Tucked away within the jap nook of the nation, Czech Republic’s third metropolis, Ostrava stays off the overwhelmed 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 latest go to plus share some suggestions if you’re planning a go to to town however to begin with, I’ll begin with the obvious query……
Is Ostrava value visiting?
For those who like cities with fairytale castles and quaint medieval allure, cobbled streets overflowing with pastel good cafes and annoying vacationers (I might simply be speaking about Prague right here) I can safely inform you now that Ostrava will not be that metropolis. It’s fairly the other of Prague. Town as soon as described because the black coronary heart of Czech Republic is now filled with color and tradition because of a yr lengthy programme of festivals whose crowning glory is the incredible Colors of Ostrava competition, arguably Czech Republic’s greatest and finest music competition.
The place is Ostrava?
Tucked away within the north jap 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 identification. You will discover the sweet field artwork nouveau structure that remembers the fantastic period of Austro Hungarian empire to the much less ornate however symmetry pleasing functionalist structure (the district of Poruba) which contrasts intriguingly with the submit 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 individuals, who’re trustworthy 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 good however good cities are boring proper? Nonetheless acquired your curiosity? Listed here are a few of my solutions for cool issues to do in Ostrava.
Cool issues to do in Ostrava
1. New City Corridor
Speaking about views, a pleasant place to start out your journey to Ostrava is likely one of 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 presents an amazing 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 details in regards to the city hall- the specific elevate, which rises to a peak 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 will discover it in the correct wing of the constructing.
Entry charge: 60 CZK for adults and 40 CZK for kids (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 correct facet 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 note gasoline vapours, accompanied by a typical odor.
Finest time to go to mound Ema is simply earlier than sundown. You may finest attain Ema on the yellow mountain 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 guide, name 5 days prematurely at +420 724 166 992 or through e mail at [email protected].
Tackle: 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 occurring because of a incredible yr lengthy programme of festivals plus there’s a small however wonderful focus of artwork museums.
3. Dům umění v Ostravě Gallery of Fantastic Arts in Ostrava
A should go to is the Gallery of Fantastic Arts in Ostrava, the biggest gallery within the Moravian-Silesian area. Housing an astonishing 23,000 artworks , it’s well known as one of many main artwork galleries within the Czech Republic.
You will discover right here works by previous masters corresponding 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 presents workshops the place you may get hands-on inventive expertise and indulge different artistic actions below the information of the gallery’s artist in residence. Advance reserving is required and there’s a nominal charge of fifty CZK.
Entry charge 100 CZK to all exhibitions (50 CZK decreased worth)
The everlasting exhibition and the library is freed from cost to go to.
Tackle Jurečkova 1750/9, 702 00 Moravská Ostrava a Přívoz, Czechia
4. Plato
One other essential landmark of the native artwork scene is the up to date artwork gallery, Plato. Located in an ex backyard and hobbyware retailer (quickly to maneuver to an ex slaughterhouse), guests will probably 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 superb vegetarian cafe to seize a chew.
Tackle: Janáčkova 3139/22, 702 00 Moravská Ostrava a Přívoz, Czechia
5. Road artwork in Ostrava
Ostrava has a small however wonderful variety of public road artwork works that I’d advocate 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’d positively see is the piece ‘Leap’ – a robotic, leaping horse by the polish artist Mariusz M-Metropolis Waras who is understood for his placing black and white cityscapes.
The mural, painted on a facade in Nadrazni road, Ostrava is true in entrance the meals truck park the place Farmia Meals Level is positioned.
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 crucial essential metal complexes within the historical past of the nation and from throughout Europe. Whereas Prague’s skyline presents the fairytale view of the Citadel or the towers of the church of St. Mary of Týn, Ostrava gives you with a extra brutalist mashup of pipes and metal of the previous 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 powerful 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) positioned 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 gasoline 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.
Tackle: Ruská 2993, 703 00 Ostrava-Vítkovice, Czechia
You may go to the Vitkovice space totally free, however I’d positively advocate taking one in all their guided excursions ( 250 CZK adults, 190 CZK decreased) to entry areas closed to unbiased guests. These excursions run each day at 10.00, 12.00, 14.00 and 16.00pm -definitely guide 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 guts 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 every single day at work, then I’d advocate a go to to the Michal Mine. Your information, most likely an ex-miner will take you down the route the miners took and share some insights into their each day lives. You may 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 method that it seems just like the miners left the mine only some hours in the past. Different distinctive highlights of the museum embody a totally practical steam engine from 1903.
