Tucked away within the japanese nook of the nation, Czech Republic’s third metropolis, Ostrava stays off the crushed path for many travellers and plenty of locals from Czech Republic due to its industrial previous. Occasions are altering and Ostrava is within the strategy of reinventing itself as vacationer vacation spot -in this mini Ostrava journey information I share some insights from my current go to plus share some suggestions in case you are planning a go to to town however to begin with, I’ll begin with the obvious query……
Is Ostrava price visiting?
For those who like cities with fairytale castles and quaint medieval attraction, cobbled streets overflowing with pastel excellent cafes and annoying vacationers (I may simply be speaking about Prague right here) I can safely let you know now that Ostrava will not be that metropolis. It’s fairly the alternative of Prague. Town as soon as described because the black coronary heart of Czech Republic is now stuffed with color and tradition due to a yr lengthy programme of festivals whose crowning glory is the unbelievable Colors of Ostrava competition, arguably Czech Republic’s largest and greatest music competition.
The place is Ostrava?
Tucked away within the north japanese nook of the nation close to the Polish border , on the border of Moravia and Silesia, Ostrava is effectively off the vacationer path. Katowice ( 71 kms), Krakow ( 121 kms ), Olomouc ( 91 kms ) and Brno ( 138 kms) are the closest cities.
What’s Ostrava like?
Lets begin with the structure, which is an attention-grabbing juxtaposition of views and influences that reveals town’s complicated id. You’ll discover the sweet field artwork nouveau structure that remembers the wonderful period of Austro Hungarian empire to the much less ornate however symmetry pleasing functionalist structure (the district of Poruba) which contrasts intriguingly with the put up industrial panorama of locations like Dolní Vitkovice that makes you’re feeling like an additional on Mad Max. What Ostrava lacks in eye sweet, it makes up for when it comes to its character, its folks, who’re sincere and welcoming, a rising gastronomy scene plus there’s a wealthy urge for food for tradition right here. It’s a metropolis that’s not excellent however excellent cities are boring proper? Nonetheless acquired your curiosity? Listed here are a few of my strategies for cool issues to do in Ostrava.
Cool issues to do in Ostrava
1. New City Corridor
Speaking about views, a pleasant place to begin your journey to Ostrava is among the icons of town, the New City Corridor. This modernist masterpiece (impressed partly by the Palazzo Vecchio from Florence) at 85 metres tall, is the tallest city corridor in Czech Republic and affords an important view of town skyline and sweeping views of the Ostrava basin, ranging from the mountains of Beskydy to the south, the Jeseniky mountains to the west and the Higher Silesian plateau to the east.
Fascinating information in regards to the city hall- the specific elevate, which rises to a top of over fifty metres above floor, was the quickest in Czechoslovakia on the time. Additionally don’t miss the possibility to experience on the distinctive paternoster elevate. You’ll discover it in the fitting wing of the constructing.
Entry price: 60 CZK for adults and 40 CZK for youngsters (20 CZK for youths aged 4-6)
2. Mound Ema
In case you are curious to see town from one other attention-grabbing angle, pay a go to to Ostrava’s Mound Ema, town’s very personal Mount Vesuvius. On the fitting aspect of the Ostravice river, is a mound constructed from 28 million tonnes of trash introduced over from the native mines.
The temperature contained in the slagheap reaches as much as 1,500 °C! Whereas strolling on the mound, you will notice fuel vapours, accompanied by a typical odor.
Finest time to go to mound Ema is simply earlier than sundown. You’ll be able to greatest attain Ema on the yellow climbing path, whether or not you begin on the zoo or at Černá louka.
Tip: Ostrava Info Centre provide guided excursions of mound Ema in English and different languages. To e-book, name 5 days prematurely at +420 724 166 992 or by way of e mail at [email protected].
Deal with: Slezská Ostrava, 710 00 Slezská Ostrava, Czechia
Tradition hotspots of Ostrava
For those who love tradition, you’ll like Ostrava. It actually has formed the evolution of town from a affluent mining centre to a metropolis the place there’s one thing all the time taking place due to a unbelievable yr lengthy programme of festivals plus there’s a small however wonderful focus of artwork museums.
3. Dům umění v Ostravě Gallery of Effective Arts in Ostrava
A should go to is the Gallery of Effective Arts in Ostrava, the biggest gallery within the Moravian-Silesian area. Housing an astonishing 23,000 artistic endeavors , it’s well known as one of many main artwork galleries within the Czech Republic.
You’ll discover right here works by outdated masters equivalent to Dürer, Cranach, Aachen and Hollar. The Viennese Artwork Nouveau is represented right here (Klimt) in addition to essential Russian artists (Repin, Šiškin). The gallery additionally boasts works of Czech fashionable artwork.
