City Sightseeing Prague HOHO Bus, Castle Tour + River Cruise

Exploring Prague with the City Sightseeing HOHO Bus, Castle Tour + River Cruise

If you’re considering a way to see Prague that mixes convenience with a bit of adventure, this combo tour might catch your eye. It promises a flexible way to explore the main sights, enjoy a scenic river cruise, and get inside the historic castle grounds—all with just one ticket. While we haven’t done this tour ourselves, we’ve gathered enough details to give you a clear picture of what to expect.

What we like about it? First, the ability to hop on and off at your own pace is a real plus. Having two routes to cover more ground means you won’t miss out on key landmarks, and the included river cruise offers a fresh perspective of the city from the water. Plus, the guided castle grounds walk adds a layer of depth to your visit to one of the world’s largest medieval castles.

However, a potential downside is timing reliability—some reviews mention buses getting delayed and leaving passengers waiting. That’s something to keep in mind if you’re on a tight schedule. Still, if you’re flexible and want a rundown of Prague without the hassle of organizing multiple tickets, this experience could really suit you, especially if you value scenic views and a relaxed pace.

Key Points

• Flexible sightseeing: Hop-on, hop-off buses with two routes to cover the city efficiently.
• All-in-one package: Includes a river cruise and guided castle grounds walk, giving you diverse ways to experience Prague.
• Good value: Priced at $59, offering access to multiple attractions, making it a pretty convenient option.
• Language options: Audio guides in 25 languages ensure you can follow along comfortably.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly buses on the red line.
• Timing flexibility: Valid for 1 or 2 days, perfect if you want to spread out your sightseeing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point & How to Join

You’ll need to exchange your voucher at the City Sightseeing Prague kiosk at Namesti Republiky 1037/3 in Nove Mesto. The tours typically start around mid-morning, with the first bus departing at 9:37 am on the blue line, and 10:35 am on the red line. Buses run pretty frequently—every 30 minutes on the blue route and hourly on the red—so fitting in around your schedule shouldn’t be a problem. Keep in mind, the red line buses are wheelchair accessible, which might be a consideration if needed.

The Routes & Stops: Covering the Must-See Sights

The tour features two routes, each designed to hit key spots around the city. The Red Line starts at the Main Train Station, a convenient point if you arrive by train. It then takes you to U Bruskych Kasaren—just near the Old Castle Stairs—and eventually to the Prague Castle grounds at St. Vitus Cathedral. Other stops include the Strahov Monastery, the massive Strahov Stadium, and the Svanda Theatre—each offering a different glimpse of Prague’s cultural scene.

The Blue Line begins at Republic Square and loops through Wenceslas Square, the Dancing House, and Malostranske nam—two spots perfect for photos and soaking up the city’s vibe. It continues to Prague Castle, then down to the river bank before ending at Old Town Square. This route is particularly good for first-timers wanting to see the city’s main landmarks with minimal fuss.

Inside the Castle & Ground Walking Tour

One of the tour’s highlights is access to Prague Castle grounds, which you can explore at your own pace after the guided walk. Tours depart daily at 11:15 am and 1:15 pm, led by a live English-speaking guide. This is a chance to enjoy the castle’s expansive grounds, including St. Vitus Cathedral—known for its stunning architecture—and other historic buildings on site.

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The River Cruise: Scenic Views from the Water

The included Vltava River cruise lasts about 55 minutes and departs from Pier 3 (Stop 8 on the blue line). It operates every 30 minutes, with departures starting at 10 am in the warmer months (April to September) and noon in the off-season. The cruise offers a relaxed way to see the city from a different angle, perfect for snapping photos of Prague’s skyline, bridges, and riverfront buildings.

What Travelers Say

From reviews, we learn that most passengers appreciate the friendly staff and clean buses with working headsets—though some mention buses occasionally get delayed, leading to waiting times of up to an hour. This can be frustrating if you’re trying to stick to a tight schedule, so it’s good to have some flexibility.

The views from the water are highly praised—many find the river cruise a highlight, especially if you enjoy seeing the city from a peaceful vantage point. The castle grounds walk adds a cultural touch, turning a sightseeing trip into a well-rounded experience.

Practical Tips

• Timing is everything: Check the schedule, especially during off-peak months, to make sure you don’t miss key parts of the tour.
• Bring headphones: The audio guide is available in 25 languages, making it easy to follow along.
• Plan for delays: Some reviews note buses leave later than scheduled—so give yourself some buffer.
• Accessibility: If you need a wheelchair, stick to the red route, as those buses are accessible.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This combination of bus, castle, and river cruise is well-suited for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview of Prague without the need to organize multiple tickets or tours. It’s also good if you prefer sightseeing at your own pace, with the convenience of scheduled stops and guided walks. If you’re traveling with family or friends who enjoy scenic views and historic sites, this offers a balanced experience.

It might be less ideal if you’re on a super tight schedule or prefer to explore attractions independently without guided elements. Also, keep in mind that some buses may run late, so patience is helpful.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a practical way to see Prague’s main sights, especially if you value flexibility and scenic moments. The combination of bus routes, castle grounds, and river views makes it a rounded experience—perfect for those wanting an overview without the stress of planning every detail.

While some delays have been reported, most reviews emphasize the stunning views from the river cruise and the convenience of having multiple attractions included in one package. It’s a solid option if you want to cover a lot of ground with ease.

Just remember to stay flexible, especially with timing, and take full advantage of the scenic stops along the way. Whether you’re a first-timer or returning visitor, this tour can help you gather a memorable snapshot of Prague.

FAQs

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking in advance ensures you secure your spot and helps you plan around the scheduled departure times.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for one day or two?
It’s valid for 1 or 2 days, so you can choose to explore at a slower pace or fit it into a single day.

Where do I start the tour?
You need to exchange your voucher at the City Sightseeing Prague kiosk at Namesti Republiky 1037/3.

What languages are available for the audio guide?
The audio guide is in 25 languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and more.

Are the buses wheelchair accessible?
Yes, but only on the red line.

How long is the river cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 55 minutes.

What stops are included on the routes?
Stops include major sights like Wenceslas Square, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, and Prague Castle, among others.

Is food and drink included?
No, food and drink are not included, so plan to bring snacks if needed.

Can I hop off and explore attractions on my own?
Absolutely—this is a hop-on hop-off tour, so you can disembark at any stop and continue exploring at your leisure.

If you’re looking for a way to see Prague that balances comfort, scenic views, and cultural discovery, this combo tour is worth considering. Just keep an eye on timing and enjoy all the fantastic sights from both land and water.

You can check availability for your dates here: