Absinth makes the heart grow fonder

At first glance, Ostrava lives up to its appearance as a former mining town happily enjoying an eastern European 1980s existence. However, the town has more to it than it at first seems, especially if it's a good night out you're in search of, followed by a fuzzy morning after. Head to Stodolni Street(Stroddy Street) and you won't go far wrong, with a mulitude of bars lining either of the street. Check out the area's dedicated website - www.stodolni.cz - which provides a virtual tour of all the bars and clubs.

Quick Tips:

Drinking Absinth, this 70% proof Czech firewater certainly helps your night go with a bang!

Best Way To Get Around:

A modern tram service covers the route from the train station to the town centre quickly and cheaply. The same route can be covered on foot in 30 minutes.

This is the town's main hotel, and a 4-star one to boot. Unfortunately, I didn't stay here, but I can recommend it on behalf of my friends who did. The large bar and restaurant area provide good food in a relaxing environment.

This is in an ideal downtown location adjacent to the Antonin Dvorak Theatre. It still harks back to the day when communism was in vogue in these parts. A variety of large, tidy rooms are reached by a gargantuan spiral staircase. For our stay we were provided with a suite (4 beds, table and chairs, TV, NO bathroom). The feeling that a communist state function was about to take place at any moment added to the rooms unique atmosphere. Enormous wall length windows provide a wonderful view across of the square below. The price - Only $20 each!Their website is .

With the current resurgence in the fortunes of former Eastern Bloc cities such as Krakow and Lublijana, it would be no surprise if Ostrava managed to market itself likewise and prove to be a contender, too. Okay, so this might be pushing it a bit, as the current cultural highlights appear to be the Puppet Theatre and National Mining Museum.

In terms of nightlife, however, Ostrava stands shoulder to shoulder with its better-known relation - Prague. The focal point for this fun is Stoloni Street. With over 50 bars, pubs, and clubs on or around this street, finding something that appeals to you shouldn't be hard, from the obligatory pseudo Irish/British pubs (Bernies/Sherlocks) to the Hispanic-themed Mexicana. Slezska is a huge airy structure with a bowling alley behind the main bar. Food in here is great, unlike most of local fare, which tends to be offal-based. The street is easy to find, as the no. 1 tram going from the town centre to the train station stops at one end.

The Czech Republic has excelled in recent years on the world-football (soccer) stage. At club level, however, they have failed to challenge the more established nations such as England, Italy, Spain, and Germany. This season, Banik Ostrava was set to change the balance of power, competing in the Champions League and UEFA Cup. For the match-day experience, start on Stroddy Street and chat with the friendly supporters who are glad to share with you their passion for their team. Take the short bus trip out to the stadium (a 45-minute walk) and enjoy a colourful, exuberant, and friendly atmosphere (avoid games against Prague). Tickets cost from as little as $1.50 for standing. If your visit to Ostrava doesn't coincide with a game, the modern 18,000-capacity stadium is still worth a look and chances are you can walk through the gates onto the pitch side for a close-up view. The website is www.fcb.cz.