Why Visit Olomouc?

If you’re seeking a less touristy, more authentic Czech experience, head east to Olomouc — a city brimming with history, art, and culture. Once the capital of Moravia and a seat of power for centuries, Olomouc is today a university town with youthful energy, yet full of baroque beauty, UNESCO landmarks, and secret treasures waiting to be discovered.

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🌟 Top Things to Do in Olomouc

⛲ 1. Holy Trinity Column (UNESCO Site)

• A 35-meter-high Baroque masterpiece in the Upper Square

• Decorated with saints, angels, and elaborate reliefs

• It's the largest Baroque sculptural group in Central Europe

• UNESCO-listed and a must-see centerpiece of the city

🕰️ 2. Astronomical Clock (Olomoucký orloj)

• Built in the 15th century, remodeled in a Socialist Realist style in the 1950s

• Instead of saints, it features workers, farmers, and scientists

• Quirky, fascinating, and totally unique from Prague's

⛪ 3. St. Wenceslas Cathedral

• Towering spires and Gothic magnificence

• Houses the tomb of King Wenceslas III

• Peaceful, majestic, and off the beaten tourist path

🖼️ 4. Archbishop’s Palace & Museum of Art

• Elegant residence with a Baroque chapel and historical significance

• Visit the Museum of Modern Art nearby for a cool contrast

🎓 5. University Town Vibes

• Olomouc is home to Palacký University, one of the oldest in Central Europe

• The student population brings vibrant cafés, music, art, and open-minded locals

• Explore bookshops, bars, and cozy jazz clubs along hidden lanes

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🍽️ What to Eat & Drink in Olomouc

Olomouc has a bold claim to fame: Olomoucké tvarůžky, a smelly yet tasty aged cheese with serious flavor.

Local favorites include:

• Tvarůžky with onion & bread (love it or leave it!)

• Moravian wine – dry, fragrant whites

• Kofola – Czech cola alternative, slightly herbal

• Šnyt beer pour – a half-foam, half-beer delight

🧀 For brave foodies, head to Tvarůžková cukrárna, where you’ll find even cheese-flavored desserts!

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🏨 Where to Stay

• 🏰 NH Collection Olomouc Congress – sleek, modern, centrally located

• 🏡 Long Story Short Hostel – stylish, affordable, and ideal for young travelers

• 🏨 Hotel Trinity – classic boutique hotel near all major sights

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🗓️ Best Time to Visit

• Spring (April–June): Flowers in bloom, fewer tourists

• Autumn (Sept–Oct): Warm colors, harvest festivals

• December: Magical Christmas market without the crowds of Prague

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🚆 How to Get to Olomouc

• 🚄 Train from Prague: 2 hours

• 🚗 Drive: ~2.5 hours

• 🚄 Also easily reachable from Brno or Ostrava

• Once in the city, you can walk everywhere or hop on efficient trams

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👀 Who Will Love Olomouc?

• 🧑‍🎓 Culture and history lovers – full of museums, churches, and ancient charm

• 👫 Couples – romantic walks through Baroque squares

• 🧑‍🎨 Art enthusiasts – unique blend of medieval, baroque, and modern

• 🧑‍🍳 Foodies – especially brave cheese lovers

• 🎒 Solo travelers and students – friendly, walkable, and youthful

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✨ Final Word

Olomouc is like Prague’s artistic sibling — brilliant, cultured, and a little eccentric.
Without the crowds, but full of charm, it’s a place to wander slowly, eat boldly, and fall in love with Czechia’s Moravian soul.