The Beauty of Orthodox Church St. Peter and Paul

The Orthodox Church St. Peter and Paul was built in the late 19th century. It served the wealthy Russian nobility who visited the spas. The design was inspired by a church near Moscow. Today, it remains an active place of worship and a top tourist site.

The church is located on a small hill. This position offers great views of the surrounding villas. You can see the golden domes shining from many parts of the city. It is a perfect spot for photography lovers.

Before you start your full tour, check these quick recommendations. They will help you prioritize your time in Karlovy Vary. Each spot offers a unique glimpse into local culture.

• Best overall: Orthodox Church St. Peter and Paul
• Best for families: Diana Observation Tower
• Best rainy-day: Jan Becher Museum
• Best free activity: Mill Colonnade

12 Best Sights Near Orthodox Church St. Peter and Paul

Karlovy Vary is easy to explore on foot. Most major attractions are within walking distance of each other. Use this list to plan your daily itinerary. These sites are recognized by UNESCO World Heritage Centre for their cultural value.

1. Name: Orthodox Church St. Peter and Paul Type: Sight Why go: It is the oldest and most important Orthodox church in the country. The architecture is stunningly detailed. Best for: Architecture fans and photographers. Where: King George Street (Krale Jiriho). Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free (donations appreciated). Getting there: A 15-minute walk from the city center. Tip: Visit during the morning for the best light on the gold domes.
2. Name: Jan Becher Museum Type: Local Experience Why go: Learn the history of Becherovka, the famous herbal liqueur. The Jan Becher Museum tour includes a tasting session. Best for: Culinary travelers. Where: T. G. Masaryka Street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walkable from the main bus station. Tip: Book your tour in advance as slots fill up quickly.
3. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: Iconic Sight Why go: This is the largest colonnade in Karlovy Vary. You can read about its design in this Mill Colonnade history guide. Best for: Relaxing walks. Where: Along the Tepla River. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located in the heart of the spa zone. Tip: Bring a porcelain cup to taste the mineral springs.
4. Name: Vřídlo Hot Spring Type: Nature Why go: See the city's most powerful geyser shooting 12 meters high. Take one of the Vridlo underground tours to see the machinery. Best for: Science and nature lovers. Where: Vridelni Street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free for the hall; small fee for underground. Getting there: Central location near the Market Colonnade. Tip: The underground tour is great for escaping the summer heat.
5. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers the most famous panoramic view of the valley. Learn about the Diana Observation Tower funicular before you ride up. Best for: Families and hikers. Where: Friendship Heights. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free tower entry; fee for the funicular. Getting there: Take the funicular from behind Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: There is a mini-zoo at the top for children.
6. Name: Imperial Spa (Císařské lázně) Type: History Why go: This building was once the most modern spa in Europe. You can plan an Imperial Spa visit to see the royal bath. Best for: History buffs. Where: Marianskolazenska Street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Located at the southern end of the spa zone. Tip: Look for the Zander Hall with its original exercise equipment.
7. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: Experience Why go: This hotel is a legend of the film industry. Check out these Grandhotel Pupp historical facts to learn about its famous guests. Best for: Luxury seekers and film fans. Where: Mirove namesti. Time: 1 hour for coffee or tea. Cost: High for dining; free to view. Getting there: Easily reached at the end of the pedestrian zone. Tip: Visit the Cafe Pupp for their signature cake.
8. Name: Moser Glassworks Type: Museum Why go: Moser glass is known as the "Glass of Kings." The Moser Glassworks museum shows the craft of glass blowing. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Kpt. Jarose Street. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Take bus 1 or 22 from the center. Tip: The gift shop offers unique but expensive souvenirs.
9. Name: Market Colonnade Type: Architecture Why go: This white wooden structure is beautifully carved. It houses the Charles IV Spring, named after the city's founder. Best for: Quick sightseeing. Where: Near the Vridlo spring. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk along the river in the pedestrian zone. Tip: It looks magical when illuminated at night.
10. Name: St. Mary Magdalene Church Type: Museum/Indoor Why go: A masterpiece of High Baroque architecture. It features a fascinating crypt and an altar made of local marble. Best for: Spiritual and history fans. Where: Namesti Svobody. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free (crypt tours have a fee). Getting there: Located right above the Vridlo spring. Tip: Attend an organ concert here for an amazing acoustic experience.
11. Name: Park Colonnade Type: Nature/Sight Why go: This cast-iron colonnade is located in a lovely green park. It is a peaceful spot away from the main crowds. Best for: Relaxing and reading. Where: Dvorak Park. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A short walk from the Mill Colonnade. Tip: Try the Snake Spring, which is the coolest in town.
12. Name: Castle Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: This tower is the last remnant of a small gothic castle. It offers a unique perspective over the Market Colonnade. Best for: History enthusiasts. Where: Zamecky vrch. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to view the exterior. Getting there: Climb the stairs near the Market Colonnade. Tip: There is a restaurant inside with a great terrace.

Planning Your Trip to Karlovy Vary

Visiting Karlovy Vary in 2026 is a great choice. The city is very safe and welcoming to international guests. Most people speak some English or German. However, learning a few Czech phrases is always appreciated by locals.

For local transport, use the Dopravní podnik Karlovy Vary services. Buses connect the train station to the spa center quickly. Most of the spa area is pedestrian-only. This makes walking the best way to see the sights.

The weather is best from May to September. During this time, the parks are in full bloom. Winters can be cold but very romantic with snow. Always check the Karlovy Vary Official Tourism site for event updates.