When you hear “Czechia”, chances are Prague is the first name that pops into your mind. And don’t get me wrong, Prague totally earned its reputation. But during the Christmas season, it can get so packed that you’re basically elbowing your way through the magic instead of enjoying it.
So let me share a softer, cosier alternative that still gives you all the twinkly lights, steaming cups and fairy-tale vibes, without the overwhelm: Brno.
This Brno 3-day itinerary is built around Christmas and winter, and it’s honestly one of my favourite city breaks I’ve done in Europe. Brno is conveniently tucked between Prague and Vienna, making it extremly easy to reach. You can even fly direct from London Stansted Airport (hello, easy weekend escape), and in about two hours, you’re stepping into a winter wonderland.
Brno was voted the Christmas Capital of Europe 2024, and once you stroll its markets, sip Turbomošt and ride the Christmas tram, you’ll absolutely get why. If you’re leaving from central London, I recommend booking your Stansted Express tickets early for the best price and a more relaxed start to your trip.
Where is Brno and why should you visit in winter?
Brno is the second-largest city in Czechia, located in the historical region of Moravia. On the map, it sits pretty much between Prague and Vienna, making it a perfect stop on a Central Europe trip or a standalone winter city break.
In winter, the city transforms into a cosy, compact Christmas playground:
- Several Christmas markets spread around the centre
- Beautiful viewpoints between rooftops, castle and church towers
- A mix of quirky museums, historic spots and modern cafés
- Easy walking distances everywhere (your feet will thank you)
If Prague at Christmas feels like a busy theme park, Brno feels more like a local secret – still festive, still lively, but with room to breathe, sip your drink slowly and actually enjoy the moment.
Where to stay in Brno for a winter city break
I created this Brno 3-day itinerary after visiting during the first weekend of the main Christmas markets, so everything here is tried and tested in real December weather. The city centre is compact, and if you base yourself there, you can pretty much walk everywhere and only use trams when you feel like giving your legs a break.
You can use your favourite accommodation platform and filter for “Brno city centre”, so you’re close to all the Christmas action.
Grand Palace Brno – where I stayed
I stayed at Grand Palace Brno, and it turned out to be the perfect base for this winter getaway.
- The location was ideal – right in or very close to the city centre so that I could walk to the markets in just a few minutes.
- The room was large and surprisingly quiet for such a lively city, even though I stayed over the weekend.
- Breakfast was a buffet style, with a good mix of sweet and savoury basics to fuel up before all the walking (and the eating).
The most impressive part of the hotel for me was the entrance hall with its glass-window lifts. It totally gave me that “old-world glamour meets modern comfort” vibe. I definitely recommend it if you want something central and comfortable.
Other hotel recommendation: Hotel International Brno
If Grand Palace Brno is not available, I’ve also heard great things about Hotel International Brno. It’s another central option with premium services and easy access to the main sights and Christmas markets.
Both hotels work really well for this itinerary because you can:
- Walk to most markets and attractions
- Pop back to your room to warm up or drop off shopping bags
- Still be close enough to trams and buses for the hills, castles or villas
Why you should get a BRNOPAS (BrnoPass) for 3 days
If you’re following this itinerary, I strongly recommend getting a BRNOPAS for your stay. I used mine for the full three days and it honestly saved me both time and money.
There are two main options relevant to this itinerary:
- BRNOPAS (standard) – around 560 CZK (roughly £20)
- BRNOPAS+ – around 735 CZK (roughly £27), which includes extra spots like the Water Tanks and some villa visits
With the pass, you get:
- Free entry to many attractions
- Discounts for some attractions and even free coffees at a selected café.
I’ll mention throughout the itinerary where the BRNOPAS kicks in, so you can actually see where it pays off.
Brno 3-day itinerary overview
This Brno 3-day itinerary is very much Christmas and winter-oriented. If you’re visiting in another season, you can still follow most of it, but you might want to swap some Christmas markets for parks, day trips or more museum time.
Here’s the vibe of the three days:
- Day one: Christmas markets, legends, unique viewpoints and your first taste of Turbomošt.
