The Iconic Colonnades and Thermal Springs

No visit to Karlovy Vary is complete without walking its colonnades. These structures are the social heart of the city. They protect the thermal springs and offer shelter to strolling visitors. The architecture ranges from Neo-Renaissance to modern brutalism.

Drinking the mineral water is a daily ritual here. You will see locals sipping from porcelain cups called pítko. This tradition dates back centuries. Here are the top spots to experience this unique spa culture.

1. Name: Mill Colonnade (Mlýnská kolonáda) Type: Sight/Architecture Why go: It is the largest and most famous colonnade in the city. The Neo-Renaissance structure features 124 Corinthian columns. It houses five different mineral springs. Best for: Architecture lovers and photographers. Where: Mill Embankment (Mlýnské nábřeží). Time: 30–45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A short walk from the city center along the river. Tip: Bring a porcelain cup to taste the springs, but sip slowly. Read more about the Mill Colonnade architecture and history.
2. Name: Hot Spring Colonnade (Vřídelní kolonáda) Type: Nature/Science Why go: This modern glass structure houses the Vřídlo geyser. The geyser shoots water up to 12 meters high. You can also tour the underground tunnels to see the calcification process. Best for: Science enthusiasts and curious travelers. Where: Divadelní náměstí. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Entry is free; underground tours have a small fee. Getting there: Located right next to the church of St. Mary Magdalene. Tip: The water here is very hot (72°C), so be careful. Check our guide to the Hot Spring Colonnade tour attractions.
3. Name: Market Colonnade (Tržní kolonáda) Type: History/Legend Why go: This white wooden structure looks like delicate lace. It stands on the site of the oldest baths in the city. Legend says Emperor Charles IV healed his legs at the spring here. Best for: History buffs and romantics. Where: Tržiště street. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A few steps from the Hot Spring Colonnade. Tip: Look for the relief depicting the legend of the city's discovery above the Charles IV Spring.

Museums of Craft and Tradition

Attributes like crystal glass and herbal liqueur put this city on the global map. The local craftsmanship is legendary. Visiting these museums gives you insight into Czech traditions. They are perfect for rainy afternoons or cultural deep dives.

These attractions often require tickets. It is smart to check opening times in advance. You can often buy souvenirs directly from the source. The quality is guaranteed.

4. Name: Moser Glassworks Type: Museum/Factory Why go: Moser is known as the "Glass of Kings." You can watch master glassblowers shape molten crystal in the factory. The museum displays over 160 years of artistic glass history. Best for: Art admirers and shoppers. Where: Kapitána Jaroše 46/19, Dvory. Time: 1.5–2 hours. Cost: Approx. 300 CZK for a combined tour. Getting there: Take bus no. 1 or 2 from the center. Tip: Book your factory tour in the morning when the furnaces are most active. See our Moser Glassworks visitor guide for details.
5. Name: Jan Becher Museum Type: Food/Drink Why go: Discover the secret history of Becherovka, the famous Czech herbal liqueur. The tour includes the original cellars and historic barrels. It ends with a tasting of various products. Best for: Foodies and adult groups. Where: T. G. Masaryka 57. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Approx. 200 CZK. Getting there: Located near the main bus station (Tržnice). Tip: The 13th spring refers to Becherovka itself; do not miss the gift shop. Plan your visit with our Jan Becher Museum tour insights.
6. Name: Karlovy Vary Museum Type: History Why go: This regional museum offers a comprehensive look at the spa town's evolution. Exhibits cover geology, balneology, and the golden age of the spa industry. It is less crowded than other spots. Best for: Serious history students. Where: Nová louka 23. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Small admission fee (approx. 60-100 CZK). Getting there: Near the Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: They often host interesting temporary art exhibitions.

Grand Architecture and Spiritual Sites

The skyline of Karlovy Vary is punctuated by spires and domes. Religious diversity has always been part of the city's cosmopolitan history. Wealthy visitors from Russia and Western Europe funded magnificent churches. Today, these buildings are architectural gems.

Beyond churches, the city boasts impressive secular buildings. The hotels and theaters here are cultural monuments in their own right. They have hosted movie stars and monarchs for centuries.

