Last updated on July 27, 2025
You see, Ostrava is far from your average tourist destination. Once known as the “steel heart” of the Czech Republic and nicknamed “Black Ostrava” for its industrial past in coal mining and metallurgy, the city has really worked hard to shake off its grimy image. Since the last coal mine closed 30 years ago, it’s been transforming into a greener, more cultural place with a buzzing nightlife.
Even though we had just a little over 24 hours to spend there, I was determined to uncover some gems in Ostrava to show that it really is worth a visit. Sure enough, I found enough attractions to keep me busy all weekend, so I’ll definitely be back—and hopefully sooner rather than later. Make sure to bookmark this post so you don’t miss any updates!
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Where to stay in Ostrava
The main reason we headed to Ostrava was for the men’s Ice Hockey World Championships. Unfortunately, we missed out on tickets when they first went on sale last October, but I kept checking back and managed to snag some from a new batch released in January.
By then, most hotels in Ostrava were fully booked. We were torn between staying in a neighbouring city to save money or paying more for the convenience of staying in Ostrava. Luckily, our patience paid off as some hotel cancellations came through a few weeks before the event.
Retro Hotel Villa Ostrava
We chose the Retro Hotel Villa Ostrava*, which was a bit pricier than usual but still within our budget. A night in a twin room with breakfast included cost 3,075 CZK (around €125 or £106).
The hotel is housed in an old villa and has just 9 rooms, creating a cosy, family-like atmosphere. It’s not every day you find a place where the manager personally shakes your hand at checkout to thank you for your stay! However, do note that their reception is only open for check-ins from 2 to 8 pm, so it might not suit late arrivals.
The location was another big plus. Right across from the hotel is Komenského sady park and the Ostravice river—ideal for an afternoon stroll or a picnic. A short walk further and you’re among some of the best restaurants and tourist spots in Ostrava.
The room itself was spacious and well-equipped for a comfortable stay, although the decor was a bit dated, particularly in the bathroom where I noticed some mold spots in the shower.
The breakfast spread very pleasantly surprised me, though. Despite the small size of the hotel, they offered a good variety of both sweet and savoury options, including freshly made omelettes and waffles, plus several delicious homemade cakes.
If you’re planning a visit, you might also want to consider the Imperial Hotel Ostrava* or the Mercure Ostrava Center* for your stay—I know they’re on my list for next time!
You can check all the options for your dates below:
How to get around Ostrava
In addition to popular taxi apps like Uber or Bolt, getting around Ostrava using public transport is a breeze.
Whenever you hop on a bus or tram, just tap your contactless card on the yellow reader and you’re good to go. There’s no paper ticket, but your e-ticket lasts for 60 minutes and allows unlimited transfers during that time. Just remember to tap your card each time you board another vehicle. A 60-minute ticket costs 30 CZK, which is about €1.20 or £1.05.
If your trip is under 10 minutes, make sure to tap your card before you get off to be charged only 23 CZK for a single non-transfer ticket (approximately €0.95 or £0.80). For transfers within 10 minutes, you can purchase a 10-minute transfer ticket through the MojeDPO mobile app.
One of the best features of Ostrava’s public transport is the smart daily fare. You don’t need to worry about whether to get a 24-hour ticket or single fares. If your total fare exceeds the price of a 24-hour ticket, you won’t be charged more for that day! The charges will be processed the next day after they calculate your total fare, so don’t be surprised if the money isn’t taken from your bank account immediately.
For longer stays or if you’re travelling with a group of up to 5 people, you’re better off purchasing your tickets at a ticket office or through the mobile app. A single 24-hour ticket costs 100 CZK (around €4 or £3.45), and a group ticket for up to 5 people is just 200 CZK, saving you 60%!
Best things to do in Ostrava
When you visit Ostrava, you’ll immediately see the effects of its industrial past and the challenging times that followed the closure of the mines. It’s quite different from the polished elegance of nearby cities like Prague, Bratislava, or Vienna, with a raw, working-class feel.
But the people of Ostrava are incredibly proud of how far their city has come. This sense of pride and energy is even reflected in the city’s official logo, which boldly includes three exclamation marks: “Ostrava!!!”
