Why You Need a Porcelain Spa Cup

The drinking cure is a central part of the local culture. Most visitors follow a specific Karlovy Vary drinking cure guide to improve their health. Using a porcelain cup is the most authentic way to participate. Porcelain is the preferred material because it does not react with the minerals. It also keeps the water at the right temperature for longer.

The shape of the cup is very specific. The handle is hollow, allowing you to sip the water slowly. This method ensures the minerals mix with your saliva properly. It is also a beautiful souvenir to take home. You can find designs ranging from traditional floral patterns to modern minimalist styles.

9 Best Places to Buy Porcelain Spa Cups in Karlovy Vary

There are many options for shopping in the city center. You can find stalls near the springs or dedicated porcelain boutiques. Prices vary depending on the complexity of the design. Use this list to find the best spot for your style and budget.

1. Name: Mill Colonnade Souvenir Kiosks Type: sight/market Why go: This is the most iconic location with a huge variety of designs. Best for: Variety and convenience. Where: Mill Colonnade (Mlýnská kolonáda). Time: 15-30 minutes. Cost: Low to Moderate. Getting there: Walk along the main river promenade. Tip: Browse several stalls before buying to compare prices and patterns.
2. Name: Vřídlo (Hot Spring) Colonnade Hall Type: sight/experience Why go: It is the warmest place to shop during the winter months. Best for: Classic designs and central location. Where: Vřídelní kolonáda. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Low. Getting there: Located in the heart of the spa zone near the church. Tip: Check the back of the cup for the manufacturer's mark.
3. Name: Thun 1794 Porcelain Shop Type: experience Why go: Thun is the most famous Czech porcelain brand. Best for: High-quality, authentic local craftsmanship. Where: Near the Teplá river on Nová Louka. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Moderate to High. Getting there: A short walk from the Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Look for the "Bernadotte" pattern for a truly traditional look.
4. Name: Market Colonnade Gift Stall Type: sight/market Why go: This wooden colonnade offers a charming shopping atmosphere. Best for: Quick purchases between spring tastings. Where: Market Colonnade (Tržní kolonáda). Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Directly across from the Hot Spring Colonnade. Tip: These stalls often have unique wooden-themed designs.
5. Name: Sadová kolonáda (Park Colonnade) Kiosk Type: sight/market Why go: It is located in a beautiful park setting. Best for: A relaxed shopping experience away from the biggest crowds. Where: Dvořákovy sady. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Low. Getting there: Walk toward the northern end of the spa zone. Tip: This is a great spot to find smaller, travel-sized cups.
6. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Boutique Type: experience/sight Why go: This shop offers the most luxurious and elegant options. Best for: High-end gifts and premium gold-trimmed porcelain. Where: Inside the Grandhotel Pupp lobby area. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: High. Getting there: Located at the southern end of the city. Tip: Expect to pay a premium for the exclusive hotel branding.
7. Name: Diana Funicular Gift Shop Type: sight/experience Why go: You can combine shopping with a trip to the observation tower. Best for: Souvenirs with a view of the city. Where: Top station of the Diana Funicular. Time: 1 hour (including the trip). Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Take the funicular from behind Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Buy your cup here before walking back down through the forest paths.
8. Name: Hotel Thermal Shopping Passage Type: experience Why go: It offers a modern indoor shopping environment. Best for: Finding modern and unconventional cup shapes. Where: I.P. Pavlova street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Near the large outdoor swimming pool. Tip: Check here for cups that are easier to pack in a suitcase.
9. Name: Stará Louka Promenade Shops Type: sight/market Why go: This street is lined with beautiful historic buildings and boutiques. Best for: Browsing multiple shops in one walk. Where: Along the river between the theater and the Pupp. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Variable. Getting there: This is the main walking street of the city. Tip: Look for shops that also sell the famous local wafers.

What to Look for When Buying a Spa Cup

When deciding where to buy porcelain spa cups in Karlovy Vary, quality is key. Always run your finger along the rim to check for chips. Porcelain should feel smooth and look translucent under bright light. If the cup is very heavy, it might be stoneware rather than fine porcelain.

Consider the size of the cup before you buy. Most springs suggest drinking about 200ml at a time. A cup that is too large might be difficult to carry. Also, check which Karlovy Vary spring water you plan to drink. Some springs are hotter than others, so a thicker handle might be more comfortable.

How to Use Your Cup for the Drinking Cure

Once you have your cup, you must learn how to follow the drinking cure properly. Walk to one of the many springs located in the colonnades. Hold your cup under the flowing water to fill it. Do not dip the cup into the basin to keep the water clean for everyone.

Sip the water slowly while walking around the colonnade. This movement helps the minerals digest better. After you finish, rinse your cup with plain water. This prevents the minerals from building up inside the hollow handle. You can find more information on the Karlovy Vary Official Tourism website.