The historic town, once the centre of Austrian and Czech Silesia, is located at the confluence of the Opava and Moravice rivers. One of the most precious monuments is the parish church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, built in the style of Peasant Gothic. The oldest monuments include the Minorite monastery and the Church of the Holy Spirit from the 13th century. The convent hall, the Gothic hall, the winter refectory (the monks' common dining room) and the garden are open to the public. Modern architecture is represented, for example, by the building of the former Chamber of Commerce and Trades and the premises of the town swimming pool. The history of Opava and the surrounding region can be better understood by visiting the Silesian Museum. It was founded in 1814 and is considered one of the oldest in the Czech Republic.

Active exercise enthusiasts can follow the many cycling and hiking trails. There are several ponds around the town, and there is also a natural swimming lake called Stříbrné jezero, used for swimming and relaxation.