Entry: For adults it’s 140 CZK (110 CZK decreased)
Tackle: 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, recognized 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 related traces of close by Nowa Huta in Krakow which I had visited a number of years in the past. Poruba was goal constructed to deal with the working class individuals and to kind an “splendid” communist employees’ 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 huge 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 varied 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 title suggests, there’s a very pleasant, various vibe right here, most likely created by the beautiful house owners, Petr Polak and Pawliczka Stojkojova plus the incredible assortment of ‘pet’ toys and animals that mates of the cafe have left there so as to add to the quirky vibe. Plus, they serve incredible espresso, aided by expert baristas and high quality espresso roasted by Nordbeans roasters from Liberec. We also needs to not neglect the superb snacks/desserts made by Pawliczka. Extremely beneficial for espresso lovers.
Tackle: 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 enjoying within the background and actually good espresso which is provided by Czech La Boheme Cafe espresso roasters. It’s a excellent spot to work, learn, or simply people-watch for a quiet hour or two.
Tackle: 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 desserts and brunch too on the weekends.
Tackle: 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 because of the beautiful 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 determine. There’s a diverse, eclectic menu filled with espresso, cocktails, wine and desserts so no matter you’re within the temper for, you’ll discover it right here. Excellent place to learn a guide and neglect the world.
Tackle: 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 return. They serve chilly, frothy Pilsner Urquell on faucet they usually even have good outside seating space – guide forward to get your self a spot outdoors.
Tackle: 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 incredible home made daal with bread they usually do nice burgers), served in a gorgeous outside terrace backyard with scrumptious home made lemonade or a chilly unfiltered Bernard beer, then Hogo Fogo is the place. A lot of vegetarian choices, which is ideal in the event you’re searching for a substitute for the normal native fare. It’s a tad expensive however the meals and atmosphere makes it worthwhile.
Tackle: 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 model eating expertise then this cafe is not going to disappoint. Select from bottled Belgian beer and native wines to home made lemonades, incredible 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 value it.
Tackle: Tyršova 31, 702 00 Moravská Ostrava a Přívoz, Czechia
16. Farmia Meals Level Ostrava
Wholesome quick meals utilizing regionally sourced substances from their farm, this meals truck located off the primary drag is a lower above the native fare with an attention-grabbing vary of worldwide classics, from quesadillas to burger ( in image) to fish and chips & tasty salads.
Tackle: Nádražní 43, 702 00 Moravská Ostrava a Přívoz, Czechia
Additionally beneficial
Fancy Fries.
Burfi Vegetarian Restaurant
The place to drink in Ostrava
17. Hospoda U Jakuba
For those who’re searching for a comfy bar with nice service, good vary of pilsner beers on draft and Czech model open confronted sandwiches Obložené Chlebíčky which might be good 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, traditional pub grub model eating fare and pleasant service within the coronary heart of the picturesque Masarykovo Namesti.
Tackle: 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 need an schooling in Czech wines, that is the bar to return 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 whenever you come right here.
Tackle: 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 return to. Seize a chilly draft beer together with one in all 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 amazing place for dwell music so enquire inside for his or her upcoming gigs.
Tackle: Havlíčkovo nábř. 28, 702 00 Moravská Ostrava a Přívoz, Czechia
21. BarBar Music Membership
For those who’re searching for dwell music, that is the place to return to. Good service and there’s chilly Pilsner Urquell on draft.
Tackle: Škroupova 12, 702 00 Moravská Ostrava a Přívoz, Czechia
22. Keep away from… Stodolni
The a lot hyped Stodolni Road, full of bars and golf equipment was an enormous disappointment. It attracts a sure sort of trashy vacationer and after 9pm, this place was utter bedlam. You received’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’d make exception for the superb Cafe de La Ostrava which is likely one of the few bars on the town that performs actually good digital music and the drinks costs are affordable.
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 assist. Yow will discover all kinds of attention-grabbing and unique issues – from pure cosmetics, to jewelry, ceramics, decorations, furnishings and rather more…
Tackle: Poštovní 39, 702 00 Moravská Ostrava a Přívoz, Czechia
CVRK, Ostrava
24. CVRK
Just like TY Identification, CVRK gives a platform for 200 Czech designers so this too is a good place if you wish to purchase a present or memento that’s distinctive and native.
Tackle: 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 resort with spacious, minimalist rooms that come outfitted with a kitchenette. Workers are useful and pleasant. A beneficiant buffet breakfast is served for friends on the wonderful Loft restaurant onsite which specialises in fashionable Czech bistro model eating.
Getting round Ostrava
Ostrava has a superb community of buses and trams that function regularly and are fairly cheap. You should purchase a single ticket together with your financial institution card (VISA, MasterCard) immediately within the automobile. This ticket prices 24 CZK (0,90€) and it’s legitimate for 45 minutes. For those who get off in below 10 minutes of experience, faucet your card when exiting the automobile to pay solely 16 CZK. When altering for one more tram/bus, faucet your card once more when coming into the automobile. The system will calculate the very best worth for you.
Disclaimer
We had been kindly hosted and invited to Ostrava by Czech Tourism because of 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 solely my very own.