Quick Picks for Your Budget Trip

If you are short on time, these are the top highlights. These spots offer the best experience for zero cost. You can easily fit these into any schedule. Use these quick picks to prioritize your daily walks through the valley.

• Best Overall: Mill Colonnade (Mlýnská kolonáda)
• Best for Views: Deer Jump Lookout (Jelení skok)
• Best for Families: Dvořák Park (Dvořákovy sady)
• Best Rainy Day: Hot Spring Colonnade (Vřídelní kolonáda)

Top 10 Free Things to Do in Karlovy Vary Details

Karlovy Vary is filled with historic charm and natural beauty. Most of the famous colonnades are open to the public for free. You can also explore the surrounding hills for incredible views. Here are the best best things to do in Karlovy Vary without spending a koruna.

1. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: It is the largest and most famous colonnade in the city. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Central Riverside. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk 10 minutes from the main bus station. Tip: Look for the 12 statues representing the months of the year.
2. Name: Hot Spring Colonnade Type: Experience Why go: See the Vřídlo geyser shoot water 12 meters high. Best for: Natural wonders. Where: Near the Church of St. Mary Magdalene. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the river path toward the southern end of the center. Tip: The hall is warm, making it perfect for cold days.
3. Name: Deer Jump Lookout Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers the most iconic view of the city valley. Best for: Photographers. Where: Forested hills above the Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Hike up the marked trails starting near the funicular station. Tip: Look for the small chamois statue on the rock.
4. Name: Market Colonnade Type: Architecture Why go: A beautiful white wooden structure with intricate carvings. Best for: History buffs. Where: Opposite the Hot Spring Colonnade. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk along the main pedestrian zone. Tip: Taste the Charles IV Spring located inside.
5. Name: Park Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: A delicate wrought-iron structure located in a lush park. Best for: Relaxing. Where: Dvořák Park. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located at the northern entrance to the spa zone. Tip: The Snake Spring here is cooler and easier to drink.
6. Name: Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral Type: Religious Why go: A stunning Orthodox church with bright gold domes. Best for: Culture. Where: Westend district. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: Walk uphill from the Park Colonnade. Tip: Modest dress is required to enter the interior.
7. Name: Dvořák Park Type: Nature Why go: Perfect for a picnic or a quiet rest under old trees. Best for: Families. Where: Near the Thermal Hotel. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: It is the first major park you see when entering the center. Tip: There are plenty of benches for people-watching.
8. Name: Diana Tower Forest Trails Type: Nature Why go: Miles of well-marked walking paths through the woods. Best for: Hikers. Where: The hills surrounding the city. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Free (tower entry is also free). Getting there: Walk the paths from the Deer Jump or Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Use the Karlovy Vary Official Tourism maps for trail info.
9. Name: Svatoš Rocks Type: Day trip Why go: Massive granite pillars that look like a petrified wedding party. Best for: Outdoor adventure. Where: 7km outside the city. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk or cycle the trail along the Ohře river. Tip: This is a popular spot for local rock climbers.
10. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Walk Type: Sight Why go: See the exterior of the hotel that inspired Wes Anderson. Best for: Film fans. Where: Southern end of the spa zone. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk to the very end of the main pedestrian street. Tip: You can walk through the lobby for free to see the grand decor.

How to Explore Karlovy Vary Without Spending Money

The best way to save money is to walk. Karlovy Vary is a very pedestrian-friendly city. Most major sights are within a two-mile stretch along the Teplá River. You can easily plan what to do in Karlovy Vary for a day just by walking. The forest trails are also free and offer great exercise.

Drinking the mineral water is also free. You do not need to pay for the water at any of the 15 public springs. Local shops sell porcelain cups, but you can use your own bottle. Just be careful, as the water can be very hot. Check the Visit Czechia website for seasonal festival dates. Many festivals offer free outdoor concerts or screenings.

Public transport is affordable if you need it. However, most tourists stay in the central area. If you arrive by train, the walk to the center is scenic. You can check the Karlovy Vary railway station official site for arrival times. Always carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated for free.