Why visit the Teplá River promenade?

The promenade is the heart of the city's social life. It follows the river through the main valley. The area is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will see colorful buildings and grand colonnades as you walk. It is a flat path that is easy for everyone to navigate.

Many people start their journey on the Teplá River valley walkway. This route connects the main springs with the lush forests. Along the way, you can stop for a coffee or a traditional spa wafer. The sound of the river makes every break feel peaceful. It is a great place to people-watch and relax.

In 2026, the cafe culture here remains vibrant and welcoming. Most staff speak English and offer menus in multiple languages. You can find everything from historical grand cafes to modern specialty coffee shops. The views of the river and the hills are always included. It is the perfect setting for a morning brew or an afternoon treat.

Top 10 best cafes along Teplá river promenade Karlovy Vary

Here are our top picks for the best cafes along Teplá river promenade Karlovy Vary. These spots offer a mix of great coffee, tasty food, and stunning views.

• Best overall: Grandhotel Pupp - Café Pupp
• Best for views: Hotel Thermal Terrace
• Best for families: Bagel Lounge
• Best for specialty coffee: Republica Coffee

1. Name: Grandhotel Pupp - Café Pupp Type: Iconic sight Why go: This is the most famous cafe in the city. It offers a classic imperial atmosphere. Best for: Luxury lovers and film fans. Where: Mírové náměstí. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: High. Getting there: Walk to the southern end of the promenade. Tip: Try the signature Pupp cake, it is a local legend.
2. Name: Café Elefant Type: Historical experience Why go: It is one of the oldest cafes in Karlovy Vary. The gold decor is very impressive. Best for: History buffs and dessert fans. Where: Stará Louka. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Located right on the main walking street. Tip: The outdoor seating is perfect for seeing the river.
3. Name: Republica Coffee Type: Modern experience Why go: They serve the best specialty coffee in town. It is a cozy and modern spot. Best for: Coffee enthusiasts. Where: T. G. Masaryka. Time: 30-60 minutes. Cost: Affordable. Getting there: Near the main shopping area. Tip: Ask about their rotating single-origin beans.
4. Name: Bagel Lounge Type: Casual activity Why go: Great for a quick and filling lunch. They have many sweet and savory options. Best for: Families and quick bites. Where: T. G. Masaryka. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Affordable. Getting there: Easy walk from the river. Tip: The salmon bagel is a crowd favorite.
5. Name: Freedom Café Type: Viewpoint/Nature Why go: It has a very relaxed vibe and great river views. The interior is full of plants. Best for: Digital nomads and young travelers. Where: Zahradní. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Near the Dvořák Park. Tip: Try their homemade lemonades in the summer.
6. Name: Lékárna Cafe Type: Unique experience Why go: This cafe is located in a beautiful former pharmacy. The architecture is stunning. Best for: Design lovers. Where: Tržiště. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Near the Market Colonnade. Tip: Look at the original wooden cabinets inside.
7. Name: Hotel Thermal Terrace Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers the best panoramic view of the river valley. The building is a famous brutalist icon. Best for: Photographers. Where: I. P. Pavlova. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Take the elevator to the terrace level. Tip: Go at sunset for the best photos of the city.
8. Name: Cafe Restaurant Atrium Type: Indoor experience Why go: A peaceful spot inside a glass-covered courtyard. It is very quiet and elegant. Best for: Romantic dates. Where: Stará Louka. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Moderate to high. Getting there: Inside the Olympic Palace building. Tip: Perfect for a rainy day in Karlovy Vary.
9. Name: Café Bristol Type: Classic sight Why go: It feels like stepping back in time to the 19th century. The service is very formal. Best for: Traditionalists. Where: Sadová. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: A short walk uphill from the river. Tip: Their hot chocolate is very thick and rich.
10. Name: Piknik na Teplé Type: Local experience Why go: A small, friendly spot right on the river bank. They have great outdoor seating. Best for: Casual afternoons. Where: Jaltská. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Affordable. Getting there: Near the main bus station area. Tip: Grab a coffee to go and sit by the water.

Planning your Karlovy Vary cafe crawl

To make the most of your trip, start early in the morning. The promenade is quietest before the tour groups arrive. You can find the spot where the Tepla river walk starts near the main post office. From there, you can walk south towards the grand hotels. Most cafes open around 9:00 AM.

Public transport is very efficient if you want to save your energy. You can check schedules at the Dopravní podnik Karlovy Vary website. Many visitors enjoy scenic walks in Karlovy Vary between their coffee stops. The paths are well-marked and offer great exercise. It is a healthy way to balance the delicious cakes.

If you have more time, consider a short hike. The Diana observation tower hike is very popular. It starts near Grandhotel Pupp and leads to a great view. You can even take a funicular if you prefer not to walk. The view from the top shows the whole river valley. It is a must-see for any visitor.