10 Best Things to Do During Your Visit

When planning your Saint Peter and Paul Orthodox Church visit, you should see the surrounding area too. This part of the city is very quiet and green. Many historic villas line the streets. You can easily spend a full day exploring these sights. Most attractions are within walking distance of each other. Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain can be hilly.

• Quick Pick (Best Overall): Saint Peter and Paul Orthodox Church
• Quick Pick (Best View): Diana Observation Tower
• Quick Pick (Best for History): Jan Becher Museum
• Quick Pick (Best Free Activity): Mill Colonnade

1. Name: Saint Peter and Paul Orthodox Church Type: Sight Why go: This is the main reason for your visit. The church features five golden domes and beautiful blue walls. It was built in the late 19th century for wealthy Russian guests. The interior is full of colorful icons and a rich wooden iconostasis. Best for: Architecture lovers and history buffs. Where: West End district, Sadová street. Time: 30–45 minutes. Cost: Small voluntary donation usually expected. Getting there: A 15-minute walk uphill from the Mill Colonnade. Tip: Visit in the morning when the sun hits the golden domes for the best photos. You can find more details on the Karlovy Vary Official Tourism site.
2. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: This tower offers the best views of the entire valley. You can see the spa center and the surrounding forests. There is also a butterfly house and a mini-zoo nearby. It is a great place to escape the city crowds. Best for: Families and photographers. Where: Above the Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 1–2 hours. Cost: Tower entry is free; funicular has a small fee. Getting there: Take the funicular from behind Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Read our guide on visiting Diana Observation Tower before you go.
3. Name: Deer Leap Lookout Type: Nature Why go: This is an iconic statue of a mountain goat overlooking the city. It is based on the legend of how the thermal springs were found. The walk to the statue is peaceful and shaded by trees. Best for: Nature lovers and hikers. Where: Forest paths above the city center. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the marked trails from the Diana funicular mid-station. Tip: Check the route for hiking to Deer Leap for the easiest path.
4. Name: Moser Glassworks Type: Museum Why go: Moser is known as the "Glass of Kings." You can watch master glassblowers work in the hot factory. The museum shows the history of this famous brand. It is a very high-quality experience. Best for: Indoor activity and craft enthusiasts. Where: Kpt. Jaroše street, outskirts of the city. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate fee for tours. Getting there: Take bus number 1 or 22 from the center. Tip: Use our Moser Glassworks tour guide to book your spot.
5. Name: Jan Becher Museum Type: Experience Why go: Learn about Becherovka, the famous herbal liqueur from Karlovy Vary. The tour includes a visit to the historic cellars. You also get to taste different varieties of the drink. Best for: Adults and foodies. Where: T. G. Masaryka street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate fee including tasting. Getting there: Located near the main bus station. Tip: View details on Jan Becher Museum tickets to plan your visit.
6. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: Experience Why go: This is the most famous hotel in the city. It has appeared in many movies, including James Bond. Even if you don't stay there, the cafe is open to the public. Best for: Luxury and film fans. Where: Southern end of the spa zone. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Price of a coffee or cake. Getting there: Walk along the river to the end of the pedestrian zone. Tip: Consider visiting Grandhotel Pupp for afternoon tea for a special treat.
7. Name: Hot Spring Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: This modern building houses the Vřídlo spring. It shoots water up to 12 meters high. You can also take an underground tour to see how the springs work. Best for: Science and nature fans. Where: City center, near the church. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to enter; fee for underground tour. Getting there: Easy walk from any central point. Tip: Don't miss the Hot Spring Colonnade excursion to see the thermal heart of the city.
8. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: This is the largest and most famous colonnade in town. It features 124 Corinthian columns. Several different mineral springs are located under its roof. Best for: General sightseeing. Where: Along the Teplá River. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Central pedestrian zone. Tip: Bring a porcelain cup to taste the waters like a local.
9. Name: Market Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: This white wooden building looks like lace. It is very photogenic and houses the Charles IV spring. Legend says the king rested here many years ago. Best for: Photography. Where: Near the Hot Spring Colonnade. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walkable from the city center. Tip: This is a great spot for photos when it rains.
10. Name: Loket Castle Type: Day trip Why go: This 12th-century stone castle is just a short trip away. It sits on a rocky cliff above the river. The town of Loket is very charming and medieval. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage region. Best for: History and day trips. Where: 12 km from Karlovy Vary. Time: 4–5 hours. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Local bus or train from the main station. Tip: The castle has a very interesting torture museum in the basement.

Essential Tips for Your Karlovy Vary Trip

A Saint Peter and Paul Orthodox Church visit requires some planning. The church is an active place of worship. You should dress modestly when entering. This means covering your shoulders and knees. Women often cover their heads with a scarf inside. Always be quiet and respectful of people praying.

The walk to the church is quite steep. If you have trouble walking, consider taking a taxi. Local buses also run nearby. You can check the Dopravní podnik Karlovy Vary site for schedules. Most people visit the church in the morning. This leaves the afternoon for the spa colonnades.

Karlovy Vary is safe and easy to navigate. Most signs are in Czech, English, and German. Many locals also speak some Russian. Credit cards are accepted in most shops. However, keep some cash for small donations at the church. You will find ATMs throughout the city center.