Walk the James Bond Casino Royale Locations Walking Route
Karlovy Vary is a stunning spa town in the Czech Republic. It became famous as the backdrop for the 2006 film Casino Royale. Fans often search for the James Bond Casino Royale locations walking route to see these spots. Most of the "Montenegro" scenes were actually filmed right here. This guide helps you find the exact places where Daniel Craig's Bond walked. You can see grand hotels, historic spas, and beautiful colonnades on this tour.
Planning Your James Bond Walking Route
Starting your tour is easy from the main town center. Most locations are within a short walk of each other. You should wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestone streets. The town is very hilly in some sections.
You can arrive at the Karlovy Vary railway station from Prague. The train journey offers scenic views of the Bohemian countryside. From the station, a short bus ride or walk leads to the historic district. Many visitors prefer visiting during the spring or autumn months.
Check the Karlovy Vary Official Tourism site for local event updates. Some buildings may have limited access during the annual film festival. Plan for at least four hours to see everything at a relaxed pace. Here are some quick picks for your trip:
- Best overall: Grandhotel Pupp
- Best for families: Mill Colonnade
- Best rainy-day: Císařské lázně
- Best free spot: Teplá River banks
The James Bond Casino Royale Locations Walking Route
This Karlovy Vary filming locations walking tour covers the most iconic 007 spots. Each location played a major role in the movie. You will recognize the grand architecture from the high-stakes poker scenes. Most spots are free to view from the outside.
- Name: Karlovy Vary Railway Station (Horní nádraží) Type: sight Why go: This station stood in for the train station in Montenegro where Bond and Vesper arrive. Best for: Film buffs Where: Northern part of the city Time: 15 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Walk from the city center or take a local bus. Tip: Look at the platforms to match the camera angles from the movie.
- Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: experience Why go: This famous hotel served as the "Hotel Splendide" where Bond and Vesper stayed. Best for: Luxury seekers Where: Mírové náměstí Time: 1 hour Cost: Free to view, price of a drink inside Getting there: Follow the river to the southern end of the spa zone. Tip: Visit the Malá Dvorana bar for a drink in a Bond-like atmosphere.
- Name: Císařské lázně (Imperial Spa) Type: sight Why go: The exterior and interiors were used as the "Casino Royale" gambling hall. Best for: Architecture lovers Where: Near Grandhotel Pupp Time: 45 minutes Cost: Small fee for interior tours Getting there: Located just across the park from Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Check the 2026 tour schedule as the building was recently renovated.
- Name: Pupp Cafe Type: experience Why go: Bond and Vesper shared a tense dinner scene in this elegant cafe. Best for: Foodies Where: Inside Grandhotel Pupp Time: 1 hour Cost: Moderate Getting there: Part of the main hotel complex. Tip: Try the traditional Pupp cake while you enjoy the view.
- Name: Mlýnské nábřeží (Mill Embankment) Type: sight Why go: This scenic riverside path appears in several transition shots of the town. Best for: Photography Where: Along the Teplá River Time: 30 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: This is the main pedestrian thoroughfare of the town. Tip: Visit at sunset for the best lighting on the colorful buildings.
- Name: Mill Colonnade Type: sight Why go: It provides a classic European backdrop for the "Montenegro" setting. Best for: Sightseeing Where: Central spa area Time: 20 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Walk north from the Grandhotel Pupp along the river. Tip: Taste the local mineral springs found under the stone arches.
- Name: Market Colonnade Type: sight Why go: This wooden structure is seen in the background of the town's street scenes. Best for: History fans Where: Near the Plague Column Time: 15 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Located between the Mill and Sprudel colonnades. Tip: Look for the intricate white woodwork which looks great in photos.
- Name: Loket Town Square Type: day trip Why go: This nearby town square was the location where Bond meets Mathis. Best for: Day trippers Where: Loket (15km from Karlovy Vary) Time: 2 hours Cost: Free Getting there: Take a 20-minute bus or train from Karlovy Vary. Tip: Sit at the outdoor cafe tables to recreate the movie scene.
- Name: Loket Castle Type: sight Why go: The castle towers over the square seen in the movie's meeting scene. Best for: History lovers Where: Loket Time: 1.5 hours Cost: Moderate entrance fee Getting there: Walk up from the Loket town square. Tip: The view from the top of the tower is spectacular.
Beyond Bond: More Karlovy Vary Filming Spots
Karlovy Vary is a favorite for many international filmmakers. You can find a best walking tour route in Karlovy Vary that covers other movies too. For example, the movie Last Holiday was filmed extensively at the Grandhotel Pupp. You can follow a Last Holiday filming spots in Karlovy Vary walk to see where Queen Latifah stayed.
The city is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre list of Great Spa Towns of Europe. This status protects the beautiful buildings you see on screen. It ensures the town keeps its 19th-century charm for future visitors. You can find more details on the Visit Czechia website.
If you want to explore on your own, use a self-guided Karlovy Vary walking map. This helps you find hidden alleys and smaller filming locations. The town is safe and very welcoming to tourists from all over the world. Many locals speak English and can point you toward the famous film spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Casino Royale actually filmed in Montenegro?
No, Casino Royale was not filmed in Montenegro. The production used Karlovy Vary and the nearby town of Loket to represent Montenegro. Many of the famous scenes, including the casino and hotel interiors, were shot in the Czech Republic.
Can I stay in the James Bond hotel in Karlovy Vary?
Yes, you can stay at the Grandhotel Pupp. This is the real-life hotel that served as the Hotel Splendide in the movie. It offers luxury rooms and a famous cafe that Bond fans will immediately recognize from the film.
Is the Casino Royale building a real casino?
The building used for the casino is actually the Císařské lázně, or Imperial Spa. While it looks like a casino in the movie, it is a historic spa building. It is currently used for events, exhibitions, and guided tours rather than gambling.
Exploring the James Bond Casino Royale locations walking route is a highlight for any visitor to Karlovy Vary. You can walk in the footsteps of 007 and see the grand architecture of the Czech Republic. From the halls of Grandhotel Pupp to the streets of Loket, the movie magic is everywhere. Pack your camera and enjoy this cinematic journey through a UNESCO-listed gem.
Official resources
Use these sources for official schedules, tickets, routes, and updates.
- Karlovy Vary Official Tourism — unverified: Official DMO site.
- Statutory City of Karlovy Vary — unverified: Official municipal portal.
- Visit Czechia — unverified: National tourism board.
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre — unverified: Official UNESCO listing for the city.
- Lonely Planet Karlovy Vary — unverified: Tier 3 editorial requirement.
