Things To Do
in Opava
Opava is a compact historic city in Czech Silesia with a well-preserved medieval core, riverfront promenades, and a lively academic presence. It blends Austro-Hungarian and Silesian architecture, with notable churches, a town hall tower, and museums that reflect regional history. The surrounding countryside offers easy access to rolling hills, forests and the Jeseníky foothills making it a good base for outdoor activities.
Opava feels quieter and more relaxed than nearby larger cities while still offering restaurants, markets and a friendly local atmosphere.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Opava and check into your hotel to settle in. Take a leisurely stroll through the city center, soaking in the local architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Stop by a local café for a delicious Czech breakfast of trdelník and coffee.
Join a guided city tour to discover the rich history of Opava, including its beautiful squares and historical buildings such as the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Visit the Silesian Museum to learn about the region's cultural heritage. Enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant, sampling local dishes.
As the sun sets, head to the Opava city park for a relaxing evening walk. Explore the local dining scene and indulge in a hearty Czech dinner. Conclude your first day with a nightcap at a local pub, enjoying the warm hospitality of the town.
After breakfast, embark on a visit to the impressive Hradec nad Moravici Castle, a short trip from the city. Wander through the tranquil gardens and learn about the castle's storied past. Capture photos of the scenic surroundings and the striking architecture.
Return to Opava and have lunch at a cozy bistro. Spend the afternoon visiting the nearby Opavice River, where you can enjoy the beautiful riverside views and partake in some light outdoor activities. Check out the historic water mill that adds charm to the landscape.
For dinner, experience a traditional Czech banquet with local wines. Later, head to the Opava Theatre for a cultural performance, showcasing the local arts scene. If time allows, enjoy a midnight stroll through the illuminated streets of Opava.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $7-12 |
| ☕Coffee (regular café) | $2-3 |
| 🚇Local public transport ticket | $0.80-1.50 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (0.5L in pub) | $1.50-3 |
| 🚕Taxi start / short ride | $3-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, walkable historic center with authentic local atmosphere
- Good base for outdoor activities in nearby hills and lakes
- Lower prices and fewer crowds than major Czech tourist cities
- Strong local food and pub culture with seasonal markets
- Limited international flight connections—requires transfer via larger airports
- Smaller nightlife and cultural scene compared with big cities
- Fewer specialized dining options for strict dietary needs
- Some signage and service may be Czech-only outside tourist spots
- "Dobrý den" - Good day / Hello
- "Prosím" - Please / You're welcome
- "Děkuji" - Thank you
- "Kolik to stojí?" - How much does it cost?
- "Kde je toaleta?" - Where is the toilet?
- "Mluvíte anglicky?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Opava
Visit one of these nice places.
Picturesque square framed by historic buildings and the town hall tower — great for architecture and street photography, especially in the golden hour.
Riverside paths with bridges, tree-lined banks and reflections — ideal for serene landscape shots and casual portraits.
Museum buildings and nearby churches provide ornate facades and interiors; the museum courtyard and sculptures are photogenic.
Short drive away, the castle and its landscaped grounds offer dramatic architecture, romantic views and forested backdrops.
Climb a tower for sweeping views across Opava’s rooftops and surrounding countryside — best on clear days.
Food in Opava
Opava Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Classic Czech marinated beef in a cream-vegetable sauce served with bread dumplings — widely available in family restaurants and taverns.
Must-Try!
Roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut — a staple of Silesian and Czech home cooking, easy to find at traditional pubs.
Breaded and fried cheese often served with tartar sauce and fries — a popular casual option and street-food style dish.
Regional baked goods and koláče found at bakeries and markets, especially during weekends and holidays.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market near the main square selling fresh produce, baked goods, cheeses and prepared snacks — ideal for sampling local flavors on weekend mornings.
In warmer months small stalls and pop-up vendors appear near the river and parks offering grilled sausages, fried cheese and local sweets.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings matter — use 'Dobrý den' (good day) when entering shops or meeting people. A firm but brief handshake is common in formal settings.
Czechs value punctuality for appointments and tours — arrive on time for guided activities and meetings.
Respect memorials, churches and cultural sites; dress modestly in religious settings and speak quietly.
Public spaces are generally quiet; avoid loud phone calls on public transport and be polite in queues.
Safety
Tipping in Opava
Ensure a smooth experience
Leaving a tip of around 5–10% in restaurants is customary for good service; small change or rounding up is common in cafés and taxis. For exceptional service you can tip more. Many establishments list service included; check the bill.
Cards are widely accepted in restaurants, shops and hotels, though smaller vendors and markets may be cash-only. ATMs are plentiful; the local currency is the Czech koruna (CZK).
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm, pleasant days (June–August) are ideal for outdoor dining, river walks, cycling and lakeside activities. Expect higher visitor numbers on weekends, outdoor markets and cultural events.
Crisp weather with colorful foliage in parks and nearby forests; great for hiking and photography. Bring layers — temperatures can vary widely day to day.
Cold and often snowy (December–February). City life is quieter; nearby hills offer skiing and winter hiking but watch for icy sidewalks and limited daylight.
Flowers and greenery return, markets reopen and temperatures moderate. A pleasant time to enjoy lower-season prices and fewer crowds.
Opava at Night
Hiking in Opava
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of gentle to moderate trails through rolling hills and forests north of Opava, suitable for day hikes, mountain biking and spring/autumn walks.
Higher-elevation trails and scenic ridgelines offering more challenging hikes, panoramic viewpoints and winter sports opportunities; reachable by car within 1–2 hours.
Scenic castle grounds with landscaped trails and short forest walks ideal for an easy half-day outing and photography.
Flat, family-friendly circuits around the reservoir good for casual hikes, birdwatching and picnics.
Airports
How to reach Opava by plane.
About 35–45 km (30–50 minutes by car) — the closest international airport with regional connections and some international flights; reachable by car or train/bus connections via Ostrava.
Approximately 70–100 km depending on route (1–2 hours by car) — a larger airport with many low-cost and international carriers; cross-border transfer by bus or car is common.
Around 150–200 km (2–3 hours by car) — larger international options and a common choice if combining visits to southern Poland and Czech Silesia.
Approximately 300 km (3–4 hours by car or 3–4.5 hours by train) — the main international gateway to the Czech Republic with the most flight options; convenient if combining Prague with Opava.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of the population are ethnic Czechs with a Silesian regional identity influenced by local traditions and history.
Silesian University and other educational institutions bring students to town, contributing to cultural life and a lively café scene.
Due to the region’s proximity to Poland there are historical and cultural ties with Polish communities, and occasional Polish residents and visitors.
Longstanding local families and older residents maintain traditions and community networks that shape local events and markets.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local football clubs and amateur leagues are popular; FK Opava has a loyal following and matches are community events.
Ice hockey is widely followed in the region, with local and regional teams drawing fans in winter months.
Cycling, hiking and water sports at local reservoirs are common weekend activities for residents.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Opava.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common in cafés and many restaurants (salads, cheese-based dishes, vegetable sides). Ask for meat-free versions of traditional meals and look for vegetarian-labelled menus in city cafés.
Vegan choices are growing but still limited compared with larger cities. Seek out modern bistros or plan to visit health-food shops and supermarkets for plant-based options.
Small restaurants may accommodate gluten-free requests but cross-contamination can be an issue. Carry snacks if you have severe gluten intolerance and check ingredient lists at bakeries.