Karlovy Vary Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
spa city in western Bohemia, Czech Republic
About Karlovy Vary
Karlovy Vary, meaning "Charles' Bath", was named after Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, who founded the city in 1370. It is famous for its hot springs and its colorful and whimsical architecture. For these reasons, it was a popular tourist destination starting in the 18th century with guests including Tsar Peter the Great, Emperor Franz Josef I, Beethoven, Goethe, Wagner, Brahms, Leo Tolstoy, and Karl Marx. Tourism ground to a halt during World War I and the city never fully regained its former glory. After World War II, the largely German-speaking city was cleared of its inhabitants and replaced with Czech settlers. Czech remains the major language today but the signs of German culture and heritage are still very evident. The three spa towns in West Bohemia – Karlovy
Top Attractions in Karlovy Vary
Explore the best things to see and do in Karlovy Vary:
- ★Castle Spa
- ★Church of St. Lucas
- ★Church of St. Peter & St. Paul
- ★Diana Lookout Tower
- ★Dvorak Autumn
- ★Elizabeth Baths
- ★Food Festival Karlovy Vary
- ★Golf Resort Karlovy Vary
Where to Eat in Karlovy Vary
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Cafe Pizzeria Venetia
- 🍴Goethe's Beer House
- 🍴Jean De Carro
- 🍴Parlament
- 🍴Steakhouse Sklipek
Where to Stay in Karlovy Vary
- 🏨Camping Březový Háj
- 🏨Grandhotel Pupp
- 🏨Hotel Bristol Palace
- 🏨Hotel Carlsbad Plaza
- 🏨Hotel Cordoba
- 🏨Hotel Garni Palatin
Karlovy Vary Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 11 sections including: