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A H I D D E N G E M OLOMOUC! ONLY CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION 2 HISTORICAL OLOMOUC 3 CZECH CULTURE AND LANGUAGE PRACTICAL 4 MATTERS 5 GO OUT! 6 TESTIMONIALS INTRODUCTION Hello there prospective resident of Olomouc! We are very happy that you have decided to look into this guide to learn more about the city of Olomouc and what it has to offer. Whether you have already decided that you want to spend a semester in Olomouc, or if you are still deciding if you want to come here, we hope that this guide will provide you with the information you need. This is a guide BY international students FOR international students. Within it, we have outlined some interesting and practical information on Czech culture, history as well as facts about Olomouc itself. In addition, it includes all the practical information you need in order to help you get around Olomouc and enjoy it to its full potential. Along with descriptions of individual experiences, there is no doubt that you will get a good indication of what Olomouc is like. We think you will find that there are few places in Europe that can provide the unique experience that Olomouc has to offer. We sincerely hope that reading this guide will help you on your decision to come here, or that it will help you with settling in here. Enjoy reading and hopefully see you in Olomouc! Aziza Esther Kumush Lucie Tomas Quentin Vhiktoria Yerim HISTORICAL OLOMOUC Located at the heart of Central Europe, Olomouc has a very interesting history that could probably fill an entire guide on its own. However, that is not the purpose of this guide and so in this chapter you will find a collection of the most interesting historical facts about Olomouc. Cathedral of St. Wenceslas Museum of modern art Palacký Church of University Church of Saint Maurice Saint Michael Bezručovy sady Horní náměstí Civil Defence Shelter Dolní Náměstí Smetanovy sady images above from mapy.cz G etting to know Olomouc should start with two Central squares – Dolní Náměstí and Horní náměstí: on holidays, fairs and concerts are held there, and all the main places are located more or less nearby, including the town Hall, a square with neat colourful houses and a Plague pole - the Holy Trinity Column in Baroque style (1716-1754). Initially, the project of the column was planned more grandiose and massive, but due to lack of funds, many subtleties had to be abandoned. But in the end, the column still turned out to be bigger and more beautiful than all the others in Europe. In 2000 it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as “one of the most exceptional examples of the apogee of central European Baroque artistic expression”. THE HOLY TRINITY COLUMN When you walk around the city, you will see numerous fountains in the Baroque style – this is the pride of Olomouc. Each of them is a real work of art, decorated with sculptures of ancient heroes – Hercules, Jupiter and Neptune. In the largest fountain near the town hall, you will meet Julius Caesar (monument) – according to legend, it was he who founded the first settlement on the site of Olomouc. Although one of our teachers said it was all nonsense. Also in the town hall, several exhibitions about the history of the building and the city are constantly held, which can be visited free of charge. CAESAR FOUNTAIN For just 1 Euro, you can climb the tower and see Olomouc from a height. And we recommend you to visit the Church of Saint Maurice and the Church of Saint Michael for a magnificent view of the city! What you can’t miss is the Astronomical Clock on one of the walls of the town Hall, which is always surrounded by a crowd of tourists, decorated with figures of apostles, angels and basilisks. In Olomouc, the astronomical clock was reconstructed in the 1950s in the spirit of social realism: here the signs of the zodiac coexist with builders, scientists and happy farmers. You will definitely not pass by the Cathedral of St. Wenceslas – this huge neo-Gothic Church is located in a small street, but it is visible from everywhere. It is worth visiting to admire the country’s second largest temple, frescoes and architecture. On the street, look at the wall to the left of the entrance – there you can see a Romanesque window, protected by a round glass. According to locals, this is the oldest architectural detail in the entire city – it has been preserved since the middle of the 12th century. I n the Museum of modern art, you can see the works of Czech classics of