- Day two: Castle, water tanks, dragons, and one absolutely dreamy sunset.
- Day three: Spa time, last strolls, and a gentle goodbye to the city.
Let’s go day by day.
Day one in Brno: Christmas markets and culture
I love starting in a new city with a guided tour – it’s such a nice way to get the lay of the land before you dive into your own exploring. Brno is no exception.
Start with a guided walking tour
Kick off your first morning with a guided tour of Brno’s historic downtown. You can either:
- Book a 2-hour walking tour like this one on the official tourism board website (perfect if you like a deeper intro and extra context), or
- Join the Christmas-focused tour included in your BRNOPAS, which lasts about 1 hour and focuses more on festive highlights.
Either way, you’ll:
- Learn about local legends and quirky stories
- Discover hidden streets you might not find on your own
- Get a feel for the walkable city centre, which you’ll keep exploring later
Lunch: warm up with Czech comfort food
After the tour, it’s time to warm up and refuel.
For your first lunch, I recommend going full local and trying a Czech restaurant like Lokál U Caipla. It’s the perfect spot to:
- Taste traditional Czech dishes
- Enjoy generous portions (this is not the time for tiny plates)
- Get a sense of the local food culture before exploring other cuisines
Brno has a surprisingly wide choice of restaurants – from Asian to modern European. So start Czech, then let your cravings decide over the next days.
Explore the Ossuary and Jakubské krovy
Once you’ve warmed up and your stomach is happy, it’s time to add a slightly spooky, very atmospheric stop to your Brno 3-day itinerary.
Ossuary at St. James Church (Kostnice u sv. Jakuba)
Your BRNOPAS includes entry here. The ossuary is one of the largest in Europe and feels both eerie and beautiful at the same time. It’s a unique way to dive into the city’s past and gives a very different perspective from the Christmas markets outside.
From there, head to Jakubské krovy – multimediální prohlídky.
With your BRNOPAS, you get a 30% discount on the ticket. The full price is about 350 CZK, but with the discount it goes down to around 245 CZK (roughly £9). You’ll:
- Explore the church interior
- Climb up to the clock tower
- Walk through an immersive multimedia exhibition on the way up
Enjoy another gorgeous view over the city
Coffee break: KOPI LUWAK with free coffees
After all that walking and climbing, it’s time for a little coffee ritual.
Make your way to KOPI LUWAK Zážitková prodejna kávy a čaje, a cosy coffee and tea shop where, thanks to your BRNOPAS, you get a free coffee.
It’s the perfect moment to:
- Warm up your hands
- Go through your photos
- Decide if you’re a Turbomošt person, a hot chocolate person, or both
Moravské náměstí: Ferris wheel and your first Christmas market
From the café, continue towards Moravské náměstí, a square that feels like a small Christmas playground. Here you can:
- Hop on the Ferris wheel for yet another view over Brno. Tickets are usually around 130–150 CZK (about £4–6).
- Wander the Christmas market stalls and get your first proper taste of local festive food and drinks.
Make sure you try Turbomošt – a warm, spiced apple cider drink with a kick. It’s local, it’s delicious, and it will probably become your drink of the trip.
Ride the Christmas Express tram
From Moravské náměstí, walk a few steps to Česká station. This is where the Christmas Express tram departs every 30 minutes.
Tickets are the same as a regular transportation ticket (around 20-25 CZK), and you can pay with your card, which makes everything super easy. Hop on and enjoy this delightfully Christmassy tram ride through the city – it’s kitsch in the best possible way.
Let the tram drop you at Freedom Square (Náměstí Svobody), home to the main Christmas market.
Freedom Square and Dominikánské náměstí
At Freedom Square, take your time to:
- Wander between the stalls
- Pick up a few souvenirs or local gifts
- Grab a snack or another hot drink if you’re not already buzzing
When you’re ready, walk over to Dominikánské náměstí, your last Christmas market of the day (but definitely not of the trip 😏).
Here, you’ll find one of the biggest Christmas cribs in Europe – it’s huge, detailed and genuinely impressive. It adds a more traditional, slower feel to the festive atmosphere.
