Brno is the second largest city in Czechia (formerly the Czech Republic) behind Prague. Is Brno worth visiting? Let's consider an even more important question: is Brno worth visiting in winter? We aimed to find out by traveling from Bratislava to Brno for a day and a night. Read on to visit Brno with us and discover all the top things that this city in the Moravia region has to offer even in January, an especially cold time of year. How cold is a Brno winter? Temperatures are typically below freezing and you may indeed see some snow which just adds to the quaint ambiance of the city.
Peek into the courtyard at the base of Burgerův dům, one of the iconic towers in Brno. If the weather cooperates, you can climb the tower for sweeping views over Brno. Keep your eyes peeled, you may even spot an alligator in the vicinity. of the Old Town Hall. Hint: make sure to look up as you enter the courtyard.
Zelena Kocka Pivarium can be quite crowded on a weekend evening so be prepared to get creative with storing your coat and other winter gear while sitting down for a beer and dinner. Caramelized brisket with onion chutney paired well with a hoppy pale ale: Apollo Galaxy by Pivovar Matuška. There is no finer way to spend a Friday evening in Brno in winter than at Zelena Kocka Pivarium.
Bratislava to Brno is Super-Convenient
Bratislava Slovakia to Brno Czech Republic takes less than an hour and a half by train. Hop aboard Slovak Rail or RegioJet, a private bus and train service operating in the area. Expect to pay less than 20 EUR each way (based on the exchange rate between CZK and EUR at the time of writing). Getting from Bratislava to Brno and back again is super-convenient and affordable.Appreciate Brno's Dramatic Skyline
The cathedral of St. Peter and Paul dominates the skyline in Brno and adds a dramatic touch to the walled city. The snow-capped buildings add a touch of contrast if you visit Brno in winter.Parnas Fountain
The old Cabbage Market Square in Brno is anchored by Kašna Parnas (Parnas Fountain). When you visit Brno in winter, you'll have the place practically to yourself; one of the benefits of visiting the Czech Republic in January.
Brno Burgerův Dům Tower Courtyard
Peek into the courtyard at the base of Burgerův dům, one of the iconic towers in Brno. If the weather cooperates, you can climb the tower for sweeping views over Brno. Keep your eyes peeled, you may even spot an alligator in the vicinity. of the Old Town Hall. Hint: make sure to look up as you enter the courtyard.
Denis Gardens and the Fortification Wall Circuit
Denis Gardens (Denisovy sady, OpevnÄ›nÃ) and the fortification wall circuit is worth visiting in Brno even in winter. Make sure to bring a warm coat, hat, scarf, gloves, and skid-resistant shoes. Look up to see the facade of St. Peter and Paul Cathedral and down for views over Brno city. The gardens may be barren in winter but they still have great atmosphere. Climb the fortification wall circuit to reach Brno's cathedral.
SIDEWALK SAFARI SPOTLIGHT: Looking for inspiration for other places in Europe to visit during the cold season? I highly recommend visiting Zurich in winter, spending one day in Salzburg in winter, enjoying a December trip to Copenhagen or visiting Wroclaw Poland in winter to see their famous gnomes. Philadelphia in winter is a great choice for folks who are stateside. Alternatively, if the freezing cold is not your thing, make your way to Lanzarote in January.
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Climb the Tower at St. Peter and Paul Cathedral for Views Over Brno
St. Peter and Paul cathedral in Brno is totally worth a visit. Definitely climb the winding stairs of the tower for awesome views over the town framed by the windows of the church itself. It cost 40 CZK (about 1.50 EUR at the time of writing) to climb the tower. There is a narrow path that leads past the church bells and connects the two spires.Fantastic Coffee at Monogram
Travel in winter often means a focus on indoor activities. When we visited Brno in January, we sought out the best coffee that the city has to offer at Monogram. Settle in at a bright wooden bench for a single-origin filter coffee paired with a rich piece of chocolate cake.Lunch at Local U Caipla in Brno
For lunch, seek out Czech comfort food at Local U Caipla (a local chain restaurant). We enjoyed yummy sour lentils and sausage washed down with a dark beer.St. James Church and Ossuary in Brno
Exploring the area around St. James Church in Brno including a stop at the second largest ossuary in Europe was definitely one of the most unusual things to do in Brno. Located underground across from the church, the ossuary can be a little difficult to find. Look for a sturdy brutalist monument and staircase leading down on the corner of Jakubské nám and RaÅ¡Ãnova streets. We think the ossuary is worth visiting if you visit Brno in winter but felt it was a little overpriced at 140 CZK (about 5.50 EUR) per person. While the ossuary is the second largest in Europe, it really only takes about 15 minutes to see it.The Bullet-Shaped Clock in Freedom Square
Check out the triangular shaped Freedom Square in Brno. Considered a Brno must see, the most prominent feature of this historic square is the bullet-shaped clock. At 11 am each day, marbles are dispensed to passersby. Sadly, we were unable to time our visit to coincide with this tradition but rather visited in the afternoon. The clock sculpture contrasts greatly with the heavily ornamented buildings nearby.Czech Craft Beer and Comfort Food in Brno
It's always beer o'clock in Brno! When visiting Brno in winter, seeking out some Brno nightlife, including fantastic craft beer places. We sampled great craft beer including Pivo jako Křemen (a Czech pilsner) and Adamova suchá pinta (a Czech take on an Irish stout) from Brewniverse at Pub u dvou přátel.Zelena Kocka Pivarium can be quite crowded on a weekend evening so be prepared to get creative with storing your coat and other winter gear while sitting down for a beer and dinner. Caramelized brisket with onion chutney paired well with a hoppy pale ale: Apollo Galaxy by Pivovar Matuška. There is no finer way to spend a Friday evening in Brno in winter than at Zelena Kocka Pivarium.