We’ve tried and tested most of the spots mentioned in this guide. But since it’s impossible to cover everything in one day, I’ve also included some other attractions and activities in Ostrava that are well worth exploring if you have more time on your hands.
Dolní Vítkovice
First up, if you’re heading to Ostrava, you can’t miss the Dolní Vítkovice complex. Opened in 1828, this place was the heartbeat of black coal mining and iron production until it closed in 1998. It’s even got a nickname—the Ostravian Hradčany, named with a nod to Prague’s famous castle.
When they stopped the furnaces, there was talk of tearing it down. Thankfully, they decided to spruce it up instead, turning it into a vibrant hub for education, culture, and social gatherings.
Wandering around the complex is free, which is brilliant. If you fancy getting a bit more out of your visit, there are various guided tours of Dolní Vítkovice available. You can explore the history of coal mining, ride an ore lift, get close to an old blast furnace, and even grab a coffee at the Bolt Tower café—I’ll tell you more about that later!
Besides the tours, there’s a Science and Technology Centre, the ‘Little World of Technology’ U6 Museum, and Children’s World, each offering its own unique experience for a separate ticket. And if you’re planning to make a day of it, there are plenty of spots to eat and drink.
During the summer, the complex transforms into a concert venue, hosting the famous Colours of Ostrava festival in July. But honestly, even if you can’t make it for the festival, just visiting Dolní Vítkovice is definitely one of the best things to do in Ostrava.
New City Hall Observation Tower
You’d think we’d had our fill of towers after the Bolt Tower incident, but we actually headed straight to another one. 😉
The New City Hall Observation Tower stands out because it’s the tallest viewing tower of any city hall in Czechia. As it’s closer to the city centre, you get fantastic views over the nearby Ostravice River, as well as the industrial plants and blast furnaces stretching into the horizon.
Plus, on a clear day, you can see all the way into Poland, as Ostrava is only 15 km away from the border!
A ticket to the tower costs 80 CZK (about €3.20 or £2.70). You can buy one at the tourist information centre on the sixth floor, which is also the spot to pick up city maps or souvenirs. Though I must admit, I found the magnets a bit too 90s-style for my taste. 😉
Stodolní street
Ostrava’s Stodolní street is famous for its nightlife, with over 60 pubs, clubs, and cocktail bars. I’ve even read that it has the biggest concentration of nightlife spots on a single street in the whole of Czechia, but I couldn’t find a reliable source to back this up.
We popped over there after the hockey game and it was like one huge party, with fans moving from one pub to the next. I’ve heard it’s not unusual for visitors to grab a drink at one place and then carry on their night by heading to another.
Initially, I was a bit disappointed as it definitely attracts a certain type of crowd. I think I’m past the days of squeezing into packed pubs where you can barely find a seat and have to shout to be heard.
But there are some real gems where you can enjoy a quieter drink. Trying to escape the crowds, we ended up at the Modrá Myš cocktail bar. I’ll share more about this spot when I talk about the best places to eat and drink in Ostrava down below, but the lesson here is: while Stodolní Street might be a bit overhyped, it’s still worth a visit. 😉
Masarykovo náměstí (Masaryk Square)
Masarykovo náměstí is right at the heart of Ostrava and it’s where you’ll find the Ostrava Museum. It’s named after Tomáš Masaryk, who became the first president of independent Czechoslovakia back in 1918.
It was pretty quiet when we popped by on a gloomy Friday afternoon, with just a couple day-drinking on a nearby bench. But on a sunny day, it’s apparently the perfect place to sit back, relax with a coffee, and do a bit of people watching.
I’d also definitely recommend taking a wander down 28 října street, which cuts across the square towards the Imperial Hotel Ostrava. Right next to it, there’s a stunning mural called Ostravská Madona (Madonna of Ostrava) painted on the wall of the old Ostravica-Textilia department store as a way of bringing a new lease of life to the place.
Recently, I heard that in June, the building reopened after being shut for over 20 years. It’s now a business incubator where you can rent a coworking space or just drop by for a coffee or lunch at the food market.
Go to a hockey game at Ostravar Aréna
One of the best experiences you can have while in Czechia is going to a hockey game. We first did it during our trip to Brno last year and had such a blast that we made sure to come back for the championships.