The Gallery affords workshops the place you may get hands-on inventive expertise and indulge different artistic actions beneath the information of the gallery’s artist in residence. Advance reserving is required and there’s a nominal price of fifty CZK.
Entry price 100 CZK to all exhibitions (50 CZK diminished value)
The everlasting exhibition and the library is freed from cost to go to.
Deal with Jurečkova 1750/9, 702 00 Moravská Ostrava a Přívoz, Czechia
4. Plato
One other essential landmark of the native artwork scene is the modern artwork gallery, Plato. Located in an ex backyard and hobbyware retailer (quickly to maneuver to an ex slaughterhouse), guests will likely be left questioning which of the items are the relics of the previous retailer and what are the fashionable artwork items. There’s a library of recent artwork books and magazines to browse plus a wonderful vegetarian cafe to seize a chew.
Deal with: Janáčkova 3139/22, 702 00 Moravská Ostrava a Přívoz, Czechia
5. Avenue artwork in Ostrava
Ostrava has a small however wonderful variety of public road artwork works that I might suggest you checkout throughout your go to.
Essentially the most well-known piece right here is the ‘The Madonna of Ostravica’ which is the biggest road artwork piece within the nation. Wedged between the Campus Palace and Imperial Resort Ostrava, this mural was created by well-known road artist Nils Westergard.
The opposite road artwork piece I might positively see is the piece ‘Soar’ – a robotic, leaping horse by the polish artist Mariusz M-Metropolis Waras who is thought for his hanging black and white cityscapes.
The mural, painted on a facade in Nadrazni road, Ostrava is correct in entrance the meals truck park the place Farmia Meals Level is situated.
6. Dolni Vitkovice
Amidst the swathes of spectacular greenery and the distinctive brick & iron panorama of the Decrease Vítkovice district, lies one of many best examples of nineteenth century industrial structure, Dolni Vitkovice which in its heyday, was one of the vital essential metal complexes within the historical past of the nation and from throughout Europe. Whereas Prague’s skyline affords the fairytale view of the Fortress or the towers of the church of St. Mary of Týn, Ostrava supplies you with a extra brutalist mashup of pipes and metal of the outdated factories of Dolní Vítkovice. When you step into the towering shadow of the 260-feet-high blast furnace, it actually feels such as you’ve stepped into some parallel dimension. A formidable maze of towering blast furnaces, coke ovens, pig-ironworks, smelters, compressors and gantries, after closing down in 1998, Dolni Vitkovice has turn out to be a Nationwide Monument with all of the buildings transformed into museums and artwork areas.
Benefit from the espresso and the view of Ostrava from the highest of the Bolt Tower (in honour of Jamaican athlete Usain Bolt, who visited Ostrava on a number of events) situated on the previous blast furnace, go have enjoyable and study one thing within the Small and Massive Worlds of Science, go to a live performance within the former fuel reservoir-the Gong Corridor or the Heligonka membership, climb to the highest of the climbing wall of the previous mine or watch a film in Cineport.
Deal with: Ruská 2993, 703 00 Ostrava-Vítkovice, Czechia
You’ll be able to go to the Vitkovice space at no cost, however I might positively suggest taking one among their guided excursions ( 250 CZK adults, 190 CZK diminished) to entry areas closed to impartial guests. These excursions run every day at 10.00, 12.00, 14.00 and 16.00pm -definitely e-book prematurely on-line ( https://www.dolnivitkovice.cz/en/dolni-vitkovice-en/ ) to ensure a spot. The excursions final 100 minutes and can embody a experience on an ore elevate plus a glance into the center of a blast furnace.
7. Michal Mine
If you wish to dig into the area’s mining historical past and observe precisely the identical path because the miners did on daily basis at work, then I might suggest a go to to the Michal Mine. Your information, in all probability an ex-miner will take you down the route the miners took and share some insights into their every day lives. You’ll be able to see distinctive chain dressing rooms, showers, marking room, registration room, lamp
room or cafeteria. The infirmary and the geologist’s workplace are additionally included within the tour. The entire mine has been preserved in such a means that it seems just like the miners left the mine only some hours in the past. Different distinctive highlights of the museum embody a completely practical steam engine from 1903.
