Ostrava is located in the far east of the Czech Republic. Would you like to visit? Ostrava may have a strange reputation, but it’s still a great place to visit and will surprise you. So there’s no need to wait any longer, let’s set sail for Ostrava, the country’s third-largest city.
Where is Ostrava?
The third largest city in the Czech Republic, Ostrava is the capital of the Moravia-Silesia region. With its 288,000 inhabitants, the city is famous for its mining past. Indeed, in the 19th and 20th centuries, it was regarded as one of the continent’s largest steel-producing areas.
Today, this legacy is fully reflected in the architecture of the town, which seems to have remained stuck in the past. Located some 50 km from Slovakia, the city is also more than 275 km from the Czech capital, Prague. You’ll need around 2 days to fully explore the city and get to grips with its bewildering charm.
How do I get to Ostrava?
Getting to Ostrava isn’t really complicated. Quite the opposite, in fact. By car, you’ll need 3 to 4 hours. By train, from Prague, you should allow 4 hours. You could also take the bus.
There are several departures every day. Beware, however, that it can be quite long and sometimes uncomfortable. Choose a friendly bus company rather than a low-cost one.
What to do in Ostrava
You’ve made up your mind, Ostrava is your next destination? No need to look any further. Here, we tell you all about what to do in Ostrava, with our list of must-do activities!
Enjoy the city’s museums
Ostrava is home to a large number of museums. In addition to the City Museum, you can visit the Toy Museum, the Science and Technology Centre and the Brewery Museum! Finally, the Mining Museum tells the story of the city’s industrial history.
Climb to the top of Ostrava Town Hall
For the rest of you, Ostrava Town Hall has the tallest tower of any town hall in the Czech Republic. You can climb to 73 meters and enjoy a breathtaking view of the entire area. The Old Town and its Masaryk Square (Masarykovo náměstí) are a great place to stroll.
Discover Ostrava Zoo
Time permitting, why not visit the local zoo? It’s the country’s second-largest zoo, after Liberec! It’s an impressive zoo that’s sure to fill you with wonder, especially if you’re with children. It’s a popular walk for local families and one of Ostrava’s must-do activities.
Take part in Colours of Ostrava
Every year, the city organizes a festival: the Colours of Ostrava. This is a major festival of contemporary music, attended by many people from both the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
This is your chance to enjoy the great singers and bands of the moment, in an exceptional setting. The event takes place in the industrial setting of the Dolní Vítkovice factory… a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Vitkovice
Not the season for open-air festivals? No problem. You can still discover the remains of Vitkovice. Once a metallurgical district, the area is now considered a kind of open-air work of art. The entire district is listed as a European cultural heritage site.
Silesian Castle
Ostrava has long been the focus of territorial wars. The Polish border is not far away, while two rivers (Ostravice and Lučina) meet nearby.
A castle, Silesian Castle, was thus erected in 1280 before being destroyed in 1872. But how is it still standing today? If this is a must-see activity in Ostrava, it’s because this castle has been restored to scale.
The Ostrava brewery
Ostrava has a local beer: Ostravar. You can learn more about its origins and history by visiting the local brewery. You’ll discover the brewing process, old vats, old barrels, glasses and the cellar!
Where to stay in Ostrava?
In an article specially dedicated to hotels in Ostrava, we list the city’s most attractive hotels and youth hostels. An honest selection, based on location, prices and additional services!
Where to eat in Ostrava?
Looking for a good restaurant? Then take a look at our dedicated article on the best bars and restaurants in Ostrava. Here you’ll find some of the city’s best establishments. An opportunity to eat a typical Czech dish. The ideal way to recharge your batteries before a long evening in one of the city’s many bars.
What to do in Ostrava Our conclusion
Visiting Ostrava is an excellent idea. In fact, the city has a lot to offer and should keep you happy for a weekend away from Prague during your trip. To get there, you have a choice of several modes of transport, so organization is pretty straightforward.
All that’s left is to find a hotel that meets your standards! Any questions about this Czech city? Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information, or simply redirect you to our other articles.