Before or after the market, I recommend visiting “Cellar beneath the New Town Hall” (Sklep pod Novou radnicí), which is included with your BRNOPAS. It’s a cool underground spot that adds another layer of history to your day.
Alternatively, if you’re frozen to the bone and need an indoor break, you can head to the Museum of Applied Arts, just a short walk away and an absolute must-see in Brno.
They even have a robot barista – a mechanical arm that makes coffee for you. You can have a selfie printed on your foam, which feels both slightly ridiculous and completely on-brand for a fun winter city break.
Dinner options for your first night in Brno
End your first day with a cosy dinner. You can:
- Try one of my restaurant recommendations further down this post, or
- Check out the suggestions on Gourmet Brno, a curated guide to some of the city’s best spots.
If you still have energy, grab one more drink at a Christmas market or in a bar for a local Czech beer and then call it a night. You’ve done a lot already.
Day two in Brno: viewpoints, water tanks and castle sunsets
If you didn’t have time to visit the Museum of Applied Arts yesterday, this morning is a great moment to do it. Otherwise, start with one of Brno’s most iconic landmarks.
Morning at Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul
Head to the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, the beautiful church that watches over Brno from its hill.
With your BRNOPAS, you can access the tower, which gives you yet another postcard-perfect view over the city. It’s especially gorgeous with winter light and Christmas decorations scattered below.
Zelný trh, Brno dragon and the Old Town Hall tower
After the cathedral, walk down to the Vegetable Market (Zelný trh) – a historic square that comes alive with stalls, seasonal products and, in winter, even more atmospheric charm.
From there, make your way to the gate of the old town, where you can:
- Say hello to the Brno Dragon who’s wearing a cute jumper for the season (spoiler: not actually a dragon, but I’ll let you discover the story on the spot).
- Use your BrnoPass again to access the Old Town Hall clock tower for another city viewpoint.
Lunch near the old town: MANYA or ramen stalls
By now, you’re ready for lunch again. You have a couple of fun options nearby:
- MANYA Sushi & Sake Izakaya – a delicious Japanese restaurant just steps from the old town. Great if you’re craving something different and love sushi or classic Japanese dishes.
- The food stalls in the old town square, including Ramen Brno, if you want a casual, Christmassy, street-food style lunch.
Both will keep you warm and happy for the afternoon ahead.
Afternoon at the Water Tanks and Špilberk Castle
In the afternoon, make your way to the Water Tanks under Žlutý kopec (Vodojemy Žlutý kopec).
These old water reservoirs are an atmospheric, slightly mysterious underground space and are included in your BRNOPAS+. It’s a unique, slightly offbeat experience that really adds to the trip.
From there, continue to Špilberk Castle (Hrad Špilberk), where your BRNOPAS gives you free access.
Take your time here to:
- Stroll around the castle grounds
- Check out some of the exhibitions or climb at the top
- Most importantly: catch sunset from the hill
The sunset from Špilberk Castle over Brno is absolutely stunning – one of those moments where the city just glows in warm light, even on a cold day. Don’t rush it.
If you’re visiting close to Christmas, stay until around 5:30 pm. The castle transforms into a Christmas trail, adding more lights and festive touches to the whole experience. The tickets are 260/290 CZK (£9-£11, weekends are more expensive)
Dinner at Kohout NA VÍNĚ
For a special second-night dinner, I highly recommend Kohout NA VÍNĚ.
This is more of an exclusive Czech gastronomy experience, perfect if you feel like treating yourself. The tasting menu is usually in the range of about £50–60 for a 4–6 course menu, and honestly, it’s worth every penny.
Think:
- Beautifully plated dishes
- Local ingredients
- Creative takes on Czech classics
It’s the perfect “wow” dinner for your Brno 3-day itinerary.
Day three in Brno: spa time and farewell vibes
Departure day doesn’t have to be sad or rushed. One of the things I loved about Brno is how close the airport is to the city centre, and it’s a small airport, so there is no need to arrive more than 1H30 before your departure time.