the 20th and 21st centuries, including David Czerny (he launched a huge middle finger on a homemade raft on the Vltava river and repainted a Soviet tank in pink). In addition, there are good temporary exhibitions. On the top floor, you can climb up a tiny tower onto the roof with another great city view. Entrance is free on Sundays. Right at the Museum you will see the main graffiti of Olomouc – the Selfie King, a favourite attraction of our friend. Olomouc was once the most important spiritual centre of the country. Even the University buildings that now occupy half of the centre are former monastic buildings. N ow there are many more students in the city than there are monks, and Palacký University is the oldest in Moravia and the second oldest in the whole country, it was founded in 1573 by the Jesuits. In summer, the entire city goes to the parks that surround the centre. A flock of peacocks lives in Smetanovy sady all year round. Bezručovy sady is located directly under the fortress wall of the old city, and you can go down here by numerous ancient stairs, one of which is located right at the Department of History. Here, students regularly learn something, couples with children walk, old people feed pigeons, some go for a run, and you can just relax and have a picnic in a quiet corner. While walking in the Park, pay attention to the building with the inscription VĚRNOST ZA VĚRNOST / LJUBAV ZA LJUBAV. This is the Mausoleum of Yugoslav soldiers who died on the territory of the Czech Republic during the First world war. In the same gardens there is another interesting monument of the 20th century: the civil defense Headquarters/Shelter. A huge bunker hidden right under the city centre, not so long ago declassified, and not even all local residents know about its existence. You can get there with a tour, or come to an event – this place has become popular with artists and organizers of various festivals. CZECH Brief history of CULTURE AND the language LANGUAGE The Czech language is a derivative of the Old Slavic. The oldest written traces of the Czech language known to date are two sentences from a famous founding charter in 1057 of a religious chapter located in Litoměřice (north of Prague). Between the 12th and 13th centuries, Czech began to distinguish itself from the old Slavic. In the 14th century, Czech culture and language blossomed under the emperor, Charles IV. Between the 14th and 15th centuries, a spelling reform introduced diacritical marks into Czech. This innovation was ardently defended by Jan Hus, the best known representative of the Bohemian Reformation of the Roman Catholic Church. When printing was invented in the 16th century, the Kralice Bible became an example of literary Czech. After 1620, however, Czech gradually lost ground in favour of German which became the language of education and science. But in the 18th and 19th centuries, a movement emerged, called the Czech national renaissance, which enabled the Czech language to revitalise itself to become the language spoken today. General overview of the grammar Like in Latin and many Slavic languages, the word order is relatively free in Czech, thanks to the declensions of words indicating their grammatical functions within the sentence. Most Czech verbs are split between so-called perfective and imperfective aspects to express a different temporal perspective. For example, if you talk about the act of reading, you will use the verb číst to describe the process of reading, the reading activity unfolding in time, but you will use the verb přečíst to describe it as an accomplished event. Dialects Funnily enough, despite the relative small size of the Czech Republic, this country counts a number of considerably different dialects. This difference does not hinder communication, but it is the source of many discussions when colleagues and friends laugh at the many variations a Czech word can have in dialects. Basic pronunciation tips Where are vowels? Diacritics During your stay here, you will be amazed at one A typical feature of the Czech language is the use of special ability all Czech people have: they can diacritics above the letters: these can be small pronounce entire words without any vowels at all! inverted circumflexes, rounds or acute accents. The Words of everyday life, like krk (“neck”), prst vowels A, E, I, O, U, Y have long counterparts (“finger”) or čtvrt (“quarter“), so sometimes you can recognisable by their diacritics: Á, É, Í, Ó, Ú, Ů, Ý. hear sentences like Strč prst skrz krk, which is The letter