Karlovy Vary might look like a perfectly preserved fairy tale, but where you decide to stay will determine if it's a charming stroll through Europe’s past or an Instagram line-up. While tourists flock to the springs and colonnades, there's more to this Czech spa town than meets the eye.

## Where to stay

**Stará Louka for a classic stay.** Opt for Stará Louka if you want the quintessential Karlovy Vary experience — think grand hotels and elegant promenades. This is where you’ll find the famous Hotel Pupp. It's all about opulence and easy access to the town’s most recognizable sights, but it can feel like a theme park during peak times.

**Skip the center, opt for Rybáře.** While the town center dazzles with its colonnades, it’s also where you'll find throngs of visitors. Rybáře, just a short walk away, offers a taste of local life. The neighborhood markets and modest eateries provide a genuine slice of Czech culture amidst the spa-town glamour.

**Drahovice for tranquility.** If you prefer your Karlovy Vary experience with a side of peace, head to Drahovice. Here, the lush parks and calming trails offer a retreat from the crowds without disconnecting from the town’s charm. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy the spas and return to a quiet corner at the end of the day.

**Café Elefant over Café Pupp.** While sipping a coffee at Café Pupp is on many a bucket list, it's equally worth visiting the less tourist-trodden Café Elefant for both its historical ambiance and local flavor.

## When to go

Visit from late May to early July, or in September when the summer crowds thin and the weather is still pleasantly warm. Avoid the film festival in late June unless you’re prepared for jostling through a sea of attendees.

Karlovy Vary isn’t just about where you lay your head — it’s about the local stories you uncover. Ask the concierge or chat with the locals at a café like Republica to get the real scoop on what’s happening beneath the town’s polished veneer.