7. Name: Orthodox Church of St. Peter and Paul Type: Sight/Religion Why go: Its golden onion domes are visible from far away. The interior is rich with majolica ornaments and icons. It was modeled after a Byzantine-Russian church near Moscow. Best for: Art lovers and spiritual seekers. Where: Krále Jiřího 2c. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small donation requested. Getting there: A steep walk or short taxi ride from the center. Tip: Dress modestly when entering the sanctuary. Read about the Orthodox Church of St. Peter and Paul history.
8. Name: Church of St. Mary Magdalene Type: Sight/Religion Why go: This is a masterpiece of High Baroque architecture. It features a unique oval floor plan and stunning altar paintings. The underground crypt holds skeletal remains from an old cemetery. Best for: Architecture students. Where: Náměstí Svobody. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Church is free; crypt tours have a fee. Getting there: Right next to the Vřídlo geyser. Tip: Visit during a concert to hear the excellent acoustics. Learn more about the St. Mary Magdalene Church interior.
9. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: Sight/Hotel Why go: This hotel is the definition of luxury and history. It served as the inspiration for the movie Grand Budapest Hotel. It also featured in the James Bond film Casino Royale. Best for: Film fans and luxury lovers. Where: Mírové náměstí 2. Time: 1 hour (for coffee). Cost: Free to look; coffee is pricey. Getting there: At the end of the main spa promenade. Tip: You do not need to stay there to enjoy coffee and cake in the Café Pupp. Check out the Grandhotel Pupp history and films guide.

Scenic Viewpoints and Local Legends

The city is nestled in a deep valley surrounded by forests. Hiking up to the viewpoints provides a fresh perspective. You can see the colorful rooftops and the winding river below. These spots are connected to the legends of the town's founding.

Access ranges from easy funicular rides to moderate forest hikes. The network of trails is very well maintained. Locals use these paths for their daily exercise.

10. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: Viewpoint/Nature Why go: The tower offers the best panoramic view of Karlovy Vary. You can see the entire spa valley and the Ore Mountains. There is also a restaurant and a mini-zoo. Best for: Families and photographers. Where: Vrch přátelství (Friendship Hill). Time: 1–2 hours. Cost: Tower entry is free; funicular costs approx. 150 CZK return. Getting there: Take the funicular from behind Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Take the funicular up and walk down through the forest. Find details on the Diana Observation Tower funicular here.
11. Name: Deer Leap Lookout (Jelení skok) Type: Sight/Legend Why go: This is the site of the city's most famous statue, the chamois (mountain goat). Legend says a dog belonging to Charles IV fell into a hot spring here. This accident led to the discovery of the healing waters. Best for: Iconic photos. Where: Below the Diana Tower. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A short walk down from the Diana intermediate station. Tip: The statue is actually a replica; the original was destroyed by vandals long ago. Discover the Deer Leap lookout legend.
12. Name: Municipal Theatre Type: Experience/Arts Why go: The interior features a magnificent curtain painted by Gustav Klimt. It hosts regular opera, drama, and philharmonic performances. The building itself is a Neo-Baroque jewel. Best for: Culture vultures. Where: Divadelní náměstí. Time: 2–3 hours (performance). Cost: Varies by show. Getting there: Near the Hot Spring Colonnade. Tip: Even if you don't see a show, admire the facade at night.

Bonus: A Medieval Day Trip

If you have extra time, leave the city limits. Just a few kilometers away lies a completely different world. The region has deep medieval roots that contrast with the 19th-century spa architecture. This trip is easy to do in a half-day.

• Name: Loket Castle Type: Day Trip Why go: This massive 12th-century Gothic castle sits on a granite rock. The river Ohře wraps around it like an elbow (Loket). It was a favorite hunting lodge of kings. Best for: History lovers and families. Where: Town of Loket (14 km away). Time: 3–4 hours. Cost: Approx. 130 CZK entry. Getting there: 20 minutes by train or bus from Karlovy Vary railway station. Tip: Visit the torture chamber exhibition in the castle basement if you are brave.