When you think of the Czech Republic, often the historic capital city is the first thing that comes to mind, but there is so much more to see, and this guide is to one of my favourite areas of the country, Ostrava. Read on for a selection of great things to do in Ostrava.
Ostrava is the capital of the Moravian-Silesian Region of the country and can be reached by train from Prague in roughly three hours. There are plenty of amazing things to do in Ostrava, and it is also the perfect base to explore the surrounding regions and discover what makes the Czech Republic a spectacular destination.
What To Expect In Ostrava
Language in Ostrava
The language spoken here is Czech but locals have a good grasp of English.
Currency in Ostrava
The currency used is the same as it is across the entire Czech Republic, the Czech crown.
(1 Euro is approx. CZK 26 and 1 American Dollar is approx. CZK 21 – data March 2018)
Climate in Ostrava
July is the hottest month in Ostrava with an average temperature of 18°C (64°F) and the coldest is January at -1°C (30°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 9 in June.
Getting To Ostrava
Chances are you’re travelling to Ostrava from Prague. Lucky for you it is super easy to do so.
Trains to Ostrava
Several different train providers run a service regularly from Prague to Ostrava, my two favourites are:
Both offer different classes which offer you vary depending on your budget, with the cheapest options starting at around 5 Euro. The journey takes just over 3 hours.
Buses to Ostrava
You can also take the bus to Ostrava using Flixbus. After you visit the city, Flixbus also has connections to other European cities- I headed to Krakow for the cost of around £5.
Getting Around In Ostrava
Ostrava Trams
Ostrava is extremely well connected with its tram network running between all major destinations very regularly. You can buy tickets onboard using your contactless card or using the ticket machines.
The prices are very affordable, for example, a 24-hour transport ticket in Ostrava costs CZK 80.
To search for more transport information, there’s a great Czech website you can use.
Where To Stay In Ostrava
There are plenty of different options within the city centre itself meaning you can find whatever you’re looking for from budget to luxury.
Hostel Moravia Ostrava
Hostel Moravia Ostrava is in a great location, right next to the train station and on the main metro routes with a stop directly outside.
The staff are super-friendly and local to the area, brimming with the information they are ready to share with you. I sat and had some conversations with the receptionist about Czech filmmakers, songs, T.V shows and artists. He gave me some great recommendations, showed me clips on youtube and even wrote me a list to take away with me and look up.
Hotel VP1
VP1 is a modern hotel in a great location right near the Cultural Monument the Lower Vítkovice. There is a buffet breakfast available to help fuel a busy day of sightseeing. Tram and bus links are very close, making it easy to get into the centre of the city.
Mercure Ostrava Center
Located right in the centre of Ostrava, the Mecure Center hotel is one of the best-rated hotels in the city.
The Husuv Sad stop of the 479 bus can be reached within a 2-minute walk from the Mercure Ostrava. Stodolni Street with its numerous clubs is just 550 yards away.
Kampus Palace
The highly-rated Kampus Palace is a great central base for exploring the city.
With an onsite gym, Kampus Palace is located just 550 yards from party central, Stodolní Street. Certain units even feature an indoor or outdoor seating area where you can relax.
Things To Do In Ostrava
Ostrava is a city with big inspirations, but more importantly, it has the follow-through to make its dreams a reality. See first-hand what Ostrava has achieved in its redevelopment, after the end of its mining industry, at some of the incredible sights and activities located across the city.
Museums in Ostrava
Ostrava has some great museums, centres and attractions to visit and learn in a fun and interactive environment. Here are my top picks:
Planetarium
The Planetarium will allow you to expand your knowledge of the universe in a relaxing environment. Listen to music and enjoy projections of the night sky.
Open all year round from 10:00-14:00 Monday, 9:00-20:00 Tuesday to Friday and 14:00 to 19:00 Saturday and Sunday.
Visit the Planetarium website for more details
Ostrava City Museum (Ostravske Muzeum)
Located in Ostrava’s Old City Hall, a building that dates back to the 15th century, the museum’s exhibits focus on the history of the city, its people and the landscapes.
The museum is open year-round, 9:00-17:00 Monday to Friday, 9:00-17:00 Saturday and 13:00-17:00 Sunday.
Visit the website for more information
Science And Technology Centre
Want to make science fun? Head to the Science And Technology Centre. Find out what it’s like to fly a plane, be an astronaut or captain a submarine. the huge centre exhibits a wide range of interactive activities, fun for all ages.
The centre is open year-round from 10:00-18:00 Sunday to Thursday and 10:00-20:00 On Friday and Saturday.
