Imagine wandering through cavernous underground chambers that resemble a cathedral, discovering centuries-old crypts hidden beneath city streets, collecting a glass marble from a quirky astronomical clock and ending the day with a glass of local wine before heading out to vineyardcovered landscapes and charming wine towns. Add to that a thriving café culture, creative energy and a refreshingly local atmosphere free from the crowds that define many European destinations. It sounds like the kind of place travellers spend years searching for. 
 
That place is Brno, one of the many places for travellers to discover beyond Prague. It is the second-largest city of Czech Republic or Czechia as it is more popularly called, and is quickly emerging as one of the country's most exciting hidden gems. Brno is not the kind of city that demands attention. It does not compete with Prague’s postcard-perfect charm or ask to be checked off a list. Instead, it rewards travellers who enjoy discovering places with character. The city is youthful, creative and refreshingly local. Its streets are lined with cafés, wine bars and hidden corners that feel genuinely discovered. For Indian travellers looking to experience Czechia beyond the usual highlights, Brno offers a different perspective. 
 
One of the city’s most surprising attractions lies underground. Beneath Brno are vast historic water reservoirs built between the late 19th and early 20th centuries to supply drinking water to the growing city. Today, these restored chambers have become one of Brno’s most atmospheric spaces. With vaulted ceilings, dramatic corridors and a cathedral-like scale, they feel equally suited to an art installation, a film set or an unforgettable underground techno event. 

Another of Brno's standout attractions is Villa Tugendhat, a UNESCO-listed masterpiece that has become a pilgrimage site for architecture and design enthusiasts from around the world. Its pioneering use of space, materials and technology was decades ahead of its time, making it one of the most important examples of modern architecture in Europe.