Tips & Tricks — How to Survive in Ostrava as an International Student
🛒 Tip #1 — Home Goods
We always recommend the glorious IKEA — you can find everything you need plus eat meatballs in their restaurant! You can also try PEPCO, Tiger, KiK, or JYSK for quite cheap home goods.
If you want to visit all these shops at once, head to AVION SHOPPING PARK. Take tram number 2 from the city center — it goes directly there (stop: Zábřeh OC). For individual PEPCO, KiK or Tiger store locations, just search on Google Maps. 🙂
🚃 Tip #2 — Public Transport
Your Buddy should have helped you get your ODISka card already, so you can travel without limits. If you still don't have one, you can simply tap your credit/debit card when boarding and again when getting off.
Google Maps is unfortunately not fully compatible with local transport here. We strongly recommend downloading the IDOS app — it covers all public transport connections not only in Ostrava but across the whole Czech Republic. For local Ostrava connections, select MHD in the app. You can also use the website: idos.idnes.cz/en/odis.
🎉 Tip #3 — Stodolní
⚠️ Safety first! The legendary party street Stodolní is a great place to go out, but please be careful — especially as an international student:
- Never bring your passport — bring your ID only, or even better, a copy of it. Leave originals at the dormitory.
- Bring limited cash only — alcohol is quite cheap here, you don't need thousands of crowns.
- Be extra careful in Desperado bar, where pickpockets are common (phones are a frequent target).
- Always go with friends — especially important for girls.
🍺 Tip #4 — Bars & Pubs
Bastilla
A great bar on Stodolní street with happy hours every day from 7–9 PM — everything on the menu is 1+1 for free. You can also frequently spot ESN coordinators here! 😄
Dock
A nice pub with a garden located near the river — perfect for evenings with friends. They also organize concerts and cultural events.
Vinárna u Mostu
A very budget-friendly winery in the city center with a wide variety of wines from around the world.
🍽️ Tip #5 — Food
Local Czech cuisine is great, hearty, and not very vegetarian or vegan friendly — but you must try smažák (fried cheese with fries and a mayo-like dip) and svíčková (slices of beef with vegetable cream sauce served with knedlík — traditional Czech dumplings). Don't forget to also try goulash and garlic soup!
For classic Czech food, we recommend Potrefená Husa or Radegastovna — both on the main square.
Los Capolitos
Great and budget-friendly Mexican restaurant — because we know y'all love Mexican food 🌮. Locations in the city center and in Poruba.
Pupík
A real Italian restaurant owned by an Italian family, making fresh pasta every day. Open 11 AM – 2 PM for lunch only. Located near the main square, Na Hradbách 120.
Cash only
Black Kale
Vegan and raw vegan bistro with great breakfast, lunch offers and smoothies. During the academic year it also serves as a student Menza — if you have an ISIC card, you can order online via the university portal at a discounted price.
Food Delivery — Dáme Jídlo
Choose from a wide variety of restaurants and pay by card online. Note: not all delivery drivers speak English.
🖨️ Tip #6 — Printing & Copying
If you need to print, copy, or scan documents, you can visit the student library, your faculty study room, or a copy shop. The best option is to have your documents on a flash drive. Printing is unfortunately not free, but prices are reasonable.