E can receive another diacritic (Ě) and is actually a well-known Czech tongue-twister! It uses then pronounced a bit like /yeah/ (however, with only syllabic consonants and means... Stick your the letter “m” before, a soft n-sound seeps in- finger through your throat! Useful, isn’t it? between: for example, mě is pronounced /mne/). Diacritics are also used on consonants and change Quite a tough one to pronounce though for a their pronunciation: beginner. So if you’re a beginner yourself, you might want to start practising with slightly ‘easier’ words, Č: a bit like /tsh/, like in “check” containing at least one vowel within long strings of Ď: similar to /dj/, like in “India” consonants, like: čtvrtek (Thursday); zmrzlina (ice Ň: /nj/ like in new cream), or even the famous Vltava, the “Czech Š: /sh/ national river”. Ť: /tj/ Ž: the way you pronounce “s” in the word “leisure” Ř: this trilling sound is known to occur almost only in Czech. If you want to pronounce this strange Attention to sound, keep the teeth together while slightly pursing your lips, then place the tip of your tongue different pronunciations! on your palate and vibrate it. This should normally Now let’s leave this tongue-twisting introduction sound like a rolled r mixed with the Ž sound! aside and focus more on how to pronounce the words you will come across on road signs, storefronts or restaurant menus. Let’s have a look at Separate a word into pieces the simple letters pronounced differently from English: In Czech, remember that each letter is pronounced separately. So beware when you pronounce E: like in “get” “Palacký”, the name of Olomouc university: “ck” I and Y: /i/ like in “sit” here must not be pronounced like “ck” in the name O: always open “o” like in “sock”. Jacky, but separately, so basically: /Palatski/. U: like in “flew” As for diphthongs, AU is pronounced like ow in C: /ts/ “owl”, and the two others, EU (ew) and OU (o-w). G: always /g/ like in “game”, not like in “gym”. You know how to pronounce Olomouc now, don’t J: /y/ like in “yes”. you? R: rolled r, like in Spanish, Italian or Russian. So, now you have all the basics to pronounce Czech words, it’s time to get down to work with the most common phrases that will come in handy in most situations. Hello = Ahoj / or more formally, Dobrý den [long “y”] Good bye = Na shledanou [Remember each letter is pronounced separately, so “sh” here must not sound like “sh” in “shock”, but like an “s”, and then the breathy voiced “h”] Thanks = Děkuji [d-yeah-kuh-yee] Beer = Pivo [open “o”] Another one = Ještě jedno Our personal experience of the Czech Republic As foreigners to this country, we have made many observations on interesting differences in habits, lifestyles and social interactions, and would like to share some of them with you here. With regards to food, there are also some culture Olomouc was a lifetime experience for me! differences, in my case between the Netherlands I was particularly impressed by the Czech and the Czech Republic. As I am anything but a language with all its supposedly similar meat-lover, I was quite stressed about the Czech words to Russian. Living in Olomouc, I cuisine as it seemed very meat-focused. found some interesting examples that have Although this was the case, the sheer number of totally different meanings! vegetarian and vegan options surprised me! You can find some of these options on the map, POZOR: attention (CZ) / shame (RU) and also later in this guide in the section on OKURKY: pickles (CZ) / cigarette stubs (RU) vegan/vegetarian restaurants. Also, both the ČERSTVY: fresh (CZ) / stale (RU) roasted and mashed potatoes are amazing in any restaurant I’ve been to in Olomouc! I have no clue how they do it, but they definitely know how to cook a potato! When you first visit Olomouc, you might be struck by how few people are walking around. You’ll soon figure out that the city When it comes to the language, I was fills itself with students once uni starts (I pleasantly surprised by how far you can get have to admit, I was quite reassured by that). with English in most places. Naturally there And if you go to class early, you’ll find out are exceptions too, but generally you will find that most Czechs start working early in the English-speaking people quite easily. They morning, and finish early in the afternoon: are always willing to help, but something public transports and the historical centre get that definitely helps even more is putting in noisy from the walking of passers-by at these some effort yourself. If you learn some basic hours of the day. The rest of the time, the phrases in Czech, you can really tell how streets are quieter. much the Czechs appreciate you trying to speak their language. This is a very stark contrast to the Netherlands where speaking Dutch is almost discouraged since everybody seems very eager to speak English to foreigners as much as possible. HOLIDAYS September 28: Saint Wenceslas Day, celebrating Czech statehood. May 1: Labour Day October 28: Independence Day, celebrating the May 8: Liberation Day, celebrating proclamation of the Czechoslovak Republic in freedom after World War 2. 