Brno, the Czech Republic’s second-largest city, has been named one of Europe’s ten most attractive travel destinations for 2026 by Austrian travel and lifestyle outlet 1000thingsmagazine.com, ranking fifth on its annual list. The recognition highlights Brno’s growing popularity among travelers from Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.

The ranking places Brno firmly on the European travel map, particularly as a less crowded and more relaxed alternative to Prague. Already known for its youthful energy and compact layout, the city is increasingly appealing to visitors looking for shorter, experience-rich city breaks.

Described by 1000things as a “mecca of architecture and gastronomy,” Brno offers strong year-round appeal. Major landmarks include Villa Tugendhat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Špilberk Castle, the city’s underground labyrinths, and historic water reservoirs such as the Brno Water Tanks at Žlutý kopec.

Food is another major draw. Several Brno restaurants were featured in the first-ever Michelin Guide Czechia, earning recommendations and Bib Gourmand mentions. While the city did not receive Michelin stars this year, the listings have reinforced Brno’s reputation as one of the country’s most exciting culinary destinations. The guide highlighted restaurants such as Bango, Severka, and Flek, along with venues like the Vitamin Community Center.

Brno’s rising profile is also reflected in tourism numbers. More than one million travelers visited the city last year, accounting for approximately 1.7 million overnight stays. Nearly half of these visitors were international guests. This year, the average stay has increased to almost three days, indicating that visitors are spending more time exploring the city.

The city’s compact and walkable center makes it easy to combine espresso bars, wine cellars, Moravian cuisine, cultural venues, and nightlife within a short stay. Brno also serves as a gateway to South Moravia, a region known for wine villages, cycling routes, UNESCO-listed sites, and the caves of the Moravian Karst.

Well connected by rail, Brno is located just 2–3 hours from Prague, about one hour from Vienna, and within easy reach of Munich and Bratislava. Its accessibility, combined with its cultural depth and food-forward identity, is helping Brno emerge as one of Europe’s most appealing city-break destinations in 2026.