisk commemorating the end of the Napoleonic Wars.
4. Name: Capuchin Crypt Type: experience Why go: See the naturally mummified remains of Capuchin monks and local nobility. Best for: Fans of the macabre and unique history. Where: Capuchin Square (5-minute walk). Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Low fee. Tip: Respectful silence is required inside the crypt.
5. Name: Vegetable Market (Zelný trh) Type: neighborhood Why go: A vibrant square where locals have bought fresh produce for centuries. Best for: Local food and atmosphere. Where: Bottom of Petrov Hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free to browse. Tip: Try the local seasonal fruits or artisanal ice cream.
6. Name: Labyrinth Under the Vegetable Market Type: experience Why go: Explore a network of medieval cellars used for food storage and alchemy. Best for: Rainy days and adventure. Where: Zelný trh. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate fee for the Labyrinth Under the Vegetable Market tour. Tip: The temperature underground is a constant 12°C, so bring a jacket.
7. Name: Old Town Hall Type: sight Why go: See the famous "Brno Dragon" (a crocodile) and the twisted Gothic portal. Best for: Quirky local legends. Where: Near Zelný trh. Time: 30-60 minutes. Cost: Free to see the dragon; fee for the Old Town Hall tower. Tip: Ask the staff about the legend of the crooked turret.
8. Name: St. James Ossuary Type: experience Why go: The second-largest ossuary in Europe, holding the remains of over 50,000 people. Best for: Unique historical sites. Where: Near St. James Church (10-minute walk). Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Moderate fee for the St. James Ossuary visit. Tip: Book tickets in advance as group sizes are limited.
9. Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: sight Why go: A UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of modern architecture. Best for: Architecture enthusiasts. Where: Černá Pole district (short tram ride). Time: 2 hours. Cost: High; check Villa Tugendhat tickets early. Tip: You must book tours months in advance.
10. Name: Moravian Karst Type: day trip Why go: Explore incredible limestone caves and the deep Macocha Abyss. Best for: Nature lovers. Where: 30 km north of Brno. Time: Full day. Cost: Moderate for Moravian Karst caves tours. Tip: Take the train to Blansko and then a local bus.
11. Name: Brno Astronomical Clock Type: sight Why go: A controversial modern monument that releases a glass marble every day. Best for: Modern art fans. Where: Freedom Square (Náměstí Svobody). Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Be there at 11:00 AM to try and catch a marble.

Practical Tips for Visiting Brno in 2026

Brno is very easy to navigate on foot or by public transport. The DPMB - Brno Public Transport site provides updated schedules and ticket prices. Most major sights are concentrated in the historic center near the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul. You can buy tickets using a contactless card directly on the trams.

For the best experience, visit during late spring or early autumn. The weather is mild and the gardens are in full bloom. Brno is generally more affordable than Prague. You can enjoy a high-quality meal for a reasonable price in the city center.

English is widely spoken in tourist areas and by younger locals. However, learning a few Czech phrases like "Dobrý den" (Good day) is always appreciated. Always check the Wikipedia page for the Cathedral for deeper historical context before your visit.