City in South Moravia, Czech Republic
Brno
Czechia's second city is a young university and tech town with a compact center, strong coffee and bar scene, and lower prices than Prague. Fewer big sights, but easy to live in.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$2,070–2,990Comfortable, one person · Kč45,000–65,000Details
- Value for money32/100Better value than 31% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Jul, 28°CDetails
- Air quality16 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · PollutedDetails
- Internet92 MbpsFixed broadband, Czech Republic medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is safe and good to drink; restaurants rarely serve it free but will pour a glass if asked.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$37–69Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBoltWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless almost everywhere; keep a bit of koruna for markets and small pubs.Details
Where to stay in Brno
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Centrum (Old Town) | Walkable, bars, markets, Špilberk castle |
| Brno-Královo Pole | Tech jobs, modern flats and good tram links |
| Veveří and Kounicova | Student area with cafés and flats near the center |
| Žabovřesky | Quiet, leafy and family-oriented |
Apps that work in Brno
- Maps: Google Maps; Mapy.com for hiking
- Messaging: WhatsApp, Messenger
- PID Lítačka: Prague public transport tickets
- IDOS: All train and bus timetables
- Taxis: Use apps or call a radio taxi; avoid touts outside the station.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Czech Republic.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless almost everywhere; keep a bit of koruna for markets and small pubs.
- Currency: Koruna (CZK). US$1 ≈ Kč21.72 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use bank ATMs (ČSOB, Komerční banka, Česká spořitelna); avoid Euronet and always decline conversion.
- Tipping: Round up or add about 10% in restaurants; tell the server the total you want to pay.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted; many Prague trams have contactless ticket machines on board.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen country. Non-EU visitors are fingerprinted and photographed under the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) at first entry; passports are no longer stamped.
- ETIAS pre-travel authorisation is not required yet; its launch has slipped beyond 2026.
- Carry proof of travel medical insurance: police can ask visa-free visitors for it. Visa applicants need at least €30,000 cover.
Emergency numbers
Police 158 · Ambulance 155 · Fire 150 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, E · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid SIMs at carrier stores and newsagents. Czech mobile data is pricier than its neighbours', so an EU SIM or eSIM may be cheaper. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Czech Republic
Going to Brno solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.