What do you expect from a trip to a small old town? Unhurried walks, no crowds near the main sights, sitting in local restaurants and some pleasant boredom — to escape reality for a while, but then return.
What do you get? All this, and in addition modern infrastructure, good service, friendly attitude and prices are not as high as in the capital.
In any case, this is what Brno looks like. It has everything for family holidays: parks and museums, hotels and apartments, restaurants and shops. The Kidpassage review will tell you how the city lives, what time to plan a holiday with children in Brno and what to fill your trip with.
Brno on the map of the Czech Republic
Brno is the second largest city in the Czech Republic, the administrative centre of the South Moravian Region and the main city of the historic Moravia Region. It is located in the south-east of the country, 207 km from Prague, 170 km from Ostrava and 336 km from Karlovy Vary. The distance to Vienna (Austria) is 137 kilometres and to Bratislava (Slovakia) 132 kilometres.
The junction of the South Moravian Plain and the Czech-Moravian Upland, where Brno is located, is covered with forested hills. The name "Brno" has a fascinating linguistic origin that can be traced back through centuries of history. It is believed to have evolved from the Old Czech term "Brně" or "Brněn", denoting a hill or elevated area. Some linguists and historians suggest that "Brno" originates in the Proto-Slavic language. In this ancient linguistic form, "brniti" referred to defending or fortifying, possibly relating to the elevated position of the city.
Brno for Kids
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So, the choice fell on Brno instead of Prague, complete with everything a tourist wants. In what case will it be enjoyable? If you want to take your time, walk, and be in nature on holiday, but you also appreciate comfort, excursions and entertainment, feel free to come to Brno with children.
The first thing visitors notice is the abundance of green spaces. Whether you are travelling with an infant who sleeps well in the fresh air or a restless preschooler, there will always be a park or forest nearby for walking.
Second observation — Brno is not very much like Prague. Sometimes, it may seem that you are in Austria and not in the Czech Republic. The influence of the neighbouring country is noticeable in the menus of traditional restaurants, customs and even in the character of the townspeople.
Another conclusion is that holidays in Brno are enjoyable. Several medieval castles in and around the city may not surprise sophisticated tourists, but the Ossuary will undoubtedly fall into the category of unique places. Add a trip through the Moravian Karst to impress even more.
And the most crucial thing is Brno's opportunities for children. A trip to the Museum of Experiments, an excursion to an old ore smelting plant or an introduction to reindeer can compensate for the lack of big amusement parks.
Finally, the city's infrastructure includes everything you need for a holiday with your child. Hotels, shops, pharmacies, and transport will help you plan a carefree trip. The only thing to complain about is the small number of direct flights. But connections are easy, as trains depart from Prague to Brno every hour.
Best time to travel
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The tourist season in Brno is not as precisely defined as in large cities. Of course, the flow of tourists increases in summer and decreases in winter, but generally, the city can be visited at any time of the year. It is already warm enough in late spring to come to Brno with a baby and walk around, enjoying the freshness and silence.
In May, tourists visit the reserve to watch the pulsatilla, or sleepy grass, bloom. It sounds like a trip, but you can get there by public transport. Summer in the city is a festival. The Brno Exhibition Centre hosts concerts, theatrical performances, exhibitions, and sporting events every weekend.
Among other summer events is the City Day, celebrated in mid-August. Since the day commemorates Brno's heroic defence against the Swedish army during the Thirty Years' War, musketeers parade through the streets and battle scenes are reproduced in one of the squares.
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Czech Beer Festival Brno (Český pivní festival Brno) normally is held in May or June. Celebrating Czech beer culture, this festival offers a wide variety of traditional Czech beers, food, and entertainment.
From June to July, Brno hosts a large-scale festival that adults and children enjoy. It is an international fireworks competition with musical accompaniment — Ignis Brunensis. The colourful shows occur in the town and castles of Špilberk and Veveří and the Brno reservoir. The contest ends with a grand final of fireworks over Špilberk.
Spilberk International Music Festival (Mezinárodní hudební festival Špilberk) typically takes place in June or July. A classical music festival held at Špilberk Castle, featuring renowned musicians and orchestras.
A reason to plan a holiday with a child in autumn is the Bastlfest festival. It is designed for those who love to invent and make things with their hands. Masterclasses and meetings with craftsmen last for two weekends in November.
In December, Brno is immersed in the anticipation of Christmas. Fairs with Christmas tree decorations, stalls with gingerbread, trdelniki and strudels, fragrant svářák, nativity scenes, and chorales — all this creates a festive mood, despite the frequent absence of snow.
By the way, what about the weather in general and snow in particular? The following section will help you decide when to go to Brno.
Weather & Climate
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Brno has a moderate climate, without severe winter frosts or excessive summer heat. Sunny weather is not uncommon, although it is worth taking an umbrella on your trip, especially in spring or summer.
