Last Updated on January 25, 2026 by Sarah Wilson

When most people think of the Czech Republic, they picture Prague’s spires, Charles Bridge, and the crowds that come with them. However, a few hours east lies Olomouc, a smaller city rich in history, charm, and excellent coffee. It’s relaxed, walkable, and full of surprises.

I’d just finished a week-long house sit elsewhere in the Czech Republic and decided to add a couple of days in Olomouc before heading home. It turned out to be the perfect place to unwind—interesting enough to explore, but calm and easygoing after a week of pet sitting.

Arriving in Olomouc

I arrived in Olomouc around 4 p.m. on a grey November afternoon. The central station is about a 25-minute walk from the centre, but it’s very easy to get into town by local transport. 

I took a tram, paid 25 Czech koruna (about one euro) at the machine before boarding, and was in the old town in ten minutes. Simple, cheap, and efficient. I walked back to the station when I left, as it’s a pleasant stroll and gave me one last look at the city.

I stayed at Penzion na Hradě, a small guesthouse right in the centre. It was a great location and very quiet at night. After dropping off my bag, I headed out for a walk before it got completely dark.

Evening in the Upper Square

The Upper Square (Horní náměstí) is the main square in Olomouc, dominated by the Holy Trinity Column, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, during my visit, the column was under restoration and wrapped in scaffolding—a bit of a shame, but good to see it being cared for. Even without the column on show, the square is beautiful. Streetlights lit up the old buildings, and although it was completely dark by 5 p.m., it felt perfectly safe to wander around.

The Astronomical Clock on the side of the Town Hall is worth a look. Unlike Prague’s famous clock, this one was redesigned in the 1950s with socialist figures—factory workers, farmers, and scientists instead of saints. It’s a fascinating reminder of the country’s more recent history.

I had an early dinner at Moravská Restaurace, just off the square. Traditional Czech food, good local wine, and friendly service. Exactly what I needed on a cold, rainy evening. The Moravian Philharmonic Hall is next door, but there were no performances that Monday night.

The Tourist Information Centre, located inside the Town Hall, is excellent. It’s open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A Fresh Look in the Morning

The next morning, I went back to the Upper Square to see it in daylight. It’s much easier to appreciate the buildings once the sun’s up. Many of the historic buildings feature small plaques explaining their history, including English translations, which makes exploring on your own easy.

Usually, I like to join a free walking tour in new cities, but there weren’t any running during my visit. Instead, I followed the route on the “Olomouc in a Nutshell” map I picked up from my guesthouse (also available at the tourist information centre). It’s a great self-guided walk that helped me see many of the main sights in one day.

Just a short walk from my guesthouse is St. Michael’s Church, an ornate Baroque church with a beautifully decorated interior. A few minutes away is St. Moritz Church, home to one of the largest church organs in Central Europe. Here, you can climb the tower for great views of the city, but as it was raining, I opted for coffee instead.

So I stopped at Dz Coffee, near St. Moritz Church, where I enjoyed a great cappuccino, a relaxed vibe, and friendly staff. Olomouc has numerous lovely cafés, making it impossible to try them all in a short visit. Still, this one served an excellent cappuccino, and it was the only item on the coffee menu I understood. 

A City Made for Wandering

Olomouc is the kind of place you can explore without a plan. It’s compact, full of fancy Baroque fountains, and easy to get around on foot. Once the capital of Moravia, it still retains a certain grandeur but also possesses a down-to-earth charm. With Palacký University nearby, it also has a young, lively energy.

For lunch, I went to Café La Fée, a cosy spot with sandwiches, light meals, and more great coffee. It’s the sort of café where you can sit for ages, watching people come and go. 

From there, it’s only a short walk to the Lower Square (Dolní náměstí), smaller but just as pretty as the Upper Square. Look out for the Neptune Fountain and colourful old houses surrounding it. Olomouc’s many Baroque fountains—each one with a different mythological figure—are a lovely touch and great for photos.

I also enjoyed a walk through the park below the old city walls, which stretches around part of the historic centre. Even on a damp November afternoon, it was peaceful and green—a nice break from sightseeing.

Later, I visited St. Wenceslas Cathedral and the Archdiocesan Museum. Both are impressive and full of history. Even if you don’t usually enjoy museums, this one is worth visiting for the architecture alone.

Coffee, Comfort, and Quiet Corners

Olomouc has a brilliant coffee scene. I only had time to try a few places, but I must mention Owls Café and Café La Fée—both are excellent. There are plenty more scattered around town, which gives me a good reason to return.

For dinner, I tried Restaurant U Morice, located near St. Moritz Church—another solid choice—with hearty Czech cuisine in a relaxed setting. 

One thing I really liked was how safe and calm the city felt. Even walking back to my guesthouse at night, it was quiet but not deserted. Locals were friendly, and it was easy to feel at home there.

Practical Information

Getting There: Olomouc is around 2.5 hours by train from Prague and about an hour from Brno. Trains are frequent and inexpensive.

Getting Around: The city centre is walkable. The central station is approximately a 25-minute walk from the old town, or you can take a quick tram—please purchase your ticket from the machine before boarding (25 CZK / about €1).

Tourist Information: Located inside the Town Hall on the Upper Square (open Mon–Sat 9–7, Sun 9–5).

Best Time To Visit Olomouc: Spring and autumn are ideal, but even in November, the city retains its charm.

Other Great Towns To Visit In Czechia: Hradec Kralove and Cesky Krumlov .

This article is also featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or create a self-guided walking tour to visit the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Olomouc.

Final Thoughts

Olomouc might not have Prague’s famous landmarks, but that’s precisely what makes it special. It’s full of history, easy to explore, and has a great mix of old-world architecture and modern café culture.

Even with the Holy Trinity Column covered for restoration, the city still left a lasting impression on me. It’s the kind of place where nothing feels rushed—you can stroll, stop for coffee, and just enjoy the atmosphere.

After a week of house sitting, it was the perfect little add-on before heading home. If you’re looking for a unique experience in the Czech Republic, consider visiting Olomouc. Sometimes the best discoveries are the quiet ones.

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