What To Do In Ostrava

Top 8 Places You Must See In Ostrava

Visiting Ostrava without seeing the two-hundred-year-old industrial gem of Dolní Vítkovice is like going to Prague and skipping Hradčany. In this globally unique complex, you’ll feel like a hero in a Jules Verne sci-fi novel. You can easily spend an entire day there – even in the rain. During the tour, you'll venture into the heart of a blast furnace, ride the skip lift that once carried iron ore and coke, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the Bolt Tower lookout. You'll take away not only incredible experiences but also plenty of knowledge from the interactive exhibitions of the Great and Small Worlds of Technology and the Museum of Agricultural Machinery and Food. You'll also be amazed by the stunning transformation of the former gas holder into the Gong cultural hall.

Into The Depths Of Ostrava’s Black Gold

Fancy descending into a coal mine in a mining cage? Would you like to try how heavy miners’ drills and shovels are, see a massive coal-cutting plough in action, or ride a mine train? All of this awaits you at Ostrava’s Landek Park, the largest mining museum in Czechia.

You’ll also find an incredible atmosphere and a fantastic experience at the Michal Mine. Although mining has long since ended here, you’ll get the uncanny feeling that the miners never left – as if they might join you any moment in the chain cloakroom, the snack dispensary, or the lamp room where they once collected their lanterns.

Ostrava Zoo

Just a short distance from the Michal Mine, you'll find another pride of the city – the second largest zoo in Czechia. Thanks to its impressive size, Ostrava Zoo is not “just” about animals, but also about rich flora. You can spend hours walking through the botanical park and along a variety of themed experience trails.

Art At The Ostrava Slaughterhouse

A real gem for lovers of art and architecture is the PLATO City Gallery of Contemporary Art. It is housed in the historic building of the former slaughterhouse, whose transformation was ranked among the five finalists for the EU Prize for Contemporary Architecture – the Mies van der Rohe Award 2024. The building’s design is striking, with rotating walls that allow the space to open up on all sides. The gallery also includes a permaculture garden and a café.

A View Over Ostrava And An Extraordinary Ride

You’ll have Ostrava in the palm of your hand from the observation tower of the New Town Hall – the tallest town hall tower in Czechia! And the town hall complex itself, built in elegant functionalist style, is the largest in the country. In addition to the breathtaking view, another unique experience awaits: a ride in a paternoster – a wooden doorless lift from 1928 that moves continuously and never stops.

Stalinist Baroque In Ostrava

The Poruba district of Ostrava could easily serve as a backdrop for historical films. It was built in the monumental style of socialist realism, known as sorela or Stalin´s Baroque. Take a walk and admire the ornate arches, columns, turrets, and façades – a gallery of scenes from life during the era of socialist construction.

The Fairytale Palace Villa Grossmann

From a different world altogether, but equally prized in architectural terms, is Vila Grossmann. In this building, constructed in a decorative style, you'll feel as if you've stepped back in time by a hundred years. This luxurious family residence with its generously designed garden is one of the most significant architectural treasures in the Ostrava region. The contemporary press even described its furnishings as “positively fairytale-like.” The fate of the original owner, however, was far less magical… but more on that during the guided tour. Tickets must be booked in advance online.

Where To Eat Or Drink In Ostrava

Little Copenhagen. The area around Kostelní Street in the centre of Ostrava will charm you. Just like in the Danish capital, you can explore picturesque corners by bike, relax in stylish venues, or stroll along the riverbank. And it’s right here, on the banks of the Ostravice River, that you’ll find one of the locals’ favourite spots – Dock Ostrava. By day, it’s a bistro and café; by night, it transforms into a bar with divine drinks and often live music. If you’re craving freshly baked focaccia with delicious fillings, pop next door to the Křupavý Frank bistro. For something sweet, stop by Mléčný bar Naproti, a milk bar giving opportunities to persons with disabilities. And if you’re not just in the mood for a drink but also a film, visit the legendary, cosy Minikino.


A walk through the rest of Ostrava’s centre will be even more enjoyable with a cone of the best Belgian fries from Faency Fries. And if you’re feeling properly hungry, head to HogoFogo Bistro – you’ll fall in love not only with its trendy dishes but also with the atmosphere.


You’ll also enjoy the Art Deco-style Elektra Café, once frequented by stars of the Czechoslovak silver screen. For honest Czech cuisine and freshly tapped beer, head to the traditional Czech pub U Rady or to Radegastovna on Masaryk Square.


For perfect Eastern European stuffed dumplings – pelmeni and vareniki – make your way to the renowned bistro Pelmeški. If you’re in the mood for something more exotic, try Nha Cretcheu Café & Restaurant, run by Cape Verdean chef Jamie.


If you’re visiting the mining museum at Landek, be sure to stop by the Harenda restaurant. And if modern takes on traditional cuisine are your thing, you’ll eat excellently in this former miners’ canteen.

Cafés: Design, Harry Potter, And Laika The Dog?!

Where to find the best coffee in Ostrava? Take a stroll down Nádražní Street, which has become a mecca for coffee lovers. Whether you stop by COKAFE (one of their branches is right in Dolní Vítkovice), the espresso bar Pikola, Shot House Bistro, or Pet Punk Bistro, you can’t go wrong.
 

Our personal favourite – the nostalgically beautiful Kavárna Daniel – lies at the symbolic end of this “coffee trail” in a flat inside an Art Nouveau building. You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a living room where Marlene Dietrich or Edith Piaf might walk in at any moment.
 
And if you’re a Harry Potter fan, you’ll feel right at home in the Magic Café, just off the main “coffee trail”. Step inside and it’s like entering Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Shopping In Ostrava: Local And Stylish

Don’t leave Ostrava without a souvenir! At the shop TY IDENTITY near the main square, you’ll find works by Czech (including Ostrava-based) designers, fashion creators, graphic artists, and authors of original contemporary design. Whether you’re looking for a gift for a woman, man, or child, you’re sure to find something here.

Fashion enthusiasts will love City Folklore – the showroom of an Ostrava clothing brand that blends elements of folklore, street art, graffiti, and comics. You’ll find it along the already mentioned “coffee trail.”
 
For more traditional souvenirs that reference the city directly, stop by one of the OSTRAVAINFO!!! tourist centre branches. They take great care in selecting tasteful pieces.