Why visit historic cafes in Olomouc?

Olomouc has a deep-rooted coffee house tradition. It rivals the famous cafe scenes of Prague and Vienna. Many cafes sit inside centuries-old buildings. You can admire vaulted ceilings and Art Nouveau details while you sip. These spaces often served as meeting points for artists and scholars.

The city center is compact and easy to walk. This makes it simple to hop from one historic spot to another. You can check the Olomouc Tourism Portal for seasonal events. Many cafes host small concerts or art exhibitions. This adds a unique layer to your visit.

Coffee here is more than just a drink. It is a slow experience meant to be savored. You will find traditional Czech pastries like honey cake. Most historic cafes also offer local Moravian wines. This variety makes them perfect for any time of day.

10 historic cafes to visit in Olomouc center

Finding the right spot can be hard with so many choices. Here are the top picks for your itinerary. These locations combine historical charm with excellent service. Use this list to plan your daily breaks while sightseeing.

• Best overall: Café Mahler
• Best for views: Café Opera
• Best for art lovers: Café Amadeus
• Best for students: Coffee Library

1. Name: Café Mahler Type: Iconic sight Why go: Named after the famous composer Gustav Mahler. It features elegant interiors and high ceilings. Best for: Traditional atmosphere. Where: Upper Square (Horní náměstí). Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Moderate ($$). Getting there: A short walk from the Town Hall. Tip: Try their signature Mahler cake with a classic cappuccino.
2. Name: Café 87 Type: Neighborhood favorite Why go: Famous for its legendary chocolate cake. It is located in a historic building near the Denisova street shops. Best for: Dessert lovers. Where: Denisova Street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Budget-friendly ($). Getting there: Walkable from the Republic Square. Tip: This is one of the coffee shops with view of Holy Trinity Column nearby.
3. Name: Café Amadeus Type: Museum/Indoor Why go: Located inside the Olomouc Museum of Art. It offers a quiet, intellectual vibe with beautiful courtyard views. Best for: Art enthusiasts. Where: Archdiocesan Museum area. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate ($$). Getting there: Near the Wenceslas Cathedral. Tip: Visit the museum first, then relax here.
4. Name: Vila Primavesi Type: Viewpoint/Nature Why go: An Art Nouveau masterpiece with a stunning garden terrace. It overlooks the city walls and park. Best for: Romantic afternoons. Where: Near the city walls. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Premium ($$$). Getting there: Walk up from the Bezručovy sady park. Tip: Book a table on the terrace during summer sunset.
5. Name: Café Opera Type: Iconic sight Why go: A grand, traditional cafe right on the main square. It feels like stepping back into the 19th century. Best for: People watching. Where: Upper Square. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate ($$). Getting there: Center of the Upper Square. Tip: Sit by the window to see the Astronomical Clock.
6. Name: Miss Sophie's Café Type: Unique local experience Why go: Set in a beautifully restored historic house. It has a cozy, boutique feel with modern touches. Best for: A quiet escape. Where: Denisova Street. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Moderate ($$). Getting there: Five minutes from the Town Hall. Tip: Their breakfast menu is excellent for early starters.
7. Name: Coffee Library Type: Unique local experience Why go: Located in the Palacký University library building. It has a cool, academic atmosphere in a historic setting. Best for: Working or reading. Where: Biskupské náměstí. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Budget ($). Getting there: Near the Archbishop's Palace. Tip: It is usually quieter on weekend mornings.
8. Name: Café Trieste Type: Neighborhood favorite Why go: A tiny, standing-room-only Italian style cafe. It is a local institution for a quick, perfect espresso. Best for: A quick caffeine fix. Where: Near Lower Square. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Cheap ($). Getting there: Walk from the Marian Column. Tip: Stand at the counter like a local.
9. Name: Trouble Cafe Type: Unique local experience Why go: Located in a historic courtyard. It blends industrial design with old stone walls. Best for: Specialty coffee fans. Where: Near the university buildings. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate ($$). Getting there: Walkable from the city center. Tip: Try their filter coffee options.
10. Name: Na břehu Rhôny Type: Neighborhood favorite Why go: A French-style wine and coffee bar in a historic cellar. It offers a unique self-service wine system. Best for: Evening coffee and wine. Where: Near the Lower Square. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate ($$). Getting there: Short walk from the market. Tip: Pair your coffee with a local cheese platter.

Planning your Olomouc cafe crawl

Most historic cafes are open from early morning until late evening. However, some university-linked spots might close on Sundays. It is wise to check official social media pages for 2026 updates. Most staff in the center speak good English.

You can easily combine your coffee stops with a self-guided walking tour Olomouc. Start at the Upper Square and work your way through the narrow side streets. This allows you to see the main monuments between breaks. Do not forget to carry some cash for smaller cafes.

Tipping is common but not mandatory in the Czech Republic. Adding 10% to the bill is standard for good service. If you are just having coffee, rounding up the price is fine. Enjoy the relaxed pace of Moravian life while you explore.