The airport is roughly 15 minutes away by taxi and usually costs around 300–500 CZK. I recommend pre-ordering a taxi with Bolt for convenience. Another alternative is to take the public transport, which will take around 30 minutes depending on your hotel location and cost 25 CZK.
Morning: spa, stroll or one last market
If you want to relax before heading to the airport, your BRNOPAS gives you access to the Spa and Wellness Centre Rašínova.
You can:
- Chill in the wellness area
- Warm up in the saunas or pools
- Let your body recover from all the walking, eating and mulled drinks
Alternatively, if you’re more in the mood for one last wander:
- Take a final stroll through the city centre
- Visit Denis Gardens for one more viewpoint and some peaceful greenery (or winter trees)
- Check out the hidden Christmas market on Bašty Street, which feels more intimate and local
Grab a last Turbomošt, Czech beer or your favourite dish from the trip and just soak up the vibes one final time. The goal is to leave feeling full of memories, not just food.
Restaurants and cafés in Brno that I loved
You can dive into Gourmet Brno for a longer list of foodie recommendations, but during my stay, I visited these spots and can genuinely recommend them:
- Lokál U Caipla
Classic, hearty Czech cuisine in a casual setting. Think schnitzel, goulash, beer and all the comfort food your winter heart could want. - Kohout NA VÍNĚ
A refined gastronomy experience focusing on modern Czech cuisine, creative plates and beautiful wine pairings. Great for a special night. - MANYA Sushi & Sake Izakaya
Delicious Japanese restaurant in the old town with ramen, sushi and delicious coktails. Perfect when you need a break from Western food. - Castellana Trattoria
For perfectly executed Italian cuisine – pasta and classics done really well. Ideal when you’re craving something familiar and comforting. - Ramen Brno
A steaming bowl of Japanese broth to warm you up after a chilly day exploring the markets. Casual, tasty and very winter-friendly. - SORRY – we bake differently (SORRY – PEČEME JINAK)
A fun bakery with unique cakes and pastries, ideal for a sweet treat or an afternoon pick-me-up. - SKØG Urban Hub
Stylish and modern café-bar with speciality coffee, brunch options and cocktails later in the day. Great for laptops, people-watching and lingering a bit longer than planned. - KOPI LUWAK Zážitková prodejna kávy a čaje
Coffee and tea shop where your BRNOPASS gets you a free coffee. Cosy, warm and perfect for a mid-afternoon pause. - CAFÉ MITTE (Mitte Panská)
A relaxed café with a slightly creative, traveller-friendly vibe. Nice spot for coffee, a quick snack and a little break between sights. - 4pokoje
The ultimate bar experience in Brno – trendy, fun and a great place to end the night with cocktails and a buzz.
Practical information for visiting Brno in winter
A few practical details to make your Brno 3-day itinerary even smoother:
- Currency
Brno uses the Czech koruna (CZK). Most places accept cards, including Christmas markets and trams, but it’s handy to carry a bit of cash for smaller stalls. - Language
The official language is Czech, but in Brno you’ll find that many people in tourism, restaurants and cafés speak English. - Timezone
Brno is in Central European Time (CET), which is UTC +1. In summer, it switches to CEST (UTC +2). So it’s one hour ahead of UK time. - Winter temperatures
In winter, expect temperatures roughly between –2°C and 5°C, though it can go lower. Pack layers, a warm coat, hat, gloves and waterproof shoes, especially if you want to spend long evenings at the Christmas markets. - Public transport
If you focus on the city centre, you’ll barely need public transport – everything is walkable. That said, the tram and bus network is:- Very reliable
- Runs often
- Easy to use with tickets and cards
- We mainly used public transport to reach places like the villas, hills or the Water Tanks, but day-to-day, walking was more than enough.
I visited Brno as part of a partnership with the local tourism board, which helped make this Brno 3-day itinerary possible. As always, all opinions, experiences and recommendations are 100% my own. I only share places and ideas that I genuinely think you’ll enjoy. For more travel guides and hidden gems in Europe, don’t hesitate to browse my other articles here.
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