Experiences and Things to Do Around the MotoGP Grand Prix of Czechia at Brno

Grand Prix of Czechia

Grand Prix of Czechia

BRNO EXPERIENCES

Brno is more than a race — it is a city worth exploring. UNESCO architecture, Moravian wine, underground caves, and a castle with panoramic views.

Quick Picks

Architecture

Villa Tugendhat (UNESCO), functionalist trail, and Brno's modernist heritage.

Wine

South Moravia wine region — National Wine Salon, Mikulov cellars.

Nature

Punkva Caves, Macocha Gorge, and Moravian Karst hiking.

Day Trips

Lednice-Valtice UNESCO landscape, Mikulov wine town.

Architecture

Architecture & Design

Brno has one of the highest concentrations of functionalist and modernist architecture in Europe. Villa Tugendhat alone is worth the trip.

Architecture

Villa Tugendhat (UNESCO World Heritage)

1.5 hrsArchitecture fans, culture loversMust-see

One of the most important buildings of the 20th century, designed by Mies van der Rohe and completed in 1930. A masterpiece of functionalist architecture — the open-plan living space with its famous onyx wall and floor-to-ceiling windows is breathtaking. A 90-minute guided tour covers the entire building including technical facilities. Book at least 2-3 months in advance — tours sell out fast. Maximum 16 people per group. Open daily except Monday, 10 AM-6 PM. Payment in CZK only.

Architecture

Brno Functionalism Trail

2-3 hrsArchitecture buffs, walkers

Beyond Villa Tugendhat, Brno has one of the highest concentrations of functionalist and modernist architecture in Europe. The city itself is a living museum of 1920s-30s design. A self-guided walk through the city centre reveals dozens of notable buildings. Free — maps available from the tourist office. Allow 2-3 hours.

Castle

Spilberk Castle

A 13th-century hilltop fortress in the city centre with panoramic views, a city museum, and atmospheric underground casemates.

Castle

Spilberk Castle

2 hrsHistory lovers, familiesMust-see

A 13th-century castle on a hilltop in the city centre, founded by King Ottokar II of Bohemia. Transformed over centuries from a royal castle to a fortress to the notorious "prison of nations" under the Habsburgs. Today it houses the Brno City Museum with exhibitions on local history. The casemates (underground corridors and dungeons) are atmospheric. The castle walls offer panoramic views over the entire city. Open daily except Monday. Reachable by tram 4, 5, or 12 to Spilberk stop, then a short uphill walk. Allow 2 hours for the museum and casemates.

Wine

South Moravia Wine Region

South Moravia produces 96% of Czech wine. White varieties dominate — Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Gruner Veltliner thrive in the mild climate. Wine cellars, tastings, and cycling routes through vineyards are all within 30-40 minutes of Brno.

Wine

National Wine Salon — Valtice Chateau

1-1.5 hrsWine loversUnique

Located in the cellars of Valtice Chateau, this is the definitive Czech wine experience. The salon features the 100 best Czech wines each year, selected by expert panels. You can taste all of them in a single visit. The chateau itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape. 40 min drive from Brno. Tastings last 60-90 minutes. Book ahead for race weekend.

Wine

Mikulov wine cellars

Half dayWine lovers, couples

The town of Mikulov sits at the heart of the South Moravia wine region, surrounded by vineyards. Multiple wine cellars offer tastings — the Mikulov Winemakers host guided sessions on the main square. The town itself is beautiful, with a hilltop chateau and baroque old town. 50 min drive from Brno. Combine with Valtice for a full wine day trip.

Nature

Nature & Outdoor

The Moravian Karst north of Brno offers dramatic caves, gorges, and hiking trails — all within 40 minutes of the city.

Nature

Punkva Caves & Macocha Gorge

Half dayFamilies, nature loversMust-see

One of the most spectacular natural attractions in Central Europe. An underground river boat ride through the Punkva Caves leads to views of the Macocha Gorge — a 138-metre deep abyss. The cable car ride to the gorge rim provides dramatic views. Popular with families and anyone who enjoys combining nature with a touch of adrenaline. 40 min drive north of Brno (Blansko area). Book cave tours in advance — they sell out in summer. Allow half a day.

Nature

Moravian Karst hiking

Half dayActive travellers, hikers

The broader karst landscape around the Punkva Caves includes over 1,100 caves, gorges, and sinkholes. Several waymarked hiking trails wind through forests and past geological features. A good option for fans who want outdoor activity on Thursday or Friday morning before heading to the circuit. Accessible from Blansko (30 min from Brno by train). Well-signed hiking routes of various lengths.

History

Historical Brno

Brno's old town is compact and walkable, packed with medieval history, underground tunnels, and landmarks with stories worth hearing.

History

Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul

1 hrHistory lovers

The dominant landmark on Petrov hill, visible across the city. Gothic and Baroque architecture with a climbable tower offering city views. The noon bells ring at 11 AM — a tradition dating to the Thirty Years' War when early bells reportedly tricked besieging Swedish forces into ending their siege early.

History

Brno Underground (Labyrinth)

1 hrHistory buffs, families

A network of medieval tunnels and cellars beneath the old town, originally used for storage and shelter. Guided tours explore the atmospheric passageways. A cool escape on a hot June afternoon.

History

Old Town Hall & Dragon

30 minEveryone

The oldest secular building in Brno, with a famous crocodile (locally called "the dragon") hanging in the entrance passage. A gift from Archduke Matthias in 1608, it has become the city's symbol. The tower offers another good viewpoint.

Extend Your Trip

Nearby Day Trips

Worth considering if you have extra time around Brno.

Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape (UNESCO)

50 min drive

Two chateaux, gardens, and parkland forming one of Europe's largest designed landscapes. Combine with the National Wine Salon in Valtice's cellars for a full day trip.

Couples, culture loversThursday or non-race dayPopular

Mikulov

50 min drive

Picturesque wine town with a hilltop chateau, baroque old town, and wine cellars. The town is surrounded by vineyards and is the unofficial capital of Czech wine country.

Wine lovers, couplesNon-race day
Travelling As

Find Your Style

Architecture & Design

Villa Tugendhat tour · Functionalism trail · Spilberk Castle · Cathedral tower

Wine & Food

National Wine Salon · Mikulov cellars · Lednice-Valtice chateaux · Beer halls

Nature & Adventure

Punkva Caves boat ride · Macocha Gorge · Moravian Karst hiking

Day Trips

Lednice-Valtice UNESCO landscape · Mikulov wine town · South Moravia vineyards

Your Weekend

Race Weekend Itinerary

How to combine the racing with the best of Brno across the four days.

Thursday (arrival day)

  • Villa Tugendhat tour (book months ahead)
  • Walk Spilberk Castle for city views
  • Dinner at Stopkova Plzenska Pivnice or Selepka

Friday (practice day)

  • Morning at the circuit for free practice sessions
  • Afternoon: Brno Underground or Cathedral tower
  • Evening: Beer crawl — Lokal U Caipla, then Vycep Na stojaka

Saturday (sprint day)

  • At circuit for qualifying and sprint race
  • Evening: Freedom Square bars and race-week atmosphere
  • Late night: Super Panda Circus or Metro Music Bar

Sunday (race day)

  • Arrive at circuit by 08:00 (traffic gridlocks from 09:00)
  • Moto3 and Moto2 races through the morning
  • MotoGP race at 14:00 local time
  • Post-race: late dinner once traffic has cleared