1918. July 5: Saints Cyril and Methodius Day, November 17: Struggle for Freedom and a celebration of the evangelisation of Democracy Day. A holiday that celebrates two Czechia by these two saints. seperate struggles, namely a student protest against Nazis in 1939 and a 1989 protest that led July 6: Jan Hus Day, a celebration of to the Velvet Revolution which in turn led to the one of the Czech Republic greatest end of Communism. Reformers and national hero. PRACTICAL MATTERS Armed with an understanding of Olomouc’s history and some basic knowledge on Czech culture and the Czech language, it is now time to focus on some of the practical things you can arrange to make your stay in Olomouc a bit easier. CURRENCY QUICK MATHS One of the things you will most likely run into 1 Euro = 25 Crowns first, is the fact that the Czech Republic has its 1 Pint of Beer is 30 Crowns = own currency; the Koruna česká or Czech 1,20 Euro Crown. Naturally, exchange rates are prone to Do note that this sum is not universal! Make change (it’s in the word after all) so it is always sure to update it according to the current exchange rate! wise to do a quick Google search to find out what the current exchange rate is. However, it is always advisable to at least internalise the exchange rate somehow just so you do not find yourself constantly trying to figure out the prices of things. Generally, 1 Euro equals to about 25 Crowns. Roughly the same counts for the Dollar too, though this will equate to a bit under 25 crowns. YOUR HOME BASE If you did not arrange for private housing in Olomouc, your home for the semester will most likely be at the Neředín Campus (what a great opportunity for you to practice your pronunciation of the ř sound!), which is located on the calm western edge of Olomouc. Otherwise, you are probably staying at Envelopa by the Morava river, close to the centre. When it comes to Neředin, the reception will be your first destination and is located on U Letiště 786/14. The easiest way of getting there is by taking the tram. This is regardless of whether you arrive at the bus station (Aut. nádraží podchod) or the main station (Olomouc hlavní nádraží). Aut. nádraží podchod Your exact destination will be Neředin Krematorium which is the end station for all trams going that direction. Tram X4 Tram 7 Olomouc hlavní nádraží Neředín Campus Going to Envelopa is a little different as there are a number of different Tram X4 dormitories. However, Envelopa is also closer to the main station. The dorms are situated along Šmeralova or 17. Aut. nádraží podchod Listopadu street. Olomouc hlavní nádraží There are a lot of other options too. To find out about how to find these, refer to the header on public transport. Do not forget to get a ticket and validate it in the tram! Information on the dorms themselves can be accessed from the website https://skm.upol.cz/en/accommodation/basic- information/. If you run into trouble, the phone number for questions about the accommodation is 00420 585 638 002. Envelopa Campus PUBLIC TRANSPORT Mobility is one of the most important characteristics for an international student, but this has to start at the local level. It is true that Olomouc is perfectly located in the centre of Europe, but before you start thinking about going to Vienna, Budapest or Krakow, you should ensure a carefree way of transportation across Olomouc. GENERAL INFORMATION TICKETS The Public Transport network in When it comes to tickets, most tram Olomouc is great and quite punctual. and bus stops will have yellow You have the option of taking a bus or a machines that sell them. However, you tram, the latter arguably being the can only pay with coins and they are better option as they are easy to get on not at every single stop. Therefore you to, they go often and they can take you should not rely on them too much.The to the most important spots in Olomouc. aforementioned IDOS app also gives The easiest way of