Planning your trip from Brno to Olomouc

Getting to Olomouc is very simple for those staying in Brno. Direct trains run almost every hour from the Brno main station. The journey usually takes between 60 and 90 minutes. You can also use frequent bus services for a similar price. Check the Visit Czechia website for general regional travel tips. Olomouc is very walkable, so you will not need a car once you arrive.

The historical center is compact and easy to navigate on foot. Most major sights are located within two main squares. Spring and autumn offer the best weather for walking tours. Summer can be warm but brings lively outdoor festivals to the squares. Consider starting your day early to beat the small crowds. This ensures you see the main monuments before the midday heat. It is one of the best day trips near Brno available today.

Top must see attractions in Olomouc historical center

Here are the essential stops for your Olomouc itinerary. These items represent the best of Moravian history and architecture. Each location is easily accessible from the city center.

• Best overall: Holy Trinity Column
• Best for families: Olomouc Astronomical Clock
• Best rainy-day: Archdiocesan Museum
• Best free activity: Exploring the Upper and Lower Squares

1. Name: Holy Trinity Column Type: Sight Why go: This UNESCO World Heritage site is the largest Baroque sculptural group in Central Europe. Best for: History buffs and photographers. Where: Upper Square (Horní náměstí). Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A 15-minute walk from the train station. Tip: Look for the small golden cannonball embedded in the column.
2. Name: Olomouc Town Hall & Astronomical Clock Type: Experience Why go: Unlike Prague’s clock, this one features socialist-realist art with workers instead of saints. Best for: Unique photo opportunities. Where: Horní náměstí. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free to view. Getting there: Located directly in the center of the Upper Square. Tip: Be there at noon to see the figures move.
3. Name: Saint Wenceslas Cathedral Type: Sight Why go: This neo-Gothic masterpiece features the second-highest church tower in the Czech Republic. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Václavské náměstí. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: Follow the signs north from the Upper Square. Tip: Visit the crypt to see the tombs of local bishops.
4. Name: Archdiocesan Museum Type: Museum Why go: It houses a vast collection of religious art in a beautifully restored palace. Best for: Art enthusiasts. Where: Near the Cathedral. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Typical museum fee. Getting there: Right next to Saint Wenceslas Cathedral. Tip: Check out the ornate golden carriage on the ground floor.
5. Name: Lower Square (Dolní náměstí) Type: Sight Why go: This square features two of the city's famous Baroque fountains and a Marian plague column. Best for: Relaxed walking. Where: Just south of the Upper Square. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A short 2-minute walk from the Town Hall. Tip: This square is often less crowded than the Upper Square.
6. Name: Saint Michael's Church Type: Sight Why go: One of the most beautiful Baroque churches in Moravia with three distinct domes. Best for: Interior design fans. Where: Žerotínovo náměstí. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk uphill from the Lower Square. Tip: Climb the tower for a great view of the city rooftops.
7. Name: Bezruč Gardens Type: Nature Why go: These parks follow the old city walls and offer a peaceful escape. Best for: A quiet break. Where: Southeast edge of the center. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Accessible via several staircases from the old town. Tip: Visit the Botanical Garden located within the park grounds.
8. Name: Caesar Fountain Type: Sight Why go: The largest and most complex of Olomouc's famous Baroque fountains. Best for: Quick sightseeing. Where: Horní náměstí. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located near the Town Hall. Tip: It depicts the legendary founder of the city, Julius Caesar.
9. Name: Museum of Olomoucké Tvarůžky Type: Experience Why go: Learn about the history of the world-famous, pungent local cheese. Best for: Foodies. Where: Denisova street (shop/exhibit). Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to enter the shop. Getting there: Located on a main street leading to the Cathedral. Tip: Buy a small pack to try, but keep it sealed!
10. Name: Svatý Kopeček (Holy Hill) Type: Day trip Why go: A stunning Baroque basilica overlooking the city from a nearby hill. Best for: Views and spirituality. Where: 8km from the center. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Bus fare + free entry. Getting there: Take bus number 11 from the main train station. Tip: There is a zoo nearby if you are traveling with children.

Tasting the local culture in Olomouc

No visit to Olomouc is complete without trying local cheese known as Tvarůžky. This ripened cheese has a very strong smell but a unique taste. It is low in fat and has been made here for centuries. You can find it in many restaurants served with bread or fried. Many locals consider it a point of regional pride.

For a more formal experience, visit the official tourism portal for Olomouc to find food festivals. The city also has a vibrant cafe culture. Small coffee shops hide in the narrow medieval alleys. These spots are perfect for resting your feet after seeing the must see attractions in Olomouc historical center. Enjoy a local beer from a microbrewery to end your day. Moravian hospitality is famous for being warm and welcoming.