Olomouc is the historical capital of the Moravia region in the Czech Republic. Although it is a relatively small city in the European perspective, it is a bustling cultural centre and a home to one of the best universities in the country. Between the Palacky University buildings, the Holy Trinity Column—a UNESCO-listed Baroque monument—and the large city parks, there are several cafes that welcome all for a caffeine fuel on their way through Olomouc.
Check out our list of five of the cafes that welcome tourists, students, as well as locals.
Long Story Short
Located just ten minutes walk from the main square in the city centre, this hostel and cafe is the perfect find for not only a tourist. It has stolen the heart of many locals and students too since it offers a great spot for a coffee break in a beautifully restored middle-age fortress of Olomouc.
Their morning buffet will help you start the day perfectly, with a filter coffee prepared using a Moccamaster. Long Story Short’s name refers to the history of the building and the usually short stay of the guests. This terminology is also incorporated into their menu. Look for a short black if you’d like to taste their espresso from Rusty Nails Coffee Roasters.
Koželužská 945/31, 779 00 Olomouc, the Czech Republic
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Kikafe
The front of this tiny space looks simply as a takeaway coffee shop, but upon entering, you may hear the roaster humming in the room next door. It will become clear that Kikafe serves their own roasts also thanks to the sacks of green beans laid on the floor and the jars of freshly roasted beans on the shelves. Sit on one of the jute sacks, or take your espresso to the bench outside and watch the buzz of the city.
Thanks to the roastery’s great location just one street from the main square, you are always near a fresh bag of beans. Do not hesitate to take some home, Kikafe has been a key player in the evolution of the city’s coffee scene! Just do not forget that the weekends are Kikafe’s days off.
Sokolská 548/44, 779 00 Olomouc, the Czech Republic
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Jazz Fresh Café
Jazz, as the locals sometimes call it, is to be found just across the street from Kikafe. It sits across the corner of the building that houses also its older sibling, Jazz Tibet Club, an event space and a restaurant. If you are looking for a great coffee, home-made cakes, and later on in the day also a lunch and a locally brewed craft beer, accompanied with live music, do not look any further.
The cafe was one of the first to serve international roasters, such as The Barn from Berlin, and is the one with the most colourful and ‘loud’ design. But its modern approach is welcoming to all guests, and its large terrace usually sits at least one pram and two dogs. This friendly cafe is definitely one of the favourite spots for the people of Olomouc.
Sokolská 48, 779 00 Olomouc, the Czech Republic
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Traffic Coffee
One of the newest cafes on the scene, Traffic Coffee is located in a former newsagent’s shop, on the busy Palackeho street. The traffic outside its windows brings in many morning commuters, as well as dog-walkers from the nearby park.
You will only find a couple of seats inside, but they will be built by the owner himself. Architect Luděk Jasiok up-cycled old Prague-tram seats to built these T3.1 chairs. And since Luděk is equally interested in speciality coffee, you are welcomed to take a seat and chat away.
Palackého 25, 77900 Olomouc, the Czech Republic
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Kafe Jak Lusk
This must be one of the most conveniently placed cafes in the city centre. It takes only five steps to get there from the tram that pulls up at its doors. Inside, you find a large seating area spread across two levels, with sofas, as well as small tables and many seats.
The coffee bar at Kafe Jak Lusk is placed at the very end of the cafe, which is also its highest point. From here, a selection of cakes, together with espresso-based drinks and pour-over coffees from a variety of roasters, are brought to you by the friendly staff. It has fast become one of the most frequented stops for a good coffee in Olomouc since its opening in 2016.
Třída Svobody 4, 77900 Olomouc, the Czech Republic
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