Things to Do in Karlovy Vary

Mill Colonnade hot-spring tasting

Join the slow shuffle under the neo-Renaissance arcade, cup in hand, as you work along the five temperature-marked springs. The warm, metallic water hits first, then a salty aftertaste lingers like seawater. The stone floor vibrates faintly from underground pressure. Locals swig the full 300 ml in one go. Follow their lead to avoid looking like a rookie.

Diana Lookout Tower forest walk

A funicular whisks you up through beech woods that smell of moss and last night's rain; from the top platform you'll see the whole snaking valley, the town's baroque towers miniaturised below. The breeze carries pine needles and, faintly, the sulphur scent drifting up from the springs. Squirrels click overhead while you catch your breath.

Moser Glass Factory blow-room visit

The furnace hits you with a dry 1 200 °C blast as glassblowers twirl glowing molten blobs into delicate goblets. You'll hear the soft puff of the blowpipe and the crackle of cooling crystal. The air smells faintly of sand and burned sugar. Seconds later the finished bowl sings when tapped, an unexpectedly clear chime that rings in your teeth.

Underground Spring Corridor tour

Drop below the colonnade into a dripping brick tunnel where the river of thermal water gushes past at 73 °C. The guide lets you touch the rock face; it's slick and warm like a mug fresh from the dishwasher. Echoing droplets and the mineral smell make the narrow passage feel halfway to a cave and halfway to a hospital steam room.

Becherovka Original Tour

In the old factory on the edge of town you'll sniff jars of clove, anise and 18 secret herbs before the guide pours a chilled shot. The liquid glints chartreuse in the glass, tasting first of Christmas cookies, then of warming spirit that glows down your throat. Vintage copper stills gleam under dim Edison bulbs and the room smells like a pharmacy crossed with a bakery.

Stará Louka: tree-lined lane of pastel pensions, quiet but two minutes from the colonnade

Divadelní náměstí: art-nouveau hotels above the theatre, handy for evening Becherovka bars

Spa quarter around the Thermal hotel: 1970s concrete colossus with indoor pool and valley views

Rybná: local neighbourhood uphill, cheaper guesthouses, morning walk down through the woods

Cihelny: golf resort outskirts, modern spa suites, you'll need a taxi or rental car

Grandhotel Pupp environs: well-known film-festival glamour, prices match the velvet lobby