Karlovy Vary parks index:
Dvorak Park

The Church of Maria Magdalána is an example of fine Baroque architecture. It sits high on a hill, almost holding itself against the steep pitch overlooking the town and the Ohre River. Often steam clouds obstruct a view from below.

Shopping in Karlovy Vary
Bohemia has lead crystal mines in its hills, and Karlovy Vary glassware shops are scattered throughout town. In any given shop, you will find unique design cuts on stemware. Artistic pieces, from glass floral arrangements to chess sets, come in various colors. There seems little that cannot be done by glassmakers these days, and the crystal shops in town are a simple and fun way to wander through Karlovy Vary’s streets. Stará Louka is the town’s main shopping street, with high-end shops like Versace in a baroque setting. And, no, you won’t find the best deals along this avenue.

Karlovy Vary Restaurants
There are many cafés with outdoor seating along the Ohre River, where you’ll find traditional Bohemian cuisine and international dishes. For lunch, try the cold plate—a selection of cheeses, dark breads, and the famous Bohemian ham. Beer always goes well with this meal.

Yet Karlovy Vary is a tourist destination, and most restaurants exude that attitude and food. For good service and world-class cooking, your best choices will be to dine at one of the fashionable hotels:

Grand Hotel Pupp has the look of a palace, with a kitchen to match. International cuisine is on the menu, with many Czech specialties, including game and a spicy goulash. Mirove Namesti 2. Phone 420 353 109 111.

Restaurace U Simla, or “At the White Horse” has traditional dishes and a comfortable, intimate atmosphere. Zavodni 1. Phone 420 353 592 111.

Hotel Excelsior is a three-star hotel with a restaurant to match. Fresh fish, game meats, and goulash are its specialties. Sadová 28. Phone 420 353 222 391.

Karlovy Vary Nightlife
Czech’s love cinema, and this small spa town has two to choose from: Drahomira (Vitezna 48), and CAS (T.G. Masaryka 3).

Karlovy Vary Transportation
Karlovy Vary has two train stations and an international bus station. Its city transportation system runs on buses. You will likely stay in one of the hotels in the center of town, so transportation from one of the train stations or the bus terminal (at the main train station) is a simple matter of catching the #11 bus into town and don’t get off until it terminates in the center of town at the Ohre River.

I must recommend a horse carriage ride. For around $10 per person, a party of four can tour the town for an hour’s ride and see its architecture, famous spas, and places of interest. You’ll find carriages all around town, or they will find you!

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