Quick answer

Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) is an elegant Czech spa town known for hot springs, colonnades, and film festival culture. Plan for seasonal crowds, bring comfortable shoes for hills, and know basic Czech customs and currency details.

Visa & entry requirements

• Schengen: The Czech Republic is in the Schengen Area. If you hold an EU/EEA/Swiss passport you need no visa. Many nationalities (US, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, etc.) can visit visa-free for short stays (usually up to 90 days in 180). Check the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your embassy for exact requirements and any recent changes.
• Passport validity: Typically at least 3 months beyond intended departure from Schengen and issued within the last 10 years—verify with your embassy.
• Long stays: For work, study, or long-term spa programs, contact the Czech immigration office for permits.

Best time to visit

• Late spring to early autumn (May–September): mild weather, outdoor terraces, festival season (Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in July). July is busiest.
• Autumn (September–October): fewer tourists, colorful hills, pleasant temperatures.
• Winter: cold but picturesque; spa hotels often run winter wellness specials. Some attractions close or have reduced hours.

Safety tips

• Karlovy Vary is generally very safe for tourists. Usual precautions apply:
  • Watch for pickpockets in crowded areas and at transit hubs.
  • Keep valuables in a safe or hotel safe. Use RFID-blocking wallets if you like.
  • Follow posted signs around hot springs and pools—water is very hot and some springs are not for drinking.
  • If hiking nearby, bring water, appropriate footwear, and a map/GPS.

Local customs & etiquette

• Greeting: A polite handshake and eye contact are common. Formalities matter in older generations.
• Language: Czech is the official language. Many people speak English in tourist areas; learning a few Czech phrases (dobrý den = hello, prosím = please/you’re welcome, děkuji = thank you) is appreciated.
• Tipping: Service charges sometimes included; otherwise 5–10% in restaurants is normal. Round up taxi fares.
• Dress: Smart-casual is fine for restaurants and spa hotels; bring swimwear for spa pools and spa robes are often provided.

Currency & payments

• Currency: Czech koruna (CZK). Euro is accepted in very few places; change will usually be given in CZK.
• Cards: Widely accepted (Visa, Mastercard). Small shops, market stalls, and some buses may prefer cash.
• ATMs: Readily available; use bank ATMs to avoid high fees. Notify your bank of travel to prevent card blocks.
• Exchange: Avoid airport exchange kiosks with poor rates; use bank branches or ATMs.

Transportation

• Getting there: Closest major airport is Prague Václav Havel (about 130 km). Direct buses and trains connect Prague to Karlovy Vary (travel time ~2–3 hours). Karlovy Vary has a smaller airport with limited flights.
• Local transport: The town center is compact and best explored on foot. Public buses and trams serve the city and nearby spas/neighborhoods.
• Taxis & rideshares: Use registered taxis or apps (Bolt available in many Czech cities). Agree on fare or ensure meter is used.
• Driving & parking: Roads are good but town center has restricted zones and paid parking. Many hotels offer parking; check in advance.

Must-know tips & local insights

• Hot springs and drinking colonnades: Sample mineral water from the hot spring colonnades (use the porcelain cups provided). Follow posted guidelines—some springs are extremely hot and not for drinking.
• Spa treatments: Book spa treatments and thermal baths in advance, especially during festival season or weekends. Check whether treatments require a medical referral if you want therapeutic procedures.
• Architecture & sights: Don’t miss the Mill Colonnade, Hot Spring Colonnade, Diana Observation Tower (hike or take the funicular), and the Moser Glassworks museum.
• Festivals: The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (usually July) attracts crowds and higher prices—book early if attending.
• Local food & drink: Try Czech classics (svíčková, goulash) and local Becherovka liqueur. Small cafés and patisseries are great for relaxation.
• Walking & hills: The town is hilly with cobbled streets—bring supportive shoes and a light jacket for cooler evenings.
• Day trips: Consider nearby UNESCO sites (Loket Castle), mining heritage, or a drive into the Bohemian Forest for hiking.

Practical checklist

• Passport and any necessary visa documents
• Euro/CZK cash and debit/credit cards
• Comfortable walking shoes, swimwear, and a lightweight jacket
• Travel insurance covering medical and cancellations
• Copies of hotel/reservation confirmations and transport tickets

Enjoy the restorative atmosphere, thermal springs, and elegant architecture—book spa treatments and key restaurants in advance during peak season for the best experience.