Quick Picks for Karlovy Vary Visitors

Are you in a hurry? These quick picks help you find the best activities fast. Karlovy Vary is a walkable city with many unique spots. You can see the main sights in one or two days.

• Best Overall: St. Mary Magdalene Church and its underground crypt.
• Best for Families: Diana Observation Tower and the funicular ride.
• Best for History: A guided walk through the Imperial Baths.
• Best Free Activity: Tasting mineral water at the Mill Colonnade.

Top 11 Sights and St. Mary Magdalene Church Tours

Karlovy Vary is full of historic wonders. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Central Europe. Use this list to plan your daily itinerary. These items represent the best top attractions in Karlovy Vary for any traveler.

1. Name: St. Mary Magdalene Church Type: sight Why go: It is a stunning example of high Baroque style. The interior features beautiful paintings and sculptures. You can learn about Baroque architecture details of St. Mary Magdalene Church during your visit. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Near the Vridlo Colonnade. Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: Free to enter the main nave. Getting there: Walk from the city center. Tip: Visit during a scheduled mass to hear the historic organ.
2. Name: The Underground Crypt Type: experience Why go: This is the highlight of most St. Mary Magdalene Church tours. You will see an ossuary with human remains and unique mineral formations. It is a rare look at the city's foundations. Best for: History buffs. Where: Beneath St. Mary Magdalene Church. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Small fee for guided tours. Getting there: Access is through the church side entrance. Tip: Book visiting the underground crypt of St. Mary Magdalene in advance during summer.
3. Name: Vridlo Hot Spring Type: sight Why go: This is the most famous geyser in the city. It shoots hot water up to 12 meters high. You can also explore the Vridlo hot spring geyser zone to see thermal pipes. Best for: Everyone. Where: Vridlo Colonnade. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located in the central spa area. Tip: Bring a porcelain cup to taste the water at different temperatures.
4. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: sight Why go: It is the largest colonnade in Karlovy Vary. The stone structure features 124 columns and five springs. It is perfect for a scenic walk. Best for: Photographers. Where: Along the Tepla River. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walkable from any central hotel. Tip: Look up to see the twelve statues representing the months of the year.
5. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: It offers the best panoramic view of the entire valley. You can take a funicular to the top. There is also a small butterfly house and a restaurant. Best for: Families and hikers. Where: On the hill above Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Tower is free; funicular has a fee. Getting there: Take the funicular from Marianska street. Tip: Walk down the forest paths instead of taking the funicular back.
6. Name: Jan Becher Museum Type: museum Why go: Learn the history of Becherovka, the famous herbal liqueur. The Jan Becher Museum tasting tour includes samples of different varieties. It is a true local experience. Best for: Adults. Where: T. G. Masaryka street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate (includes tasting). Getting there: Walk from the main bus station. Tip: Buy a bottle here as they often have special editions.
7. Name: Moser Glassworks Type: museum Why go: Moser is known as the "Glass of Kings." You can watch master glassblowers work at the furnace. The museum shows the brand's long history. Best for: Craft enthusiasts. Where: Kpt. Jarose street. Time: 1.5-2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Take bus number 1 or 22 from the center. Tip: Check the glassblowing schedule before you go.
8. Name: Imperial Baths Type: sight Why go: This is a stunning Neo-Renaissance building. It was once the most modern spa in the world. Recently renovated, the Imperial Baths national monument is now open for tours. Best for: Luxury seekers. Where: Southern end of the spa zone. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walk past Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Visit the Zander Hall to see the amazing wooden ceiling.
9. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: neighborhood Why go: This hotel is a symbol of Karlovy Vary. It has hosted movie stars and world leaders for centuries. Even if you don't stay there, the exterior is iconic. Best for: Film fans. Where: Mirove namesti. Time: 15 minutes (exterior). Cost: Free to view. Getting there: End of the main riverside walk. Tip: Have a coffee at the Cafe Pupp to enjoy the atmosphere.
10. Name: Loket Castle Type: day trip Why go: This 12th-century Gothic castle is just 15 minutes away. It sits on a rocky cliff above the Ohre River. The village of Loket is very charming and quiet. Best for: History lovers. Where: Loket (12km from Karlovy Vary). Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Take a local bus or train. Tip: Visit the torture exhibition in the castle basement if you are brave.
11. Name: Mariánské Lázně Type: day trip Why go: This is the second-largest spa town in the region. It is famous for the Singing Fountain and the beautiful neo-Baroque colonnade. It offers a different vibe than Karlovy Vary. Best for: Relaxation. Where: 45 minutes south of the city. Time: Full day. Cost: Transport costs plus lunch. Getting there: Take a train from the Karlovy Vary railway station. Tip: Watch the fountain show, which happens every odd hour.

Practical Tips for Your Karlovy Vary Trip

Planning your visit is easy with a few tips. Most people arrive by bus or train from Prague. The journey takes about two hours. You should wear comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestones.

The city is very safe for tourists. Most locals in the tourism industry speak English. However, learning a few Czech words is always appreciated. Always carry some cash for small purchases at local markets.

For the best experience, visit during the shoulder seasons. May and September offer great weather and fewer crowds. If you visit in July, be aware of the International Film Festival. The city gets very busy during that time.