Entry: For adults it’s 140 CZK (110 CZK diminished)
Deal with: Československé armády 413, 715 00 Ostrava-Michálkovice, Czechia
8. Poruba
The distinctive spotlight of visiting Ostrava was a go to to the Ostrava-Poruba metropolis district, identified for its 1950’s socialist realism structure. I used to be curious to go to Poruba as a result of it had been modelled alongside comparable traces of close by Nowa Huta in Krakow which I had visited a number of years in the past. Poruba was objective constructed to accommodate the working class folks and to type an “splendid” communist staff’ group, away from the thick smog and air pollution of the mining areas close to the centre of Ostrava. Poruba lacks the drab, gray, bitter realism of Nowa Huta and I’m happy to report, feels far grander, impressed by the design of Soviet cities, but in addition retaining Vintage, Renaissance and Classicist components.
I really like the structure, with its extensive boulevards and emphasis on symmetry and decorativeness, distinctive clusters of buildings, parks and quadrangles – such a cool distinction to Ostrava which such a mishmash of assorted influences.
Finest locations to drink espresso in Ostrava
One of many different attention-grabbing finds from my journey to Ostrava was the burgeoning espresso scene within the metropolis. Whereas not fairly a hotspot but, a major variety of speciality espresso retailers are beginning to open in vital numbers.
9. PetPunk
Cherished PetPunk. Because the identify suggests, there’s a very pleasant, different vibe right here, in all probability created by the stunning house owners, Petr Polak and Pawliczka Stojkojova plus the unbelievable assortment of ‘pet’ toys and animals that pals of the cafe have left there so as to add to the quirky vibe. Plus, they serve unbelievable espresso, aided by expert baristas and high quality espresso roasted by Nordbeans roasters from Liberec. We must also not neglect the wonderful snacks/truffles made by Pawliczka. Extremely really useful for espresso lovers.
Deal with: Nádražní 112/50, 702 00 Moravská Ostrava a Přívoz, Czechia
10.U Černého Stromu [By a Black Tree]
Situated by the city corridor that is one other nice cafe – count on pleasant and useful baristas (who converse good English), a relaxed environment with a chill jazz soundtrack taking part in within the background and actually good espresso which is provided by Czech La Boheme Cafe espresso roasters. It’s a great spot to work, learn, or simply people-watch for a quiet hour or two.
Deal with: Prokešovo nám. 1883, 702 00 Moravská Ostrava a Přívoz, Czechia
11. CØKAFE Centrum
One other laptop computer pleasant cafe (with a location in Dolni Vitkovice and Poruba too), this vibrant cafe serves nice espresso by comfortable, smiling baristas they usually do very nice truffles and brunch too on the weekends.
Deal with: Nádražní 1266/26, 702 00 Moravská Ostrava a Přívoz, Czechia
12. Cafe Daniel
The prize for the quirkiest and cosiest cafe in Ostrava goes to Cafe Daniel. There’s a really distinctive vibe that feels homely and welcoming due to the stunning antiques and interval furnishings – it’s a time capsule of what life might need been like within the roaring 20’s in Czech Republic – you resolve. There’s a different, eclectic menu stuffed with espresso, cocktails, wine and truffles so no matter you’re within the temper for, you’ll discover it right here. Good place to learn a e-book and neglect the world.
Deal with: Žerotínova 1230, 702 00 Moravská Ostrava a Přívoz, Czechia
Daal, Hogo Fogo Bistro
Hogo Fogo Bistro, Ostrava
The place to eat in Ostrava
13. Restaurace a pivnice U Rady
For those who’re searching for pleasant service, genuine Czech delicacies at good costs, then that is the place to come back. They serve chilly, frothy Pilsner Urquell on faucet they usually even have good outside seating space – e-book forward to get your self a spot outdoors.
Deal with: Poštovní 1474/16, 702 00 Moravská Ostrava a Přívoz, Czechia
14. Hogo Fogo Bistro
For those who’re searching for tasty worldwide fare (we had their unbelievable do-it-yourself daal with bread they usually do nice burgers), served in an attractive outside terrace backyard with scrumptious do-it-yourself lemonade or a chilly unfiltered Bernard beer, then Hogo Fogo is the place. Plenty of vegetarian choices, which is ideal when you’re searching for a substitute for the standard native fare. It’s a tad dear however the meals and atmosphere makes it worthwhile.
Deal with: Sokolská tř. 871/6, 702 00 Moravská Ostrava a Přívoz, Czechia
Well-known meatballs and frites of Le Petite Dialog, Ostrava
15. La Petite Dialog
For those who’re searching for an off-the-cuff, bistro type eating expertise then this cafe won’t disappoint. Select from bottled Belgian beer and native wines to do-it-yourself lemonades, unbelievable burger and fries, a light-weight vary of meals, from sandwiches and salads to extra continental classics (meatballs is a winner)- you’ll discover one thing on the menu to your style. Costs are barely greater than common however for the atmosphere and pleasant service, it’s price it.