finding out how to you an option to buy tickets digitally get somewhere, is to use the IDOS app which you can use if you are in a pinch. which is available on both the Apple All of Olomouc is within zone 71 so you Store and Google Play. It allows you to generally do not need to worry about put in your current location and your your ticket not being valid somewhere, destination and will tell you all your provided you are in Olomouc. You can options of getting there. Alternatively buy a normal ticket for 18 crowns or 9 you could go to their website on at a reduced tariff if you have your ISIC https://idos.idnes.cz/ if you have no card. These last for 40 minutes. An possibility of getting the app. Both have easier option is to get a ticket for a full an English option as well. day (it says 24 hod.) for 46 crowns or 23 at a reduced tariff with your ISIC card. SUBSCRIPTION TAXIS By far the best option is to get a 3 Taxis are also an option, though month subscription (tři měsíce). considerably more expensive. Two of Unfortunately there is not a semester the main dependable taxi services are ticket, but the 3 months option is the Vi3 which is available at (00420) 773 closes. For the remaining 2 or 3 months 158 158 and City Taxi Olomouc which you could opt for another subscription is available at (00420) 800 22 30 30. The or simply pay for tickets. A 3 month latter is slightly cheaper but generally subscription will cost you 900 crowns you are looking at about 25-30 Crows or 450 crowns at the reduced price. Do per kilometer. They should also be at mind that the reduced price only counts most hotspots such as the train station, if you are between 18 and 25 and if you bus station or in the centre, but this is have an ISIC card. Getting a not set in stone. subscription is not too hard, but you do need a couple of things. The easiest location to get a subscription is at Legionářská 746 because it is right next to the Palackého tram stop which is quite central. The other option is at Koželužská 563. If you go to get a subscription, be sure to bring your ISIC card, passport (just in case) and a passport picture. More information on tariffs and subscriptions can be found at https://www.dpmo.cz/en/information -for-passengers/tariff/. If you do not have a passport picture, you can easily get one taken in Galerie Moritz at Fotolab Cewe on 8. května 24 street. Keep in mind that the reduced tariff only counts if you have an ISIC card and if you are between 18 and 25 years old! If you are 26 or older you will not get the reduced tariff even if you have an ISIC card! INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IDENTITY CARD (ISIC) It is likely that the Palacký University will arrange an ISIC card for you, in which case there is little you have to do. It is important to keep this card in mind because it is essential for you if you want discounts in public transport, as well as access to a number of facilities at the Neředín dorms. You must always keep this card with you as it is your proof for reductions in public transport. In the unlikely event that the university does not provide you with an ISIC card, go to their website for all the information you need at https://www.isic.org/. It is definitely worth it to get one! FACILITIES AT THE DORMS EATING AT NEŘEDIN PRIVATE LAUNDRY If you are too lazy to cook your own The laundry machines at Neředín can lunch, or your flatmates are using the be a bit unreliable (they might break, already small kitchen of your bunker, the door might not close/open, or there this will be a chance for you to try out are simply no keys to laundry machines the Neředín dining hall, or menza, left). Therefore, most of us resorted to which has many advantages: besides private laundromats during our time in being very cheap, it offers you Olomouc. This is a bit more expensive, substantial 3-course menus from but definitely worth it. There is one 11:00am to 2:30pm from Monday to laundromat close to the Neředín dorms Friday. You will have a more or less called Speed Queen Laundry (tř. Míru large selection of courses, and you can 965/105) which is not only quick and order whatever you want: for example, easy, but also located next to a great two different starters and one main coffee shop, Caffe Nicol (tř. Míru 105), course, or one main course and two where you can drink a coffee while you desserts – it’s up to you! Remember to wait for your laundry to finish. top up your ISIC card with money at If you do want to use the laundry Neředín reception before placing an machines in the