Essential Sights for Your One Day Visit

The heart of the city follows the Teplá River. Most attractions sit along this picturesque valley. You can walk from one end to the other in about thirty minutes. However, you will want to stop often for photos and water tastings. Use this Karlovy Vary city centre walking map to stay on track. Here are the top spots you should not miss.

• Best overall: Mill Colonnade
• Best for families: Diana Lookout Tower
• Best rainy-day: Moser Glass Museum
• Best free activity: Spring water tasting

1. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: This is the largest and most famous colonnade in town. It features 124 Corinthian columns and five mineral springs. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: City Center. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk along the river. Tip: Look for the 12 statues representing the months of the year.
2. Name: Market Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: A beautiful white wooden structure built in Swiss style. It houses the Charles IV Spring. Best for: History buffs. Where: Near the Hot Spring. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A short walk from the Mill Colonnade. Tip: Read the legend of the city's founding on the bronze relief.
3. Name: Vřídlo (The Hot Spring) Type: Experience Why go: This is the most powerful spring in town. It shoots water 12 meters into the air. Best for: Unique nature. Where: Hot Spring Colonnade. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located in the modern glass building in the center. Tip: Visit the underground thermal area for a small fee.
4. Name: Diana Lookout Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers the best panoramic view of the entire valley. There is a funicular that takes you to the top. Best for: Photographers. Where: On the hill behind Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free tower access; funicular has a fee. Getting there: Take the funicular near the Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Visit the mini-zoo and butterfly house next to the tower.
5. Name: Moser Glass Museum Type: Museum Why go: See how world-famous Bohemian crystal is made. You can watch master glassblowers at work. Best for: Culture seekers. Where: Western edge of the city. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate fee. Getting there: Take bus number 1, 2, or 22 from the center. Tip: Book the glassworks tour in advance.
6. Name: Jan Becher Museum Type: Museum Why go: Learn about Becherovka, the famous Czech herbal liqueur. The museum is located in the original factory. Best for: Tasting experiences. Where: Near the main bus station. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate fee. Getting there: Walk from the Tržnice bus stop. Tip: The tour includes a tasting of several Becherovka varieties.
7. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: Iconic building Why go: This luxury hotel inspired the movie "The Grand Budapest Hotel." It has hosted celebrities for centuries. Best for: Glamour. Where: Southern end of the pedestrian zone. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free to view; expensive for dining. Getting there: Follow the river to the end of the walk. Tip: Enjoy a coffee at the Cafe Pupp for a taste of luxury.
8. Name: Orthodox Church of Saint Peter and Paul Type: Sight Why go: A stunning church with golden domes and colorful mosaics. It reflects the Russian influence on the town. Best for: Art and religion. Where: Westend district. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small donation suggested. Getting there: A 10-minute uphill walk from the Mill Colonnade. Tip: Dress modestly when entering the church.
9. Name: Park Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: An elegant wrought-iron structure located in the Dvořák Park. It is very photogenic and less crowded. Best for: Quiet moments. Where: Near the Military Spa Institute. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located at the start of the Karlovy Vary colonnades walking route. Tip: Try the Snake Spring water here.
10. Name: Imperial Spa (Císařské lázně) Type: History Why go: A recently renovated neo-Renaissance masterpiece. It was once the most modern spa in Europe. Best for: History lovers. Where: Opposite Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Moderate fee for tours. Getting there: Walk to the southern end of town. Tip: Check for concerts held in the stunning atrium.
11. Name: Loket Castle Type: Day Trip Why go: A medieval fortress perched on a rock. It is only 15 minutes away from the city. Best for: History and views. Where: Town of Loket. Time: 3 hours. Cost: Moderate fee. Getting there: Take a local train or bus from the main station. Tip: Visit the torture museum in the castle basement if you are brave.

Planning What to See in Karlovy Vary in One Day

Planning your trip requires a little strategy. Most of the city center is a pedestrian zone. This means you will do a lot of walking. Wear comfortable shoes as some streets are cobbled. You can find more details on official tourism sites. Public transport is efficient for reaching the outer museums. The local transport authority provides regular bus services.

Buy a porcelain spa cup at any local shop. These cups have a special spout for drinking the mineral water. Do not drink too much water at once. The minerals are very strong and can affect your stomach. Start with small sips at each spring. Most springs are free and open 24 hours a day.

Arrive early to beat the tour groups. Most crowds appear between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. If you visit in the morning, head straight to the colonnades. Save the museums or the Diana Tower for the afternoon. This helps you enjoy the architecture without too many people in your photos.