Travel Dates: September 2025
TLDR: Looking for a day trip from Prague? Depending on your interests, Karlovy Vary or Pilsen could be great options. If you’re drawn to spas, wellness, and charming canal-side scenery, Karlovy Vary is the perfect escape — famous for its thermal springs and elegant architecture. For beer lovers, head to Pilsen, the birthplace of the world-famous Pilsner lager, and tour the historic Pilsner Urquell Brewery. Do note, both cities are ~2 hours from Prague.
What to do in Karlovy Vary
Colonnades of Karlovy Vary – You won’t be able to miss these beautiful colonnade views while walking along the Teplá river in Karlovy Vary. Each colonnade features a thermal mineral spring fountain where visitors can drink directly from the source. The water is said to aid digestion and support liver function. To sample it, you’ll need to purchase a special souvenir cup, available at numerous stands and shops throughout the town. These cups aren’t just for keepsakes—they’re designed with a practical purpose. Because the spring water is often quite hot, it can warp or melt regular plastic bottles. The souvenir cups are made of heat-resistant material and feature a distinctive spout that allows you to sip slowly, making the experience both safer and more enjoyable.
Deer Jump Lookout (Jelení skok) – A slightly challenging nature hike uphill to a viewpoint of Karlovy Vary via an unpaved and steep path. We found the best path starts from behind Hotel Boston. Once you’re behind the hotel on the road Pod Jelenim skokem, make a sharp left uphill to a switchback path that goes into the woods. You should see a yellow arrow/marker–follow that all the way up to Deer Jump Lookout, which should take about 5 minutes.
Mayerův gloriet – From Deer Jump Lookout, if you keep following the yellow marker, the next view point will be at Mayerův gloriet, a small, colonnaded structure. At one point in the path right after Deer Jump Lookout, there will be a fork in the road. Stay to the right to go further uphill, making sure you continue to see the yellow marker. You’ll get to the viewpoint in ~5 minutes.
Kristyna Lookout – Continuing uphill from Mayerův gloriet for a few minutes, you’ll then see a couple of houses/shacks. This other lookout point will be on the right.
Peter the Great Lookout – Just three more minutes uphill from Kristyna Lookout, the final stop is the Peter Lookout. Directly below it, there’s another viewpoint offering the same stunning panorama—but with an even clearer view, as it isn’t partially obstructed by the large cross at the top.
Kočka viewpoint – For a shorter and easier walk to a panoramic view of Karlovy Vary, walk uphill to the left of St Mary Magdalene’s Church. Following Google Map’s general direction, once you see Spa Hotel Schlosspark, take the staircase on the left side and walk for a few minutes up to a turret with a cat sculpture on top (hence the name “Kočka”). All in all it took roughly 6 minutes.
Where to eat in Karlovy Vary
Café Pupp – An elegant café attached to the Grandhotel Pupp, this spot made for a pleasant stop for a quick drink and dessert. I really enjoyed their refreshing raspberry lemonade. We also tried the Pupp Cake, an orange-flavored cake with a chocolate coating. Unfortunately, it was a bit dry, so I’d recommend choosing something else. Tip was not asked for here.
Pizzeria La Famiglia – Delicious Italian food, with no tip requested. I highly recommend the baked eggplant with tomato and cheese.
How to get to Karlovy Vary
Per Google Maps, the easiest route from our hotel, Quentin Prague Hotel, was to take the 2 or 18 tram right outside to Hradčanská, a major public transportation hub. For tips on how to purchase and validate public transit tickets, check out the Prague Blog. From Hradčanská, we walked to the bus stop area and waited for the FlixBus to take us to Karlovy Vary. You will have to purchase your FlixBus ticket online at least a day in advance. Your ticket will include an assigned seat, as well as the exact pickup location and platform or sign number. Arrive several minutes early — buses depart exactly on time and do not wait. Simply show the QR code on your phone for boarding. Note: The bus might not have “FlixBus” branding on the side. Instead, check the bus number and destination displayed on the front. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to confirm with the driver.
If you’re taking the FlixBus to Karlovy Vary, note that there are two stops: Karlovy Vary, Tržnice and Karlovy Vary, Terminál. Tržnice is closer to the town center and more convenient for exploring on foot. Terminál is the town’s main bus station, located a bit farther out. While you may want to arrive at Tržnice, your return trip to Prague will most likely depart from Terminál.
What to do in Pilsen
Pilsner Urquell Brewery tour – Enter through the arches outside, and you’ll find the Visitor Center on your left—just look for the sign on the building. This is where you’ll check in, and there’s a bathroom inside if you need it. It’s recommended to buy your tickets at least two days in advance, as popular time slots often sell out.
The tour takes you around the brewery plant, and includes a short bus ride to different parts of the facility. At the end, you’ll get to enjoy a glass of unfiltered beer.
Considering it takes about two hours to get there from Prague, it might not be worth the trip as there isn’t much else to do in Pilsen. That said, if you love the beer, then yes, I’d recommend it.
How to get to Pilsen
According to Google Maps, the easiest way to get to Pilsen from our hotel was by taking the A metro line to Prague Main Station to catch the train to Munich (first stop after Prague will be Pilsen). Once you arrive, head downstairs—if you see Costa Coffee, you’re in the right place. The departure board is directly in front of it and will show your platform number based on your train’s departure time.
Platforms are divided into two sections: S (on the left if you’re facing Costa Coffee) and J (on the right). Walk down to where the platforms begin and find your specific platform number.
Once you’re on the correct platform, check the overhead signs displaying the train time and route to confirm you’re in the right spot. Make sure to purchase your ticket at least one day in advance. Your ticket will indicate your carriage number and assigned seat, so be sure to board the correct car.
When we arrived at Pilsen, the train station was an 11 minute walk to Pilsner Urquell Brewery. However, returning to Prague, Google Maps recommended us to take the FlixBus. We walked ~30 minutes to Pilsen Central Bus Station, but you can take public transportation. Google Map “Autoškola Zdeněk Hečl” for the exact location. Buy your FlixBus ticket at least one day in advance, and it will tell you what “platform” (sign) number your bus will depart from.
Globe Trotter 