City Sightseeing Berlin: HOHO Bus – All Lines & Icebar

If you’re planning a trip to Berlin, you’ll find plenty of ways to soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere, historic sites, and modern flair. One option that’s often recommended is the City Sightseeing Berlin HOHO bus tour combined with a visit to the famous Icebar Berlin. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, I’ve gone through the details and reviews, and it sounds like a solid choice for those wanting a flexible, fun way to explore without the hassle of navigating on your own.

What I like about this experience is that it offers two different routes—so you can tailor your sightseeing around your interests. Plus, the inclusion of a visit to Icebar Berlin, with three complimentary drinks, adds a unique twist and a chance to warm up after chilling out in the ice. On the flip side, a potential downside is that the tour’s timing and communication might not be perfect, based on some reviews mentioning difficulty reaching the provider. This tour seems best suited for travelers who want a convenient, guided overview of Berlin with a mix of sights, history, and a dash of cool (literally).

Key Points

• Flexible hop-on hop-off format allows you to explore Berlin at your own pace.
• Two routes cover both major sights and East Berlin attractions, offering variety.
• Entry to Icebar Berlin includes three free drinks and stunning ice sculptures.
• Audio commentary in 13 languages enriches the experience with historical insights.
• The price point of $45 provides good value for a full day of sightseeing.
• Wheelchair accessibility and flexible cancellation policies make it inclusive and low-stress.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What To Expect from the Berlin HOHO Bus & Icebar Experience

Embarking on this tour means you’re in control. With an all-line ticket valid for 24 or 48 hours, you can hop on and off at over 26 stops, covering the city’s must-see landmarks and lesser-known gems alike. The buses run roughly every 25 minutes, so you won’t be waiting long—perfect for fitting in a lot without feeling rushed.

The experience is designed for those who want to maximize their time in Berlin without the stress of planning every detail. You’ll learn about the city’s history, architecture, and culture through audio guides available in 13 languages—a real plus for international visitors.

The Classic Route — Exploring Berlin’s Heart

Starting at the Tauentzienstrasse, you’ll pass by popular shopping destinations like KaDeWe and iconic sights such as the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag—the seat of the German Parliament. The commentary here is informative, adding context to what your eyes are seeing, which can be especially helpful if you’re unfamiliar with Berlin’s history.

You’ll stop at significant landmarks like Checkpoint Charlie, a symbol of Cold War tensions, and the Gendarmenmarkt, one of Berlin’s most beautiful squares. The bus drops you off near the Berlin Central Station, making it easy to connect with other transport modes or continue exploring on foot.

The Trendy East Berlin & Wall Route

This route takes you through the more modern and culturally vibrant eastern parts of the city. Highlights include Mauergedenkstatte, the East Side Gallery (a stretch of the Berlin Wall covered in murals), and Mauerpark, known for its lively flea markets and street performers.

It’s a great way to see the city’s contrasts—where remnants of history sit alongside contemporary urban life. Expect to see Ostbahnhof and the Karl-Marx-Allee, areas buzzing with activity and a different vibe from the historic Mitte district.

Visiting Icebar Berlin — A Cool Break in the City

Included in the ticket is entry to Icebar Berlin, where you’ll experience a chilly -10°C environment surrounded by stunning ice sculptures made from 69,000 kilos of ice. The bar is well-known for its innovative cocktails, like the bartender’s suggested nougat vodka, which the reviews praise for being both delicious and unique.

Your time slot ticket means you’ll need to arrive promptly—lateness isn’t an option, and the bar isn’t refundable if you miss your reservation. The experience lasts about an hour, giving you enough time to take photos, enjoy your drinks, and warm up afterward.

More Great Tours Nearby

What travellers say about Icebar Berlin

According to reviews, visitors love the novelty of the ice environment and the drinks. One reviewer from Canada mentioned, “Plus an exceptional visit to the ice bar,” noting the experience’s fun and unique vibe. It’s definitely a highlight for those who appreciate quirky, Instagram-worthy spots.

How the Experience Fits into Your Berlin Trip

This tour offers great value at $45, especially since it includes unlimited bus access and entry to Icebar Berlin with three free drinks. For a full day (or two), you get to see many of Berlin’s highlights without the need to worry about transportation or timing.