Coming from a place where football is king, it was fascinating to see how the entire country basically lives and breathes hockey. We went to a New York Rangers game at Madison Square Garden back in 2019, but the vibe here is just on another level.
Even though the Czech team was playing in Prague, they had fan zones set up outside the Ostravar Aréna and along Stodolní street. We saw loads of Czechs in hockey jerseys, all geared up to watch the games with their mates. The atmosphere inside the arena was electric too—the crowd, mostly Polish like us, didn’t quiet down for a second. It was absolutely mesmerising to watch, even for someone like me who isn’t usually into hockey.
Just to give you a bit of background, this game was extra special because it was the first time we’d played against the USA since 1992, so the excitement was off the charts. While a regular game night for the local HC Vítkovice club might not quite match that level of energy, I’m sure it’s still a memorable experience.
Halda Ema
If you’re looking for something unique to do in Ostrava, Halda Ema (Ema Heap) is the place to go. Locals often call it Ostrava’s own volcano or Vesuvius, thanks to its origins as a dumping ground for mine waste back in the 1920s.
It’s apparently named after the wife of the mine’s founder — a really bizarre way to show your love, if you ask me! 😉 What’s really striking about Halda Ema is that it’s still smoldering and releasing gas. The temperatures inside can reach a scorching 1,500°C, and you can actually feel the warmth as you get closer.
It’s a 30-minute hike from the city centre and requires a fair bit of fitness. The path is mostly flat, but it can get muddy if it’s been raining. The final part is particularly steep, and trust me, if you don’t wear the right shoes—like a certain travel blogger 😉—you’ll need to be extra cautious. But the panoramic view of Ostrava from the top is absolutely rewarding 😉.
Colours of Ostrava
For the music enthusiasts out there, Ostrava hosts the famous Colours of Ostrava music festival every July. Across 4 days, you have the chance to see some of the biggest names in the music world perform live in the Dolní Vítkovice district. This year, the headliners are Lenny Kravitz and Sam Smith. Plus, you’ll find the ticket prices are pretty reasonable, especially compared to other big music festivals.
Mining Museum in Landek Park
If you want to get to the bottom of Ostrava’s industrial past (quite literally), you can visit the largest mining museum in the country, located on the site of Ostrava’s oldest coal mine.
Here, you can hop on an actual mine lift and head underground to explore a restored section of the former Anselm mine, guided by someone who once worked as a miner. Unfortunately, all guided tours are in Czech, but you can ask for an English audioguide. They even have a campsite, in case you’re arriving in a van or want to set up a tent.
As we had just toured the Guido Mine and Coal Mining Museum in Zabrze literally the day before our visit to Ostrava, we decided to skip this one for now.
There’s also another coal mine that you can visit in Ostrava, called the Michal Mine, but it’s much smaller and you can only explore the above-ground facilities.
Best restaurants, cafés, and bars in Ostrava
Dáma Pyková Restaurant
When we checked into our hotel, the receptionist handed us a list of recommended places to eat and insisted that if we were to choose just one, it should be Dáma Pyková Restaurant.
Taking her advice—especially since it was conveniently located just down the street from our hotel, hidden behind the New City Hall—we decided to give it a go. The moment we walked in, we immediately had a good feeling about it, as we were the only non-locals inside. There was some kind of a party taking place on one side, while others gathered there to watch hockey.
We went for some Czech classics: smažený sýr (fried cheese) for me and svíčková (beef tenderloin with sauce and dumplings) for Mac, each paired with a local Ostravar beer. I splurged a bit extra for a side of chips and tartare sauce, all for 358 CZK (about €14.40 or £12.20), including a tip. Like many Czech spots, they also offer some tasty lunch specials during the week.
Overall, it’s a brilliant, no-frills spot with delicious food—I must say, the dumplings were the best I’ve ever had in Czechia! It’s also less crowded than other city centre eateries, so I’d happily go back.
Other spots on the list were Restaurace U Radnice, Hospůdka U Sokola, and Restaurace Palouk. We’d also LOVE to try Hogo Fogo Bistro next time, as it has fantastic reviews, but is sadly closed on weekends.
Bolt Café
If you’re at the Dolní Vítkovice complex, don’t miss a visit to Bolt Café for a truly unique experience. Perched 80 metres up, inside the extension of a former blast furnace, the café offers breathtaking panoramic views of the complex and the city beyond. Just remember, you need to book your spot online as there are only 10 seats available most hours, so be quick!
