Exploring the Orthodox Church of St. Peter and Paul

The Orthodox Church of St. Peter and Paul is a masterpiece located in the Westend district. It was built in the late 19th century for wealthy Russian guests. These visitors came to the city for spa treatments. The church stands out with its bright blue walls and five golden domes. It is a great example of Byzantine-style architecture in Central Europe. You can find many cultural attractions in Karlovy Vary, but this is one of the most colorful.

Inside, the church is just as impressive as the outside. You will see beautiful icons and a rich wood-carved iconostasis. This was a gift from the Russian Tsar. The interior feels quiet and sacred. It offers a break from the busy colonnades downtown. Please remember to dress modestly when you enter. Women should cover their shoulders, and men should remove their hats. This shows respect for the local religious traditions.

The church is surrounded by lush green forests and elegant villas. It is a short walk uphill from the main spa area. The walk provides great views of the valley below. You can take photos of the domes from different angles. The light in the late afternoon makes the gold shine brightly. It is a perfect spot for photography lovers visiting the city. This site is a key part of the city's rich history.

12 Best Things to Do in Karlovy Vary

Here are the top things to do during your stay. This list includes iconic sights and hidden gems. Use these picks to plan your daily itinerary. Many of these spots are part of the UNESCO World Heritage site. Here are the best places to visit.

• Best overall: Mill Colonnade
• Best for families: Diana Observation Tower
• Best rainy-day: Moser Glassworks
• Best free activity: Drinking from the mineral springs

1. Name: Orthodox Church of St. Peter and Paul Type: sight Why go: To see the stunning Russian architecture and golden domes. Best for: History and photography fans. Where: Westend district. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free, but donations are welcome. Tip: Visit during the morning for the best light on the facade.
2. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: sight Why go: It is the largest colonnade in the city with 124 columns. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: City center. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A short walk from the town center. Tip: Read about the Mill Colonnade architecture and history before you go.
3. Name: Moser Glassworks Type: museum Why go: To see how famous Czech crystal is made by hand. Best for: Craftsmanship enthusiasts. Where: Kpt. Jaroše street. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate fee for tours. Tip: Book the Moser Glassworks visitor guide tour in advance.
4. 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: Moderate, includes a tasting. Tip: Take the Jan Becher Museum tour to learn the secret recipe history.
5. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: sight Why go: This luxury hotel inspired the movie Casino Royale. Best for: Film fans and luxury seekers. Where: Southern end of the spa zone. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free to view, expensive to stay. Tip: Explore the Grandhotel Pupp history and films connection over coffee in the cafe.
6. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: It offers the best panoramic views of the entire city. Best for: Families and hikers. Where: On the hill above Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Tower is free; funicular has a small fee. Tip: Use the Diana Observation Tower funicular to save your legs.
7. Name: Hot Spring Colonnade Type: sight Why go: To see the Vřídlo geyser shooting water 12 meters high. Best for: Nature and science fans. Where: Near the church of St. Mary Magdalene. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Join a Hot Spring Colonnade tour to see the underground springs.
8. Name: St. Mary Magdalene Church Type: sight Why go: A beautiful Baroque church with a unique underground crypt. Best for: Religious history. Where: Directly across from the Hot Spring. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free for the main nave. Tip: Look at the St. Mary Magdalene Church interior for stunning altarpieces.
9. Name: Market Colonnade Type: sight Why go: A rare and beautiful white wooden structure. Best for: Quick photo stops. Where: Between the Mill and Hot Spring colonnades. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Check the Market Colonnade wooden architecture at night when it is lit up.
10. Name: Deer Leap Lookout Type: viewpoint Why go: To see the famous statue of a chamois overlooking the town. Best for: Hikers and legend seekers. Where: Forest paths above the city. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Tip: Read the Deer Leap Lookout legend before your hike.
11. Name: Karlovy Vary Museum Type: museum Why go: To understand the long history of the spa and the region. Best for: History buffs. Where: Near the theater. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Small entry fee. Tip: View the Karlovy Vary Museum exhibitions on local folklore.
12. Name: Loket Castle Type: day trip Why go: A medieval fortress located just 15 minutes away. Best for: History and day trips. Where: Loket village. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Tip: Take a local bus or train for a quick journey.

Practical Tips for Visiting Karlovy Vary

Getting to Karlovy Vary is very easy from Prague. You can take a direct bus or a train. The Karlovy Vary railway station official site provides updated schedules. Most people prefer the bus because it is faster. Once you arrive, the city is very walkable. The main spa area is mostly for pedestrians only. This makes it safe and pleasant for walking.

If you need to use public transport, the local buses are reliable. You can find maps at the Dopravní podnik Karlovy Vary website. Tickets are cheap and easy to buy. For those flying in, the Karlovy Vary Official Tourism site has flight info. The airport is small but serves several European cities. It is a great way to start your trip.

The best time to visit is during the spring or fall. The weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. Summer can be very busy, especially during the film festival. Winter is quiet but can be very cold and snowy. Always bring comfortable walking shoes for the hills. You will do a lot of walking on cobblestone streets. This will help you enjoy the sights without tired feet.