Things To Do
in Karlovy Vary
Karlovy Vary is a storied spa town set in the rolling hills of western Bohemia. Its skyline is defined by grand colonnades, gilded facades, and the scent of mineral springs that have drawn travelers for centuries. The town’s reputation grew with the 19th-century spa culture and the annual Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.
Today it blends elegant architecture with modern wellness, art, and gastronomy for visitors seeking both relaxation and cultural enrichment.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Karlovy Vary and check into your hotel, allowing time to settle in and refresh. Start your exploration at the well-known Mineral Water Colonnade, where you can taste the unique thermal springs. Take a leisurely stroll along the Teplá River, admiring the stunning architecture of the town.
Visit the famous Mill Colonnade, where you can experience various types of mineral baths. Enjoy lunch at a traditional Czech restaurant, savoring local dishes like svíčková. Spend your afternoon pampering yourself with a relaxing spa treatment at one of the renowned spa facilities.
For dinner, choose a riverside restaurant that offers stunning views of the illuminated cityscape. Attend a classical music concert or a cultural event at the Karlovy Vary Theatre. Conclude your day with a peaceful walk along the promenade, absorbing the serene atmosphere.
Begin your day with a visit to the Jan Becher Museum, where you can learn about the history of the famous herbal liqueur. Enjoy a hearty breakfast before embarking on a guided tour of historic landmarks, including the Church of St. Mary Magdalene. Don’t forget to sample the local Becherovka!
After a morning of exploration, head to the Diana Observation Tower. Take a funicular ride to the top for breathtaking views of the beautiful landscape surrounding Karlovy Vary. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the observation deck or visit a nearby café for some local pastries.
Explore the vibrant atmosphere of the city’s main square, where you can shop for unique souvenirs. Choose a cozy restaurant for dinner, trying out some traditional Czech goulash. After dinner, savor a warm drink at a local café while listening to live music.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-15 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🧃Bottled water (0.5L) | $1-2 |
| 🚗Taxi short ride | $6-12 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $70-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich spa heritage and relaxing wellness atmosphere
- Compact, walkable center with elegant architecture
- Immediate access to forested hills and Krušné hory
- Great local cuisine, Becherovka and beer culture
- Crowds during festivals and peak summer weeks
- Hilly terrain can be tiring for some visitors
- English may be less common in more remote spots
- "Dobrý den" - Hello
- "Děkuji" - Thank you
- "Prosím" - Please / You're welcome
- "Mluvím anglicky" - I speak English
- "Kde je toaleta?" - Where is the toilet?
Places to Visit in Karlovy Vary
Visit one of these nice places.
A scenic curved colonnade along the Teplá River, perfect for capturing spa architecture, fountains, and warm light in the morning or late afternoon.
A panoramic viewpoint reached by funicular or forest trails; dramatic city views and surrounding hills, especially at sunset.
An iconic Art Nouveau and Belle Époque façade that makes for elegant exterior shots and sense of timeless luxury.
A striking church exterior and surrounding square that offers a glimpse into the town’s religious and architectural history.
Riverside paths and bridges provide reflective water shots and scenes of daily spa life along the promenades.
Food in Karlovy Vary
Karlovy Vary Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Tender beef with a creamy vegetable sauce, served with knedlíky (dumplings) and cranberries or a lemony garnish.
Must-Try!
Roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut, a Czech classic found on many menus around Karlovy Vary.
Hearty beef goulash with paprika, often accompanied by bread or dumplings; a comforting option in cooler months.
Crispy rolled pastry sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, a popular street treat in the historic center.
The famed herbal liqueur from the region; enjoy neat, on the rocks, or as a component in drinks.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A local market offering fresh produce, regional baked goods, and seasonal snacks to sample as you wander the city.
Seasonal vendors along the colonnades offering quick bites, sweet pastries, and Becherovka samples.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite greeting such as Dobrý den is appreciated; handshakes are common in formal settings.
Keep noise levels reasonable in quiet areas and religious buildings; remove hats in sacred spaces; toast with a clink of glasses while saying na zdraví.
Learning a few basic Czech phrases is valued, though English is widely understood in tourist areas.
Safety
Tipping in Karlovy Vary
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of about 5-10% is customary if service is good; some places add service charges; round up for small purchases.
Cash (CZK) is widely accepted, while credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are common in most establishments; contactless payments are convenient; small shops may prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days and plenty of outdoor concerts and events; stay hydrated, wear sun protection, and expect crowds around peak hours and festival periods.
Mild days with colorful foliage; a great time for long walks, fewer crowds, and comfortable sightseeing.
Cold but magical with possible snow; thermal waters feel especially soothing; bundle up for walks along illuminated promenades.
Blossoms and fresh produce; pleasant temperatures for outdoor exploration and spa activities.
Karlovy Vary at Night
Hiking in Karlovy Vary
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
The region's highest peak with well-marked trails, forest scenery, and panoramic lookouts suitable for a day hike.
Nearby villages offer diverse routes through hills and river valleys with charming countryside views.
Airports
How to reach Karlovy Vary by plane.
Small regional airport with connections to Prague and some European destinations; taxi or shuttle services connect to Karlovy Vary town center.
Major international hub about a 2.5–3 hour train or car journey to Karlovy Vary; frequent domestic connections and longer international options.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Residents and workers in the spa town and surrounding areas.
A mix of national and international visitors who come for the waters, scenery, and culture.
People attending festivals, concerts, and wellness events throughout the year.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular across the Czech Republic, with local clubs and friendly matches in regional towns.
Winter sport with broad local interest; arenas host games and public skating sessions.
Outdoor sports common in the Krušné hory region and along river routes.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Karlovy Vary.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most Czech menus offer vegetarian options such as dumplings with vegetable fillings, cream sauces, and seasonal salads; ask for dairy-free or egg-free adjustments where needed.