10 Iconic Experiences in Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary is a historic gem. It is famous for its healing waters and grand buildings. Most visitors spend two or three days here. This allows time for both relaxation and exploration. Here are the top sights you cannot miss.

• Best overall: Grandhotel Pupp
• Best for families: Diana Observation Tower
• Best rainy-day: Moser Glassworks
• Best free activity: Colonnade walking tour

1. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: Sight Why go: It is the most famous hotel in the city and a Bond filming site. Best for: Movie fans and luxury seekers. Where: Southern end of the spa zone. Time: 1-2 hours for a visit. Cost: Free to view outside; price of a drink inside. Getting there: Walk from the city center. Tip: Look for the brass plaques of famous guests.
2. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: It is the largest and most beautiful colonnade in the city. Best for: Architecture lovers and photographers. Where: Central spa area. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Easy walk along the river. Tip: Bring a porcelain cup to taste the mineral water.
3. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers the best panoramic views of the entire valley. Best for: Nature lovers and hikers. Where: On the hill above the hotel. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Small fee for the funicular. Getting there: Take the funicular next to Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Visit the mini-zoo nearby for free.
4. Name: Moser Glassworks Type: Museum Why go: See how world-class Bohemian crystal is made by hand. Best for: Craft enthusiasts. Where: West of the city center. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate tour fee. Getting there: Take bus line 1 or 22. Tip: Book the furnace tour in advance.
5. Name: Jan Becher Museum Type: Museum Why go: Learn the history of Becherovka, the famous herbal liqueur. Best for: Adults and foodies. Where: T.G. Masaryka street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Includes a tasting session. Getting there: Short walk from the main bus station. Tip: The shop sells unique gift sets.
6. Name: Market Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: A beautiful wooden structure housing the Charles IV Spring. Best for: History buffs. Where: Near the Hot Spring. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Central walking zone. Tip: Read the legend of the city's founding here.
7. Name: Loket Castle Type: Day trip Why go: A medieval fortress used as the town square in Casino Royale. Best for: History fans. Where: 15km from Karlovy Vary. Time: Half-day. Cost: Entry fee applies. Getting there: Take a local train or bus. Tip: Visit the torture chamber for a spooky experience.
8. Name: Imperial Spa (Císařské lázně) Type: Sight Why go: A masterpiece of Neo-Renaissance design recently renovated. Best for: Art and history lovers. Where: Near the river. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Entry fee for tours. Getting there: Walkable from the hotel. Tip: Check for evening concerts in the atrium.
9. Name: Vřídelní Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: See the massive hot spring geyser shooting 12 meters high. Best for: Everyone. Where: Heart of the spa district. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Main pedestrian path. Tip: Take the underground tour to see thermal deposits.
10. Name: Elizabeth Spa Type: Experience Why go: Enjoy a traditional spa treatment in a historic setting. Best for: Relaxation. Where: Smetana Park. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Varies by treatment. Getting there: Near the city center. Tip: Book your massage at least a day early.

Was Casino Royale Filmed at Grandhotel Pupp?

Many fans ask, was Casino Royale filmed at Grandhotel Pupp? Yes, the hotel is a major filming location. It represented the Hotel Splendide in Montenegro. The exterior and the parking lot appear frequently in the movie. You can see the grand entrance where Bond arrives in his Aston Martin.

Inside, the reception area and the dining room were also used. The film crew spent weeks at the property in 2006. Fans can even book the same rooms used by the cast. It is one of the most famous movie locations in the Karlovy Vary region. The hotel embraces its cinematic history with pride.

You can see more Bond history by visiting Grandhotel Pupp for afternoon tea. The staff often shares stories about the production. Other nearby spots like Loket also appear in the film. This makes the city a perfect destination for movie lovers.

Visiting Grandhotel Pupp for Afternoon Tea

One of the best ways to experience the hotel is through food. Visiting Grandhotel Pupp for afternoon tea is a classic tradition. You do not need to be a guest to enjoy the café. The atmosphere is elegant and very relaxing. It is a great way to feel like a movie star for an hour.

The Café Pupp serves a variety of traditional Czech cakes. You should try the Pupp Cake, which is their signature dessert. They also offer a wide selection of fine teas and coffees. Prices are higher than average but worth the experience. You can check the public transport schedules to reach the hotel easily from any part of town.

Make sure you follow the rules for drinking Karlovy Vary thermal water before your tea. It is best to drink the water on an empty stomach. Then, head to the hotel for your sweet treats. Reservations are recommended during the busy summer months. Dress smart-casual to match the grand surroundings.