Sandwiched between Slovakia and Poland, Ostrava has the title of ‘steel heart of the republic’ due to its history and the industrial look and feel of the city. The city is known for its history in steel as well as several underground coal mines, which have all been shut down as recently as of 1989. Car hire in Ostrava allows you to reach the edges of the city and head to a few of the parks just inside the city limits, a great option for a day out of the city buzz.