Venue and Practicalities

Brno, the second-largest city in the Czech Republic, is a vibrant cultural hub with a rich history that reflects its diverse influences. As the largest city in Moravia, Brno has long served as a major center for the region, playing a crucial role in its political, cultural, and economic life.

Brno is perhaps best known for its impressive architectural heritage. The city boasts several landmarks designed by renowned architects, including the Tugendhat Villa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, which is a masterpiece of modernist architecture. The Špilberk Castle and the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul are other iconic sites that highlight Brno’s medieval past and its importance as a stronghold in the region.

In addition to its cultural significance, Brno is a key legal center in the Czech Republic. The city is home to the Constitutional Court of the Czech Republic, which plays a crucial role in the country's legal system. The Supreme Court and the Supreme Administrative Court, both headquartered in Brno, further establish the city as a central hub for legal affairs, attracting lawyers, academics, and legal professionals from across the country.

Brno is also a city of music and theater. In 2017, Brno was designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Music, recognizing its rich musical heritage and vibrant contemporary music scene. It is home to the Janáček Academy of Music and Performing Arts, named after Leoš Janáček, one of the most celebrated Czech composers. The city regularly hosts various music festivals, including the Janáček Brno festival, which attracts international audiences. The National Theatre Brno, with its three ensembles (opera, ballet, and drama), is a cornerstone of the city's cultural scene.

Significantly, Brno is a major center of higher education in the Czech Republic. It houses several prestigious universities, including Masaryk University, which is one of the largest and most renowned institutions in the country. The university's Faculty of Law is particularly notable, offering a rigorous legal education and serving as a training ground for many of the country’s top legal minds. The city’s academic institutions are known for their research and innovation, particularly in fields such as technology, natural sciences, and social sciences. This emphasis on education and research contributes to Brno's dynamic and youthful atmosphere, making it a hub for students and academics from around the world.

In addition to its rich architectural and musical heritage, Brno is known for its thriving café culture, which reflects its position as a modern European city. The local café scene is a blend of tradition and innovation, with many places offering specialty coffee alongside traditional Czech pastries.

Moreover, Brno's cultural significance extends to its role as a center for contemporary arts and design. The Moravian Gallery in Brno is the second-largest art museum in the Czech Republic and is known for its extensive collection of fine art, applied art, and design. The city also hosts the Biennial of Graphic Design, one of the oldest and most prestigious events of its kind in the world.

Geographically, Brno’s strategic location between Prague and Vienna has historically made it an important crossroads in Central Europe. The city is just over two hours by train from both Prague and Vienna, positioning it as a gateway between the Czech Republic and Austria. This proximity has fostered close cultural and economic ties with both capitals, further enhancing Brno's significance as a regional center. Economically, Brno has long been a powerhouse in the region. In the 19th century, it earned the nickname the "Austrian (or Moravian) Manchester" due to its booming textile industry and role as a leading industrial city within the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Today, Brno is often referred to as the "Czech Silicon Valley" for its thriving technology and innovation sector. The city is home to numerous tech startups, research centers, and international companies, making it a key player in the modern economy of Central Europe.

Brno seamlessly blends its rich history with modern innovation, serving as a dynamic center of culture, law, and technology in Central Europe—a city where medieval landmarks, vibrant arts, and cutting-edge industries coexist in harmony.

Past advice for visitors to Brno has been provided by The Guardian and the New York Times.

Source: Shutterstock

Source: Open House Brno

Source: Kudy z nudy

Accomodation

Transport information

Brno has a smaller airport of its own, but there are several international airports nearby that offer convenient access to the city. We recommend traveling via Vienna International Airport, as the connections to Brno are the most convenient.

Brno–Tuřany Airport (BRQ) – Brno City Center

Bus no. E76 goes every 30 minutes, duration approx. 18 minutes, first bus departs at 5:06, last bus departs at 22:36 p.m., stops at Brno Main Train Station.

Vienna International Airport (VIE) – Brno City Center

From Vienna Airport to Brno there are many direct connections, either by train (operated by Gepard Express and RegioJet) or by bus (operated by FlixBus and RegioJet). The journey takes approximately two hours.

It is also possible to transfer at Vienna Central Station, from where trains of the Austrian National Carrier and the Czech National Carrier operate. There are RailJet trains from the Airport to Vienna Central Station every 30 minutes and the journey takes approximately 15 minutes. The train journey between Vienna and Brno takes about 85 minutes.

Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) – Brno City Center

Direct buses from Prague International Airport are operated by FlixBus, with the journey taking just over three hours. With a transfer at Florenc Bus Station, RegioJet also operates.

Airport Express buses run to Wilson Railway Station, with a journey time of forty minutes. Buses run every quarter of an hour. The price of the airport shuttle in Prague is 100 CZK (approx. 4 EUR). Trains of the Czech National Carrier and Regiojet then run from Wilson Railway Station to Brno. The journey between Prague and Brno should take two and a half hours.

