Ahoj! My name is Kalyssa and I’m currently doing an internship here in Brno. Since arriving, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how affordable life is in this city. Whether you’re here for a study abroad semester like me, a work placement, or just passing through, Brno offers a ton of budget-friendly things to do. I’ve learned how to make the most of it without spending more than necessary.
Here’s a list of my favorite low-cost activities in Brno, with actual prices and where to find them.
Explore Brno’s Historic Sites
You don’t need to pay museum admission to appreciate Brno’s architecture and history. Some of the best experiences are either free or cost just a few crowns.
- Špilberk Castle is free to walk around, and the park that surrounds it is one of my favorite places to go. If you want to check out the museum inside, the entry fee ranges from 50 CZK to 280 CZK depending on the specific tour or exhibition you chose. For “The Story of the Castle” tour, the basic admission is 260 CZK and reduced admission is 155 CZK.
- The Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul is free to enter, but if you want to climb the tower for views over the city, tickets are 60 CZK, or 40 CZK with a student discount.
- The Brno Ossuary beneath St. James Church is one of the largest ossuaries in Europe. Prices range from 80 to 160 CZK.
- The Old Town Hall offers a great view over the city center. Entry is 90 CZK for adults and 50 CZK for students.
You can also look into buying a Brnopass, which offers discounted or even free admission to many of these attractions. It’s available at gotobrno.cz, and if you’re planning to visit a lot of sights or museums, it can definitely save you some money.
For more information on the Špilberk Castle, read our blog at https://blog.foreigners.cz/spilberk-castle/
Parks and Outdoor Spaces
When the weather is nice, Brno has plenty of relaxing spaces. All of them are free to visit and great for walks, studying, or meeting up with friends.
- Lužánky Park is the most popular and has a lot of open space.
- Denis Gardens near the cathedral has some of the best sunset views in the city.
- Špilberk Park wraps around the castle with walking paths and shady spots.
- A bit farther out, Brno Reservoir is a go-to spot for swimming, walks along the water, or just hanging out by the shore. Paddleboat rentals are available if you feel like getting out on the water.
- The area is also home to IGNIS Brunensis, one of Brno’s largest annual events. This international fireworks competition takes place every year in May and June, with colorful displays over the reservoir that are totally free to watch.
For more information on the Brno Reservoir, read our blog at https://blog.foreigners.cz/brno-dam/
Swimming Pools and Sports
Brno has several public pools that are clean, affordable, and open year-round. They’re especially great for cooling off in the summer or staying active during the week.
- One of the most popular spots is Kraví Hora, which has both indoor and outdoor pools with views of the city. A day pass to the outdoor pool is 200 CZK for adults and 100 CZK for kids and seniors.
- But it’s not just for swimming. Kraví Hora also offers:
- Wellness areas
- Hockey Hall
- Beach Volleyball
- Baseball Field
- Playgrounds
- Walking paths through gardens
- But it’s not just for swimming. Kraví Hora also offers:
Also worth visiting:
- Lužánky City Pool has Olympic-length lanes and a relaxed vibe. A two-hour pass is 170 CZK or 85 CZK for kids.
- Riviera Outdoor Pool feels like a mini waterpark in the summer. Tickets start at 110 CZK.
- Zábrdovice Pool has slides, a wave pool, and large grass areas. Tickets also start at 110 CZK.
For more information about pools and ponds in Brno, read our blog at https://blog.foreigners.cz/pool-ponds-brno-tips-trips/
Museums and Galleries
Brno’s museums are usually budget-friendly and most offer student discounts. Some even have free entry days.
- Moravian Gallery often hosts exhibitions that are completely free.
- Technical Museum is perfect for anyone into machines, science, or history. Regular tickets are 180 CZK and reduced at 90 CZK.
- Museum of Romani Culture is small but powerful. Admission is 120 CZK or 60 CZK for students, kids, and seniors.
Many museums also offer free admissions on the first Wednesday of each month, so it’s worth planning your visits around that.
Markets, Vintage Finds, and Street Art
- Zelný trh in the city center is a fun place to browse even if you don’t buy anything. You can pick up fruit, vegetables, and flowers for fairly cheap.
- If you’re into secondhand fashion, check out the thrift stores around Cejl and the outer city center. I’ve found some great pieces for under 200 CZK.
- And if you’re into Photography or murals, explore the Zbrojovka area or the old slaughterhouse district. Both are filled with industrial buildings and cool street art.
National Theatre Brno
- One of the best deals in the city is catching a performance at the National Theatre Brno. They have ballet, opera, and drama, and many tickets available for students starting around 150-200 CZK depending on the performance and seat location. You can find affordable tickets online at ndbrno.cz and most shows include English subtitles if you’re worried about language. It’s a great way to enjoy the arts without spending too much.
Brno might not be as flashy as Prague, but it’s one of the most livable cities I’ve been to. It’s easy to get around and surprisingly affordable. Whether you’re here on an internship like me or just passing through, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your time without spending much.
From walking trails and performances to museum visits or a swim, there’s always something to check out. Stick to these tips and you’ll have no problem making the most of Brno without breaking your budget.
For more information on all of these places, visit gotobrno.cz
Sources: gotobrno.cz ndbrno.cz
