Karlovy Vary, meaning "Charles' Bath" was named after Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, who founded the city in 1370. It is famous for its hot springs and its colorful and whimsical architecture. The riverside spa district is home to several colonnades with columned walkways. The modern Hot Spring Colonnade houses the Pramen Vřídlo geyser, which spouts up to 12 meters high.

It is also known for the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, held there every year. The town, along with Prague, was the filming location of many scenes identified as being in Montenegro in the 2006 movie Casino Royale.