Ostrava: Old Town, Czechia (Czech Republic)
Ostrava is the third largest city in the Czech Republic and the second largest city in the Moravian region. It’s an important cultural and industrial hub with a dynamic atmosphere and rich history.
Parking in Ostrava
In Ostrava, we recommend a fairly large parking area near Kostelní Street (1; GPS: 49.835739, 18.294384). The fee is 30 CZK per hour, and from there you can start exploring the Old Town on foot. Other nearby options include a smaller parking lot on Biskupská Street (2; GPS: 49.836480, 18.294830), a larger one on Pivovarská Street (3; GPS: 49.834324, 18.292832), a spacious surface lot on Smetanovo náměstí (4; GPS: 49.831601, 18.290761), and an underground parking garage at the New Town Hall (Nová radnice Ostrava) (5; GPS: 49.841885, 18.290059). All are located within walking distance of key attractions and provide easy access to the city center.
The Central Square
Let’s head to the central square of Ostrava — Masaryk Square (Masarykovo náměstí) (A; GPS: 49.835720, 18.292722). It’s surrounded by beautifully restored townhouses with ornate facades that give the area a charming and elegant look. In the middle of the square, you'll find two religious monuments: a Marian column and a statue of St. Florian, as well as an intriguing fountain. The oldest surviving building in the square is Stará Radnice (Old Town Hall), dating back to the 16th century, which now hosts the Ostrava City Museum. It’s a great place to begin your exploration of the historic city center.
If you’re in the mood for a good coffee or a sweet treat, we highly recommend the excellent “Cukrárna u Babičky” café, located on the southwestern side of the main square (B; GPS: 49.835317, 18.293241). The place offers a cozy atmosphere, a wide selection of cakes, and friendly service. As a bonus, you can also pay in euros — which is especially convenient for visitors coming from abroad.
The Cathedral of the Divine Savior
We continue our walk through the Old Town, admiring beautifully restored buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries. Just a short distance from the square stands the Church of St. Wenceslas (C; GPS: 49.835789, 18.294766), one of the oldest churches in Ostrava. However, the most striking landmark in this part of the city is the Cathedral of the Divine Savior (D; GPS: 49.835838, 18.288988), built in the 19th century. It is the second-largest church in Moravia and currently serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Ostrava-Opava. Its twin towers and grand interior make it a must-see spot for architecture enthusiasts.
Miniuni – Miniature Park
Just a short walk from the historic center is Miniuni, a unique miniature park (E; GPS: 49.831243, 18.292978) featuring around 30 scale models of famous European monuments, along with representations of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It's an ideal destination for families or anyone interested in architecture. Ticket prices are affordable: adults 70 CZK, children, students, and seniors 40 CZK. It’s a fun and educational stop to include in your Ostrava itinerary.
Stodolní Street – The Party Hub
Probably the most vibrant and famous street in Ostrava is Stodolní Street, known by its motto: “The street that never sleeps.” This legendary nightlife spot is packed with pubs, clubs, restaurants, and bars, offering entertainment well into the early hours of the morning. Located slightly west of the city center (F; GPS: 49.835463, 18.283668), it’s just a 10-minute walk from the main square. Whether you're in the mood for live music, cocktails, or late-night food, you’ll find it all here.
The Ostrava Zoo
If you feel like taking a break from exploring the city center, a trip to Ostrava Zoo is a perfect option. Surrounded by greenery, the zoo offers a relaxing atmosphere with shaded walking paths and a wide variety of animals to observe. There’s a spacious parking lot on-site (6; GPS: 49.843288, 18.319264), so finding a spot shouldn’t be a problem — especially if you arrive early in the day. We recommend checking the official website for current ticket prices and opening hours. The zoo spans nearly 100 hectares and is home to more than 360 animal species, making it one of the largest and most diverse zoological parks in the Czech Republic. It's an ideal destination for families or anyone who enjoys nature and wildlife.
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