Are you planning a visit to Karlovy Vary and don’t know what to visit in a short time? You have come to the right place.

I’m Andrea from Prague Tip, and in this article I’ll tell you in depth about the city of Karlovy Vary Czech Republic. You’ll find out what attractions to visit (including its famous spa), where to eat and sleep, and what’s the best way to get there from nearby Prague.

Are you ready? Let’s get started!

Before we begin, a brief preamble: if you wish to visit Karlovy Vary from Prague and you only have one day available, my advice is to rely on an organized tour with a tour guide so as to optimize your travel. The attractions in Karlovy Vary are many, and with the help of an experienced guide you will be able to see them all (or almost all) within a day. To find out about the tours, click on the button below.

What to see in Karlovy Vary Czech Republic

Karlovy Vary is the most prestigious spa town in the entire Czech Republic. The elegance of this village, the forest that surrounds it and the rivers that wind around it, leave visitors with the feeling that they have experienced a few hours inside a fairy tale.

But while it is true that many come to these parts in order to enjoy a relaxation and wellness package, it is also true that Karlovy Vary has much more to offer.

In addition to the landscape, which I have already described as wonderful, even the architecture can pleasantly surprise you. In short: there is practically something for everyone.

Here are what are the must-see attractions in the Czech city of Karlovy Vary.

Karlovy Vary spa

The waters flowing through Karlovy Vary have been attributed, already more than six centuries ago, several curative powers. Nowadays, however, in addition to their therapeutic value, these spas are also recognized as having a wellness function.

Local spas offer their visitors access to heated pools, whirlpools, beauty salons and relaxing treatments.

Geysers found in the area are normally referred to as gushes. However, they can gush out of the earth with such power that they draw columns of water tens of meters high, with temperatures as high as 70 degrees.

Many springs however flow to this day in the basements of spas and luxury hotels in the area.

There are guided tours that allow tourists to accompany these streams to their destination.

One example? TheHot Spring Underground. Why pass up the opportunity to have such a unique experience?

The colonnades of Karlovy Vary

Photo by Pavel Nekoranec on Unsplash

Many tourists come here to relax with spa treatments or attend the famous film festival. But even if you are a visitor who simply likes to explore, you won’t be disappointed because the city has many attractions in store for you.

Colonnades are a distinctive feature of Karlovy Vary. Thanks to them, even when it rains, you still have the opportunity to enjoy the hot springs. The town has five colonnades:

1. Market Colonnade (Tržní kolonáda): Built in 1883 by Austrian architects Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer, this elegant wooden building, located on the left bank of the Teplá River, is one of the symbols of the city.
2. Mill Colonnade (Mlýnská kolonáda): Designed by Czech architect Josef Zítek in the Neoclassical style, this colonnade, opened in 1881, is the largest in Karlovy Vary and houses the springs of five mineral springs.
3. Castle Colonnade (Zámecká kolonáda): Built by Austrian architect Friedrich Ohmann in the Art Nouveau style and inaugurated in 1912, this colonnade is partially accessible to the public, housing the upper castle spring (Horní zámecký pramen).
4. Park Colonnade: Located in Dvořák Park, this colonnade, designed by Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer and opened in 1881, houses the Snake Spring canal.
5. Hot Spring Colonnade (Vřídelní kolonáda): This colonnade, located near Divadelní Square, houses the spectacular hot spring (Pramen Vřídlo), with a jet that reaches 12 meters in height and a flow of about 2,000 liters per minute.

As you explore these attractions, you will take in the beauty and charm of Karlovy Vary, immersing yourself in its rich history and striking architecture.

Panoramic views

If you are a lover of panoramic views, in Karlovy Vary you can also enjoy them from several lookout towers:

• Diana Observation Tower (Vyhlidka Diana): is located very close to the center of town, at a height of 562 meters above sea level. It is easily accessible by funicular railway from Grandhotel Pupp. Alternatively, there are several hiking trails leading to the tower for those who prefer to hike.
• Castle Tower: is located in the center of town, not far from the market colonnade. It is the last remnant of the castle built by Charles IV in the 14th century. Despite the fire that destroyed the castle in the 17th century, the tower has survived. Visitors can climb the tower and enjoy a spectacular view of the city center.
• Goethe’s Belvedere: is a neo-Gothic tower located on the top of the hill called the Height of Eternal Life. Like some of the city’s colonnades, this tower was designed by Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer. It is not currently open to the public, but it is hoped that it will be in the future.

Stara Louka

Do you want to step back in time, perhaps to the 18th century? Well, you need look no further-Stara Louka is the place to be.

Despite its somewhat misleading Czech name, Stara Louka, or Old Meadow, is technically a pedestrian street and is one of the busiest places in Karlovy Vary.

