Top 10 Sights Near the Market Colonnade

Karlovy Vary is part of the Great Spa Towns of Europe. The city center is easy to explore on foot. You will find many beautiful buildings and parks. Here are our top picks for your next trip.

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

1. Name: Market Colonnade Type: sight Why go: This is the most famous example of Market Colonnade wooden architecture. It features intricate carvings and houses three mineral springs. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Right in the historical center. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the main spa zone. Tip: Look for the relief of King Charles IV.
2. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: sight Why go: It is the largest colonnade in the city. You can read more about its grand stone pillars here. Best for: Morning walks. Where: Next to the Tepla River. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A short walk from the Market Colonnade. Tip: Look for the statues representing the 12 months.
3. Name: Vridlo Hot Spring Type: experience Why go: This is the most powerful spring in town. It shoots water up to 12 meters high. You can also take underground tours here. Best for: Science fans. Where: Vridelni street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free for the spring; paid for tours. Getting there: Located across the river from the Market Colonnade. Tip: Buy a porcelain cup nearby to taste the water.
4. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: It offers the best views of the valley. The funicular ride is a fun experience for kids. Best for: Families and photographers. Where: On the hill above the city. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Funicular fee; tower is free. Getting there: Take the funicular from near Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Visit the mini-zoo at the top.
5. Name: Jan Becher Museum Type: museum Why go: Learn about the famous Becherovka herbal liqueur. This museum tour includes a tasting session. Best for: Adults. Where: T. G. Masaryka street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Walkable from the city center. Tip: Buy a bottle in the gift shop for the best price.
6. Name: Imperial Spa (Cisarske Lazne) Type: sight Why go: This is one of the most luxurious spa buildings in the world. You can visit the restored interiors today. Best for: History buffs. Where: Near the south end of the spa zone. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Entry fee required. Getting there: Walk along the river past Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Check for evening concerts in the main hall.
7. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: sight Why go: This hotel is a world-famous landmark. It has many historical facts linked to Hollywood movies. Best for: Luxury seekers. Where: At the end of the main promenade. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to view outside; paid for cafe. Getting there: A 10-minute walk from the Market Colonnade. Tip: Have coffee and cake in the Grand Cafe.
8. Name: Moser Glassworks Type: museum Why go: See how world-class Bohemian crystal is made. The glassworks has a long history with royal families. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Kpt. Jarose street. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Entry fee for the tour. Getting there: Take a local bus from the center. Tip: Book the furnace tour in advance.
9. Name: St. Mary Magdalene Church Type: sight Why go: This is a beautiful Baroque church. It sits right in the heart of the spa area. Best for: Religious history. Where: Next to the Vridlo spring. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the Market Colonnade. Tip: Visit during a mass to hear the organ.
10. Name: Castle Tower Type: sight Why go: This tower is the only remnant of a medieval castle. It was used by Charles IV himself. Best for: Quick photos. Where: Above the Market Colonnade. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk up the stairs from the Market Colonnade. Tip: It offers a great perspective of the wooden roof below.

History of the Market Colonnade Wooden Architecture

The Market Colonnade wooden architecture was built between 1882 and 1883. It was meant to be a temporary structure. The famous architects Fellner and Helmer designed it. They used a Swiss style that was popular at the time. You can learn more about the history of the wooden structure to understand its survival. It was built over the site of the old town hall.

The structure is made mostly of wood. It features white paint and delicate carvings. These carvings look like fine lace. For many years, people wanted to replace it with stone. However, the locals loved the wooden design too much. It has been restored several times to keep it safe. Today, it is a protected monument in the Czech Republic.

Inside the colonnade, you will find three springs. These are the Charles IV Spring, the Lower Castle Spring, and the Market Spring. The Charles IV Spring is the most famous. Legend says the King discovered it while hunting. The Market Colonnade wooden architecture protects these springs for everyone to enjoy. It is a peaceful place to sit and relax.

Planning Your Visit to Karlovy Vary in 2026

Visiting Karlovy Vary is easy and relaxing. Most people arrive by train or bus from Prague. You can check the official tourism site for current events. The city is very safe for solo travelers. Most of the spa zone is a pedestrian area. This makes walking the best way to see the sights.

The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn. The weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. In 2026, expect many cultural festivals in the city. The International Film Festival is a major event in July. During this time, the city becomes very busy. If you want a quiet trip, avoid the first week of July.

When visiting the Market Colonnade wooden architecture, bring a cup. You can buy traditional porcelain cups at many stalls. They have a special spout for drinking the water. This protects your teeth from the minerals. Most springs are free to access. Remember to take small sips as the water is very warm.