Tucked away within the japanese nook of the nation, Czech Republic’s third metropolis, Ostrava stays off the overwhelmed path for many travellers and lots of locals from Czech Republic due to its industrial previous. Occasions are altering and Ostrava is within the means 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 if you’re planning a go to to town however to start with, I’ll begin with the obvious query……
Is Ostrava price visiting?
For those who like cities with fairytale castles and quaint medieval allure, cobbled streets overflowing with pastel excellent cafes and annoying vacationers (I might 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 filled with color and tradition because of a yr lengthy programme of festivals whose crowning glory is the unbelievable Colors of Ostrava competition, arguably Czech Republic’s largest and finest 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 nicely 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 advanced id. You can find the sweet field artwork nouveau structure that recollects 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 are 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 isn’t excellent however excellent cities are boring proper? Nonetheless acquired your curiosity? Listed below are a few of my recommendations 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 gives a terrific 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 concerning the city hall- the specific carry, 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 journey on the distinctive paternoster carry. You can find it in the suitable 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
If you’re 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 suitable 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 fuel vapours, accompanied by a typical scent.
Finest time to go to mound Ema is simply earlier than sundown. You possibly can finest attain Ema on the yellow mountaineering path, whether or not you begin on the zoo or at Černá louka.
Tip: Ostrava Data Centre provide guided excursions of mound Ema in English and different languages. To guide, name 5 days upfront at +420 724 166 992 or by way of 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 at all times taking place because of a unbelievable yr lengthy programme of festivals plus there’s a small however glorious focus of artwork museums.
3. Dům umění v Ostravě Gallery of Advantageous Arts in Ostrava
A should go to is the Gallery of Advantageous Arts in Ostrava, the most important gallery within the Moravian-Silesian area. Housing an astonishing 23,000 artworks , it’s widely known as one of many main artwork galleries within the Czech Republic.
You can find right here works by previous masters reminiscent of Dürer, Cranach, Aachen and Hollar. The Viennese Artwork Nouveau is represented right here (Klimt) in addition to vital Russian artists (Repin, Šiškin). The gallery additionally boasts works of Czech fashionable artwork.
The Gallery gives workshops the place you will get hands-on creative expertise and indulge different inventive actions below 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 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 vital 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 might 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 glorious 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 most important road artwork piece within the nation. Wedged between the Campus Palace and Imperial Lodge 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 thought for his hanging 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 vital metal complexes within the historical past of the nation and from throughout Europe. Whereas Prague’s skyline gives 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 be taught 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.
Tackle: Ruská 2993, 703 00 Ostrava-Vítkovice, Czechia
You possibly can go to the Vitkovice space totally free, however I’d positively advocate taking certainly one of their guided excursions ( 250 CZK adults, 190 CZK decreased) to entry areas closed to impartial guests. These excursions run every day at 10.00, 12.00, 14.00 and 16.00pm -definitely guide upfront on-line ( https://www.dolnivitkovice.cz/en/dolni-vitkovice-en/ ) to ensure a spot. The excursions final 100 minutes and can embody a journey on an ore carry 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 daily at work, then I’d advocate 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 possibly can 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 appears 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 comparable traces of close by Nowa Huta in Krakow which I had visited a number of years in the past. Poruba was function constructed to accommodate the working class individuals and to kind an “superb” 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 format, with its vast 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 big variety of speciality espresso retailers are beginning to open in vital numbers.
9. PetPunk
Liked PetPunk. Because the title suggests, there’s a very pleasant, different vibe right here, in all probability created by the beautiful house owners, Petr Polak and Pawliczka Stojkojova plus the unbelievable 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 unbelievable espresso, aided by expert baristas and high quality espresso roasted by Nordbeans roasters from Liberec. We also needs to not neglect the wonderful snacks/truffles 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]
Positioned 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 equipped 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 and so they do very nice truffles 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 may need been like within the roaring 20’s in Czech Republic – you resolve. There’s a assorted, eclectic menu filled 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 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 in search of pleasant service, genuine Czech delicacies at good costs, then that is the place to return. They serve chilly, frothy Pilsner Urquell on faucet and so they even have good out of doors 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 in search of tasty worldwide fare (we had their unbelievable do-it-yourself daal with bread and so they do nice burgers), served in a stupendous out of doors 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 in the event you’re in search of 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 in search of an informal, bistro fashion 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 larger than common however for the atmosphere and pleasant service, it’s price it.
Tackle: Tyršova 31, 702 00 Moravská Ostrava a Přívoz, Czechia
16. Farmia Meals Level Ostrava
Wholesome quick meals utilizing regionally sourced components from their farm, this meals truck located off the primary drag is a minimize 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 in search of a comfy bar with nice service, good vary of pilsner beers on draft and Czech fashion 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 fashion 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
If you’re a wine lover and wish 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 certainly one of their glorious sandwiches/ bagels and seize one of many benches outdoors and watch the approaching and goings of locals by the river. That is additionally a terrific 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 in search of 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, filled with bars and golf equipment was an enormous disappointment. It attracts a sure form 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’d make exception for the wonderful 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 cheap.
The place to buy groceries in Ostrava
23. TY Id
In search of a present that’s distinctive and native?
Native designers and artists lease cabinets from the shop so if you wish to champion native, handmade artwork, TY Id is the place to buy and assist. You will discover all kinds of attention-grabbing and authentic issues – from pure cosmetics, to jewelry, ceramics, decorations, furnishings and way more…
Tackle: Poštovní 39, 702 00 Moravská Ostrava a Přívoz, Czechia
CVRK, Ostrava
24. CVRK
Just like TY Id, CVRK gives 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.
Tackle: 2, Vojanova 204, 702 00 Moravská Ostrava a Přívoz, Czechia
The place to remain in Ostrava
Lodge Metropolis Metropolis , Ostrava
25. Lodge Metropolis Metropolis
We stayed within the Lodge Metropolis Metropolis, a contemporary design resort with spacious, minimalist rooms that come outfitted with a kitchenette. Employees are useful and pleasant. A beneficiant buffet breakfast is served for visitors on the glorious Loft restaurant onsite which specialises in fashionable Czech bistro fashion eating.
Getting round Ostrava
Ostrava has a superb community of buses and trams that function regularly and are fairly cheap. You should buy a single ticket together with your financial institution card (VISA, MasterCard) straight 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 journey, 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 getting into the automobile. The system will calculate the most effective worth for you.
Disclaimer
We have 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 unhealthy expressed listed below are solely my very own.
