Despite its relatively small size, having a map of Karlovy Vary is quite useful for navigation. You can easily purchase a city map in Karlovy Vary, including at your hotel.
Another option is to obtain a free map from one of the tourist information centers, such as the one at the train station or near Mlynská Kolonáda. In Karlovy Vary, you'll find numerous stands offering city maps and maps of its districts. Some of these stands are interactive and provide voiceovers in various languages. If you come across such a stand, you can obtain a sound map of Karlovy Vary in Russian.
If you take a look at a map of Karlovy Vary with hotels, you'll notice that most of the hotels are located in two parts of the city. The downtown area runs along the river and serves as the primary tourist hub. Here, you'll find the majority of cafes, restaurants, and gift shops.
If your choice of accommodation in Karlovy Vary is based on proximity to the mineral springs and tourist attractions, this is the ideal location. However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The lower part of the city can be quite noisy, lacks scenic views from hotel windows, and often lacks courtyards.
On the other hand, if your top priority is a scenic city view, hotels located on the slopes are the way to go. Here, you'll enjoy more privacy and breathtaking panoramas of the city. You can reach the springs using cable cars or buses, and many hotels offer complimentary tickets for these modes of transportation. Walking to the springs is also an option, although it can be quite a workout.
