Best Shops for Porcelain Spa Cups in Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary offers hundreds of designs, from classic floral patterns to modern minimalist shapes. Most shops are located in the pedestrian zone near the Teplá River. You can find everything from budget-friendly options to luxury hand-painted pieces. Here are the top locations to start your search.

• Best overall: Mill Colonnade Kiosks
• Best for quality: Thun 1794 Factory Shop
• Best for families: Market Colonnade stands
• Best luxury: Grandhotel Pupp Boutique

1. Name: Mill Colonnade Kiosks Type: sight/market Why go: This is the most iconic location with the widest variety of traditional designs. Best for: First-time visitors wanting a classic look. Where: Mill Colonnade (Mlýnská kolonáda). Time: 15–20 minutes. Cost: 150–400 CZK. Getting there: Walk along the main river path in the spa center. Tip: Look for the "Made in Czech Republic" stamp on the bottom for authenticity.
2. Name: Thun 1794 Flagship Store Type: experience/shop Why go: Thun is the largest Czech porcelain producer with centuries of history. Best for: Collectors seeking high-quality, durable porcelain. Where: Near the city theater and Vřídelní street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: 200–600 CZK. Getting there: A short walk from the Hot Spring Colonnade. Tip: They often have modern collections that you won't find at street kiosks.
3. Name: Vřídelní Kolonáda Hall Type: indoor/sight Why go: You can shop while watching the 12-meter-high geyser erupt. Best for: Rainy days or those who want to buy and fill their cup immediately. Where: Inside the Hot Spring Colonnade building. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: 180–450 CZK. Getting there: Central location, impossible to miss. Tip: Check the temperature of the spring before filling your new cup.
4. Name: Market Colonnade Souvenir Stands Type: sight/market Why go: The beautiful white wooden architecture makes for a lovely shopping backdrop. Best for: Finding cups with intricate drawings of the colonnade itself. Where: Market Colonnade (Tržní kolonáda). Time: 15 minutes. Cost: 160–380 CZK. Getting there: Located just across from the Plague Column. Tip: This area is great for photos with your new purchase.
5. Name: Sadová Kolonáda Kiosks Type: nature/sight Why go: These kiosks are located in a peaceful park setting near the Snake Spring. Best for: A relaxed shopping experience away from the densest crowds. Where: Dvořák Park (Dvořákovy sady). Time: 10 minutes. Cost: 150–350 CZK. Getting there: Walk north from the Mill Colonnade toward the park. Tip: The Snake Spring is cooler, making it easier to sip from a new cup.
6. Name: Moser Glassworks Shop Type: experience/luxury Why go: While famous for glass, they offer high-end porcelain and unique crystal drinking vessels. Best for: Travelers looking for a luxury or non-traditional souvenir. Where: Kpt. Jaroše 46/19 (main factory) or city center boutiques. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: 500+ CZK. Getting there: Take a local bus to the factory or visit the central shop near the river. Tip: Visit the museum here to see how world-class glass is made.
7. Name: Diana Lookout Tower Gift Shop Type: viewpoint/activity Why go: You get a spectacular view of the city along with your shopping. Best for: Active travelers who want a souvenir with a story. Where: At the top of the Diana funicular. Time: 1 hour (including the trip). Cost: 200–400 CZK. Getting there: Take the funicular from behind Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Buy your cup here after enjoying the forest trails.
8. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Boutique Type: luxury/sight Why go: This is one of the most famous hotels in the world. Best for: High-end shoppers and fans of James Bond movies. Where: Mírové náměstí 2. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: 400–1,000 CZK. Getting there: Located at the far end of the spa zone. Tip: Grab a coffee at the Cafe Pupp after you finish shopping.
9. Name: Imperial Hotel Gift Shop Type: sight/experience Why go: The hotel looks like a castle overlooking the entire valley. Best for: Guests staying on the hill or those visiting the spa facilities. Where: Libušina 1212/18. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: 250–500 CZK. Getting there: Take the funicular from the theater square. Tip: The views from the terrace here are some of the best in the city.

How to Choose the Best Porcelain Spa Cup

When deciding where to buy porcelain spa cups in Karlovy Vary, consider the design first. The classic shape is flat, which makes it easy to carry in a pocket or bag. Look for a handle that feels comfortable in your hand. The spout at the top of the handle should be smooth. This ensures a pleasant experience when you sip the mineral water.

Material matters for both durability and heat. High-quality Czech porcelain is the traditional choice. It keeps the water warm without becoming too hot to touch. Some shops offer glass versions, but these are less traditional. If you plan to drink mineral water properly, stick to porcelain. It is the gold standard for the local drinking cure.

Check the decorations for quality. Hand-painted cups will have slight variations, making them unique. Popular motifs include the Vřídlo geyser, local flowers, or the city's coat of arms. Make sure the glaze is even and free of cracks. A good cup should last a lifetime as a beautiful reminder of your trip.

Using Your Cup at Karlovy Vary Colonnades

Once you have your cup, it is time to visit the springs. There are over 15 public springs spread across the city. Each has a different temperature and mineral content. You can find a list of all hot springs in Karlovy Vary to plan your route. Start with the cooler springs if you are not used to the taste.

Proper etiquette is important at the colonnades. Do not touch the spring taps with your mouth or hands. Simply hold your cup under the flow to fill it. It is best to sip the water slowly while walking. This is believed to improve the health benefits of the minerals. Many visitors find this a peaceful way to see the best things to do in Karlovy Vary.

After using your cup, rinse it with plain water. The minerals in the spring water can leave a residue over time. Most porcelain cups are dishwasher safe, but hand washing is safer for gold-rimmed designs. For more information on visiting the region, check out the Visit Czechia official website. This will help you plan the rest of your Bohemian adventure.