Quick Picks for Shopping in Olomouc

Short on time? Use these quick recommendations to find exactly what you need. Olomouc offers a mix of traditional folk art and modern university-led design. You can find everything from hand-painted eggs to sleek contemporary jewelry. These spots are centrally located and easy to visit.

• Best Overall: Olomouc Information Centre (Town Hall)
• Best for Modern Design: U Point
• Best for Art Lovers: Design Shop MUO
• Best for Foodies: A.W. Tvarůžky Shop

Where to Buy Authentic Handicrafts in Olomouc: Top 10

Finding the right gift requires knowing the local hidden gems. The city center is compact, making it easy to visit several shops in one afternoon. Many of these locations are near unique local design shops that offer modern twists on old styles. Here are the top ten places to visit.

1. Name: Olomouc Information Centre Type: sight/shop Why go: It offers the widest range of certified regional products. Best for: Traditional folk crafts and maps. Where: Town Hall, Upper Square. Time: 20-30 mins. Cost: $5 - $50. Getting there: Walk to the main square. Tip: Look for the "Haná Regional Product" seal for authenticity.
2. Name: U Point Type: experience/shop Why go: This is the official shop of Palacký University. Best for: High-end modern design and university apparel. Where: House of the Black Dog, Upper Square. Time: 20 mins. Cost: $10 - $100. Getting there: Located on the corner of the Upper Square. Tip: Their minimalist stationery makes for great lightweight gifts.
3. Name: Design Shop MUO Type: museum/shop Why go: It is managed by the Olomouc Museum of Art. Best for: Art books, designer jewelry, and glass. Where: Denisova Street. Time: 30 mins. Cost: $15 - $200. Getting there: Walk 5 minutes from the Holy Trinity Column. Tip: Check out the unique prints by local Moravian artists.
4. Name: Galerie Caesar Type: experience/sight Why go: One of the most prestigious galleries in the city. Best for: Contemporary fine art and small sculptures. Where: Ground floor of the Town Hall. Time: 40 mins. Cost: Varies greatly. Getting there: Enter through the side of the Town Hall. Tip: Talk to the staff about the current local artists on display.
5. Name: A.W. Tvarůžky Shop Type: experience/food Why go: While it is food, the packaging and accessories are local icons. Best for: Edible handicrafts and regional cheese tools. Where: Upper Square. Time: 15 mins. Cost: $2 - $20. Getting there: Look for the green sign near the Town Hall. Tip: Visit one of the cheese tasting spots before buying.
6. Name: Dobrodruhá Type: charity/shop Why go: A charming charity shop selling upcycled and local handmade items. Best for: Eco-friendly gifts and unique textiles. Where: Wurmova Street. Time: 20 mins. Cost: $3 - $30. Getting there: Walk toward the Cathedral district. Tip: Every purchase supports local social services.
7. Name: Olomouc Market Hall (Tržnice) Type: market/experience Why go: A historic building where local vendors gather. Best for: Seasonal crafts, wicker baskets, and honey. Where: Kateřinská Street. Time: 30-60 mins. Cost: $2 - $40. Getting there: 10-minute walk south of the main square. Tip: Visit on Saturday mornings for the best selection of handmade goods.
8. Name: Antikvariát Bastion Type: antique/shop Why go: Perfect for finding old Moravian postcards and vintage prints. Best for: History buffs and paper-based crafts. Where: Near the city walls. Time: 30 mins. Cost: $1 - $50. Getting there: Walk toward the botanical gardens. Tip: Dig through the boxes for 100-year-old local illustrations.
9. Name: Hanácký Jeruzalém Type: experience/shop Why go: Focuses specifically on the Haná region's cultural heritage. Best for: Traditional embroidery and blue-print textiles. Where: Near the city center. Time: 30 mins. Cost: $10 - $60. Getting there: Check the Olomouc Tourism Portal for current pop-up locations. Tip: Their blue-print (modrotisk) items are UNESCO-listed heritage.
10. Name: Svatý Kopeček Gift Stalls Type: day trip/sight Why go: A beautiful pilgrimage site with traditional stalls. Best for: Religious icons, wooden toys, and gingerbread. Where: Svatý Kopeček hill. Time: 2-3 hours (including travel). Cost: $5 - $30. Getting there: Take bus number 11 from the main train station. Tip: Enjoy the view of the city after your shopping.

Nearby Day Trips for Traditional Crafts

If you have more time, explore the villages surrounding the city. The Haná region is famous for its distinct folk costumes and complex embroidery. Many artisans work from home studios in small towns like Příkazy. You can find non-tourist gifts that are truly one-of-a-kind. These trips offer a deeper look into the rural roots of Moravian craftsmanship.

For a broader overview of the country's heritage, you can visit the Visit Czechia - Olomouc page. It lists seasonal festivals where craftsmen gather to sell their wares. These events are the best way to meet the makers in person. You will often see live demonstrations of weaving or woodcarving.

Practical Tips for Shopping in Moravia

Shopping in Olomouc is generally relaxed and friendly. Most shopkeepers in the center speak some English, especially in design-focused stores. However, learning a few Czech phrases like "Dobrý den" (Good day) is always appreciated. It makes the experience more personal and rewarding.

Keep in mind that many smaller shops close early on Saturdays. Most are closed entirely on Sundays, except for those in high-traffic areas. Credit cards are widely accepted in the city center. However, carry some Czech Koruna (CZK) for small market stalls. This ensures you never miss out on a unique find. You might even discover some local secrets in Olomouc while wandering the side streets.