Day Trips from Prague - Prague and Czech Republic - page 500

Explore
Karlovy Vary is the closest the Czech Republic has to a glam resort, but it is still only
glam with a small 'g'. While the resort was famous across Europe in the 19th century
as a kurort (health spa), these days the town attracts mostly day-trippers, content to
stroll the main colonnade area and sip on allegedly health-restoring sulphuric com-
pounds from ceramic, spouted drinking cups. Despite the spa rep, Karlovy Vary is not
entirely welcoming to walk-ins looking for high-end treatments like exotic massages
and peelings; these services are available, but make advance bookings. Good bus ser-
vices from Prague makes this an easy return day trip.
The Best...
» Sight Hot Spring Colonnade ( CLICK HERE )
» Place to Eat Hospoda U Švejka ( CLICK HERE )
» Place to Drink Café Elefant ( CLICK HERE )
Top Tip
The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival ( www.kviff.com ; Jul) in July
is well worth attending. More than 200 films are shown, tickets are relatively easy to
get, and there's a funky array of concurrent events (buskers, world-music concerts
etc).
Getting There & Away
Bus Several companies offer bus services from Prague (155Kc, two hours), leaving
at least hourly during the day. Check Student Agency ( CLICK HERE ) or www.vlak-
bus.cz for up-to-date timetables.
Train From Prague, the train takes a circuitous route that can take as long as seven
hours: unless you've got nothing else to do, it's not recommended.
Car From Prague, Karlovy Vary is an easy two-hour drive due west, heading out of
town on Hwy 6 (aka E48).
Need to Know
» Location 127km west of Prague.
» Infocentrum Karlovy Vary maintains branches at the lower bus station Dolní
nádrazi ( 353 232 838; www.karlovyvary.cz ; Západní 2a ; 9am-6pm Mon-Fri,
10am-5pm Sat & Sun) , Hotel Thermal and at the Hot Spring Colonnade in the main spa