Things To Do
in Ostrava
Ostrava, the Czech Republic's third-largest city, sits in the northeast along the Ostravice and Lučina rivers. It blends a stubborn industrial heritage with a vibrant arts and cultural scene. The city center features an eclectic mix of rebuilt industrial architecture, modern galleries, and green parks.
Nearby the Beskydy mountains, Ostrava serves as a gateway to outdoor adventures and a lively culinary scene.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café in the historic center, where you can savor traditional Czech pastries and coffee. After breakfast, take a stroll through the lush Silesian Ostrava Castle grounds, admiring its Renaissance architecture and scenic views of the city. As the morning progresses, visit the nearby St. Wenceslas Cathedral, where you can appreciate the beautiful stained glass windows and serene atmosphere.
In the afternoon, dive into Ostrava's industrial heritage by visiting the Lower Vítkovice area, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can explore the fascinating exhibitions at the Science and Technology Center. Enjoy a hearty lunch at one of the many trendy eateries in the district, sampling local specialties like svíčková and goulash. Afterward, take a guided tour of the unique Bolt Tower for panoramic views over the city and surrounding areas.
As night falls, head to the vibrant Stodolní Street, known for its lively nightlife and numerous bars and clubs. Grab dinner at a traditional Czech restaurant, where you can enjoy local beer and a delicious meal in a warm atmosphere. End your evening with live music or dancing at one of the many venues lining the street, immersing yourself in Ostrava's energetic nightlife.
Begin your day with a visit to the Gallery of Fine Arts, where you can marvel at both Czech and international art collections, including modern and contemporary pieces. Spend some time wandering through the various exhibition halls, allowing the art to inspire your thoughts. Afterward, enjoy a relaxing coffee at the gallery café, reflecting on the artworks you've just viewed.
In the afternoon, take a short walk to the Antonín Dvořák Theatre to explore its stunning architecture and learn about its role in the cultural life of Ostrava. Attend a matinee performance or participate in a guided tour to uncover the history of this exquisite venue. Enjoy lunch at a nearby bistro, sampling local dishes while discussing the vibrant art scene in Ostrava.
For your evening, visit the Ostrava City Theatre to catch a performance, whether it be a play, opera, or ballet, showcasing the local talent. After the show, dine at a chic restaurant in the city center, savoring a fusion of Czech and international cuisine. Finish your evening with a dessert at a cozy café, enjoying the sweet taste of traditional trdelník.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee in a cafe | $2-4 |
| 🚇Public transit (monthly pass) | $28-35 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $60-120 |
| 🎟️Cinema ticket | $8-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant cultural scene and industrial heritage
- Compact city center with many walkable sights
- Excellent access to nature in Beskydy mountains nearby
- Industrial history can mean soot odors in some areas
- Travel to nearby mountain towns requires a bit of planning
- Seasonal weather can be unpredictable
- "Dobrý den" - Hello / Good day
- "Prosím" - Please
- "Děkuji" - Thank you
- "Mluvíte anglicky?" - Do you speak English?
- "Kde je... ?" - Where is... ?
- "Kolik to stojí?" - How much does this cost?
Places to Visit in Ostrava
Visit one of these nice places.
An industrial observation tower offering panoramic views of Ostrava's cityscape and river valleys.
Historic red-brick halls with dramatic lighting, perfect for architectural photography and night shoots.
Colorful façades, lively pedestrian zone, and classic Czech architectural details.
Massive brick structures and steel towers provide striking backdrops for photography.
Food in Ostrava
Ostrava Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Beef sirloin in a creamy vegetable sauce with dumplings; a must-try Czech classic found in most traditional restaurants in the city center.
Must-Try!
Slow-cooked beef goulash served with potato or bread dumplings; a hearty meal perfect for cooler days.
Traditional Czech pastries filled with fruit, cream cheese, or poppy seeds; available in bakeries and cafes around the city.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A weekly market in the city center offering fresh produce, cheeses, bread, and local pastries; try rustic breads and seasonal fruit.
Evening stalls and pop-up bites along the nightlife strip offering Czech sausages, fried cheese, and international bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with good day: Dobrý den. Use polite forms, and say please and thank you (prosím, děkuji).
Tipping is customary for good service. Respect personal space; queuing is expected in shops and transit.
Safety
Tipping in Ostrava
Ensure a smooth experience
Tips of 5-10% are common if service is not included; you can round up the bill in casual places. In cafés and casual eateries, leaving small tips is appreciated.
Cards are widely accepted in cities; cash in CZK is still common in smaller venues. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly accepted.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with long daylight hours, outdoor festivals and park life. Thunderstorms are possible; stay hydrated and plan river or park strolls.
Crisp air and colorful foliage. Outdoor trails are ideal but layers are recommended for early chilly mornings.
Cold temperatures with occasional snowfall. Indoor culture venues and markets provide warmth; dress in warm layers.
Milder temperatures and blooming trees. Great for city walks, river paths, and early outdoor events.
Ostrava at Night
Hiking in Ostrava
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
The highest peak in the Beskydy range, offering forested trails and panoramic views, reachable via a day trip from Ostrava.
A scenic ridge hike with traditional Moravian vistas and cultural artifacts, suitable for a day trip.
Forest trails through oak and beech woods with gentle river valleys, ideal for relaxed hikes near Ostrava.
Airports
How to reach Ostrava by plane.
Small international airport offering connections to selected European cities; easy taxi or public transit links to the city center.
Large international hub about a 3-4 hour drive by plane or rail from Ostrava; serves many European and some intercontinental destinations.
Nearby Polish airport about 90-120 minutes by road from Ostrava, useful for low-cost carriers and regional connections.
Major international hub in Austria, a few hours by rail or car from Ostrava for longer-haul connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of families, students from VŠB-Technical University of Ostrava, and long-time locals.
A sizeable student population and a growing number of tech, engineering, and creative workers.
Year-round visitors and some expatriate workers drawn to the region’s industry and culture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular sport in Czech culture, with strong local clubs and fan culture.
Local clubs and national leagues draw crowds; weekend matches are a common activity.
A growing scene with local teams and community leagues.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ostrava.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most restaurants in Ostrava offer vegetarian versions of Czech staples; look for vegetable-based dishes, mushroom plates, or ask for no meat stock or dairy-free options.