Summer is the time for the best holidays in Brno with children. The average daytime temperature during this period is +23-26°C, while the night temperature ranges from +14°C to +17°C. It gets colder to +16°C in summer, or the heat briefly exceeds +30°C. Clear and cloudy days are almost equal.
The average daytime temperature in September is +20°C, but the second half of the month can be cool and rainy. October is not often warm, with thermometers showing only +13-14°C during the day and +8°C at night, but precipitation is considerably less. By November, the air cools down to +4-7°C, and night frosts are possible.
In winter, the daytime temperature ranges from 0°C to +3°C, with a subzero temperature only at night. Snow in the city is considered almost a miracle, and fog and infrequent rains complete the winter picture.
Spring in Brno is a time of rejuvenation. The city comes back to life with blossoming flowers and longer daylight hours. It's a great season for hiking, exploring parks, and enjoying outdoor activities as nature awakens from its winter slumber. In March, with an average temperature of +9°C, the air can warm up to +15-19°C. The weather remains about the same in April, but in May, the daytime temperature often rises above +20°C. It is quite possible to plan a holiday in Brno at this time, but you should consider that May is the rainiest month.
Getting around
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South Moravia, in conjunction with several neighboring towns, has seamlessly integrated its train, bus, and city transit systems under the banner of the Integrated Transport System of South Moravia (IDS JMK). With IDS JMK, the hassle of navigating multiple transit carriers and calculating fare differences becomes a thing of the past. The fares remain consistent, ensuring you receive the same quality of service for a standard price on every journey.
For both tourists and visitors, IDS JMK simplifies the transit experience by providing comprehensive information on services, stops, and fares through a dedicated website.
Services beyond Brno are meticulously organized and funded by the South Moravian region, while services within Brno are overseen by the Statutory City of Brno. These initiatives receive additional support from various cities within the IDS JMK network. The coordination of both regional and city transit falls under the purview of KORDIS JMK, a.s.
Brno is called a small city, but 230 square kilometres is a lot to walk everywhere. Fortunately, public transport in Brno is convenient, and the main convenience is a single ticket for all its modes.
Brno's public transport system includes day and night buses, trolleybuses and trams. Ticket prices depend on the length of the journey and the fare zone.
Tickets can be conveniently acquired through vending machines located at bus and tram stops, as well as at newsagents or within the carriages themselves. One more easy option is available. Upon boarding, a simple tap of your contactless bank card on the validator initiates the issuance of an hourly ticket, amounting to 25 CZK. This method stands as the most popular and effortless choice. Opting for a shorter ticket at 20 CZK, you must also beep on the exit. Additionally, the validator allows for the direct purchase of tickets for fellow passengers or alternative fare selections.
In the warm season, river trams run along the Svratka River. The minimum fare is the same as other transport, but it depends not on the duration but on the destination. Children under 3 years of age ride the river trams for free, children under 15 get a 50% discount, and a family ticket is also available. The timetable is available on the city's tourist website.
Using a bicycle to get around Brno is not uncommon, although the hire system and cycle paths are still developing. However, in the summertime, buses with bicycle holders appear on one of the bus routes.
But this is not a complete list. Mini-buses take tourists to the Špilberk Fortress, retro trams and a beer tram. The latter vehicle is run more for fun, but the mobile pub is a success.
Food
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Czech cuisine is meat and potatoes in dozens of variations. However, there are also salads, soups and side dishes on the menus of catering establishments. Brno's culinary scene prominently features traditional Czech dishes such as "Svíčková" (beef sirloin in cream sauce) and "Kulajda" (a creamy potato soup). These hearty meals often incorporate meat, potatoes, and sauces, providing a taste of authentic Czech flavors.
Younger travellers can taste beef or chicken broth with noodles, mashed or boiled potatoes, and boiled or steamed vegetables. The choice of cereals is usually minimal; often, there is only rice on the menu. Children's menus are only offered in some places.
Brno's culinary scene has evolved to embrace international influences, offering a wide range of international cuisines and fusion dishes. From Italian trattorias to Asian eateries, the city caters to diverse palates, ensuring a global gastronomic experience.
The city is dotted with cozy cafés and bakeries, serving delectable pastries, cakes, and traditional "koblihy" (filled doughnuts). Take a moment to indulge in these sweet treats while immersing yourself in Brno's laid-back café culture.
Moravia, the region Brno resides in, is renowned for its wines. Delight your taste buds with a glass of Moravian wine, complemented by regional beverages like "Slivovice" (plum brandy) or "Becherovka" (a herbal liqueur). These drinks are an integral part of local traditions and social gatherings.
The range of goods in Brno shops is wide and familiar, and prices are affordable. Baby food is sold in supermarkets and pharmacies, represented mainly by world-famous and Czech manufacturers.
There are several food markets in the city where you can buy farm products. The main market, Zelný trh, is located in the centre of Brno; another daily market is in the Komárov district. Locals like to shop in small farm shops. Exploring these markets provides a glimpse into the culinary diversity and allows for a farm-to-table experience.