Olomouc
Olomouc is the Moravian equivalent of what Prague once was — a city of real architectural substance where actual residents live and work. The historic centre has six baroque fountains and a UNESCO-listed Trinity Column that is the largest baroque sculpture group in Central Europe. A large university gives the city intellectual energy that Prague's tourist economy has largely displaced. Czech tourists know about Olomouc. Foreign tourists almost entirely do not, which is its main selling point.
Why visit
The second-largest historic city centre in the Czech Republic, a large working university, six baroque fountains, and a UNESCO-listed Trinity Column.
Crowd level
Almost no international tourists. Primarily visited by Czech and Slovak travellers.
Best time
May to September
Getting there
Train from Prague (2hrs) or Brno (1hr). Well-connected within Czech Republic.
Tradeoffs
Quieter nightlife than Prague. Fewer English speakers. Less internationally recognised cultural institutions.
Direct comparisons
Layers
Region
At a glance
- Country
- Czech Republic
- Region
- Moravia
- Fresh Air Score
- 83/100
- Cost level
- $
- Distance from Prague
- 280 km