Karlovy Vary is the most architecturally cohesive spa town in central Europe â a colonnaded Belle Ăpoque resort in a forested river valley, where 13 thermal springs have been drawing royalty, composers, and celebrities since the 14th century.
What to see
- The five colonnades â the Mill Colonnade (MlĂœnskĂĄ kolonĂĄda) is the grandest, a 132-meter neo-Renaissance loggia housing five springs; the Market Colonnade is the most photogenic
- The Grand Hotel Pupp â the city's most celebrated hotel, appearing as Hotel Splendide in the James Bond film Casino Royale
- The Moser Glass Museum â a Bohemian crystal manufacturer of world reputation, whose factory and museum are just outside the center
What to eat
- SvĂÄkovĂĄ na smetanÄ (beef sirloin in cream sauce) at one of the spa town restaurants
- Oplatky â the thin, round wafers produced by Karlovy Vary bakeries, eaten warm from street vendors throughout the colonnades