Essential Jan Becher Museum Visitor Guide for 2026

The Jan Becher Museum is located in the heart of the city. It sits in the original factory building where Becherovka was made for decades. Visitors can see the historic cellars and old production equipment. The tour explains how the liqueur is crafted using a secret blend of herbs. You can find more details on the Karlovy Vary Official Tourism website. Most tours include a guided walk through the interactive exhibits. You will see short films and vintage bottle designs from the past century.

A highlight of every visit is the tasting session at the end. You can sample different varieties of Becherovka, including the classic and Cordial versions. The museum shop is also a great place to buy unique souvenirs. You can find special gift sets that are not available elsewhere. It is best to check the Visit Czechia portal for seasonal events. The museum is quite popular, especially during the summer film festival. Always book your tickets online to secure a spot in your preferred language.

• Best overall: Jan Becher Museum Tour
• Best for families: Diana Observation Tower
• Best rainy-day: Moser Glassworks
• Best free: Mill Colonnade

10 Best Things to Do Near the Jan Becher Museum

Karlovy Vary is a walkable city with many treasures. Most of the top sights are located within a short distance of each other. You can easily combine a museum visit with a walk through the historic colonnades. Here are the top ten experiences you should not miss during your trip.

1. Name: Jan Becher Museum Type: Museum Why go: It is the home of the world-famous Czech herbal liqueur. Best for: Liqueur lovers and history buffs. Where: T. G. Masaryka Street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: 200–300 CZK. Getting there: 10-minute walk from the main bus station. Tip: Visit the Stein Bar after your tour for a Becherovka cocktail.
2. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: This is the largest and most famous colonnade in the city. Best for: Architecture fans and casual walkers. Where: Spa center. Time: 30–45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk 15 minutes from the Jan Becher Museum. Tip: Read about the Mill Colonnade history and springs before you go.
3. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers the best panoramic views of the entire valley. Best for: Families and photographers. Where: On the hill above Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 1–2 hours. Cost: Tower is free; funicular has a small fee. Getting there: Use the Diana Observation Tower funicular guide for transport details. Tip: There is a mini-zoo and a butterfly house at the top.
4. Name: Moser Glassworks Type: Museum/Experience Why go: See how "the glass of kings" is hand-blown and engraved. Best for: Art lovers and luxury shoppers. Where: Kpt. Jarose Street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: 150–300 CZK for the Moser Glassworks museum and tour. Getting there: Take bus number 1 or 22 from the center. Tip: The glassworks shop offers worldwide shipping for your purchases.
5. Name: Hot Spring Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: Witness the Vridlo geyser shooting hot water 12 meters high. Best for: Nature enthusiasts and spa seekers. Where: Divadelni Square. Time: 20–30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A 20-minute walk through the pedestrian zone. Tip: Check out the Hot Spring Colonnade Vridlo geyser underground tour.
6. Name: Market Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: A beautiful white wooden structure built in Swiss style. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Near the Hot Spring Colonnade. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk along the Tepla River from the museum. Tip: Try the Charles IV Spring located right inside the building.
7. Name: Deer Jump Lookout Type: Nature/Viewpoint Why go: See the iconic chamois statue that symbolizes the city. Best for: Hikers and active travelers. Where: Forested hills above the center. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the forest trails from the Diana funicular station. Tip: The path is steep, so wear comfortable walking shoes.
8. Name: Orthodox Church of St. Peter and Paul Type: Architecture Why go: A stunning church with gold domes and vibrant colors. Best for: Culture and history lovers. Where: Westend residential district. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small donation suggested. Getting there: 15-minute walk uphill from the museum. Tip: Respect the dress code by covering your shoulders inside.
9. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: Iconic Landmark Why go: This world-famous hotel was a filming location for James Bond. Best for: Luxury seekers and film fans. Where: Mirove Square. Time: 30 minutes (for coffee). Cost: Free to view; cafe prices vary. Getting there: Walk to the end of the spa district. Tip: Read about the Grandhotel Pupp architecture and history before visiting.
10. Name: Imperial Baths Type: History Why go: Explore the most luxurious bathhouse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Best for: History buffs and design enthusiasts. Where: Near the Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Approx. 250 CZK. Getting there: 25-minute walk from the Jan Becher Museum. Tip: Book the Imperial Baths Cisarske Lazne tours to see the Zander Hall.

Planning Your Trip to Karlovy Vary

Most visitors arrive in Karlovy Vary by bus or train from Prague. The journey takes about two hours and offers scenic views. You can check schedules on the Dopravní podnik Karlovy Vary website for local transit. The city is very safe and easy to navigate on foot. Most of the main attractions are located in the pedestrian spa zone. Cars are generally restricted in the historic center to keep it peaceful. Parking is available in large garages on the outskirts of the town.

The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn months. The weather is mild and the crowds are smaller than in summer. July is very busy due to the International Film Festival. If you visit in winter, the town looks magical under a layer of snow. Be sure to try the local spa wafers while you walk. They are thin, round, and come in many delicious flavors. Always carry a small porcelain cup for tasting the thermal mineral waters. These cups are sold at almost every souvenir stall in town.