Planning Your Day Trip from Plzeň

Getting to Karlovy Vary from Plzeň is very straightforward. The journey takes about one hour and fifteen minutes by car. You can also find frequent connections for getting from Plzeň to Karlovy Vary by bus. This is often the most relaxing way to travel. You will arrive near the city center, ready to explore.

If you prefer driving, consider the local parking rules. You should check our guide on parking in Karlovy Vary for day trippers before you leave. Most of the historic center is a pedestrian zone. Parking on the outskirts and walking in is highly recommended. This allows you to see the beautiful riverfront architecture immediately.

The Plzeň Region official site provides more details on regional travel. Karlovy Vary is a popular choice among many day trips from Plzeň. Aim to arrive by 9:00 AM to beat the tour groups. This gives you a full day to enjoy the springs and views. Wear comfortable walking shoes as the town is hilly.

Best things to do in Karlovy Vary on a day trip

This list highlights the essential experiences for a single-day visit. We have mixed iconic sights with unique local culture. Here are the top activities to include in your itinerary.

• Best overall: Mill Colonnade
• Best for families: Diana Observation Tower
• Best rainy-day: Jan Becher Museum
• Best free: Tasting the mineral springs

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 and photographers. Where: On the bank of the Teplá River. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A short walk from the town center. Tip: Look for the statues representing the twelve months of the year.
2. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers the best panoramic views of the entire spa valley. You can see the lush forests surrounding the town. Best for: Nature lovers and active travelers. Where: On the hill above Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free entry to tower; funicular has a small fee. Getting there: Take the funicular from near Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Walk the forest paths back down to the town for extra scenery.
3. Name: Jan Becher Museum Type: Museum Why go: Learn the history of Becherovka, the famous Czech herbal liqueur. The tour includes a tasting session of different varieties. Best for: Adults and foodies. Where: T.G. Masaryka street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Approximately 300 CZK. Getting there: Located near the main bus station. Tip: Book your tour in advance as slots fill up quickly.
4. Name: Market Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: A beautiful white wooden structure built in Swiss style. It houses the Charles IV Spring, named after the city's founder. Best for: History buffs. Where: Near the Hot Spring Colonnade. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Easily reached by walking along the river. Tip: Notice the relief above the spring depicting the discovery of Karlovy Vary.
5. Name: Hot Spring Colonnade (Vřídlo) Type: Sight Why go: See the Vřídlo geyser, which shoots water up to 12 meters high. It is the hottest spring in town at 72°C. Best for: Seeing a natural phenomenon. Where: Divadelní náměstí. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located in the heart of the spa zone. Tip: Take the underground tour to see the thermal spring deposits.
6. Name: Moser Glassworks Type: Experience Why go: Moser is known as the "Glass of Kings." You can watch master glassblowers create intricate crystal pieces. Best for: Craftsmanship enthusiasts. Where: Kpt. Jaroše street. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Around 350 CZK for a tour. Getting there: Take a local bus or a short taxi ride from the center. Tip: Check the museum shop for unique souvenirs.
7. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: Sight Why go: This iconic hotel served as the inspiration for the Grand Budapest Hotel. It also featured prominently in the movie Casino Royale. Best for: Movie fans and luxury seekers. Where: At the southern end of the spa district. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to view; cafe prices vary. Getting there: Walk to the end of the main riverside promenade. Tip: Enjoy a coffee and cake at the hotel's famous cafe.
8. Name: St. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church Type: Sight Why go: A stunning church with golden domes and colorful mosaics. It represents the Russian influence on the town's history. Best for: Religious art and architecture. Where: Westend district. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small donation suggested. Getting there: A 10-minute uphill walk from the Mill Colonnade. Tip: Be mindful of the dress code when entering the sanctuary.
9. Name: Elizabeth Baths (Alžbětiny lázně) Type: Experience Why go: One of the oldest public spa facilities in the city. You can book a traditional mineral bath or massage here. Best for: Relaxation. Where: Smetana Park. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Varies by treatment. Getting there: Located in the northern part of the city. Tip: Bring your own towel to save on rental fees.
10. Name: Loket Castle Type: Day trip Why go: This 12th-century medieval castle is just a few miles away. It offers a dramatic change of pace from the spa town. Best for: History and castle lovers. Where: Loket town, 15 minutes away. Time: 3 hours. Cost: Approximately 150 CZK. Getting there: Short train or bus ride from Karlovy Vary. Tip: The castle's porcelain collection is surprisingly impressive.

Practical Tips for Your Karlovy Vary Visit

When visiting, you should purchase a traditional porcelain spa cup. These are sold at almost every souvenir stall. Use the cup to sip the mineral waters directly from the springs. The Visit Czechia portal recommends drinking slowly while walking. This is the traditional way to experience the healing benefits. Be aware that the water has a strong mineral taste.

For more in-depth planning, read our Karlovy Vary spa town visiting guide. It covers the specific health benefits of each spring. Most visitors find that walking is the best way to see the town. The city is divided into the "business" and "spa" zones. The spa zone is where you will spend most of your time. This area is mostly car-free and very peaceful.

Don't forget to try a Karlovy Vary spa wafer (oplatky). These large, thin wafers come in many flavors like chocolate or hazelnut. They are best enjoyed warm from a street vendor. If you have extra time, explore the local hiking trails. The woods surrounding the town are well-marked and offer great shade. This makes Karlovy Vary a perfect year-round destination.