Things To Do
in Olomouc
Olomouc is a historic university city in Moravia, Czechia, located around 49.5939 N, 17.2508 E, known for its baroque architecture and UNESCO-listed Holy Trinity Column. The compact city center is walkable and rich with arcades, cafes, and markets that pulse with student life. It blends centuries of culture with a lively arts scene and easy access to nearby nature and wine regions.
Olomouc serves as a relaxed base for exploring Moravia, from hilltop viewpoints to riverside strolls.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast at a cozy café in the historic center of Olomouc, where you can savor traditional Czech pastries and coffee. Afterward, take a stroll through the picturesque streets, marveling at the stunning Baroque architecture of the Holy Trinity Column. Don't forget to stop by the Olomouc Town Hall and admire its beautiful astronomical clock.
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the rich history of Olomouc by visiting the Olomouc Museum of Art, which showcases both Czech and international contemporary art. Spend some time wandering through the gardens of the Archbishop's Palace, taking in the serene landscapes and fountains. As you explore, be sure to visit the St. Wenceslas Cathedral to appreciate its impressive Gothic design.
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant where you can try traditional Czech dishes such as svíčková or goulash. After your meal, take a leisurely walk around the city center, perhaps stopping for a refreshing Czech beer at a nearby pub. Conclude your evening by enjoying a classical concert or cultural performance at the Moravian Theatre.
Start your day at the Olomouc Farmers' Market, where you can sample fresh produce, local cheeses, and homemade pastries while mingling with friendly vendors. The vibrant colors and aromas make for a delightful atmosphere, perfect for experiencing local life. After browsing the stalls, grab a coffee from one of the market cafés and enjoy people-watching in the bustling square.
In the afternoon, visit the nearby Olomouc Regional Museum to learn about the region's history and culture through fascinating exhibits. You can also take a guided tour of the museum to gain deeper insights into the artifacts displayed. Afterward, explore the nearby Smetana Gardens, where you can relax and enjoy the beautifully manicured landscapes.
For dinner, head to a traditional Czech restaurant where you can indulge in hearty meals and local wines. Afterward, take a nighttime stroll through the illuminated streets of Olomouc, appreciating the enchanting atmosphere. If you're up for it, find a local pub to experience the lively nightlife and perhaps join in on some traditional Czech folk music.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee and pastry | $3-5 |
| 🚆Public transport (single ride) | $1-2 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $60-120 |
| 🧀Milk (1 liter) | $1-2 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, walkable historic center
- Rich Moravian cuisine and good beer
- Strong student culture and arts scene
- UNESCO heritage site and impressive architecture
- Smaller city feel compared to Prague or Brno
- Can get crowded around the square in peak season
- Some venues may have limited English-speaking staff
- "Dobrý den" - Good day
- "Děkuji" - Thank you
- "Prosím" - Please / You're welcome
- "Na shledanou" - Goodbye
- "Promiňte" - Excuse me
- "Mluvíte anglicky?" - Do you speak English?
- "Kde je toaleta?" - Where is the restroom?
- "Kolik to stojí?" - How much does it cost?
- "Jídlo bez masa" - Food without meat
- "Mám alergii na ořechy" - I have a nut allergy
Places to Visit in Olomouc
Visit one of these nice places.
A UNESCO-listed Baroque centerpiece ideal for daytime and golden-hour shots.
Climb for panoramic views over Olomouc and the surrounding countryside.
Medieval clock with ornate façades and lively figures.
Cobbled lanes and elegant arcades provide atmospheric shots any time of day.
Food in Olomouc
Olomouc Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A pungent local soft cheese often served with bread or fried as a snack; great with beer.
Must-Try!
Beef in creamy vegetable sauce with dumplings, a Czech classic.
Beef goulash served with Czech dumplings.
Breaded fried cheese, a staple of Czech pub menus.
White or rosé wines from nearby vineyards; enjoy with meals.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly farmers’ market offering fresh produce, cheeses, meats, and baked goods near the city center.
Casual bites and warm pastries around the Market Square and pedestrian streets.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with Dobrý den; address people politely, especially in formal settings.
Handshakes for first meetings; use titles and surnames with older people.
Safety
Tipping in Olomouc
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, rounding up or 5-10% is common unless service charge is included.
Credit cards widely accepted; cash is useful in smaller venues and markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days, blooming trees, and city markets return; great for walking tours.
Warm weather, long days; enjoy outdoor cafés, riverside paths, and festivals.
Colorful foliage and comfortable temperatures for exploring the squares and parks.
Chance of snow, festive lights, and Christmas markets around the square.
Olomouc at Night
Hiking in Olomouc
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, scenic hike with city views; easy for most visitors.
Enjoy riverside paths with bench views and picnic spots; accessible from town.
Airports
How to reach Olomouc by plane.
Closest major airport to Olomouc, approximately 120 km by road; good for domestic and European connections.
Main international gateway about 260-300 km away; frequent international flights.
Regional airport to the northeast; useful for some European routes; about 150-180 km away.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large share due to Palacký University; cosmopolitan and youthful energy.
Residents in residential districts with parks and services.
Traditional residents in historic neighborhoods.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and followed; local clubs and community leagues.
Popular winter sport with rink facilities in the city region.
Common recreational sports in parks and clubs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Olomouc.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most places offer vegetarian mains; look for dumplings, mushroom dishes, and vegetable stews; ask for no meat broth.