Brno: Czech Republic's Charming, Less-Crowded Prague Alternative
Brno, Czechia's second city, offers a charming and less-crowded alternative to Prague. It's known for its rich history, innovative food scene, and extensive underground network. Indian visitors need a Schengen visa to enter.
Brno's culinary scene blends tradition with creativity. Try local Czech dishes with a twist at Lokál U Caipla or Kohout NA VÍNĚ. The city's most iconic landmark, the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, showcases stunning Neo-Gothic architecture and gilded altars.
Explore Brno's vast underground, home to the St. James Ossuary, water reservoirs at Žlutý kopec, the Labyrinth, and the Capuchin Crypt. Nearby, discover Vrbice's 'Hobbiton', Pálava Hills & Reisten Winery, Mikulov, and the Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape (UNESCO).
The best time to visit is between May and September, with September offering the added bonus of grape harvest season. Stay at the Grand Palace Brno for a blend of classical elegance and modern comfort. Getting there is easy with train, bus, and car options, plus nearby airports in Prague, Vienna, and Bratislava.
Brno, a refreshing escape from Prague's crowds, offers a leisurely cultural detour. Its Old Town Hall boasts a twisted tower spire and the Brno Dragon, a taxidermied crocodile once mistaken for a mythical beast. For history buffs, the city's underground research, led by notable local figures, provides ample fascination.