Quick Picks for Your Karlovy Vary Trip

If you are short on time, here are our top recommendations. These picks cover the essentials for any visitor. They ensure you see the best of the city quickly.

• Best Overall: Walking the Mill Colonnade at sunset.
• Best for Families: Riding the funicular to the Diana Observation Tower.
• Best Rainy Day: Exploring the Jan Becher Museum.
• Best Free Activity: Tasting mineral water from the public springs.
• Best Foodie Experience: Eating a warm spa wafer from a street kiosk.

10 Best Things to Do in Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary offers a mix of elegance and natural beauty. Here are ten specific experiences you should not miss. Each one highlights a different side of this historic spa town.

1. Name: Fresh Hot Spa Wafers Type: Experience Why go: You must taste the most iconic local snack while it is still warm. Best for: Food lovers Where: Kiosks near the Market Colonnade Time: 10 minutes Cost: Approx. 15-20 CZK per wafer Getting there: Walk to the pedestrian zone in the city center Tip: Check out our guide on where to buy fresh hot spa wafers for the best spots.
2. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: Iconic sight Why go: This is the largest and most famous colonnade in the city. It features 124 Corinthian columns and five springs. Best for: Architecture fans Where: Mlýnské nábřeží Time: 30-45 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Easy walk from the city center Tip: This site is part of the Great Spa Towns of Europe UNESCO listing.
3. Name: Jan Becher Museum Type: Museum Why go: Learn the history of Becherovka, the world-famous herbal liqueur made here. Best for: Adults and history buffs Where: T. G. Masaryka 57 Time: 1.5 hours Cost: Moderate (includes tasting) Getting there: Located near the main bus station Tip: Book a Jan Becher Museum tasting tour in advance to secure your spot.
4. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers the best panoramic views of the city and surrounding forests. Best for: Photographers and families Where: Vrch přátelství Time: 1-2 hours Cost: Free entry to tower; small fee for funicular Getting there: Take the Diana funicular from behind the Grandhotel Pupp Tip: There is a mini-zoo and a butterfly house at the top for kids.
5. Name: Hot Spring Colonnade Type: Iconic sight Why go: See the Vřídlo spring, which shoots water 12 meters into the air. Best for: Nature lovers Where: Divadelní náměstí Time: 20 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Central location near the Church of St. Mary Magdalene Tip: You can take an underground tour to see how the spring minerals form stone roses.
6. Name: Moser Glassworks Type: Museum/Indoor Why go: Discover the "Glass of Kings" and watch master glassblowers at work. Best for: Art and craft enthusiasts Where: Kpt. Jaroše 46 Time: 2 hours Cost: Moderate Getting there: Short bus ride from the city center Tip: The gift shop offers beautiful pieces, but they can be very expensive.
7. Name: Market Colonnade Type: Iconic sight Why go: A beautiful white wooden structure built in Swiss style. Best for: Romantic walks Where: Tržiště Time: 15 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Located just south of the Mill Colonnade Tip: Look for the Charles IV Spring, named after the city's founder.
8. Name: Orthodox Church of St. Peter and Paul Type: Iconic sight Why go: This stunning church features bright blue domes and gold accents. Best for: History and religion buffs Where: Krále Jiřího 2 Time: 30 minutes Cost: Small donation suggested Getting there: A short uphill walk from the main spa area Tip: Respect the dress code by covering your shoulders and knees.
9. Name: Loket Castle Type: Day trip Why go: A 12th-century Gothic castle located on a rocky cliff above the Ohře River. Best for: History lovers and hikers Where: Loket (12km from Karlovy Vary) Time: 4-5 hours Cost: Moderate Getting there: Take a 20-minute bus or train from the main station Tip: A day trip to Loket Castle is perfect for escaping the city crowds.
10. Name: Teplá River Walk Type: Nature/Neighborhood Why go: Follow the river through the heart of the city to see grand hotels and boutiques. Best for: Casual strolling Where: Along the Teplá River Time: 1 hour Cost: Free Getting there: The main path through the tourist zone Tip: Stop at a cafe along the way for a coffee and a wafer.

How to Enjoy Traditional Karlovy Vary Spa Wafers

The story of traditional Karlovy Vary spa wafers began in the 18th century. Local cooks originally made them for spa guests. These wafers are very thin and usually come in two layers. A sweet filling of sugar and nuts holds them together. Today, you can find many modern flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and cinnamon.

For the best experience, eat them while they are hot. Many kiosks use special irons to heat them for you. This makes the filling melt slightly and the wafer extra crispy. If you want to take some home, they are sold in colorful boxes. You can read about the best flavor of Czech spa wafers to try before you buy.

These treats are more than just food. They are a symbol of the city's relaxation culture. They are light enough to eat while you follow the karlovy vary drinking cure guide. The combination of warm mineral water and sweet wafers is a local tradition. It is a unique sensory experience you will always remember.

Planning Your Visit to West Bohemia

Visiting Karlovy Vary is easy and rewarding. Most people arrive by bus or train from Prague. The journey takes about two hours. Once you arrive, the city is very walkable. You can also use the local bus system for longer distances. Check Visit Czechia for more travel inspiration across the country.

The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn. The weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. If you love movies, visit in July for the famous film festival. Winter is also magical, especially during the Christmas markets. No matter when you come, the city's charm remains constant.

Remember to bring a porcelain spa cup. You will need it to taste the mineral springs. These cups have a special spout for sipping the water. You can buy them at almost any souvenir shop. They make a great pairing with your box of wafers.