dormitory buildings, all order. you have to do is go to the reception to pick up the keys for 30 crowns. TRAVELLING! BEAUTIFUL PLACES TO VISIT Olomouc is an excellent travelling hub These are just some recommendations. if you want to explore both the Czech Brno (65 km) Republic and Europe. When it comes to Hradec Králové (122 km) travelling, you have a couple of options. Telč (137 km) First off there is the train which can Tábor (187 km) take you to most cities in the country Prague (210 km) itself but can also take you to countries České Budějovice (212 km) even as far as France, Italy and Russia! Český Krumlov (230 km) Prices can be difficult to find and are best found by just going to the train Bratislava (160 km) station to inform. Another great option Vienna (167 km) for travelling is of course by bus. For Kraków (199 km) this there are a lot of options. For Budapest (268 km) instance, Flixbus which will have connections to pretty much any big city Have fun with exploring the in Europe. Also, Regiojet is a great Czech Republic and Europe! option for going to Austria or to other places in the Czech Republic such as Brno. Lastly, there is Leo Express which also gives you some train options. GO OUT! : Vegetarian- / Vegan-friendly THE FOODIE OLOMOUC “Drápal (Havlíčkova 1) – a classic restaurant with beer taps and traditional Czech dishes. It is worth to try the right TRADITIONAL Ćesnećka – a traditional garlic soup. Try beer spilled in one of the unusual ways Chlebíčky is the Czech version of - “Pivo čepované na šnyt, mlíko nebo na sandwiches. On a piece of bread they can čochtana”: you will be brought a full mug put a mountain of food, so you can eat for of the most delicate beer foam. half a day. Try it in the eponymous place Chlebíčky (Opletalova 474/4). There are more than 20 varieties, you can start with Try Hanácká hospoda (Dolní nám. 27/38). the Czech classics -ham, salami, egg and The most unusual goulash recipes are mayonnaise. There are also unusual waiting for you! Be ready for Czech options for vegetarians - soft cheese, portions! hazelnut, apple and grapes. In weekdays, from 11:00 to 14:00, most restaurants offer “polední menu” – a good option for business lunch. Usually you can choose from 5-6 main courses, with a bowl of soup as a side. The average price for lunch is about € 4-5. See the offers for the following week on: https://www.olomouc.cz/poledni-menu UNI FACILITIES Coffee Library (Biskupské náměstí 1) - large tables, Wi-Fi, specialty coffee drinks, and healthy snacks to fuel your workday. Different menus almost every day ranging from local to Italian and Oriental. Tastes differ - they are well aware of this idiom! You can also find some vegetarian / vegan treats! Konvikt (Univerzitní 3) - the university’s bistro, with its special atmosphere, its quirky touches of decoration will for sure seduce you. They serve coffee and beer from breakfast till night when cultural events take place, and excellent and filling vegan, vegetarian and meaty dishes every day. WORLD CUISINE The Kathmandu Nepali Restaurant Bistrá Kráva (Wurmova 5) – a small cozy (Dolní náměstí 25/40) - you will be bistro with a daily menu. Here they charmed from the moment you climb up prepare excellent breakfasts and lunches the double flight staircase. The vast interior from natural product. Large selection of makes it the perfect place to meet for a big delicious desserts - vegan people, if you're group. Wide selection of Paneer and lucky, you might even try a"honey" cake, a Vegetables Curry Dishes, all vegetarian, vegan version of the Czech speciality! among which two are vegan. A list of Clean, neat and delicious, feels like home. allergens is included in the menu. Koza zůstala celá (Mlýnská 952/2) - this restaurant with a funny name: "the goat remained whole" makes vegetarian and vegan cuisine. You will also have a funny time finding it if you follow Google Maps (clue: look at the stairs). Few options of refined, nicely presented food. FOOD ON THE GO You can have a snack on the go in the spaghetteria Špagetárna (1. máje 825/4). FÆNCY FRIES (Ztracená 317/15) serves For € 2.5 you will get a large portion of French fries with countless fresh classic Italian pasta. homemade toppings - cranberry sauce, banana ketchup or cheddar. Options for Tvarůžková cukrárna pastry shop fillers are constantly changing. In addition (Denisova 13) - "Olomoucké tvarůžky", or to potatoes, you can also get a great hot dog. Olomouc cheese is a delicacy that every The fries are cooked in vegetable oil, so it’s traveler should