Along the main avenue you will find numerous hotels, bars, restaurants, and jewelry stores. The street starts southwest from Grandhotel Pupp and ends at the intersection of Divadelni Namesti Street and Trziste Street.

The street is surrounded by beautiful buildings and is perfect for a pleasant walk, although it is usually quite crowded.

Across the river is Nova Louka, but that is a street for cars and does not have the same welcoming charm as its pedestrian counterpart.

Church of St. Mary Magdalene

This Roman Catholic church, designed by Kilian Ignac Deintzenhofer, is located next to the colonnade of hot springs, right in the heart of Karlovy Vary.

If you are interested, you can also visit an underground crypt with skeletal remains in the nearby cemetery, but you must arrange to visit in advance. This beautiful church, called Kostel Sv. Mari Magdaleny, was built in the High Baroque style and features an impressive altar. It replaced an old 14th-century church that was in poor condition.

In 2010, the church was included in the central list of the Czech Republic’s national cultural heritage. Since the church is so close to Hot Spring, you might pass by it anyway, so it’s worth a look even if you don’t have much time.

Grand Hotel Pupp

When you ask someone from the Czech Republic to name five things that represent Karlovy Vary, hearing the name Grandhotel Pupp is very common.

This hotel, with over 300 years of history, is considered the epitome of Karlovy Vary hospitality.

Although I will tell you about which are the best hotels in the city in a very short while, I will already anticipate that this hotel deserves a special mention.

Founded back in 1701, the Grandhotel Pupp has welcomed many famous people over the years, including Wolfgang Goethe and Johann Sebastian Bach. Even today, it is still a popular destination for Hollywood stars attending the Karlovy Vary Film Festival.

Quietly located on the banks of the Tepla River, just steps from the colonnade, the hotel offers elegantly decorated rooms with frescoed ceilings and beautiful chandeliers.

The on-site spa offers more than 30 treatments, and you can also relax in the salt cave or steam sauna.

Despite being a luxurious five-star hotel, rates remain affordable, and you can book your night at Grandhotel Pupp here.

Orthodox Church of Saints Peter and Paul

Photo by Jan Kopřiva on Unsplash

St. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in Karlovy Vary has become a must-visit destination after renovations were completed in 2016.

With its white walls and five golden domes shining in the sun, this 19th-century Byzantine-style church is a true architectural gem. Even if you don’t plan to go inside, it is still worth admiring its majesty from the outside. Its structure is reminiscent of ancient Russian churches in Moscow, such as the one in Ostakino.

To reach it from the city center, you can enjoy a pleasant walk of only 10 minutes along streets lined with beautiful villas and gardens.

Although it is possible to visit the interior, many prefer to appreciate its beauty from the outside.

Moser Glass Museum

The Moser Glass Museum is an essential stop in Karlovy Vary if you are interested in theart of glassmaking that has made the Czech Republic famous.

Here you can explore 150 years of the factory’s history through more than 1,000 pieces on display. But the highlight is a visit to the factory itself, where you can witness the process of glass making, from blowing to finishing, right next to the hot furnaces.

The museum offers a valuable collection of glass objects, while the factory allows you to see the master glassmakers at work and better understand their talent and skill.

Even if you are not an enthusiast, this experience could add an interesting touch to your visit, especially on a rainy day.

Jan Becher Museum

The Jan Becher Museum is a must-see for lovers of the Czech herbal liqueur, the famous Becherovka, which has a 200-year history in Karlovy Vary.

Here you can explore the family recipe book, smell the unique aroma of the herbs used in production, taste the liquor and even the water used to create it.

Becherovka is also a popular gift to take home, an authentic Czech souvenir that visitors greatly appreciate.

Similar to the visit to the glass factory, the Becherovka Museum is ideal for those who have time to spend in Karlovy Vary, but for those making a short trip from Prague, simply purchase a bottle at a local store instead of visiting the museum.

Carlsbad Wafers

A visit to Karlovy Vary would not be complete without tasting traditional wafers. Known as Karlovarske Oplatky, these wafers are an icon of the region and more than 30 tons are produced each year.

The wafers come in different sizes and shapes, and you can choose from a variety of flavors, including cinnamon, almond, hazelnut, and vanilla, among the most popular. But there are also many other options to try during your visit.

You can buy wafers almost anywhere in Karlovy Vary, including major grocery stores in the Czech Republic, but some prefer to buy them fresh from street vendors for an authentic local experience.

In short, along with a glass of Becherovka, Carlsbad wafers are a Czech souvenir worth taking home with you.

History of Karlovy Vary

This Czech town arose at the express wish of Charles IV. Legend would even have it that the king made this decision in the middle of a hunting trip when he came across one of the many hot springs that gush in these parts.