Visit the website for more information
Unearth Ostrava’s Mining Heritage
Mining is the historical bedrock of the city and something that has been both preserved and celebrated here in Ostrava.
Lower Vitkovice national cultural monument
In the heart of the modern city, this unique industrial world has not only been preserved but modernised and turned into something incredible.
What was the historical blast furnace has now become a spectacular viewing platform, providing the kind of views money cant buy.
Take a guided tour to learn all about the history of what was Ironworks and walk into the depths of the blast furnace.
For more information, events and opening times visit the website here
Landek Park- Mining Museum
Ever wanted to take a tour of a former coal mine? then this is the place for you. Immerse yourself in what the life of a miner was like. Descend into a simulated mine tunnel and truly authentic specialities in the restaurant.
For more information, events and opening times visit the website here
Party At Stodolni Street
Ostrava is known for its cheap and excellent beer and incredible nightlife.
There are dozens of bars, clubs and restaurants in the street – something for everyone.
Highlights include Harley’s Retro Bar, Sherlocks Pub and Zadní vrátka
Where To Eat In Ostrava
From traditional hearty Czech dishes to international cuisine, there are plenty of options available for the hungry traveller after a busy day of exploring.
Moravska Chalupa
This is a great place to try traditional Czech food. The name of this restaurant translates to mean Moravian Cottage. If you are on a budget, make sure to visit at lunchtime to try the cheaper daily lunch menu.
Bolt Tower Café
Ostrava has a rich industrial heritage, which they have modernised in a creative bid to re-energise the city into amazing social and leisure places. One such place is Bolt Tower, a must-see attraction in Ostrava. Part of the Vítkovice mining area, the bolt tower was opened in 2015 by no other than Usain Bolt himself. At the top of the tower is a cafe with stunning views. Make sure to come and grab a coffee and a cake and soak in the views
Visit the Czech Tourism Website for more details
Comedor Mexicano
Comedor Mexicano is the top-rated restaurant in Ostrava, much deservedly so. I ate here twice during my say and both times the food was incredible, the service was fantastic and the atmosphere just really sealed the deal. It may feel a little weird, the idea of coming to the Czech Republic and eating Mexican food, but their dishes are so good you won’t even care.
Get Out Of And Explore The Regions
The best thing about the stunning Moravian Silesia region of the Czech Republic is how much there is to explore outside of the cities. Nature, historic houses and sporting pursuits lay in wait, ready to inspire you to take an epic day trip. But where should you go? Try these great locations:
Get Adventurous Outdoors In Pustevny
Pustevny is one of the most stunning sports in the Beskydy Mountains and a must-visit site for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Take the cable car up to the summit then take a walk and let the wonderful landscape views surround you.
Make sure to visit the statue of Pagon god Radegast (who gave his name to one of the region’s most popular beers.)
Take a chilled-out lunch at Koliba U Zaryša which has a delightful menu of traditional fare- also a great chance to try the aforementioned beer, Radegast.
Get your adrenaline pumping with some adventurous outdoor activities. The best way down the mountain by far is a kick scooter, which you can hire at the top and return at the bottom. Feel the wind in your hair as you swoosh down the mountain on this 15-minute ride of your life.
If that wasn’t enough for one day, at the foot of the mountain head on down to Tarzanine, an outdoor ropes course set up high in the trees.
Go and explore this incredible mountain. For more information on this region, you can visit this website.
The Kravařsko Region
Explore a historic fairytale chateau then spend the afternoon having fun at a family theme park in the Kravařsko region.
In Kunín stands a beautiful Baroque house built by a local aristocratic family. Walk around and discover the history of the house, from its philanthropic owners who built a school to the stories behind the unique items found around the house.
After exploring the house, you can go out into the beautiful garden, step back in time and have a game of wooden bowling, which was pretty difficult as the ball wasn’t exactly ’round’ (I got a strike though!)
There is also a quaint little restaurant serving well-prepared Czech classics.
Check the tourism website here for updated entry times, costs and further information
In the afternoon, head over to Hei Park in Tošovice for a dose of adrenaline.
The park is a destination for fun, with everything from rides to archery, mechanical bull riding to an outdoor swimming pond.
If chilling is more your thing head over to the restaurant and cafe, grab a coffee and a cake and enjoy the outdoor air.
If you love the park, they even have their own accommodation so you can stay overnight to maximise the fun. For more information, you can visit the park’s website, here.
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Thank you for reading this post. There are plenty of great things to do in and around Ostrava, and hopefully, this post has inspired you to visit this city.