Iconic Sights & Historical Landmarks

The town center is packed with architectural gems. Most visitors start their journey by exploring the famous colonnades. These structures house the mineral springs that made the city famous. The architecture ranges from Neo-Renaissance to carved wood.

• Name: The Mill Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: It is the largest and most impressive colonnade in town. Best for: Architecture lovers and photographers. Where: City Center, near the Tepla River. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A short walk from the main post office. Tip: Bring a camera early in the morning to avoid crowds.
• Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: Sight/Hotel Why go: This hotel is a legend of European hospitality and film history. It served as a location for the James Bond movie Casino Royale. You can admire the baroque facade or step inside for coffee. Learn more about visiting Grandhotel Pupp for afternoon tea. Best for: Luxury seekers and film fans. Where: Mírové náměstí 2. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free to view; mid-range for coffee. Tip: The cafe offers delicious cakes in a very elegant setting.
• Name: St. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church Type: Sight Why go: The golden domes stand out against the green hills. It is a stunning example of Byzantine architecture funded by wealthy Russian visitors. The interior features intricate icons and reliefs. Best for: Culture and history buffs. Where: Krále Jiřího 2c. Time: 30–45 minutes. Cost: Small donation suggested. Getting there: Walk 10 minutes uphill from the Savoy Westend Hotel. Tip: Dress modestly when entering the church sanctuary.
• Name: The Hot Spring Colonnade (Vřídlo) Type: Sight Why go: This modern glass structure houses the city's hottest and strongest geyser. The water shoots up to 12 meters high naturally. You can breathe the mineral-rich steam indoors. Best for: Witnessing nature's power. Where: Right in the spa center. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free entrance. Getting there: Located centrally next to the Market Colonnade. Tip: Follow our Karlovy Vary colonnades walking route to see them all.

Unique Local Experiences & Flavors

No trip is complete without tasting the local specialties. The town is famous for its herbal liqueur, crystal glass, and thin wafers. These activities engage your senses and connect you to local traditions.

• Name: Jan Becher Museum Type: Museum/Tasting Why go: Becherovka is the famous herbal liqueur of the Czech Republic. The museum explains the cryptic history of the 13th spring. You can visit the historic cellars and taste several varieties. Best for: Adults and history enthusiasts. Where: T. G. Masaryka 57. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Ticket required (approx. €8–10). Getting there: Near the bus station. Tip: The lemon variety is often a favorite for those who dislike bitter drinks.
• Name: Moser Glassworks Type: Factory Tour Why go: Moser produces some of the finest crystal in the world. You can watch master glassblowers work near hot furnaces. The craftsmanship is incredibly precise and impressive. Check the Moser Glassworks factory tour guide before you go. Best for: Art lovers and souvenir hunters. Where: Kapitána Jaroše 46/19. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Tour fee applies. Getting there: Take a bus from the center or a short taxi ride. Tip: Booking in advance is recommended during summer.
• Name: Tasting the Thermal Springs Type: Activity Why go: Drinking the water is a centuries-old curative ritual. There are 15 generally accessible springs with different temperatures. Locals sip from porcelain cups while strolling slowly. Best for: Health-conscious travelers. Where: Various colonnades. Time: Flexible. Cost: Free water; cup costs approx. €5. Tip: Read the rules for drinking Karlovy Vary thermal water to avoid stomach issues.
• Name: Eating Warm Spa Wafers Type: Food Why go: These large, thin wafers are a sweet symbol of the town. You can buy them fresh and warm from street vendors. They come in flavors like hazelnut, vanilla, and chocolate. Best for: A cheap and tasty snack. Where: Street stalls near colonnades. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Very cheap (€1–2). Tip: Eat them immediately while they are crisp and warm.

Nature Views & Relaxing Spas

The town is surrounded by deep forests and hills. You can easily escape the busy streets for fresh air. Afterward, relax in one of the unique spas.

• Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: This tower offers the best panoramic view of the entire valley. You can see the town and the surrounding Ore Mountains. There is also a butterfly house nearby. Best for: Families and view seekers. Where: Hilltop accessible by funicular. Time: 1–2 hours. Cost: Free tower entry; funicular costs extra. Getting there: Funicular departs near Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Read about visiting Diana Observation Tower to plan your hike or ride.
• Name: Deer Leap Lookout (Jelení skok) Type: Viewpoint Why go: It is home to the iconic chamois statue overlooking the city. The walk is peaceful and offers great photo angles. Legend says a deer led the King here to discover the springs. Best for: Hikers and photographers. Where: Forest trail above town. Time: 45 minutes walking. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow yellow trails from the center. Tip: See our guide on hiking to Deer Leap lookout point.
• Name: Traditional Beer Spa Type: Wellness Why go: You can bathe in a tub filled with beer extracts. The hops and yeast are said to rejuvenate the skin. Most packages include unlimited beer consumption during the bath. Best for: Couples and beer lovers. Where: Several locations in town. Time: 1–2 hours. Cost: Premium pricing (€70+). Tip: Browse the best beer spas in Karlovy Vary to find a top-rated venue.

Best Day Trip: Loket Castle

If you have extra time, leave the city limits. The region offers stunning castles and nature. One destination stands out above the rest.

• Name: Loket Castle Type: Day Trip Why go: This 12th-century gothic castle sits on a massive rock. The river Ohře flows around it like a moat. It is often called the key to the Bohemian Kingdom. Best for: History buffs. Where: Town of Loket (15km away). Time: 3–4 hours. Cost: Ticket approx. €6–8. Getting there: Train or bus takes about 20 minutes. Tip: The town of Loket is very photogenic and less crowded.

Practical Tips for Visiting

Planning is key to enjoying this popular destination. The town gets very busy during the summer film festival. July is vibrant but crowded and expensive. May and September offer milder weather and fewer crowds.

Karlovy Vary is easily accessible from Prague. Buses run frequently from the Florenc station and take about two hours. The train is scenic but often slower than the bus. For schedules, check the official Karlovy Vary tourism site or national transport links.

Getting around the city center is best done on foot. Most of the spa zone is a pedestrian-only area. Comfortable shoes are essential for the cobblestones. If you need to travel further, local buses are reliable. You can find route maps at the Public Transport Authority website.