Quick Picks for Your Brno Trip

Before we dive into the full list, here are some fast recommendations. These help you prioritize your time in the city. Brno is very walkable, making it easy to see several spots in one day.

• Best Overall: St James Church Ossuary (The main event).
• Best for Families: Špilberk Castle and its large park.
• Best Rainy-Day: Labyrinth under the Vegetable Market.
• Best Free Activity: Viewing the Brno Dragon at the Old Town Hall.

Each of these spots offers a different perspective on Moravian culture. You can find more details in our guide on what to see in Brno. Plan for at least two days to see everything comfortably.

10 Top Sights When Visiting the Second Largest Ossuary in Europe

Brno offers a mix of macabre history and modern charm. Use this list to plan your route through the city center. Most items are within a short walk of each other.

1. Name: St James Church Ossuary Type: Sight Why go: It is the primary reason for visiting the second largest ossuary in Europe. The atmosphere is respectful and deeply atmospheric. Best for: History lovers and photographers. Where: Jakubské náměstí (St. James Square). Time: 45–60 minutes. Cost: Moderate fee. Getting there: Walk from the main square. Tip: Buy tickets in advance during peak summer months.
2. Name: Špilberk Castle Type: Sight Why go: This fortress offers the best views of the city skyline. It once served as a notorious prison. Best for: Panoramic views and military history. Where: Špilberk Hill. Time: 2–3 hours. Cost: Grounds are free; museum requires a ticket. Getting there: A 15-minute uphill walk from the center. Tip: Check out our tips for visiting Špilberk Castle for the best routes.
3. Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: Experience Why go: This is a masterpiece of modern architecture. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Best for: Design enthusiasts. Where: Černá Pole neighborhood. Time: 2 hours. Cost: High; booking months ahead is mandatory. Getting there: Take Tram 9 or 11. Tip: If tours are full, you can still visit the gardens for a smaller fee.
4. Name: Zelný trh (Vegetable Market) Type: Market Why go: This vibrant square has been a market since the 13th century. You can buy fresh local produce and flowers. Best for: Local food and atmosphere. Where: City Center. Time: 30–60 minutes. Cost: Free to browse. Getting there: Two minutes from the main station. Tip: Visit in the morning for the freshest selection.
5. Name: Old Town Hall Type: Viewpoint Why go: See the famous "Brno Dragon" (a crocodile) hanging in the entrance. You can also climb the tower for great photos. Best for: City views and local legends. Where: Near Zelný trh. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Small fee for the tower. Getting there: Walkable from any central point. Tip: Look for the crooked pinnacle on the stone portal.
6. Name: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul Type: Sight Why go: Its twin towers are the most iconic part of the Brno skyline. The bells ring noon at 11:00 AM due to a 1645 legend. Best for: Architecture and quiet reflection. Where: Petrov Hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free; small fee for towers/crypt. Getting there: Short walk from the main train station. Tip: Visit the crypt for a cooler temperature on hot days.
7. Name: Labyrinth Under the Vegetable Market Type: Experience Why go: Explore a network of medieval cellars and tunnels. It shows how food and wine were stored centuries ago. Best for: Underground exploration. Where: Under Zelný trh square. Time: 60 minutes. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Entrance is on the square. Tip: Wear a light jacket as it is chilly underground.
8. Name: 10-Z Bunker Type: Experience Why go: A former nuclear fallout shelter from the Cold War era. It is now a museum and a quirky hostel. Best for: Cold War history. Where: At the foot of Špilberk Hill. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walk from Husova street. Tip: The bunker bar serves drinks in a very unique setting.
9. Name: Moravian Gallery Type: Museum Why go: It is the second largest art museum in the Czech Republic. It features everything from gothic art to modern design. Best for: Culture seekers. Where: Multiple buildings in the center. Time: 2–3 hours. Cost: Varies by exhibition. Getting there: All branches are central. Tip: The Jurkovič House branch is beautiful for architecture fans.
10. Name: Veveří Castle Type: Day trip Why go: A romantic castle located on a rocky promontory above the Brno Reservoir. It is one of the oldest castle sites in Moravia. Best for: Nature and history mix. Where: 15km northwest of the city. Time: 4–5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Take a boat from the reservoir or bus 303. Tip: Take the boat trip for a more scenic arrival.

Planning Your Visit to St James Church Ossuary Brno

The ossuary was only rediscovered in 2001 during a routine archaeological survey. It opened to the public in 2012 after extensive restoration. When visiting the second largest ossuary in Europe, remember that this is a burial site. Maintain a respectful volume while exploring the three main chambers. The lighting is dim to protect the remains and create a somber mood.

You can check the opening hours for the St James Ossuary Brno before your trip. It is usually closed on Mondays, like many Czech museums. Guided tours are available, but you can also walk through with an audio guide. The site is located directly under the Church of St. James. The church itself is a stunning example of Late Gothic architecture.

How to Get Around Brno in 2026

Brno has an excellent public transportation network managed by DPMB. Trams are the most common way to get around the city center. You can pay for tickets using a contactless bank card on any vehicle. Simply "tap on" when you enter and "tap off" if your journey is short. This system is very convenient for international visitors.

If you are arriving by air, Brno-Tuřany Airport is just a short bus ride away. Bus E76 connects the airport to the main train station every 30 minutes. Most of the historic center is a pedestrian zone, so walking is best. For more travel ideas, visit the official Visit Czechia portal. The city is also a major rail hub connecting Prague, Vienna, and Bratislava.