Why visit Karlovy Vary on a budget?

Karlovy Vary offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty. It is one of the most popular nearby towns from Prague for international visitors. You can enjoy the elegant atmosphere without paying for expensive spa treatments. The city was designed for walking and relaxation. Most of the primary sights are located in the pedestrian zone.

According to the official tourism board, the town has over 80 springs. You can access the most famous ones inside the grand colonnades. These structures are architectural masterpieces and are free to enter. Walking through them feels like stepping back into the 19th century. It is a perfect destination for budget-conscious travelers in 2026.

Before you start your walk, check out these quick picks for your trip:

• Best overall: Mill Colonnade
• Best for families: Diana Lookout Tower (walking the trails)
• Best rainy-day: Hot Spring Colonnade
• Best free view: Deer Jump Lookout

10 best free things to do in Karlovy Vary spa town

The heart of the town is the Teplá River valley. Most free attractions are clustered along the river banks. You can easily walk between these spots in a single afternoon. Here are the top specific experiences you should not miss.

1. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: It is the largest and most iconic colonnade in town with 124 columns. Best for: Architecture lovers and photographers. Where: Center of the spa zone. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A short walk from the bus station. Tip: Look for the statues on the roof representing the months of the year.
2. Name: Hot Spring Colonnade (Vřídlo) Type: Experience Why go: See a natural geyser shoot water 12 meters into the air. Best for: Nature enthusiasts. Where: Near the Church of St. Mary Magdalene. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the river promenade south. Tip: The hall is warm, making it great for cold days.
3. Name: Diana Lookout Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: Enjoy panoramic views of the entire valley and surrounding forests. Best for: Hikers and view seekers. Where: On the hill above the Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 1-2 hours (including the hike). Cost: Free (if you walk up instead of taking the funicular). Getting there: Follow the marked forest paths from the town center. Tip: The tower itself has a free elevator to the top.
4. Name: Market Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: This white wooden structure features intricate Swiss-style carvings. Best for: Fans of romantic architecture. Where: Just across from the Hot Spring Colonnade. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located in the main pedestrian area. Tip: Taste the Charles IV Spring located inside.
5. Name: Deer Jump Lookout (Jelení skok) Type: Viewpoint Why go: See the famous chamois statue that is the symbol of the town. Best for: Iconic photos. Where: On the cliffs above the Market Colonnade. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk up the steep paths from the Market Colonnade. Tip: This is the best spot for a classic Karlovy Vary postcard photo.
6. Name: Park Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: A beautiful wrought-iron structure located next to a peaceful park. Best for: A relaxing break. Where: Dvořák Park. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: At the northern end of the spa zone. Tip: The Snake Spring here is one of the tastiest to drink.
7. Name: Dvořák Park Type: Nature Why go: Relax in a well-kept green space named after the famous composer. Best for: Families and picnics. Where: Near the thermal hotel. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walking distance from the main bus stop. Tip: It is a great place to people-watch in the afternoon.
8. Name: Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral Type: Unique local experience Why go: This Russian Orthodox church features stunning golden domes and colorful walls. Best for: Culture and history buffs. Where: West of the main spa center in the residential area. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: A 10-minute walk uphill from the Mill Colonnade. Tip: Dress modestly when entering the church.
9. Name: Teplá River Promenade Type: Sight Why go: The main walk through town offers views of grand hotels and boutiques. Best for: Casual strolling. Where: Along the river. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: This is the main artery of the town. Tip: Walk all the way to the Grandhotel Pupp to see the most famous buildings.
10. Name: Charles IV Lookout Type: Viewpoint Why go: A brick tower built in a pseudo-Gothic style offering forest views. Best for: Adventure seekers. Where: Deep in the forest trails. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the yellow-marked trail from the town center. Tip: Bring water as there are no shops in the forest.

How to plan your Karlovy Vary day trip

Getting to the town is easy and affordable. Most people choose to travel by bus from Prague to Karlovy Vary. The journey takes about two hours and offers comfortable seating. Buses run frequently from the Florenc station. You should book your tickets in advance during the summer months.

The town is very walkable, so you do not need local transport. Wear comfortable shoes because many viewpoints require walking uphill. Pack a small bottle if you want to save money on a porcelain cup. You can fill it at any of the public springs for free. The water is healthy but has a strong mineral taste.

Visiting in the morning is best to avoid the largest crowds. Most day trippers arrive around midday. By starting early, you can enjoy the colonnades in peace. This makes for better photos and a more relaxing experience. Karlovy Vary is beautiful in all seasons, including winter.