Brno is the second largest city of Czech Republic. Brno has an exhibition centre which ranks among the largest exhibition centres in Europe. Almost 50 trade fairs and various other events are held in the exhibition centre of Brno every year. Brno is also known as the capital of trade fairs. You can enjoy the rich cultural life and the beautiful architectural landmarks of the city. Brno lies in a basin of two rivers which are surrounded by forested hills from three sides and are named as Svratka and Svitava. As compared to the other cities of Czech Republic, Brno's air quality is very high which is ensured by a good natural air circulation. No severe storms or similar natural calamities have ever been recorded in the city.

When to visit Brno, Czech Republic

Summer is the best time to visit this city. At this time, you will have a pleasant temperature and limited rainfall. You can visit the beautiful and historical places of the city and can also enjoy the night life in the cafes and bars around. Various festivals are celebrated during this time of the year which you can attend and enjoy.

What to know about Brno, Czech Republic

Climate

The summer season is very pleasant and suitable for roaming around the city and for outdoor activities. Sometimes it can rain but not very often. The maximum temperature can go up to 30. 37.8 is the highest temperature recorded in August 2013.

The winters are very cold, dark and cloudy in this city. The temperature sometimes goes below the freezing point. Snowfall is very frequent but generally not abundant. The cold waves from Siberia can occur sometimes which cause the temperature to drop down to -15 or below. -25 is the coldest temperature recorded in January 1942.

Currency 

Czech koruna is the official currency used in this city, which is also known as Czech crown. The Euro is not widely accepted around the city. Euro can be used in many stores, hotels and restaurants but the exchange rate may not be very favourable. Credit cards are accepted at many places around the city, so you can carry your cards with you. ATM’s are available across the city and there are many exchange offices in the city from where you can exchange your money.

Language

Czech is the official language spoken around the country. Russian and German are also spoken by many local people. 27% of the population there can speak in English. If you are visiting this city, then you can learn a few phrases in Czech language before leaving.

Transportation

The excellent public transportation services are the biggest way to get around Brno and its attractions.

Trams

City buses

Taxi

Motorbike hiring

Trolley buses

Boats

Car hiring

Metro

The Mendel Festival

The Mendel Festival is dedicated to one of the most popular personalities of Brno – Gregor Johann Mendel who was a true Renaissance man and expert in various fields. In this festival various fun and interesting activities are performed in the field of science, culture, art and history in which anybody can perform. This year lots of people gather together to celebrate the 200th birthday of Gregor Johann Mendel.

Places of attractions in Brno, Czech Republic

The Moravian Karst

The Moravian Karst is a much protected landscape area located in the north of Brno. It is also the largest and most beautiful karst area in Europe. There are more than 1100 caverns and gorges in this karst, but only five of them are open to the public. Many visitors come to this place due to the interesting natural sights it offers. This area is covered by forest and many animals such as roes, deers and foxes can be found there. There is a unique kind of flower which grows only at the bottom of Macocha Gorge. The karst covers an area of 92 km square. It is also home to the Macocha Abyss, which is one of the most important single geological features in Czech Republic. It is a popular tourist attraction especially in the summer season when bicycle trails and hiking paths are open to explore.

The Brno Zoo

The Brno Zoo is a zoological garden which was opened to the public in the year 1953. It covers an area of 65 hectares. The breeding of endangered species is also performed in this zoo which is coordinated by the European Endangered Species Programme. This zoo also became a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums in the year 2000. It has around 340 species and around 1450 numbers of animals. Some of the larger predators in this zoo include tigers, grizzly bears and polar bears. Many native animals to the Eastern Europe and Siberia are also in this zoo like Arctic foxes and the Kamchatka brown bears. This zoo is very famous for the various animals inside it. This place offers a lot of information about the animals and their breeding. This zoo also offers a variety of fun educational programs for kids such as animal care and handling. You can visit this place with your family and friends.

The Spilberk Castle

This castle is located on the hill top of the city. It was built in the 13th century. This castle is used for many purposes over the years including those of royal castle, prison and fortress. Now this castle is used as a museum for the city which was established in 1904. During the summer season, various concerts are performed in this castle such as a popular Shakespearian festival and other cultural events in the courtyard of the castle. Many exhibitions are also displayed every year in the castle which is attended by almost 100,000 people. It has a very rich history and a very beautiful architecture. The lookout gallery of the corner tower provides a very stunning view of the city and its surroundings. This castle attracts a lot of visitors every year due to the historical monument which has now become a lively cultural centre.