There’s a lift to take you up to the café—simply ring the bell at the gate, and someone will come to escort you. We accidentally ended up climbing the entire blast furnace to get there (make sure to check out the full story on my Instagram highlights because it’s pure comedy gold 🤣), but it did mean we captured some stunning photos along the way.
Around the café, there’s an iron pathway leading to a viewing platform on top of the Bolt Tower. Fun fact: it was christened by Usain Bolt himself, and you can even spot his autograph there. Interestingly, the tower’s name isn’t actually linked to him, even though he calls Ostrava his “home away from home” 😉
Entry costs 300 CZK (about €12.10 or £10.20) per person, but you can redeem half of that on anything inside the café. If you’re with someone, they’ll add up the value of your tickets together. We found this adorable cake shaped like a hockey puck that was too pretty to pass up!
Modrá Myš cocktail bar
If you find yourself on Stodolní street, make sure to stop by the Modrá Myš (Blue Mouse) bar for some quality craft cocktails. It’s actually the first cocktail bar in Ostrava and has a history stretching back over a hundred years!
Modrá Myš first opened its doors in 1920 on Masaryk Square, in what’s now the Old Arena building. It wasn’t just a cocktail bar; it was also a social spot where men could enjoy the company of women, which might be why it shut down after just 5 years.
The place was closed for 86 years until Radim Hamrosi, an experienced local bartender, decided to breathe new life into it, creating a little oasis right in the middle of Stodolní street. While they’ve shied away from fully returning to their original concept, the bar makes some clever nods to the city’s rich history in their drink selection.
During our visit, they offered a special limited-time menu. I went for a classic Cosmopolitan—or, as they called it, Ostropolitan— while Mac tried their tequila-based twist on a Mai Tai, and even bagged some cool sunglasses as a bonus 😉.
The prices were a pleasant surprise as well, with most cocktails costing less than €8 or £7. If you’re after some creative drinks a unique atmosphere that channels a 1920s vibe, you absolutely must check out Modrá Myš!
Cokafe
There are several Cokafe cafes dotted around Ostrava, but don’t mistake these for your typical coffee chain. They partner with a local specialty coffee roastery, whose owners learned their craft at the famous Five Elephant in Berlin (which I talked about more in my Berlin guide), so you’re definitely in good hands!
They also offer a lovely variety of pastries and cakes, all baked without any additives or accelerators, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon break.
The branch we visited is in the Organica building, right next to the Forum Nová Karolina shopping centre. It was chucking it down when we visited, but I’ve seen that in the summer months, their courtyard becomes a little garden where you can enjoy your coffee outside. They have another branch in the Dolní Vítkovice district too, handy for a quick stop during a day of sightseeing.
U Černého stromu (Black Tree Cafe)
Another great coffee spot in Ostrava is U Černého stromu, or the Black Tree Cafe. We didn’t try any of their food, so I can’t speak to that, but the coffee options were great. They source their beans from La Bohème Café, a local Czech coffee roastery, and offer a variety of alternative brewing methods.
Plus, on a sunny day, you get a great view of the New City Hall. The Ostravice river is just a short walk away too, which is super handy if you’re trying to hit up as many places in one day as possible.
Čauky Mňauky Cafe
We hadn’t planned on visiting any more coffee spots (hard to believe, I know, but even I have my limits). However, when we spotted this cat café from our tram, I just knew we had to pop in. Sadly, we were a bit rushed and ordered without seeing a menu, so we missed out on this purr-fectly adorable cappuccino.
But the real highlight for me (apart from the cats, obviously) was the cakes. If you know me, you’ll know red velvet is one of my all-time favourites, and I grab it whenever it’s on the menu since it’s a rare find back home. But then I tried Mac’s apple pie with caramel sauce, and I actually started second-guessing my choice, which really says a lot.
That, plus the cutest cats, including a ginger one who strutted around like he owned the place, made for a truly meow-gical experience (okay, no more cat puns—I promise) to round off our trip to Ostrava.
So, that’s the end of my Ostrava guide. Did I convince you to give Ostrava a chance? Do you know any similar cities that fall under the tourists’ radar?
