The Legacy of Grandhotel Pupp in Karlovy Vary

Grandhotel Pupp stands as a monument to the golden age of travel. It started as a small assembly hall for the local elite. Over centuries, the Pupp family expanded it into a massive neo-Baroque palace. Today, it remains the heart of the city's cultural life. The hotel is a key part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing for the Great Spa Towns of Europe. Its architecture is stunning from every angle.

The interior is just as impressive as the exterior. You can walk through the Grand Restaurant or visit the historic Becher's Bar. Many guests come specifically for the cinematic history. The hotel served as the primary inspiration for the Grand Budapest Hotel movie. It also hosted the cast of James Bond during filming. Visiting the lobby is free, but staying here is a true bucket-list experience.

The location of the hotel is perfect for exploring the rest of the city. It sits at the southern end of the pedestrian spa zone. From here, you can walk to almost all major attractions. The Tepla River flows right past the front doors. This makes the area very peaceful and scenic for morning walks. You will find many high-end boutiques and cafes nearby.

10 Best Grandhotel Pupp Sightseeing Spots

To help you plan, here are the top picks for your itinerary. These spots are all within walking distance or a short ride from the hotel. We have included a mix of nature, culture, and relaxation. Use this list to make the most of your time in Karlovy Vary.

• Best overall: Mill Colonnade
• Best for families: Christmas House
• Best rainy-day: Moser Glass Museum
• Best free: Vridlo Geyser

1. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Casino Type: experience Why go: Famous filming location for Casino Royale. Best for: Movie fans and history buffs. Where: Inside the hotel complex. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free to view exterior; gambling costs vary. Getting there: Located at the hotel. Tip: Dress smartly if you plan to enter the gaming areas.
2. Name: Vridlo Hot Spring Geyser Type: sight Why go: The most powerful hot spring in the city. Best for: Nature lovers. Where: Vridelni Colonnade. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: 10-minute walk from the hotel. Tip: Visit the Vridlo Hot Spring Geyser to see the water shoot 12 meters high.
3. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: Offers the best panoramic views of the valley. Best for: Photographers. Where: On the hill above the hotel. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Free tower entry; small fee for the funicular. Getting there: Take the funicular located right behind the hotel. Tip: Check our Diana Observation Tower viewpoint guide for funicular times.
4. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: sight Why go: Iconic stone colonnade with 124 Corinthian columns. Best for: Architecture enthusiasts. Where: Main spa zone. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: 15-minute flat walk from the hotel. Tip: Use our Karlovy Vary colonnades guide to find the best springs to taste.
5. Name: Moser Glass Museum Type: museum Why go: See world-class crystal being made by hand. Best for: Art lovers. Where: West side of the city. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Short bus ride or taxi from the hotel. Tip: Book a Moser Glass Museum tour in advance to see the glassworks.
6. Name: Jan Becher Museum Type: experience Why go: Learn the secret history of Becherovka herbal liqueur. Best for: Food and drink fans. Where: City center. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate (includes tasting). Getting there: 20-minute walk or quick bus ride. Tip: A Jan Becher Museum visit is best enjoyed in the late afternoon.
7. Name: St. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church Type: sight Why go: Stunning golden domes and intricate Russian architecture. Best for: Culture seekers. Where: West of the spa zone. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Small donation suggested. Getting there: 15-minute walk uphill. Tip: The St. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church is very photogenic at sunset.
8. Name: Deer Jump Lookout Type: nature Why go: Famous statue of a chamois overlooking the city. Best for: Hikers. Where: Forested slopes above the river. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk up the trails starting near the funicular. Tip: The Deer Jump Lookout hike is steep but well-paved.
9. Name: Christmas House Type: experience Why go: A magical year-round Christmas museum and shop. Best for: Families and children. Where: Doubi neighborhood. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: 10-minute taxi or bus ride. Tip: Visit the Christmas House Karlovy Vary for a festive atmosphere even in summer.
10. Name: Loket Castle Type: day trip Why go: A medieval fortress located on a rocky cliff. Best for: History buffs. Where: 12km from Karlovy Vary. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Bus or train from the main station. Tip: Check the Karlovy Vary railway station official site for train schedules.

Practical Tips for Your Sightseeing Journey

When planning your Grandhotel Pupp sightseeing, wear comfortable walking shoes. The city center is mostly pedestrian, but many viewpoints require uphill walking. The local buses are very efficient for reaching further spots. You can buy tickets directly from the driver or at kiosks. Visit the Dopravní podnik Karlovy Vary site for routes. Most attractions are open daily, but museums may close on Mondays.

Drinking the thermal water is a local tradition. You should buy a porcelain spa cup from a local vendor. These cups have a special spout for sipping the mineral-rich water. Start with small amounts, as the water is very strong. Each spring has a different temperature and mineral content. Many people find the taste quite unique or salty.

Karlovy Vary is very safe for tourists. However, always be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas. If you are visiting in 2026, check for local festival dates. The International Film Festival brings huge crowds in July. During this time, the hotel area becomes very busy. Booking your accommodation and tours months in advance is essential for summer visits.