It’s no surprise there are places I like returning to.
Those with beautiful architecture, great cafes and vibe yet still not widely discovered by tourists.
I like returning to walk familiar streets, read a book or catch up on writing in favorite cafes and remembering why I fell in love with the city in the first place.
One of those destinations is Olomouc, Czech Republic – a city that can be a very good alternative to overcrowded Prague.
When I heard a new boutique hotel has opened it was already a very good reason for me to visit Olomouc for the 5th time (especially that I was in nearby Cieszyn for few days anyway).
What started as an excuse turned out to be my highlight in Olomouc but more about that later.
Even if I would gladly spend my whole time in Miss Sophie’s I did go out and enjoyed Olomouc probably more than ever.
It was a warm, June weekend and city was welcoming with its winding lanes, outdoor cafes and restaurants and a relaxed pace. That’s exactly what I needed!
Olomouc essentials
- Where to stay in Olomouc: Hotel Alfréd a Hermína (9.2/10) / Miss Sophie’s Olomouc – Boutique Hotel (9.2/10)
- Get insured for your trip to Czech Republic with SafetyWing
Short history of Olomouc, Czech Republic
Olomouc is located very conveniently on the main railway line from Prague to Ostrava and further to Poland and Slovakia.
There are frequent train connections in every direction and the journey from the Czech capital should take you a little bit over 2 hours.
You can visit Olomouc as a day trip from Prague but you can as well stay there longer and enjoy a picture perfect city (and the most charming hotel I’ve ever been to!).
If you travel from Krakow to Prague (or the other way around) Olomouc is a perfect stop.
The city was founded in 11th century and very quickly it has become one of the most important towns in the area, becoming the capital of Moravia in 1187.
The golden age lasted till 17th century and Thirty Year’s War when Olomouc lost its importance and the capital title to Brno.
Together with industrialization and the new railway line opened in 19th century the city got back on track but didn’t manage to regain its position.
Today Olomouc is the 6th biggest city in Czech Republic with a big students population (around 25.000) as it’s a home to the second oldest university in the country (founded in 1573) – Palacky University.
The best things to do in Olomouc
All my previous visits to Olomouc were rather brief. It was just a stop on the way somewhere else and even if I enjoyed the city I always had to run to catch the train to another destination.
This time however Olomouc was my destination and I could take things easy and enjoy the city to the fullest.
Even if I had the whole weekend I still didn’t manage to see all I wanted to.
Partly I blame my slow travel mood that activates in such charming places and partly I blame Miss Sophie’s Hotel that I wanted to spend as much time as possible in.
My absolute favorite thing to do in Olomouc is just aimlessly walking around, taking the random streets here and there and enjoying the atmosphere of the place.
The Olomouc Old Town is the second largest historical monuments preserve in the Czech Republic (after Prague) and there are plenty of opportunities for seeing jaw-dropping, picture-perfect places.
Every second lane is just the prettiest, with pastel houses, unique details or arches spread between buildings.
Olomouc Old Town is a peculiar mix of architecture style: the majority of what you are about to see was built in renaissance and baroque – probably the most splendor styles – but you will also find gothic or modernist buildings around.
The UNESCO gem in Olomouc
The heart of the Olomouc Old Town is Horni Namesti – Upper Square.
That’s where you will find the most precious monument of the city – the Holy Trinity Column that’s been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as “one of the most exceptional examples of the apogee of central European Baroque artistic expression”.
The column was built in the first half of the 18th century to show the gratitude for ending the plague that has been going around in the region.
This tradition is very much Central European as you will see similar, but not so reach, columns in numerous places across southern Poland, Czech Republic or Slovakia: Kutna Hora, Kłodzko, Banska Stiavnica or Kosice to name few.
But the Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc is special for one more reason: it was built only by the local artists and craftsmen and all the saints you can see were connected to the city.
It surely is an impressive structure and while you’re here be sure to peek inside the small chapel built in it.
The coolest astronomical clock you will ever see!
As much as the Holy Trinity Column makes an impression on every visitor (including me) still my favorite place in Olomouc Old Town is Orloj – the astronomical clock located on the side of the town hall.
To be honest I don’t really understand the hype on the astronomical clock in Prague – it’s pretty but way too overrated.
The one in Olomouc however is really spectacular! Not only it’s much bigger but also it gives so much better show!
The original clock was built here in the same period as the town hall itself, in the 15th century, but it was sadly destroyed at the end of World War 2 (on the pictures it looks amazing!). The clock was reconstructed in years 1947-1955 in one of my favorite styles – Socialist Realist.
It’s such a unique gem! Instead of saints we have proletarians of all kinds and everything is decorated in the golden mosaic.
Be sure to hang around the clock at noon to see its play! During my recent visit the town hall was renovated (and covered) but you could still enjoy the clock’s show.
A baroque masterpiece
Another gem of Olomouc is Church of Saint Michael – a real baroque masterpiece!
It doesn’t look all that special from the outside but once you step inside you will be moved to another world.
The interior is incredibly beautiful and you would need at least few minutes to admire all the details and frescoes.
