Quick answer

Brno, the Czech Republic's vibrant second city, is a compact university and cultural hub—easy to explore on foot with strong public transit, good food, and a lively café and beer scene. Plan for variable weather, know basic Czech courtesies, and bring a card (but also small cash) for smaller purchases.

Visa & entry requirements

• EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: travel with ID card; no visa required.
• US/Canada/Australia/NZ and many other countries: visa-free for short stays (Schengen Area rules) up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Travel document must be valid for the duration of stay.
• Non-visa-exempt travelers: obtain a Schengen visa before arrival.
• Always check latest rules (COVID or temporary restrictions may apply) on your government and the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs websites before travel.

Best time to visit

• Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September) for mild weather, fewer crowds, and outdoor festivals.
• July–August: warmest but busiest and pricier; occasional heatwaves.
• November–March: colder, shorter days; good for lower prices and Christmas markets (Dec).

Safety tips

• Brno is generally safe: usual precautions apply (watch for pickpockets in crowded areas, especially transit hubs and festivals).
• Stay aware at night in quiet areas; stick to well-lit streets and central neighborhoods.
• Emergency numbers: 112 (European emergency number) and 158 (police in Czechia).

Local customs & etiquette

• Greet with a handshake in formal situations; use first names only when invited.
• Czechs value politeness and modesty; avoid loud or overly familiar behavior in public.
• Basic Czech phrases are appreciated: "Dobrý den" (Good day), "Prosím" (Please/You’re welcome), "Děkuji" (Thank you).
• Tipping: 5–10% in restaurants is common if service isn’t included; round up taxi fares.

Currency & payments

• Currency: Czech koruna (CZK). Euros are not widely accepted outside tourist hubs.
• Cards: Visa/Mastercard widely accepted; smaller shops/markets may be cash-only. Use ATMs for local currency (watch fees).
• Contactless payments and mobile wallets are common.

Getting there & around

• By air: Brno–Tuřany Airport (BRQ) has limited international flights; most travelers fly into Prague (PRG, ~2.5–3 hr by train/bus) or Vienna (VIE, ~1.5–2 hr by train/bus) and continue to Brno.
• By train/bus: frequent connections from Prague, Vienna, Bratislava, and other regional cities. Czech Railways (ČD) runs comfortable services.
• Local transport: trams, buses, and trolleybuses with integrated ticketing. Buy/tap tickets at machines, newsstands, or via mobile apps; validate when boarding if required.
• Taxis & rideshares: use reputable companies or apps (Bolt) and agree on price/meter. Uber not widely available; Bolt and local taxis operate.
• Biking/walking: city is walkable; bike lanes exist but watch cobblestones in old town.

Must-know tips & local insights

• Top sights: Špilberk Castle, Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, Villa Tugendhat (UNESCO—book timed tickets in advance), Moravian Museum, Capuchin Crypt.
• Food & drink: try Moravian wines, local beers, svíčková, and local cafes. Brno has a strong craft beer and specialty coffee scene.
• Markets & events: Zelný trh (vegetable market) is central; check festival calendars for theatre, music, and design events (e.g., Ignis Brunensis fireworks, Brno Biennial in design years).
• Language: Czech is official; many younger people speak English. Learn a few Czech phrases for goodwill.
• Accommodation areas: stay near the city center (Náměstí Svobody, Zelný trh) or the avenue of Česká or Veveří for nightlife and restaurants.
• Day trips: Moravian Karst and Punkva Caves, Lednice–Valtice Cultural Landscape (UNESCO), Mikulov wine region, Vienna or Prague by train.
• Practical: shops often close earlier on Sundays; pharmacies have rotating emergency hours—check nearby signs.

Enjoy Brno: plan ahead for Villa Tugendhat tickets, carry some CZK for small vendors, and leave time to relax in cafés and try Moravian wine.