Quick Picks for Your Karlovy Vary Trip

Are you in a hurry? Here are our top recommendations for your visit. These picks cover the most popular interests for travelers. You can easily reach most of these from the city center.

• Best Overall: Church of St. Mary Magdalene
• Best for Families: Christmas House Karlovy Vary
• Best Free Sight: Mill Colonnade
• Best Rainy Day: Jan Becher Museum

Karlovy Vary is very walkable. Most major sights are along the Teplá River. Wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestone streets. You will likely walk a lot during your stay.

Must-See Sights Near the Church of St. Mary Magdalene

The city center is full of history and beauty. These four sights are essential for any first-time visitor. They are all within a short walk of each other.

1. Name: Church of St. Mary Magdalene Type: Sight Why go: It is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. The interior is bright and grand. Best for: History buffs and architecture lovers. Where: Near the Vřídlo spring. Time: 30–45 minutes. Cost: Free to enter; small fee for crypt tours. Getting there: Walk from the city center. Tip: Visit the underground crypt of St. Mary Magdalene Church to see unique bone remains.
2. Name: Vřídlo Hot Spring Geyser Type: Sight Why go: This is the hottest and most powerful spring in town. It shoots water up to 12 meters high. Best for: Everyone. Where: Vřídelní kolonáda. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located right across from the church. Tip: Check out the Vřídlo hot spring geyser hall to see the water pressure.
3. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: It is the largest colonnade in Karlovy Vary. It features 124 Corinthian columns and five springs. Best for: Photography and morning walks. Where: Mlýnské nábřeží. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A 5-minute walk from the church. Tip: Read a Karlovy Vary colonnades guide to learn about the mineral contents.
4. Name: Orthodox Church of Saint Peter and Paul Type: Sight Why go: This church has beautiful golden domes and bright blue walls. It was built for Russian nobility. Best for: Seeing unique religious art. Where: Westend district. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Small donation suggested. Getting there: Walk uphill or take a local bus. Tip: Visit the Orthodox Church of Saint Peter and Paul during the late afternoon for great lighting.

Culture and Local History in Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary is famous for more than just water. It has a rich history of glassmaking and herbal spirits. These experiences offer a deeper look at local life.

1. Name: Jan Becher Museum Type: Experience Why go: Learn how Becherovka, the famous herbal liqueur, is made. The tour includes a tasting session. Best for: Adults and foodies. Where: T. G. Masaryka street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate fee. Getting there: Walk or take a bus to the city center. Tip: Book your Jan Becher Museum tour in advance during peak season.
2. Name: Moser Glassworks Type: Museum Why go: Moser glass is known as the "Glass of Kings." You can watch master glassblowers at work. Best for: Craft fans and shoppers. Where: Kpt. Jaroše street. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate fee. Getting there: Take bus number 1 or 2 from the center. Tip: Visit the Moser Glassworks visitor center to see the museum collection.
3. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: Experience Why go: This is one of the most famous hotels in the world. It inspired the movie "The Grand Budapest Hotel." Best for: Luxury lovers and film fans. Where: Mírové náměstí. Time: 1 hour (for coffee or tour). Cost: Free to see; pay for cafe. Getting there: Walk to the end of the spa zone. Tip: Join a Grandhotel Pupp architecture tour to see the grand halls.
4. Name: Christmas House Type: Experience Why go: It is Christmas all year round here. The house is filled with decorations and festive spirit. Best for: Families and children. Where: Doubí district. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Small entry fee. Getting there: Take a bus or short taxi ride. Tip: The Christmas House Karlovy Vary is especially magical during the winter months.

Nature and Viewpoints Near the City Center

The hills around the city offer peace and quiet. You can find many trails and towers with great views. These spots are perfect for fresh air.

1. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers the best panoramic view of the city. There is also a butterfly house nearby. Best for: Families and hikers. Where: Diana Hill. Time: 1–2 hours. Cost: Tower is free; funicular has a fee. Getting there: Take the Diana Observation Tower funicular from behind Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Walk down the forest paths instead of taking the funicular back.
2. Name: Deer Leap (Jelení skok) Type: Nature Why go: This is a famous statue of a chamois. It is a symbol of the city's founding legend. Best for: A quick hike with a view. Where: Forest paths above the center. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk up from the Market Colonnade. Tip: Find the Deer Leap limestone statue for a classic photo.

Best Day Trips From Karlovy Vary

If you have extra time, explore the surrounding area. There are medieval castles and unique rock formations nearby. These trips are easy to do in half a day.

1. Name: Loket Castle Type: Day trip Why go: This is a 12th-century stone castle. It sits on a rocky cliff above the Ohře River. Best for: History lovers and families. Where: Town of Loket. Time: 3–4 hours. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Take a bus or train from Karlovy Vary railway station. Tip: Plan a Loket Castle day trip to see the torture chamber museum.
2. Name: Svatoš Rocks Type: Nature Why go: These are amazing granite rock formations. They look like a petrified wedding procession. Best for: Hikers and nature fans. Where: Between Karlovy Vary and Loket. Time: 2–3 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Hike or bike along the river path. Tip: The Svatoš Rocks nature reserve is a great spot for a picnic.

Essential Travel Tips for Your 2026 Visit

Planning your trip to Karlovy Vary is easy. The city is well-connected to Prague by bus and train. Most visitors arrive at the main station or the Karlovy Vary Airport. Use the local public transport to reach outer districts. The best time to visit is from May to September. This is when the weather is warmest and the flowers bloom.

Remember to buy a porcelain spa cup. You can use it to taste the mineral waters. Each spring has a different temperature and taste. Some are very salty, so start with small sips. Always check the official tourism site for event updates. This will help you find festivals or concerts during your stay.