The audio guides are a real plus—they make the sightseeing more engaging and educational, and the multiple language options mean you can enjoy the commentary in your preferred tongue. The buses are wheelchair accessible, which is an important factor for some travelers.

However, a few reviews mention difficulty reaching customer support, which could be frustrating if you need assistance. Also, since the tour is mostly a transport and sightseeing service, it might not satisfy travelers looking for in-depth guided tours or visits inside attractions.

The Value for Money

At $45 per person, this experience is competitively priced for what’s offered. When you factor in the flexibility of the hop-on hop-off system, the coverage of major sights, and the entry to Icebar, it offers a lot for the ticket cost. It’s especially appealing for those wanting to see a broad overview of Berlin without booking multiple guided tours or paying for individual tickets.

The 48-hour option adds even more flexibility if you’re staying longer or want to spread out your sightseeing. That way, you can choose to hop off at museums, parks, or neighborhoods that catch your interest along the way.

Practical Tips for Your Tour

• Plan your Icebar visit ahead of time and arrive exactly at your booked time slot; latecomers might miss out.
• Use the audio guide to get context on each sight, turning a simple bus ride into an educational experience.
• Take advantage of the multiple stops—don’t feel pressured to stay on the bus; explore the areas you find most interesting.
• Be prepared for weather—Berlin can be cold, and the Icebar is icy, so dress accordingly.
• If you’re traveling with mobility challenges, confirm accessibility options beforehand, but note that the buses are wheelchair accessible.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience suits first-time visitors who want an easy, stress-free overview of Berlin’s main attractions. It’s also great for those with limited time—a day or two—and who want to combine sightseeing with a bit of fun at Icebar Berlin.

If you’re someone who enjoys flexible travel plans, this hop-on hop-off bus allows you to customize your day without committing to rigid schedules. And for travelers curious about Berlin’s unique spots, the East Berlin route offers a glimpse into the city’s modern, artistic side.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the City Sightseeing Berlin HOHO Bus & Icebar experience offers a practical, enjoyable way to see Berlin without the fuss. The unlimited hop-on hop-off system is ideal for making the most of your limited time in the city, and the entry to Icebar adds a memorable, cool element to your visit.

While some minor hiccups in customer support have been noted, the overall value, variety, and fun factor make this a solid choice—especially if you’re looking to balance sightseeing, comfort, and a bit of quirky fun. Whether you’re a history buff, a first-time visitor, or just someone wanting a relaxed way to enjoy Berlin, this tour hits many of the right notes.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the bus tour itself is family-friendly, the Icebar is a freezing environment and might not be ideal for young kids or those sensitive to cold. Check your comfort level and consider if older children can handle the icy environment.

How long do the buses run?
The classic tour departs from Stop 1 at 9:30 am with the last bus at 3:30 pm, lasting about 120 minutes. The East Berlin route has its first departure at 9:30 am and last at 4:30 pm, running for about 60 minutes.

Can I buy the ticket on the day of my visit?
Yes, tickets are available for purchase, and both mobile and paper vouchers are accepted. The tour offers the flexibility of last-minute booking.

What languages are the audio guides available in?
Thirteen languages are offered, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Hebrew, Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, Russian, Polish, Arabic, and Turkish.

Are the buses accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the buses are wheelchair accessible, making it easier for travelers with mobility needs to enjoy the tour.

What should I wear for Icebar Berlin?
Dress warmly and comfortably, as the bar is kept at -10°C. It’s advisable to wear warm layers and perhaps bring gloves or a hat if you’re sensitive to cold.

Is food included or available at Icebar Berlin?
Food isn’t included, but the bar offers drinks and possibly snacks. The main highlight is the drinks and the ice sculptures—so plan to eat beforehand if you need a full meal.

In essence, this tour is a solid choice if you want a convenient, flexible way to see Berlin’s highlights and enjoy a unique ice experience. Just be mindful of the timing and communication, and you’re likely to have a memorable day exploring one of Europe’s most dynamic cities.

You can check availability for your dates here: