WEST BOHEMIA
West Bohemia is the historical heart of Czech spa culture, renowned for its healing thermal springs and elegant colonnades. It masterfully pairs the Belle Époque luxury of Karlovy Vary with the industrial heritage and world-famous beer of Plzeň.
This region is a tapestry of natural beauty, from the protected Slavkov Forest to the rugged borderlands. It offers visitors charming medieval castles, grand Baroque chateaus, and a deep dive into two of the country’s most iconic traditions: spas and brewing.
Most Popular Attractions
Spa Triangle & City Cores:
Mill Colonnade (Mlýnská kolonáda): The largest and most beautiful colonnade in Karlovy Vary, featuring five different mineral springs.
Hot Spring Colonnade (Vřídelní kolonáda): A modern structure protecting the Vřídlo, Karlovy Vary’s famous geyser that shoots hot water up to 12 meters high.
Plzeň’s Republic Square (náměstí Republiky): The main square in Plzeň, dominated by the Cathedral of St. Bartholomew.
Cathedral of St. Bartholomew: A Gothic masterpiece in Plzeň with the tallest church spire in the Czech Republic, offering panoramic city views.
Market Colonnade (Tržní kolonáda): A richly carved wooden colonnade in Karlovy Vary, built in the Swiss style.
Grandhotel Pupp: An iconic, stately Neo-Baroque hotel in Karlovy Vary, famous for hosting the annual International Film Festival.
Imperial Spa (Císařské lázně): A magnificent, historical Neo-Renaissance spa building in Karlovy Vary.
Great Synagogue (Velká synagoga): The second-largest synagogue in Europe, located in Plzeň, with stunning Moorish Revival architecture.
Singing Fountain: A popular attraction in the nearby spa town of Mariánské Lázně, known for its musical and light shows.
Industrial, Cultural & Modern Sites:
Pilsner Urquell Brewery: The birthplace of the world-famous Pilsner lager, offering popular tours of its historic facilities and cellars.
Brewery Museum (Pivovarské muzeum): A unique museum in Plzeň dedicated to the history of beer brewing, housed in a historic malt house.
Plzeň Historical Underground: A network of centuries-old corridors, cellars, and wells beneath the city of Plzeň.
Jan Becher Museum: Dedicated to the history and production of Becherovka, the famous Czech herbal liqueur from Karlovy Vary.
Moser Glassworks Museum: Showcases the history and exquisite craft of the luxury Moser crystal glass from Karlovy Vary.
Techmania Science Center: A large, interactive science and technology museum and 3D planetarium in Plzeň.
Nature, Viewpoints & Surrounding Countryside:
Diana Observation Tower: A lookout tower on Friendship Hill in Karlovy Vary, accessible by funicular, offering spectacular city and forest views.
Loket Castle (Hrad Loket): A stunning, perfectly preserved medieval castle from the 12th century, perched on a rock above the Ohře River near Karlovy Vary.
State Castle and Chateau Bečov: Home to the highly valuable Reliquary of St. Maurus, an exceptional goldsmith’s work.
Slavkov Forest (Slavkovský les): A protected landscape area ideal for hiking, located between the main spa towns.
Chateau Kozel: A beautiful, classical hunting manor house in the Plzeň region, surrounded by a picturesque park.
Radyně Castle Ruins: The ruins of a large Gothic castle near Plzeň, offering excellent views of the countryside.
Chateau Kynžvart: A magnificent chateau near Mariánské Lázně with a large park and a collection of historical artifacts.
Svatošské Skály (Svatoš Rocks): A protected natural formation of granite rock pillars along the Ohře River, popular for hiking and climbing.
Activities & Experiences
Go on the Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour (Plzeň): Visit the birthplace of the world’s first golden lager, see the historic cellars, and taste unfiltered, unpasteurized beer tapped directly from oak barrels.
Take the Karlovy Vary Thermal Springs Tour (Karlovy Vary): Walk the colonnades and sample the mineral-rich, healing water from the various hot springs using a traditional porcelain cup.
Walk the Plzeň Historical Underground (Plzeň): Descend into the labyrinth of medieval passages, cellars, and wells that run beneath the Old Town.
Visit the Moser Glassworks (Karlovy Vary): Take a guided tour to see how the world-famous “glass of kings” is produced, from blowing to intricate hand-cutting.
Ride the Diana Funicular and Observation Tower (Karlovy Vary): Take the funicular up to the Diana Observation Tower for stunning panoramic views of the entire spa town and surrounding forests.
Try a Becherovka Tasting (Karlovy Vary): Visit the Jan Becher Museum to learn about the history of the 38% herbal liqueur, and enjoy a tasting of this local ’13th Spring’.
Climb St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral Tower (Plzeň): Ascend the tower of the Gothic cathedral, the tallest in the Czech Republic, for a commanding view of the city and the West Bohemian region.
Hike in the Bohemian Forest (Šumava National Park): Take a day trip from Plzeň to the extensive and wild Šumava, perfect for hiking, cycling, and exploring glacial lakes.
Explore Loket Castle (Karlovy Vary Region): Visit this dramatic, well-preserved medieval castle perched on a granite massif, often used as a filming location.
Visit the Patton Memorial Pilsen (Plzeň): Learn about the historical significance of the liberation of the city and Western Bohemia by the U.S. Army in 1945.
Experience a Traditional Spa Treatment (Karlovy Vary): Indulge in a classic spa treatment, such as a peat wrap, a mineral bath, or a carbon dioxide gas bath.
Go on a Beer Spa Experience (Plzeň): Enjoy a unique relaxation treatment where you soak in a tub of natural beer ingredients like hops and yeast, often with unlimited beer on tap.
Local Tips & Transport
Public Transport is Excellent: Both cities (Karlovy Vary and Plzeň) have highly-rated public transport networks (trams, trolleybuses, and buses) for moving around the respective urban areas. In Plzeň, the historic center is very walkable; in Karlovy Vary, the spa center is a pedestrian zone.
Regional Trains/Buses: For inter-city travel within the region, and to smaller towns like Loket, regional buses (ČSAD) and the national train operator (České dráhy – ČD) are reliable and affordable. Plzeň is a major railway hub.
Hills and Funiculars (Karlovy Vary): Be aware that Karlovy Vary is quite hilly. Utilize the city’s funicular (to Diana) and public elevators for easy access to higher viewpoints.
From Prague: Direct buses (e.g., RegioJet, FlixBus) offer the quickest and most comfortable way to reach both Plzeň and Karlovy Vary from the capital.
Car for Nature: While not necessary within the cities, a rental car provides the best flexibility for exploring the wider region, including the Bohemian Forest (Šumava) and remote castles.
Embrace the Beer Culture (Plzeň): Beer is central to local life. Always try the unpasteurized tank beer in Plzeň for the freshest taste of Pilsner Urquell. It is often cheaper than bottled water in traditional pubs (hospoda).
Spa Protocol (Karlovy Vary): When drinking the thermal water, it is customary to purchase a small, spouted porcelain cup and sip the water slowly while walking between the colonnades. The healing properties are tied to the routine.
Dining Times and Tipping: Central European dining times apply: lunch around 12 PM – 2 PM, and dinner typically starting around 6 PM. Tipping around 10% is customary for good service, or simply round up the bill.
The Liberation History (Plzeň): Plzeň has a deep and publicly celebrated connection to the U.S. Army, which liberated the city in 1945. The annual Liberation Festival in May is a significant cultural event.
Hidden Gems:
- The Great Synagogue (Plzeň): The third-largest synagogue in the world, with a stunning Moorish-Romanesque interior.
- The Three Crosses (Tři kříže) (Karlovy Vary): A quieter uphill walk than Diana, offering a lovely, less-crowded panoramic view of the spa town.
- Mariánské Lázně & Františkovy Lázně: Explore the other two historic spa towns that, together with Karlovy Vary, form the beautiful “West Bohemian Spa Triangle.”
Language: The official language is Czech. While major tourist sites have English-speaking staff, learning basic phrases like Dobrý den (Hello) and Děkuji (Thank you) is appreciated by locals.
Top Restaurants
Šenk Na Parkánu [$15-$25] – Located right next to the Pilsner Urquell Brewery, this is an authentic, traditional Plzeň pub known for serving great local dishes and unpasteurized Pilsner Urquell from the tank.
Pivovar Karel IV. [$15-$25] – A popular brewpub in Karlovy Vary’s Becherplatz district, offering traditional Czech cuisine and house-brewed beer in a rustic and lively atmosphere.
Restaurace U Křížovníků [$15-$25] – A Czech restaurant in Karlovy Vary’s spa center with a traditional, medieval tavern interior, serving hearty Czech dishes and draft Pilsner Urquell.
U Salzmannů [$20-$30] – A long-standing, historic Plzeň restaurant located in the city center, famous for classic Czech gastronomy and a cozy, traditional atmosphere.
Restaurace U Draka [$15-$25] – A traditional Czech restaurant in Karlovy Vary, appreciated by locals for its authentic flavors and welcoming, unpretentious setting.
Restaurace U Gigantu [$15-$25] – A newly renovated restaurant in Plzeň, known for its extensive lunch menu, classic Czech dishes, and a large terrace.
Staroslovanská kuchyně Karlovy Vary [$15-$25] – A restaurant in the heart of Karlovy Vary, offering a wide menu of authentic, hearty Czech and Slavic cuisine at reasonable prices.
Švejk restaurant Plzeň [$15-$25] – Part of a popular chain dedicated to Old Bohemian cuisine, this Plzeň location offers a traditional, historic atmosphere and classic Czech specialties.
Plzeňka Carlsbad [$20-$30] – An official Pilsner Urquell Restaurant in Karlovy Vary, known for serving fresh, unpasteurized tank beer and a diverse menu of Czech and international cuisine.
Restaurace Sklípek [$15-$25] – A Karlovy Vary restaurant offering classic Czech meals with a focus on simple, tasty cooking and a cozy, cellar-like ambiance.
Restaurace Na Spilce [$20-$30] – Located in the courtyard of the Pilsner Urquell Brewery, this is a large, classic beer hall offering traditional Czech food and a massive selection of beer.
Vykulená sova [$15-$25] – A highly-rated, local Plzeň spot known for its fresh tank beer and modern presentation of classic pub fare like pickled cheese and utopenci (pickled sausage).
U Mansfelda [$20-$30] – A charming Plzeň restaurant with a focus on historical ambiance, serving a menu of traditional Czech dishes and regional specialties.
POTEO [$15-$25] – A local favorite in Plzeň, offering a regularly changing, great-value lunch menu alongside a selection of traditional Czech staples.
Pivovar Purkmistr [$20-$30] – A small brewery and restaurant just outside the Plzeň center, offering house-brewed craft beers and a wide menu of excellent Czech dishes in a pleasant setting.
Goethe’s Beer House [$20-$30] – Located in the center of Karlovy Vary, this spot offers traditional Czech cuisine and a large selection of draft beers in a historical setting.
Restaurace Diana [$25-$40] – Located at the Diana Observation Tower in Karlovy Vary (accessible by funicular), offering Czech cuisine with great views, a refined setting, and quality preparation.
Le Marché Karlovy Vary [$40-$70] – A highly-regarded gourmet restaurant in Karlovy Vary, offering an ever-changing daily menu based on seasonal ingredients, prepared with French-inspired techniques.
Restaurace Promenáda [$35-$60] – A top-rated restaurant in Karlovy Vary known for combining Czech cuisine with Mediterranean influences in a modern, stylish setting in the spa center.
Restaurant Embassy [$30-$50] – The in-house restaurant of the Hotel Embassy in Karlovy Vary, offering an atmospheric dining room and refined Czech-inspired dishes.
Bagel Lounge [$10-$20] – A trendy Karlovy Vary spot known for its fresh bagels, quality coffee, and light meals, providing a modern, casual alternative to traditional Czech fare.
Ventura pub – Evropák [$15-$25] – A popular, lively pub in Karlovy Vary, known for its good Czech pub food and a great atmosphere, often serving an excellent value lunch menu.
Staročeská restaurace [$15-$25] – Located in Karlovy Vary, this restaurant focuses on traditional recipes presented with a touch more care and quality ingredients.
Restaurace U Tomáše [$25-$40] – A popular Karlovy Vary choice offering a mix of Czech and international cuisine, often praised for its pleasant ambiance and excellent service.
Smíchovský Pavilon [$25-$40] – A restaurant in Karlovy Vary with a rich history, known for its focus on modern gastronomy while respecting Czech culinary traditions.
Tapas & Steak – Sabor Mediterraneo [$30-$50] – A Karlovy Vary spot offering a warm, modern atmosphere and excellent food, specializing in Spanish tapas and quality steaks.
Charleston restaurant Karlovy Vary [$30-$50] – A Karlovy Vary restaurant that blends traditional Czech flavors with modern gastronomy in a cozy and elegant environment.
Malé Versailles [$30-$50] – Located slightly outside the main spa zone of Karlovy Vary in a beautiful, classic villa setting, offering both Czech and international cuisine.
Restaurace Villa Dvorana [$30-$50] – Situated in a charming villa in Karlovy Vary, this restaurant offers elegant dining with a focus on refined Czech and European cuisine.
PiJezPi [$20-$35] – A popular Plzeň bar and eatery known for its excellent selection of craft beers and a quality, inventive menu of beer-friendly food.
Oysterium Wine & Oyster Bar [$40-$70] – A unique spot in Karlovy Vary offering high-quality oysters and fine wines, catering to a more cosmopolitan taste.
Grandrestaurant Pupp [$50-$80] – The main dining experience within the historic Grandhotel Pupp in Karlovy Vary, offering a formal, sophisticated experience with Central European heritage cuisine.
Restaurace Opera [$40-$70] – A luxurious restaurant in Karlovy Vary serving á la carte meals and a popular buffet, known for its elegant setting.
Restaurace Tusculum [$35-$60] – Offering a relaxed and cozy atmosphere near a colonnade in Karlovy Vary, focusing on high-quality ingredients and presentation.
Meat&Bone Steakhouse [$40-$70] – A Karlovy Vary steakhouse specializing in high-quality meats like Wagyu and USDA, cooked over charcoal, and also offering fresh fish and seafood.
Restaurant & Café Romance [$30-$50] – Located in the spa colonnades of Karlovy Vary, this hotel restaurant focuses on Mediterranean and modern Czech cuisine in a beautiful setting.
Pizzeria Da Pietro [$15-$25] – A well-regarded Italian pizzeria in Karlovy Vary, offering authentic Italian flavors for a less traditional but excellent meal.
Tandoor King Indian Restaurant [$20-$35] – A highly-rated Indian restaurant in Karlovy Vary, offering authentic Indian flavors, often considered a hidden gem.
Ukrajina restaurace Karlovy Vary [$15-$25] – A place to savor the rich flavors of Ukrainian cuisine in Karlovy Vary, offering a different cultural dining experience.
Café Elefant [$15-$25] – A famous, historic café in Karlovy Vary, perfect for a quality coffee and traditional Czech pastries and desserts.
Café Pupp [$15-$25] – Located in the Grandhotel Pupp, this stunning café is a must-visit for its elegant, historic interior and excellent selection of cakes and pastries.
Kolonáda Restaurant [$20-$35] – Located in the spa center of Karlovy Vary, this spot offers a pleasant setting by the Teplá River and a diverse menu of dishes with fish and meat.
Restaurace U KUBRYCHTŮ [$20-$35] – A Karlovy Vary spot for authentic Czech cuisine, known for blending traditional meals with a touch of modern culinary artistry.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Becher’s Bar (Karlovy Vary): Located within the Grandhotel Pupp, this legendary bar boasts an elegant, English club atmosphere. It’s famous for its sophisticated cocktail list, which includes the Vesper cocktail created for the James Bond film Casino Royale.
Barracuda Cocktail Bar (Karlovy Vary): Situated in the heart of the spa city, this spot is known for its skillfully crafted drinks and lively ambiance, specializing in a wide selection of rums from the Caribbean.
Dominik CAFE (Plzeň): A stylish music bar nestled in a courtyard in Plzeň’s city center. It offers great mixed drinks and a fun, photogenic terrace that’s perfect for a summer evening.
My Friends Bar (Plzeň): A long-standing, traditional cocktail bar found on Americká Street in the heart of Plzeň. It is well-known for its innovative cocktails and welcoming atmosphere, making it a local favorite since 2004.
Cavino (Plzeň): Located in the bustling city center of Plzeň, this bar showcases a creative menu of cocktails featuring the favorite drinks of the local barmen.
Zapa Bar Plzeň (Plzeň): Experience a vibrant nightlife spot in Plzeň known for serving innovative cocktails in a lively environment, popular with those looking for a modern bar experience.
Forestbar (Plzeň): Plzeň’s premier destination for unique drinks and a vibrant social scene, featuring a beautiful garden setting right in the center of the city.
Le Consulat (Plzeň): Offers a refined cocktail experience in Plzeň, often praised for its excellent service and classic mixed drinks in an upscale setting.
D. Hopper Bar (Karlovy Vary): A cozy and inviting spot in Karlovy Vary, offering a perfect place for relaxation with delightful drinks in a charming atmosphere.
MōōVEMENT (Plzeň): An alternative/modern cultural bar in Plzeň that combines a refreshing cocktail menu with musical productions from local DJs, creating a dynamic setting.
The Lounge (Plzeň): Features a modern, fully mirrored interior in Plzeň, specializing in high-quality cocktails accompanied by shisha/hookah.
Cafe bar Al Capone (Plzeň): Located in Plzeň, this spot blends a relaxed café culture by day with a lively nightlife experience, offering a range of classic drinks.
funky Monkey (Plzeň): A vibrant lounge and bar in Plzeň, known for its delicious cocktails and lively atmosphere that’s great for socializing.
Republica Bar (Karlovy Vary): A lively spot in Karlovy Vary promising great drinks and a vibrant atmosphere, ideal for visitors looking to socialize.
Loft Bar & Breakfast (Karlovy Vary): While also serving breakfast, this venue transforms into a cozy bar in Karlovy Vary, offering a laid-back ambiance for evening drinks.
Club 21 (Plzeň): One of Plzeň’s best music clubs for dance lovers, featuring two separate dance floors—one for rock music and another for Latino and current hits.
Music Club Mefisto (Plzeň): Situated in Plzeň, this is a heart of the city’s nightlife, known for its electrifying music and vibrant atmosphere, guaranteeing unforgettable nights.
No Limit Bar (Plzeň): A lively multi-genre club in Plzeň, popular with students, offering a dance-focused environment alongside good cocktails and local brews.
Díra (Plzeň): A new multi-genre club in Plzeň where DJs play a diverse range of music to get everyone on the dance floor.
Nekonečný šum (Plzeň): Another of Plzeň’s new, multi-genre clubs with a vibrant dance floor, known for its ability to create a high-energy party atmosphere.
Bílej medvěd (Plzeň): Known as a major, newer multi-genre club in Plzeň, this venue features resident and guest DJs playing various music styles.
California Club (Karlovy Vary): Located in the heart of Karlovy Vary, this is a key spot for late-night drinking and dancing, standing out in the spa town’s nightlife scene.
Jazz Rock café (Plzeň): Though known for incredible cocktails, this central Plzeň spot also frequently holds cultural events and turns into a great night venue with an excellent atmosphere.
Bar Sklípek Martinská (Plzeň): A legendary club in the center of Plzeň, functioning as a bar, cocktail lounge, and dynamic dance club.
Ballantinés Bar (Karlovy Vary): Found in Karlovy Vary, this venue is known for its vibrant atmosphere and is a great choice for those looking for a mix of drinks and a good time.