That's what they say when it's not cold (Brno)

Member Name: dangaroo

Product:	Brno
Date:	10/08/09 (17 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A nice historic centre, relaxed locals, cool things near by, not so touristy

Disadvantages: Not as much to see as Prague

Brno is Czech Republic's 2nd city and the capital of Moravia, whilst Prague might not seem particularly frantic compared to other capital cities, it's a major rat race by Czech standards. Moravians however are notoriously laidback and this aura is noticeable in Brno. Capital cities also tend to attract a certain amount of people with their heads up their bottoms, so the Czechs say if you want to get to know the people, head to Brno or another smaller city.

Brno is easily reachable by train or bus from not only other Czech cities but also Vienna, Bratislava and Poland. The historical town centre, is impressive with St. Peter and Paul cathedral dominating the skyline, magnificent relics of the past are side by side with cafes and shops along one of the most well known streets in the city - Dominikanska. Villa Tugenhadt is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and supposedly a great example of 1920s architecture, personally I couldn't be bothered to go due to a hangover after too much Slivovice!

Brno's centre is rather hilly and once you've visited the cathedral and Spilberk Castle, I recommend taking things easy as the locals do and heading to one of the many cheap pubs for a beer or kofola (coca-cola like drink), it's common in these parts to have numerous board games on hand and while away the hours in the pub with friends.

Brno is not as good looking as Prague and it's much smaller, it's suburbs have little to offer but then again neither do Prague's really, I stayed with a friend there at the time and we cooked at home - my only experience of food in Brno was a cheap burger slapped together in a kiosk by a Chinese chap - managed to burn myself on the burger and cover myself in the sauce, obviously proof of how much I enjoyed Brno's beers!

Like in many former communist cities, night buses run the routes meeting up at the central station for a frantic change of bus. The region immediately near Brno has quite a lot to offer with Macocha Caves and Cerna Hora brewery to the north making a good day trip. A visit to the south for hiking and relaxing by the Nove Mlyny Dam is also well worth it.

Summary: A nice alternative