Outstanding Olomouc

Olomouc, Upper Square, Czech Republic

Last Updated on 8th January 2019 by Sarah and Justin

Olomouc is a smallish city in Moravia, an eastern region in the Czech Republic. We most likely found it searching for stops between Brno and Kraków, but we’re so glad we did. If you’re traveling in the Czech Republic, it’s definitely worth a visit.

Taking the bus to Olomouc

It took us one hour to get to Olomouc from Brno on a super easy-to-book bus: Regiojet by Student Agency. We had seen this come up as an option for travel in the Czech Republic and were skeptical, but someone we met in Prague vouched for it. It’s better than Bolt Bus: mobile tickets, free wifi, seat-back touch-screen entertainment, bathroom, and free coffee!

Regiojet, Student Agency, Olomouc, Czech Republic

When we checked into our hotel, the receptionist asked if we liked Brno and when we answered yes, she promptly stated that Olomouc was better. So we then knew we had a contest on our hands. After three days, we must admit, she was right. While Brno is great – smaller than Prague, but still bustling and fun – the beauty and calmness of Olomouc suited us better on this journey.

Six reasons we think Olomouc is outstanding

1. Olomouc has not one, but two beautiful main squares

Upper Square and Lower Square are home to the Holy Trinity Column, the Town Hall with Astronomical Clock, and a lot of fountains:

Olomouc, Upper Square, Czech Republic

Holy Trinity Column, Olomouc, Czech Republic

Olomouc Town Hall

Olomouc, Czech Republic, Town Hall fountain

Action Fountain in Olomouc

Olomouc, Czech Republic, Turtle

Olomouc, Czech Republic, Neptune Fountain

2. The truly beautiful St. Wenceslas’ Cathedral

St Wenceslas' Cathedral, Olomouc, Czech Republic

St Wenceslas' Cathedral, Olomouc, Czech Republic

3. Old city walls

Olomouc has old city walls surrounding the center. And two very nice parks right around those walls, one of which features a botanical garden.

Olomouc, Czech Republic

4. Hradisko Monastery along the Morava river

Just a 15-minute walk from our hotel on the outskirts of the center, the Hradisko Monastery was definitely worth a trip. Lots of people were rowing in the river and biking along the path. And there were a couple outdoor pubs as well of course.

Hradisko Monastery, Olomouc, Czech Republic

Hradisko Monastery, Olomouc, Czech Republic

5. Olomouc is a pilgrimage site for many

About 15 minutes away from the city center by bus is Svatý Kopeček (The Holy Hill). We didn’t make it, but apparently you can get a pretty nice view of the city from atop said hill.

6. And it is a great city for sports lovers too

Olomouc is home to top-level hockey and soccer teams. Of course they weren’t playing when we were there, but that didn’t stop us from checking out their digs.

Olomouc, Czech Republic, football

Olomouc, Czech Republic, hockey

Eating and drinking in Olomouc

  • Two out of our three nights we ate at a pub near our hotel that brews its own beer: Svatováclavský pivovar. Our favorites were a special cherry beer and a delicious (and unexpected) coffee stout. Their food was also quite tasty.

Svatováclavský pivovar, Olomouc, Czech Republic

Note, yes – that’s grilled chicken and green vegetables!

Svatováclavský pivovar, Olomouc, Czech Republic

  • Another pub in town, Drápal, serves Pilsner Urquell from the tank.

Drápal, Pilsner Urquell, Olomouc, Czech Republic

  • Moravian wine is great. We sampled some at a wine bar near our hotel, Vinotéka Kaštánek.

Moravian wine, Olomouc, Czech Republic

  • The Black Stuff has been rated the best bar in the Czech Republic due to its inviting environment and ridiculous selection of whiskey. Of course we had to go!

The Black Stuff, Olomouc, Czech Republic

Olomoucké tvarůžky

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Six reasons to visit Olomouc in the Czech Republic plus all the best places to eat and drink

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