M. R. Štefánik Airport Bratislava (BTS) – Brno City Center

There is no direct bus from Bratislava International Airport to Brno. With one transfer at Vienna Central Bus Station (VIB), it is possible to travel by FlixBus. The journey with a transfer (90 minutes) takes between four and five hours.

It is also possible to transfer at Bratislava Central Station, which is served by line 61 from the airport (price €1, journey time approx. 30 minutes and buses run every 8 minutes), from which trains of the Czech National Carrier and RegioJet run to Brno. The train journey from Bratislava Central Station to Brno takes about 90 minutes.

Other methods of transport to Brno

For all other modes of transport, the IDOS web portal is the best option. It allows you to plan your journey across all public transport in the Czech Republic.

If you have any questions or need assistance with your travel plans, please don't hesitate to contact the members of the Organizing Committee.

Brno public transport

Tickets for public transport can be purchased directly in any vehicle (tram or bus) by simply tapping a credit card. Alternatively, you can buy paper tickets from vending machines or at newspaper stands. Be sure to mark these immediately after boarding the vehicle.

Regular tickets cost 20 CZK for 15 minutes (including any transfers) and 25 CZK for 60 minutes (including any transfers). These tickets are valid on all forms of transport, including trams, buses, and trolleybuses. From 23:00 to 5:00, public transport operates on a night schedule, with special night bus lines stopping at the Main Train Station every hour.

Source: DPMB

Other useful information

Security and emergency

Brno is in general a safe place. It possesses a low crime rate and local people are often willing to assist tourists. That being said, some degree of caution is still necessary. Standard precautions such as avoiding desolate areas late at night and being aware of your belongings to prevent pickpocketing is advised. As long as you practice general safety measures, your trip to Brno should be enjoyable and worry-free.

The universal phone number for any kind of emergency is 112 (operators speak English).

Currency and prices

Local currency is the Czech Crown (CZK). Normally, the rate is in the range of 24-26 CZK / 1 EUR)

Typically, only CZK is accepted in shops, restaurants, and by taxi drivers. However, it is usually possible to pay with most major credit and debit cards, such as Visa and MasterCard. ATMs are relatively common in the city center and operate 24/7. Most major European banks have ATMs available.

Meals and refreshments

Speakers will be served a buffet lunch and there will also be coffee breaks at the Faculty of Law throughout the workshop.

Brno is a prominent European hub for cafés, especially for those who appreciate specialty coffee. If you're a coffee lover, be sure to visit at least two or three of the city’s renowned cafés to truly experience its vibrant coffee culture. We can recommend several interesting spots. The Piknik Box café, located in the Björnson Gardens area, is very close to the faculty. It’s the nearest option, though it’s a stand in a park, so we particularly recommend it in good weather. A bit further from the faculty, about 600 meters away, are Komár Café and Kafec Brno Úvoz. Closer to the city center, you'll find Buchta B, Punkt. Espresso Bar, Pikola, Skog, and Monogram Espresso Bar. However, the options for enjoying a good cup of coffee are nearly endless.

Even if you’re not a coffee enthusiast, Brno has plenty of options for refreshment. The city center is filled with countless restaurants offering a variety of cuisines. For a curated list of interesting places to eat, we recommend visiting the Go to Brno page. For vegetarian and vegan options, try Fryends bistro or Vegalité, while Má Hostina restaurant offers paleo dining. The Tři Ocásci social cooperative, which runs a pastry shop, specializes in fair trade snacks. A large number of restaurants in Brno also offer gluten-free meals.

Since you’re visiting the Czech Republic, you’re likely expecting a vibrant nightlife centered around bars and pubs. Brno is no exception, offering a wide variety of venues where you can enjoy a beer or a drink in the evening. For beer enthusiasts, we recommend the Hostinec U Bláhovky, conveniently located close to the faculty. Closer to the city center, you’ll find pubs like U Tomana, Na Stojáka, Pivnice U Čápa, Stopkova Plzeňská Pivnice, and Lokál u Caipla. If beer isn’t your preference and you’re looking for other types of evening refreshments, we suggest checking out Bar, který neexistuje or Cubana—both located in the city center. Please note that in the Czech Republic, bars and pubs do not allow smoking indoors. However, if you like shisha, we can recommend Queen or Slast.

Internet

Wireless connection - Faculty of Law is covered by Eduroam wireless network. Please, note that the network is accessible only for researchers, teachers, students and staff from institutions participating in the Eduroam project.

Further, the participants may be provided with uniquely generated login credentials for access to the wireless network on the premises of the Faculty of Law, if necessary.

Power plugs

If you are bringing any electronic devices with you from the UK or overseas, you might need a power adaptor. The standard power plug for the Czech Republic is the French type E (a two-pin plug) or Europlug or CEE 7/17 standard. In most sockets we can use them interchangeably.