Deal with: Tyršova 31, 702 00 Moravská Ostrava a Přívoz, Czechia
16. Farmia Meals Level Ostrava
Wholesome quick meals utilizing domestically sourced elements from their farm, this meals truck located off the principle drag is a reduce above the native fare with an attention-grabbing vary of worldwide classics, from quesadillas to burger ( in image) to fish and chips & tasty salads.
Deal with: Nádražní 43, 702 00 Moravská Ostrava a Přívoz, Czechia
Additionally really useful
Fancy Fries.
Burfi Vegetarian Restaurant
The place to drink in Ostrava
17. Hospoda U Jakuba
For those who’re searching for a comfortable bar with nice service, good vary of pilsner beers on draft and Czech type open confronted sandwiches Obložené Chlebíčky which can be excellent for snacking with beer, then positively pop into Hospoda U Jakuba.
Jiráskovo nám. 159/10, 702 00 Moravská Ostrava a Přívoz, Czech Republic.
18. Radegastnova na Namesti
Native beer Radegast on draft, basic pub grub type eating fare and pleasant service within the coronary heart of the picturesque Masarykovo Namesti.
Deal with: 13 24, Masarykovo nám., 702 00 Moravská Ostrava a Přívoz, Czechia
19. Wine Cellar Close to the Bridge
In case you are a wine lover and wish an training in Czech wines, that is the bar to come back to. Costs are a steal with 0.1l glass of native wine beginning at 18 CZK which is lower than a Euro. It may be fairly busy within the evenings so ready for a wee wait while you come right here.
Deal with: 28. října 4, 702 00 Moravská Ostrava a Přívoz, Czechia
20. Cafe Membership Dock
If it’s a sunny day or night in Ostrava, that is the bar to come back to. Seize a chilly draft beer together with one among their wonderful sandwiches/ bagels and seize one of many benches outdoors and watch the approaching and goings of locals by the river. That is additionally an important place for reside music so enquire inside for his or her upcoming gigs.
Deal with: Havlíčkovo nábř. 28, 702 00 Moravská Ostrava a Přívoz, Czechia
21. BarBar Music Membership
For those who’re searching for reside music, that is the place to come back to. Good service and there may be chilly Pilsner Urquell on draft.
Deal with: Škroupova 12, 702 00 Moravská Ostrava a Přívoz, Czechia
22. Keep away from… Stodolni
The a lot hyped Stodolni Avenue, filled with bars and golf equipment was an enormous disappointment. It attracts a sure type of trashy vacationer and after 9pm, this place was utter bedlam. You gained’t spot any locals right here. Ostrava has loads of good bars outdoors of Stodolni so my recommendation is to remain away.
Cafe de La Ostrava
I might make exception for the wonderful Cafe de La Ostrava which is among the few bars on the town that performs actually good digital music and the drinks costs are cheap.
The place to buy groceries in Ostrava
23. TY Identification
Searching for a present that’s distinctive and native?
Native designers and artists hire cabinets from the shop so if you wish to champion native, handmade artwork, TY Identification is the place to buy and help. Yow will discover all kinds of attention-grabbing and authentic issues – from pure cosmetics, to jewelry, ceramics, decorations, furnishings and far more…
Deal with: Poštovní 39, 702 00 Moravská Ostrava a Přívoz, Czechia
CVRK, Ostrava
24. CVRK
Much like TY Identification, CVRK supplies a platform for 200 Czech designers so this too is a superb place if you wish to purchase a present or memento that’s distinctive and native.
Deal with: 2, Vojanova 204, 702 00 Moravská Ostrava a Přívoz, Czechia
The place to remain in Ostrava
Resort Metropolis Metropolis , Ostrava
25. Resort Metropolis Metropolis
We stayed within the Resort Metropolis Metropolis, a contemporary design lodge with spacious, minimalist rooms that come outfitted with a kitchenette. Employees are useful and pleasant. A beneficiant buffet breakfast is served for friends on the wonderful Loft restaurant onsite which specialises in fashionable Czech bistro type eating.
Getting round Ostrava
Ostrava has a wonderful community of buses and trams that function regularly and are fairly cheap. You should purchase a single ticket along with your financial institution card (VISA, MasterCard) straight within the car. This ticket prices 24 CZK (0,90€) and it’s legitimate for 45 minutes. For those who get off in beneath 10 minutes of experience, faucet your card when exiting the car to pay solely 16 CZK. When altering for an additional tram/bus, faucet your card once more when coming into the car. The system will calculate the perfect value for you.
Disclaimer
We have been kindly hosted and invited to Ostrava by Czech Tourism due to Sabrina’s profitable the Tourfilm 2022 competitors for her video- ‘South Moravia with Locals’.
All of the views, good and dangerous expressed listed below are completely my very own.