Ostrava: The Industrial Heart with a Cultural Soul

• HelloAhoj
  [ahoy]
• GoodbyeNa shledanou
  [na skhledanou]
• YesAno
  [ano]
• NoNe
  [neh]
• Please/You're welcomeProsím
  [proseem]
• Thank youDěkuji
  [dyekooyi]
• Excuse me/SorryPromiňte
  [prominyte]
• How are you?Jak se máš?
  [yak se mash]
• Fine. And you?Dobře. A ty?
  [dobzhe. a ti]
• Do you speak English?Mluvíte anglicky?
  [mluveete anglicky]
• I don't understandNerozumím
  [nerozoomeem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseChtěl bych vidět menu, prosím
  [khtyel bikh vee-dyet menu, proseem]
• I don't eat meatNemám rád maso
  [nemam raad maso]
• Cheers!Na zdraví!
  [na zdravee]
• I would like to pay, pleaseChtěl bych zaplatit, prosím
  [khtyel bikh zaplatit, proseem]

• Help!Pomoc!
  [pomots]
• Go away!Jdi pryč!
  [ydi pritch]
• Call the Police!Zavolejte policii!
  [zavoleyte politsii]
• Call a doctor!Zavolejte lékaře!
  [zavoleyte leekarzhe]
• I'm lostZtratil jsem se
  [ztrateel ysem se]
• I'm illJsem nemocný
  [ysem nemotsny]

• I'd like to buy...Chtěl bych koupit...
  [khtyel bikh koopeet]
• I'm just lookingJen se dívám
  [yen se deevam]
• How much is it?Kolik to stojí?
  [kolik to stoyi]
• That's too expensiveTo je moc drahé
  [to ye motz drahe]
• Can you lower the price?Můžete snížit cenu?
  [moozhete sneezhit tseenu]

• What time is it?Kolik je hodin?
  [kolik ye hodin]
• It's one o'clockJe jedna hodina
  [ye yedna hodina]
• Half past (10)Půl jedenácté
  [pool yednyantse]
• MorningRáno
  [rano]
• AfternoonOdpoledne
  [odpoleedne]
• EveningVečer
  [vecher]
• YesterdayVčera
  [vchera]
• TodayDnes
  [dnes]
• TomorrowZítra
  [zeetra]
• 1Jedna
  [yedna]
• 2Dva
  [dva]
• 3Tři
  [tree]
• 4Čtyři
  [chtieerzi]
• 5Pět
  [pyet]
• 6Šest
  [shest]
• 7Sedm
  [sedm]
• 8Osm
  [osm]
• 9Devět
  [deveht]
• 10Deset
  [deset]

• Where's a/the...?Kde je...
  [kde ye]
• What's the address?Jaká je adresa?
  [yaka ye adresah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Můžete mi to ukázat (na mapě)?
  [moozhete mee to ooka-zat (na ma-peh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kdy jede další (autobus)?
  [kdy yedeh dal-she (ow-tobus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Jedno jízdenku (do ...)
  [yedno yizdienkoo (do)]

Ostrava's history traces back to prehistoric times, with evidence of human settlement dating from the Stone Age. The first documented mention of Ostrava was in 1229 when it was recognized as a small market settlement.

During the 13th century, Ostrava began to grow as a significant trade center due to its strategic location on the Amber Road, which connected the Baltic Sea with the Adriatic Sea. By the 14th century, Ostrava had received a town charter, which helped it flourish as a commercial hub.

The discovery of coal in the Ostrava region in the 18th century catalyzed the city's transformation. The subsequent industrial boom led to the establishment of numerous mines, steel mills, and factories. This era marked Ostrava's emergence as an industrial powerhouse in the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Ostrava played a crucial role during World War II due to its industrial capacity. The city was heavily targeted by Allied bombings in an effort to cripple Nazi Germany's war production. Post-war, Ostrava found itself in the Eastern Bloc under Soviet influence, leading to further industrial development.

The Velvet Revolution of 1989 brought significant political changes to Czechoslovakia, leading to the end of communist rule. Ostrava began transitioning from a heavily industrial city to a more diversified economy. Today, it is known for its cultural festivals, educational institutions, and efforts to revitalize historical industrial sites.

Ostrava boasts a rich cultural heritage, with influences from various ethnic groups including Czechs, Poles, Slovaks, and Germans. This diversity is evident in the city's architecture, cuisine, and annual events such as the Colours of Ostrava music festival and the Janáček May International Music Festival.

Ostrava is located in the northeastern part of Czechia. The nearest international airport is Leoš Janáček Airport Ostrava, approximately 20 kilometers from the city center. From the airport, you can take a taxi, a shuttle bus, or rent a car to reach the city. Ostrava is also well connected by train, with frequent services from Prague, Brno, and other major cities. For those traveling by bus, numerous international and domestic bus lines stop at the Ostrava Central Bus Station.

Ostrava has an efficient public transportation system, including trams, buses, and trolleybuses. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks, vending machines, or via mobile apps. Taxis are available but make sure to use reputable companies to avoid overcharging. For a more flexible option, consider renting a car. Biking is also popular, and there are several bike rental services and dedicated bike lanes throughout the city.

The official currency in Czechia is the Czech Koruna (CZK). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are readily available throughout Ostrava, and currency exchange offices can be found in the city center and at the airport.

Ostrava is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Areas like Stodolní Street, known for its nightlife, can be lively but also attract petty crime. Be cautious of pickpockets, especially in tourist-heavy zones.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Ostrava has several hospitals and medical facilities, including the University Hospital Ostrava. Pharmacies are plentiful and can provide over-the-counter medications. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. The local police are generally helpful and can be reached at 158 for non-emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather. Smart-casual attire is suitable for most occasions, but avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting churches. It is customary to cover your shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket upon boarding. Don't eat or drink on public transportation. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. Using 'Dobrý den' (Good day) as a greeting is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like 'Vepřo knedlo zelo' (roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut). Don't refuse an offer of a drink, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Ostrava like a local, visit the Vítězná Brewery for a taste of local beer. Explore the Dolní Vítkovice industrial complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a walk along the Ostravice River or enjoy a picnic in Komenského Sady, the city's largest park. For a unique experience, visit the Landek Park Mining Museum and take an underground tour of the former coal mine.