try. This is a local cheese vegetarian / vegan-friendly! with a disgusting smell and – according to Closed on weekends. gourmets - a divine taste. COFFEE PLACES Traffic Coffee (Palackého 1124 / 21A) – a small cafe that arose on the site of a former printing kiosk. For old times’ sake, people still sometimes come here to buy tickets – the owner has everything. In addition, you will always find excellent coffee and delicious homemade cakes. Sophie’s Café (Denisova 33) - an hotel but also a nice coffee place. Make sure you try the delicious brunch, cakes and heart- warming hot beverage (the hot plum juice is amazing). The staff is so nice and helpful, and they can turn some options into vegan treats! These are the team's recommendations, but make sure you discover Olomouc's hidden gems: the city's filled with nice coffee places and restaurants to please all the tastes! OLOMOUC BY NIGHT Despite its size, Olomouc hosts many bars and clubs, making the night scene and life vibrant. And, let's be honest, students are among those who make it so special! CLUBS AND CONCERTS Jazz Tibet Club (Sokolská 551/48) - a cozy bar with Tibetan lanterns and the best concert venue in the city. Despite the name, you can hear not only jazz. Only high-quality music is always played here. Varna (Riegrova 373/6) is the most popular disco in the city pop music scene. At the ECHO Club & Lounge (Uhelná 19), there is less space, but the dancing is more lively. And every Wednesday, there is an Erasmus party at Belmondo (Mlýnská 4) ! S-klub (17. Listopadu 43) and U-klub Bar Diva (Pavelčákova 3/17) started as a (Šmeralova 1122/12) in the area of the theater club for actors, but gradually University campus are typical student turned into the main LGBTQ–friendly clubs, where beer flows like a river all institution in the city. Moreover, this is one week, and on weekends they play concerts of the few places in the city that is open all with covers. Sometimes local stars come night long. here too – you can hear cool Czech folk or dance to new indie music. Southern Moravia is traditionally a wine-growing region: local Traminer and WINE Moravian Muscat are not inferior to French and Italian wines. It is not surprising that many people here prefer a trip to the wine shop to a pub. The most famous of all – Vinárna U If you find yourself in the city in early autumn, be sure Zlatky (Lafayettova 5) - is not easy to to try Burchak-a young (just fermented wine of the find, but it is worth it: behind an new crop) at Vinotéka Drexler (Sokolská 39), right at inconspicuous door and a steep the tram depot. It tastes like grape juice, but after a staircase, you will find authentic couple of glasses you will feel all its power, so be ready. cellars full of excellent local wines. In the next building is Naše vinotéka (Lafayettova 7), where you can go directly to the cellar. You can buy draught wine at very nice prices. BEER Hospoda U Musea (tř. 1. máje 8) - a legendary place, popularly called Ponorka (submarine). Every Thursday – concerts of Czech bands, and at the entrance you need to get a card of a member of the "private club" – this is done to circumvent the new law banning Smoking in bars. And, of course, only cash! Vertigo (Univerzitní 227/6) is the oldest Hospůdka U Kuděje (Krapkova 20) - a tiny bar student bar in the city. An austere basement on the edge of the city Park. Here you can try full of young people, loud music and cheap about 10 Beers from small local brewers. At alcohol. Usually everyone moves here closer to the next table, most likely, there will be a large midnight, when the owners of quieter places group of Czechs of all ages, singing and playing go to sleep. You can accidentally find yourself the guitar. at a concert of an alternative band. Svatováclavský pivovar (Mariánská 845/4) The Black Stuff Irish Pub & Whisky Bar brews its own beer in the same hall where it is (tř.1.máje 19) was recognized as the best pub in served. You can choose from 7 types: from the Czech Republic several years ago. Look classic light to unusual cherry. Very popular here for the atmosphere of a real Irish bar, the with students and teachers: during the day, set of drinks matches: different types of there may well be a seminar, if the Professor is whiskey, Guinness and Magners cider. Prices bored with classes in the classroom. There is for alcohol here are slightly inflated by local also a favourite attraction for tourists: beer standards (€ 2-3 for a pint of beer), but the baths or spas in a wooden font. They say it place is really worth