Brno travel guide

The Czech cinderella

Brno is one of the Cinderella stories of Central Europe. At one time a city that was simply an industrial center of a Soviet Satellite, it has now blossomed and matured into the shabby chic of European towns. With the population at about half a million, it is somewhere between quaint and urban. Only few of its residents are foreigners, which has allowed it to maintain its Czech identity in a way that Prague has not been able to. However, it is attracting more and more tourists, fostering just enough of a cosmopolitan tinge to make it exciting. One of the loveliest qualities of Brno are its many parks. Wherever you go, you are never far away from grass, flower patches and sprawling stands of trees. The old town center contains hordes of fine shops, beautiful buildings and gothic churches. Cafes are everywhere and are particularly fetching in the spring when brightly colored table umbrellas cluster the sidewalks. And, as is the case everywhere in the Czech Republic, there are several pubs per street, full of cheap, yet robust, Czech beer. These days, Brno also hosts a burgeoning art and culture scene. You can always find a film or play to see, the museums are earnest and often feature prestigious exhibitions, and the music scene is particularly lively. Most nights of the week, you can find live performances of American or Czech music of all styles. Since the days of Soviet rule, Brno has been reinventing itself, and this is definitely worth witnessing.