Karlovy Vary (Karlsbad), Czech Republic

Posted On July 5, 2017

Why come here:
Karlsbad is a city filled with rich history, wonderful spas, hotels, shops, beautiful architecture, cafés, restaurants and wonderful people. The city was actually founded around 1350 but had existed long before. I find Karlsbad as one of the most interesting cities in the Czech Republic, along with Prague. It is a very popular destination for celebrities, like Richard Gere, Mel Gibson, Uma Thurman, Leonardo DiCaprio, and John Travolta, during the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. These well-known stars stay at the Grand Hotel Pupp. The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival is one of the biggest and most acknowledged Film Festival in Europe. It’s actually very similar to the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. It’s also the busiest at the time of the Festival since there are usually concerts that hundreds of people come to see. People swish by you to get to these concerts and always want to get in line for the very famous Karlsbad wafers (which originated in 1856). This year, the Festival had its 52nd anniversary. 

Alright, enough about the Festival, but the question you’re probably asking yourself is what do people do here when the Festival is over? Great question! People don’t just come here for the festival. They come here for relaxation and to heal. There are amazing spas here from underwater massages, to chocolate massages, facials, and much more, believe me. The reason why Karlsbad is a well-known destination, not only the festival but for its spas is because Charles IV discovered thermal springs. Later, it was discovered that thermal springs cure and heal. There are Colonnades all over Karlsbad with thermal springs for people to drink (but you can’t drink too much of it). By August 14th, 1370, Karlsbad was named after Charles IV, since he’s the one who discovered the thermal springs. After discovering these thermal springs, famous people came to heal here. For example Johann Wolfgang Goethe, Beethoven, Princess Michael of Kent and more. Well, that’s enough for the history part of it. The reason why I love Karlsbad so much is that of its luxurious shops and cafés and restaurants. Just picture yourself walking down the street where the buildings are colorful, each and every one of them different, with unique windows roofs like you would see in any other beautiful European town. And while walking down the street, you spot Dolce & Gabbana, Calvin Klein, Bogner, Pandora, Swarovski, Escada, Rolex, the list is endless. But not only do you have historical architecture right next to you with these shops, but also nice cozy restaurants, while horses with carriages stroll through. Stunning isn’t it?

Where to dine:
Dining is a definite must with all the gorgeous restaurants with mouth-watering food. Well here’s a list of where to definitely go:

1. Hotel Embassy– if you want to try classic Czech cuisine, then  definitely come here

2. Tusculum– from fish to a classic filet mignon (probably one of my favorites)

3. Capri– your classic Italian restaurant, Caesar salads, Tomato soups, Ravioli, Pizza et cetera, et cetera (I know, I know… et cetera is latin)

4. Sa Sa Zu– if you’re into exotic Thai food, then this is definitely the place for you. However, there is one catch… this restaurant is only open during the time of the Festival. 

5. Grand Hotel Pupp– this isn’t a restaurant, but it is a great place for coffee, sorbet, sandwich, or cake.

To sum it all up:
This place is really meant for relaxation. Massages, facials, shopping, taking a nice excursion, looking at the wonderful architecture along with its great history. And eating at amazing restaurants (when I say amazing, I mean amazing), and stuffing yourself with desserts.

Xoxo

-Lina

Bibliography

“Karlovy Vary.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 5 June 2020, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karlovy_Vary.