While you’re there try to find a small corridor on the right that would let you to the tower with a beautiful view over Olomouc Old Town.
It’s free of charge, all you need to do is turn off the light after your visit.
I’d recommend you going there rather in the morning that in the afternoon – the later you go, the trickier it gets with the sun (and dirty window).
Intelectual vibe and cafe culture
Since Olomouc is the students city there is this intellectual vibe floating around. As a result you have numerous small bookshops and charming cafes to relax at.
Again my favorite was a small cafe located on the ground floor of Miss Sophie’s as it was just the prettiest and filled with locals.
You should look for a free Use-it map (I got mine when checking in) as this is the best source of information about all the best places in the city.
I’ve been using those maps wherever I can as they were created by locals and never disappointed me! Another perfect source of information about cafes is European Coffee Trip who has a page dedicated to Olomouc.
Art in Olomouc
To my great surprise Olomouc has also a pretty decent art scene.
There’s some street art here and there but the place I was dying to see (and didn’t have time after all) is the Museum of Modern Art.
I still need to return to see the exhibition (that’s supposed to be really good) but there’s already one special piece literally hanging outside.
The most famous and controversial Czech artist David Cerny whose works can be seen around Prague (and one in Liberec) chose this place to show his newest piece – a very realistic man hanging from the cornice of the building.
Every now and then he swears loud and clear and starts moving along the cornice. It looks really creepy and fascinating at the same time.
The majority of passers-by, including me, stopped to observe the scene and laughed out loud when the hanging guy exclaimed his loud and juicy swear at the end of his journey.
David Cerny’s art will never stop to surprise me!
Miss Sophie’s – the best accommodation in Olomouc
And then there is Miss Sophie’s Hotel.
From now on it is already a very good reason for me to visit Olomouc as this was literally the best boutique hotel I’ve ever been at.
For the first time ever I took the later train back home as I loved the hotel so much I postponed leaving it till the very last moment (and I checked out at 11:55am…).
The room was spacious, the bed was huge and so comfy and the small kitchenette came in very handy. Everything was carefully planned there, all the details were perfect.
But my favorite part was the best armchair ever – I spent the whole evening and the whole morning just sitting there and reading / writing.
Staying at Miss Sophie’s was such a peaceful, relaxing time, a perfect addition to my slow travel time in Olomouc.
Click here to see more details, opinions and current rates on Miss Sophie’s Hotel!
Miss Sophie’s
Miss Sophie’s
Miss Sophie’s
Pictures that would make you want to visit Olomouc right away
Once you’re tired with beautiful but overcrowded Prague you should visit Olomouc as it makes a perfect alternative to the capital.
I even dare to say you can find in Olomouc most of what you’re looking for in Prague, minus the crowds and more budget friendly.
Below you can see even more pictures that would hopefully inspire you to visit Olomouc soon!
Travel Resources
You can find the best accommodation options at Booking. They have many discounts and excellent customer service. Click here to look for the place to stay in Olomouc
Never travel without travel insurance, you never know what might happen and better safe than sorry. You can check the insurance policy for the Czech Republic here.
I recommend joining organized tours to get to know the place better and to visit more places during your trip. You can find a great selection of tours at Get Your Guide – click here.
Make sure to have the offline map always installed on your phone, they can save you so many troubles. I always use the free app Maps.Me.
For the end I left a few announcements that might interest you:
- If you don’t want to miss new posts and news from me click here to sign to my newsletter! You can also follow me on Bloglovin!
- Join my Facebook group about Eastern Europe, the Balkans and former USSR and connect with fellow travellers and enthusiasts of these regions – just click here!
- I’ve included a few handy links of services and products I personally like and use so you can plan your own trip to Czech Republic too. They are often affiliate links. This means I will get a small commission if you book/purchase anything through my links, at no extra costs for you. If you like what you are reading and seeing here and would like to support me and my blog please consider using those links. It would be like getting me a virtual drink that you don’t have to pay for! Thanks!
LIKED IT? PIN THIS POST FOR LATER!
Disclaimer: my trip to Olomouc was in partnership with Miss Sophie’s Hotel but as always all opinions are my own and I’m really thinking of returning to this beautiful hotel soon!
If you enjoyed that post why don't you share it with your friends? That would mean so much to me! Also be sure to join 30.000+ fellow travelers and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram for travel updates and even more pictures! If you don't want to miss new posts sign up to my newsletter or follow on Bloglovin!
30 Comments
Iza Zawadzka
25/08/2017 at 18:11O, czekałam na ten tekst! P.S. Nowa rzeźba Cernego wcale nie gadała! Czekaliśmy dobre pół godziny pod muzeum.
Kami and the rest of the world
25/08/2017 at 18:24a to ciekawe! ja słyszałam wyraźne i soczyste “kurwa” jak zaczynał spacer i jak skończył, znajomy tez potwierdza że przeklinał, chociaż nie wiedział co. może to tylko w jakieś dni / w określonych godzinach? bo widzieliście jak się po gzymsie przesuwał?
