First time in BRNO, Czechia / Czech Republic - Worth a Visit?

Hi everyone! In this video, I explore the second-biggest city in Czechia (also known as the Czech Republic), namely Brno. Many people - if not most - who visit Czechia only travel to Prague. I was guilty of this too, until now. In fact, I visited Czechia four times before exploring any other town or city outside of the capital. Throughout the vlog, I will mention my first impressions and thoughts about the city.

The vlog starts off with me receiving some information from the Tourist Information Office, based in the Old Town Hall. I immediately notice that the city has a lot of information on display in public places, which is great for a tourist visiting the first time! At the Old Town Hall, I talk about the legend of the Brno Dragon and how the town finally got rid of him.

I then head to the Cabbage Market or Vegetable Market where I talk about Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's visit to Brno as well as the Parnas (or Parnassus) Fountain. I notice that the city has a normal tourist path you can follow but also a Gregor Mendel path.

I then head towards Petrov Hill and the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul - en route I also talk about my preconceptions of Czechia and the former communist countries when I grew up in South Africa. At the cathedral, I talk about the significance of the year 1645 and the number 11.

After visiting the Cathedral, I head to a lookout point where I talk more about Brno and its economic history. I focus on the 19th century when the city was nicknamed the Moravian Manchester. I then head back towards the city and grab a coffee before heading to Špilberk Castle. I explore the exterior of the castle and the surrounding gardens, and notice several good viewing spots or platforms.

I quickly return to my hostel where I give a room tour. Here I also taste a Kofola drink and a Knoppers chocolate and give my verdict. Afterwards, I head back to the city to explore more and eventually arrive in Freedom Square where I notice the Brno Astronomical Clock and various other interesting buildings and features.

I walk through the shopping areas and less visited areas of the city to get to Villa Tugendhat, where I mention more details about the dissolution of Czechoslovakia and the role played by Brno.

In the final section of the vlog, I return to the castle where I give my verdict on whether Brno is worth a visit and if, indeed, it is better than Prague.

I hope you enjoy this visit to Brno and that you found it informative! If you haven't done it yet, please hit the LIKE and SUBSCRIBE buttons and leave a COMMENT for me in the comments section.

Please note that all opinions expressed are my own. I have not been sponsored in the production of this video.

Happy exploring!

Willie