14 Most Underrated Cities in Europe Worth Visiting Right Now

5. Brno, Czech Republic - Modernist Architecture and Moravian Culture

Brno stands as the Czech Republic's second-largest city and a modernist architectural treasure trove, offering sophisticated urban experiences without the tourist crowds that overwhelm Prague. The city's crown jewel, Villa Tugendhat, represents one of the world's finest examples of functionalist architecture and earned UNESCO World Heritage status for its revolutionary design by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Špilberk Castle, originally a royal castle and later a notorious prison, now houses the Brno City Museum and provides panoramic views over the city's distinctive skyline of church spires and modernist buildings. The city's vibrant cultural scene centers around institutions like the Janáček Theatre, named after the famous composer Leoš Janáček who spent much of his career in Brno, and the contemporary Moravian Gallery, which houses significant collections of applied arts and design. Brno's underground attractions include the Ossuary beneath St. James Church, containing the remains of over 50,000 people, and the Labyrinth under Zelný trh (Cabbage Market), a network of medieval cellars now serving as an atmospheric venue for events and exhibitions. The city's culinary landscape celebrates Moravian traditions while embracing contemporary innovation, featuring everything from traditional wine cellars serving local Moravian wines to modern restaurants earning national recognition. Brno's compact historic center encourages walking exploration, while its efficient public transportation system provides easy access to surrounding attractions including the Moravian Karst cave system and numerous castles and châteaux scattered throughout the South Moravian region.