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17 Things to do in Olomouc as a tourist

17 Things to do in Olomouc as a tourist

Olomouc is a historical city in Moravia in the Czech Republic. It is particularly famous for its baroque fountains as well as the Holy Trinity Column, and of course the Moravian cheese. Just strolling around the historical center and admire the buildings and monuments is one of the best things to do in Olomouc. 

It is also a renowned university town, and even if the city “only” has about 100.000 inhabitants, Olomouc is one of the most beautiful cities in Czechia, and its cultural heritage and monuments are protected by the law. 

I had the pleasure of discovering Olomouc on a recent trip to the Czech Republic, and to make things easier before your visit, I’ve made this list of 17 Things to do in Olomouc as a tourist. 

See the Holy Trinity Column

This is basically a baroque monument that was completed in 1754 to celebrate the Catholic church as well as the end of the plague. It’s inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located on the main square.

You can see these in various Czech cities, but the one in Olomouc is particularly spectacular!

Holy Trinity Column

Find the 6 Baroque Fountains

The baroque fountains are along with the Holy Trinity Column some of the most famous monuments in Olomouc, so of course, finding all of these 6 baroque fountains is one of the best things to do in Olomouc!

  • Hercules Fountain
  • Caesar Fountain
  • Jupiter Fountain
  • Mercury Fountain
  • Neptune Fountain
  • The Triton Fountain

Baroque Fountain olomouc

See Olomouc Town Hall and the Astronomical Clock

The main town hall was unfortunately under renovation while we visited Olomouc, but it’s one of the main attractions of the city along with the astronomical clock.

It’s one of the highlights while strolling around the main city square. 

Astronomical clock olomouc

Photo: Habrus Liudmila / Shutterstock.com

St. Wenceslas Cathedral

This gothic cathedral was founded already in 1107, and it’s the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Olomouc. The gothic exterior was made in the 13th and 14th century, and in the beginning, it was constructed in Romanesque style.

The Cathedral of St Wenceslas is one of the most impressive churches in the city, and it’s open every day for visitors with no entrance fee.

St. Wenceslas Cathedral

Visit St Michael’s Church

Another well-known church in Olomouc is St Michael’s church, and the 3 domes are something of an iconic landmark of the city. It’s a baroque church these days but was originally in constructed in gothic style.

Visit St Michael's Church

Check out the Kasperle’s Land puppet show

If you’re traveling to Olomouc with your kids, make sure to see a traditional puppet show at Kasperle’s land. It’s a fun activity for the whole family that dates back as far as the 1920s. 

Visit a local beer brewery

Wherever you visit in the Czech Republic, you will find local breweries, simply because beer is one of the most enjoyed beverages in the country. And the Czechs also do an amazing job to produce great beers, even though many of the best ones don’t ever reach the international markets. 

That’s why visiting a local brewery is one of the best things to do in Olomouc. I recommend Pivovar Chomout, but there are several beer bars serving up local beers from the region.

Go to the Museum of Olomouc Cheese

Another typical thing to do in Olomouc is to try their unique kind of cheese. It has a very distinct taste and a particular way of production. Most people either hate or love it, but it’s definitely something you should try while visiting. 

At the Museum of Olomouc Cheese, you can learn everything you could possibly want to know about the cheese. But if you just want to try it, there are several cheese stores where you will be sure to find it. 

olomouc cheese

Join a guided walking tour

Having a local guide showing you around the city can be very valuable, not only will you get the local’s perspective, but also be able to make sure that you don’t miss any of the best places to visit in Olomouc.

olomouc square

Stay at Long Story Short Hostel

A popular and trendy place to stay. During the summer months, you will find the long story short hostel to be very vibrant with various activities and parties. But the rooms itself is a good enough reason to come here. 