it. rejuvenates the body and soul. And of course, there are many more! You can find your favourite bar through the following link: https://www.ratebeer.com/places/city/olomouc/0/56/ GREEN FASHION For the fans of the second hand such a small town as Olomouc is a godsend! The city centre counts many second hand shops and antiquities where you can buy good pieces of clothing for little money and many other things including books . Our best finding was S.eko.nd (Panská 3), a There is another nice address in the beginning of little gem hidden in the cobbled streets of the Opletalova street, in front of one of the façades the historical centre. For women of the Church sv. Morice. It’s right between a ski especially, they really have nice pieces, equipment shop and an optician. We haven’t found from blouses to cute dresses. They have the name of this second-hand, but if you follow their own upcycled collection which you these directions you’ll find two windows with the might want to give a try, but which is also inscription “second-hand”. The place is a an more pricy. The clothes are well-organised, organised chaos, but an expert eye will most you will sure like it! certainly find a unique piece! If you are mindful of what you buy, there are many options in Olomouc! From organic, vegetarian or vegan products in supermarkets to specialised organic and helth stores such as Harmonie zdravi (Zámečnická 2) or Pi Centrum (Ibsenova 17) TESTIMONIALS Olomouc is a comfortable and beautiful city for foreign people. There are many kind people and it is a good and natural place. If you have the time, then you should go to Olomouc, you may just love the city! - Rio Abe Pshyical Culture Japan Sports Science University Japan Olomouc has become a city that will forever be special to me. Not only did I meet people from all over the world in that city, but I experienced the Czech Republic in an authentic, unique way. The city is safe, quaint, historical, and absolutely beautiful. My advice for any student going to Olomouc would be to explore, and give the city a chance! Many people may think it’s not interesting or fun because it’s small - but that’s what makes it great. It’s intimate, safe, and beautiful. There is a lot of opportunity to meet some amazing people. As a mostly student populated area, you have opportunities to meet people from all over the WORLD. If I got anything from the experience, it’s friends in more countries than I can count on my hands. That experience is priceless. It is absolutely worth every moment of your time and every penny that you spend! - Kylie Norwood Mathematics & Computer Science Moravian College United States of America Olomouc is a city with a thousand possibilities, and small details that make it become magical. In my opinion, the owner of the most beautiful sunsets I've ever seen in my life. One of the most interesting parts about the city is nature. The city is full of trees and small parks that serve as shortcuts to get to the most diverse places. You will encounter rabbits ALL THE TIME and listen to the sound of birds during the night. The old part of the city is composed of charming architecture, practically a film set, which made each of the walks towards the University happier. I can still feel the aroma of the (cute) cafes, and the excitement of the various local bars. I swear I never drank so much beer in my life. In addition, what made Olomouc even more special are the people I met along the way. People who joined the long walks, visits to pubs in the city center, and Wednesdays at one of the dance clubs. Olomouc taught me about a calmer and happier life. Pietra Alterats Sisti Cooperation Program Federal University of ABC Brazil Although Olomouc is a small city it has everything you need and it is also a student city, which is a big plus. There is plenty of space for recreation in nature or around lakes. Olomouc also has a great clubbing scene with friendly prices for students. For Olomouc, history is very important, and not only for the city itself but for the Palacky university as well. Palacky university is an old university but with a modern twist. Most of the buildings are very modern and it offers everything you need for studying. Once at the Palacky university do not forget to visit the central library if you are a Harry Potter fan 😊. The dormitories are amazing, and they are a place where you will probably meet all your new friends so don’t be scared to live with new people, because it is amazing! Matea Hodak Faculty of Law University of Zagreb Croatia