The 80 springs in the area have attracted illustrious personalities from home and abroad to Karlovy Vary: from Beethoven to Chopin, Mucha to Casanova, and even Mozart and Dostoevsky just to name a few.

Much of the historical and architectural beauty of the place dates back to the 19th century. They include the Colonnade of the Mill around which the Colonnade Park and the Colonnade Market stand.

Since 1946 the town has annually hosted the International Film Festival in which Hollywood’s most beloved stars have not failed to take part.

Karlovy Vary: festivals and events

The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival is the city’s most popular event, taking place annually in July since 1946. It is considered one of the most important film events in Central Europe, with films from all over the world competing for the main prize, the Crystal Globe.

The opening of the spa season usually takes place in late April or early May, with a weekend of events that includes a parade of costumed historical figures, with Charles IV as the main character, accompanied by a craft fair and concerts.

The Karlovy Vary Autumn Dvořák Festival is one of Europe’s oldest music festivals, dedicated to the famous Czech composer Antonín Dvořák. It has been held every autumn since 1959. Exact dates and further details can be found on the website of the Karlovy Vary Symphony Orchestra.

How to get to Karlovy Vary from Prague

If you are planning a trip to Prague and would like to get to Karlovy Vary for a one- or two-day trip, you have several options available to you. Let’s look at them together:

Organized one-day tour from Prague (from €53 per person)

The best way to visit Karlovy Vary from Prague is undoubtedly via an organized tour. There are several organized tours, but the one I recommend is this one. You leave from Prague (Na Příkopě 23) early in the morning and reach Karlovy Vary in about 2 hours by bus. After arriving you have the opportunity to tour the city accompanied by a professional guide (who speaks Italian), with stops in the Old Town and at the Diana Observation Tower. After that you will have 4 hours of free time in which you can visit the city on your own, and then return to Prague in the late afternoon. All for just over 50€ each.

Bus (from 6€ each)

One of the most convenient and popular options is to take a bus from Prague to Karlovy Vary. There are several companies that offer multiple rides per day. It is advisable to opt for an early morning departure at 7:00 am from Prague to arrive in Karlovy Vary by 9:00 am. The cost of a one-way ticket is from 6 to 17€ depending on the type of bus. The best-known company is Flixbus, which runs several trips a day and has a fleet of buses equipped with amenities such as free Wi-Fi on board, air conditioning, toilets, and tables. The travel time is about 1:35 hours, almost equivalent to the travel time by car.

Train (from €8.40 per person)

If you prefer to travel by train, you can opt for the Regiojet and ČD railways. The main advantage is the greater comfort during the trip and the possibility to admire the beautiful natural landscapes during the journey from Prague to Karlovy Vary. The first train leaves at 3:05 a.m. and the last one at 8:45 p.m., so you have more options to choose from. Unlike the bus, the trip takes over 3 hours. The cost of a one-way ticket is €8.40.

Car rental (€80)

If you have a European driver’s license, you can rent a car and drive to Karlovy Vary on your own. There are several car rental companies in Prague. The estimated cost is about €80 per day, including the rental of a middle-class car, full insurance and fuel. The drive to Karlovy Vary is easy and takes about 1½ hours to cover the 120 kilometers distance. Traveling by car you will have the freedom to leave when you like and stop along the way.

Where to sleep in Karlovy Vary

Here is where you can find accommodation in Karlovy Vary:

• Grandhotel Pupp: This luxurious 5-star hotel is renowned for hosting the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. Booking a room here offers a unique experience, and although it is a luxury hotel, if you book in advance you may find affordable deals.
• Hotel Ontario: An excellent 3-star hotel in the heart of the city, a short distance from the Market Colonnade. It offers excellent value for money, but since it is in high demand, it is advisable to book in advance.
• Hotel Boston: Located in a magnificent 19th-century building, this 3-star hotel offers attractive prices and excellent facilities. Positive guest reviews and good value for money make it an ideal choice for budget travelers. Because it is a small hotel, booking in advance is recommended.

What to eat in Karlovy Vary

Many are the typical dishes of the local gastronomic tradition and the suggestion is to try them all. From deer meat and porcini mushroom sauces to pork knee, from beef tartare to liqueurs: they don’t miss a thing here! And speaking of liqueurs: the Jan Becher Museum is based in these parts.

Karlovy Vary tourism: frequently asked questions

Photo by Jan Kopřiva on Unsplash

What to visit in Karlovy Vary: some practical suggestions

In Karlovy Vary, winter can be harsh, so it is advisable to visit in summer or spring.

During these times, in addition to enjoying the beauty of the city, you can attend numerous events, including the International Film Festival in early July, which is attended by some of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities.

As a popular tourist destination, Karlovy Vary can be crowded, so I recommend starting your tour of attractions early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

Also, the atmosphere in town is especially magical at sunrise and sunset.