Having your own bathtub in your living room is more often than not typical for luxury hotels which can cause plenty of $$ per night, but here you can enjoy it and have a romantic stay for a reasonable price. 

a long story short hostel

Visit Hradisko Monastery

A former monastery that opened already in 1078. It was used as a monastery until the 18th century and since 1802 it has been a military hospital. In 1995 it was declared as a cultural heritage of the city, and it’s well-known for its frescoes.

Hradisko Monastery

Find the Murals and Street Art

Olomouc might not be world famous for its street art, but there are still several impressive murals to see, like this one for example. Every year that goes by more and more beautiful murals is brought to life here, thanks to the annual street art festival. 

olomouc street art

Check out the Veteran Arena

If you’re into old cars or travel to Olomouc with kids, then the Veteran Arena is a sure bet on having a good time. Here you’ll find plenty of veteran cars from various decades. 

Veteran car

Photo: Jiri_Kaufner / Shutterstock.com

Admire the Church of St. Gorazd

This might not be one of the main attractions in the city, but nonetheless, it’s a very cute church that I think international tourists would find interesting to see. 

Church of St. Gorazd

Visit Svaty Kopecek

A Pilgrimage site that is known as “The Holy Hill” is located around 8 kilometers from the city center. Here you will find a beautiful basilica, which I reckon to be one of the most beautiful buildings in Olomouc. 

Svaty Kopecek

Learn more about the city’s history at Archdiocesan Museum

Olomouc is one of Czechia’s most historical and spiritual cities, and if you want to truly indulge yourself in its history, a visit to the Archdiocesan is one of the most interesting things to do in Olomouc. 

Here you will find a plethora of religious and historical artifacts from various eras. This is also where you’ll find the oldest architectural pieces, such as windows and archways dating back to the 12th century. 

Archdiosecan museum

Photo: Amy Corti / Shutterstock.com

Make a day trip to Kromeriz Castle and Gardens

One of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Czech Republic, and a place that shouldn’t be missed if you’re traveling around this area. The Kromeriz castle gardens are very beautiful and lovely to stroll around. 

It’s about 1-hour driving by car, and you can also go by bus or train. 

Kromeriz

More things to do in Olomouc

The already mentioned attractions and activities are my favorite things to do in Olomouc, but there are of course more than 17 things to do in Olomouc, and below you can see a short list of some other interesting places to visit. 

  • Visit the lavender shop at the main square and try lavender delicacies
  • Explore the nightlife of Olomouc
  • See a performance at The Moravian Theatre
  • Stroll around the city parks
  • Visit the Modern Art Museum
  • Check out the Theresian Gate
  • Make a day trip to Bouzov Castle

Bouzov Castle

Book Your Stay in Olomouc

I really recommend the long story short hostel. I normally don’t stay in hostels, but this one has a nice vibe and lovely double rooms at a reasonable price per night. The owners of the hostel are very much involved in the city as well and can give more local recommendations.

Book your stay at the long story short hostel

You can also find several nice apartments to rent via Airbnb.


Want more suggestions on things to do in Olomouc as a tourist? Leave a comment below!

Eman.

Sunday 16th of June 2019

Hi Alex,thank you for your article. I live in the Czech republic. Despite knowing Olomouc I wouldn't be able to write a such great info about this city being on the UNESCO haritage list like you did. One more time tack så mycket! Good luck in your travels!

Radek Holik

Saturday 15th of June 2019

Hi Alex, nice arkticle about our city! Just one place is missing, coworking centre Vault 42 is located in same building like Long Story Short! Gallery here: https://www.vault42.cz/fotogalerie/

Nice day!

Ezra

Friday 14th of June 2019

Thanks for the Olomouc tips! If you or your readers were the type to stay in a backpacker hostel, I highly recommend the Poets Corner. I stayed there 15 years ago and fell in love with the city while I was there.

Ian

Saturday 15th of June 2019

Wonderful article! Thanks for the mention! Have to agree about Poets' Corner for the budget backpacker ... it is what kept me coming back!

https://www.poetscornerhostel.com/