Iza Zawadzka
25/08/2017 at 19:57No właśnie nawet się nie przesuwał!
Kami and the rest of the world
26/08/2017 at 10:35a, i pewnie dlatego siedział cicho… mnie z zaskoczenia dopadł
Stanislawa Delong
25/08/2017 at 18:22Z Olomuńca to najbardziej pamiętam ciekawy pomnik i dobre jedzonko w knajpie na rynku .
Kami and the rest of the world
25/08/2017 at 18:26to juz dobry punkt zaczepienia! :D
Stanislawa Delong
25/08/2017 at 19:00O zwiedzałam swego czasu ( w drodze do Wiednia ) Olomuniec o 2 giej w nocy przy mocno padającym śniegu ( kościół za kościołem ) Do dziś uważam, ze to było bardzo ambitne
Kami and the rest of the world
26/08/2017 at 10:34brzmi jak ekspedycja :D
Lee Andrew Williams
25/08/2017 at 19:40I stayed in Miss Sophies in Prague a few years ago. Assuming it is the same company it was a really well run place and good value.
Kami and the rest of the world
26/08/2017 at 10:37yes, it’s the same company, Bohemian Hostels&Hotels. I’ve stayed at their properties in Prague – Czech Inn and Sir Toby’s, now in Miss Sophie’s in Olomouc and I really think they are the best!
Katarzyna Koźlikowska
25/08/2017 at 19:51Pięknie. Trzeba zapamiętać. Kolumna św. Trójcy jest kolumną morową? A ta druga, mniejsza, widoczna na dalszych zdjęciach?
Kami and the rest of the world
26/08/2017 at 10:41tak, obie są morowe. Ta druga to Kolumna Mariacka.
Mark Davies
25/08/2017 at 19:53have wanted to go to Olomouc for so long, so looking forward to reading this. Hoping might just get there in October but again, have said that before :( :)
Kami and the rest of the world
26/08/2017 at 10:35I really hope you will go! It’s such a charming town, so easy to fall for it! :)
Tom Henry Jr.
25/08/2017 at 22:35wow, that really looks beautiful from your photos. I imagine it’s even so much nicer in person.
Kami and the rest of the world
26/08/2017 at 10:39It really is! One of the most beautiful towns in Central Europe!
Marcin Gorzelnik
29/08/2017 at 20:17Ja uwielbiam Ołomuniec. Twojej miłości do Pragi tak nie podzielam ale ponieważ w Ołomuńcu nigdy tłumów nie ma to go bardzo także lubię :)
Kami and the rest of the world
31/08/2017 at 13:41ale nudno by było gdyby wszyscy to samo lubili :) a w Pradze wystarczy nie iść na Stare Miasto / Hradczany i już jest dobrze :)
Stacja Bałkany
31/08/2017 at 23:15Ja Ołomuniec także uwielbiam. To jedno z moich ulubionych miejsc w Czechach, kiedyś mój stały punkt wycieczek do Czech. Wrocław jest na tyle blisko, że nawet można sobie pojechać na jednodniowy wypad:) Pragi nigdy nie potrafiłem pokochać, za to Ołomuniec uwielbiam. Piękne zdjęcia!:)
kami
05/10/2017 at 13:19dzięki! Własnie z Wrocławia są fajne połaczenia, że jak się ma ochotę to i można na jeden dzień po kofolę i studencką wyskoczyć :)
Terry
14/09/2017 at 13:53Czech Republic is one of the few countries I’ll never get sick of, beautiful settings and architectures! Thanks for sharing an alternative to Prague(Prague itself is beautiful enough for multiple visits!), Olomouc really looks stunning!
kami
05/10/2017 at 13:22It is stunning! And I’m just like you, keep returning to Czech Republic (and especially Prague!) as often as possible! It never gets boring :)
Khole
05/11/2017 at 07:24The photographs are really awesome, especially the building structure and the streets. Well Its look like Olomouc is more cultural rich the Prague.
kami
22/12/2017 at 22:00Thank you! I wouldn’t say Olomouc is more cultural rich than Prague but it’s definitely interesting and worth visiting!
Kalka Shimla
12/12/2017 at 17:57Such a wonderful place. Awesome pictures. Thanks for sharing it. Keep it up.
kami
22/12/2017 at 22:02Thank you! Olomouc is really amazing!
Valentin
08/06/2018 at 20:53I spent 2 days in Olomouc. First day I explored the city. Second day I visited Svaty Kopeček.
But looks like I could easily spent 2 more days in this city. It’s just that time goes to fast.
kami
11/06/2018 at 07:21Agree! Olomouc has so much to offer! And it’s so incredibly beautiful!! I’m surprised not many people know about it!
Kateřina Kotíková
24/09/2021 at 07:40You say that you don’t understand the hype about Prague’s Orloj. I think you should read a book about its history or at least wikipedia (which of course has a lot of information missing). It’s much more interesting than the Olomouc’s one :)
kami
25/11/2021 at 17:33I know the history of Prague’s Orloj and read a lot about it, it’s just my personal opinion that you have every right to disagree with :) All the best!