Olomouc

One of the Czech lands' oldest cities, Olomouc features an exceptionally beautiful Holy Trinity Column (UNESCO site) and extensive arcaded squares surrounded by Renaissance and Baroque architecture. The city is renowned for its cultural heritage, excellent regional cuisine, and relaxed charm that feels less touristy than Prague or Brno.

Things to do

• Holy Trinity Column — Marvel at this UNESCO-listed Baroque monument in the Upper Square, an ornate pillar adorned with religious statuary and gilt details that dominates the city's most iconic plaza.
• Arcaded Squares Walk — Stroll through the interconnected Upper Square and Lower Square, lined with Renaissance and Baroque buildings, Renaissance arcades, and atmospheric cafés perfect for people-watching.
• St. Moritz Cathedral — Explore this Gothic cathedral with its twin towers and ornate interior, featuring notable altars and stained glass that reflect Olomouc's religious significance.
• Olomouc Town Hall — Visit the Renaissance town hall with its astronomical clock in the Upper Square, which still displays the hours with traditional charm and mechanical precision.
• Archdiocese Museum — Discover religious art, sculptures, and ecclesiastical treasures spanning medieval to modern periods in this collection housed near the cathedral.
• Palacký University Campus — Walk through the historic university grounds and nearby streets filled with student energy, bookshops, and local pubs that give Olomouc its vibrant cultural pulse.

Food to try

• Olomoucké parenice — This signature regional cheese is a soft, string-like delicacy flavored with caraway and traditionally served warm as a snack or appetizer.
• Haná regional goulash — A hearty beef stew seasoned with paprika and caraway, reflecting the culinary traditions of the Haná region surrounding Olomouc.
• Trout from local waters — Fresh freshwater trout prepared simply, grilled or pan-fried, sourced from the rivers and streams of Moravia and served in traditional restaurants.
• Moravian kolaches — Sweet pastries filled with fruit, cheese, or poppy seed, enjoyed as a dessert or with coffee in local bakeries and cafés throughout the city.
• Hanácký syrečky — Small fresh cheese curds from the Haná region, often eaten as a simple snack drizzled with oil and herbs or as part of traditional cheese boards.

Local customs & good to know

• Arcaded shopping tradition — The arcaded squares serve as the heart of local commerce; locals shop, meet friends, and socialize under the historic colonnades, making them vibrant gathering spaces rather than tourist zones.
• Respectful church etiquette — When visiting active churches and cathedrals, maintain quiet behavior, dress modestly, and avoid photographing during services out of respect for worshippers.
• Student-friendly atmosphere — Olomouc's large student population keeps prices reasonable and the nightlife casual; locals embrace a relaxed, unpretentious culture where authentic Czech pub culture thrives.
• Regional pride in Moravian identity — Locals distinguish themselves from Prague and Bohemia, taking pride in Moravian traditions, dialects, and cuisine, so respectful interest in regional heritage is warmly received.

Nearby

• Lipník nad Bečvou (North Moravia) — 13 km
• Wallachian Open Air Museum (North Moravia) — 28 km
• Rožnov pod Radhoštěm (North Moravia) — 29 km
• Kroměříž — 34 km