Must-see in Ostrava: a first-timer's guide

A brief history Ostrava began as a small village on the Ostravice and Opava rivers, but the 18th-century discovery of rich coal seams transformed it into the industrial powerhouse of Austrian Silesia. Ironworks, steelworks and mines followed, drawing workers from across the empire and shaping a gritty, hard-working city. After 1989, heavy industry declined and Ostrava turned its factories into museums, galleries and concert venues. Today it is a dynamic post-industrial city where blast furnaces, mine shafts and Art Nouveau villas sit side by side with a growing tech and arts scene. 10 must-see attractions 1. Dolní oblast Vítkovice — the former ironworks turned into a UNESCO industrial heritage site, with concerts, festivals and the dramatic Bolt Tower. 2. Bolt Tower — a sleek viewing tower built on top of a blast furnace, giving panoramic views over the vast steelworks and city. 3. Landek Park — a former mining complex where you can descend into a real coal mine and learn about Ostrava's industrial past. 4. Silesian-Ostrava Castle — a medieval castle at the confluence of the Ostravice and Lučina rivers, with a museum and summer events. 5. New Town Hall viewing tower — the tallest city-hall tower in the Czech Republic, with a 360-degree view from the top. 6. Masarykovo náměstí — Ostrava's main square, lined with cafés and dominated by the impressive Art Nouveau New Town Hall. 7. Stodolní — a street famous for its bars, clubs and restaurants, and the heart of Ostrava's nightlife. 8. Ema slag heap — a 315-metre artificial hill built from mining waste, now a nature reserve with hiking trails and unexpected views. 9. Ostrava Zoo — one of the best zoos in the Czech Republic, known for its large, natural enclosures and rare species. 10. Michal Mine — a perfectly preserved coal mine where you can see the original mine shafts, workshops and the miners' changing room. Tip: Ostrava is only three hours by train from Prague, making it an ideal weekend escape for anyone interested in industrial heritage, contemporary culture and a very different side of the Czech Republic.