CitySightseeing Berlin HOHO Bus- All Lines & Boat Tour

If you’re heading to Berlin and looking for a flexible way to see the city’s highlights, this hop-on hop-off bus combined with a river cruise might catch your eye. We haven’t personally taken this tour, but based on what travelers say and the tour layout, it offers a practical way to get around without the stress of navigating public transport or taxis.

What makes this experience appealing? First, the unlimited access over 24 or 48 hours means you can explore at your own rhythm, hopping off at points that catch your interest. Second, the included 1-hour boat cruise on the River Spree gives you a fresh perspective of Berlin from the water — often a highlight for visitors. But, like any city tour, there are some considerations to keep in mind, such as the unclear start points and the potential for longer-than-expected travel times depending on your pace.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want to see Berlin comfortably, enjoy scenic views, and prefer a flexible schedule. If you’re someone who appreciates audio commentary in multiple languages, or you’re traveling with a group that values ease of access to major sights, this could be a solid choice. But if you’re on a tight schedule or looking for in-depth guided tours, you might want to explore other options.

Key Points

• Flexible Duration: Choose between a 24 or 48-hour pass to suit your sightseeing pace.
• Scenic Waterway: The included boat tour offers a relaxing way to see Berlin from the river.
• Multiple Routes: Access to two different routes ensures coverage of key districts and neighborhoods.
• Panoramic Views: Open-top decks provide great opportunities for photos and panoramic views.
• Audio Commentary: Available in 13 languages, enriching your understanding of Berlin’s sights.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for more travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Experience

Imagine spending a day or two just hopping on and off a bright red bus, soaking in Berlin’s sights at your own pace. That’s the core of this CitySightseeing Berlin experience. It’s designed for visitors who want a relaxed, stress-free way to cover a lot of ground without worrying about schedules or transportation logistics.

The course covers two main routes — a classic tour and a trendy East Berlin & Wall tour — giving you a broad view of the city’s history, architecture, and vibrant neighborhoods. Plus, the boat trip on the River Spree is a nice touch. It’s a quick, one-hour cruise that lets you see Berlin from a different angle, cruising past some of the city’s most iconic sights.

How the Tours Are Structured

The classic route includes stops near major landmarks like Checkpoint Charlie, Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, and Alexanderplatz. These are the sights that most visitors come to Berlin for, and you’ll generally find them with ease thanks to the central locations of the stops. The East Berlin & Wall route takes you through the more modern, edgy parts of the city, with stops at notable spots like the East Side Gallery and Mauerpark.

Each route has its schedule, with departures approximately every 25 to 40 minutes. The first bus departs around 9:30 am, and the last runs in the late afternoon, so you’ll need to plan your day accordingly if you want to maximize your time. The audio guides help you learn about the city as you go, and the open-top decks make for great photo ops.

The Boat Tour

The one-hour boat cruise departs a designated point near Stop 11 on the classic route, and runs multiple times during the day, including at 11 am, 12:30 pm, and 3:30 pm, among others. You’ll get a different perspective of Berlin’s architecture, bridges, and waterways. The audio guide for the boat is available in 11 languages, which adds an educational layer to the scenic ride.

What to Expect at Each Stop

• Checkpoint Charlie: Once the famous Cold War crossing point, it’s a symbolic spot with a small museum and photo opportunities.
• Brandenburg Gate & Reichstag: Iconic symbols of Berlin, best viewed from the open top deck or from the outside, with a chance to hop off and explore more if you wish.
• Alexanderplatz: A bustling hub with shops, the TV tower, and street performers.
• Gendarmenmarkt: A beautiful square with impressive architecture, perfect for a quick stroll.
• East Side Gallery: The longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall, covered in murals and street art.
• Mauerpark: Known for its lively flea market and karaoke sessions, a favorite for those wanting a glimpse of Berlin’s creative scene.

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Some Practical Insights

One issue some travelers encountered was the lack of clear starting instructions. The website and highlights don’t specify that you can board at any stop along the route, which can be confusing if you’re trying to start your tour from a particular point. Some reviews mention that stops aren’t always close to the boarding pier, and that figuring out where to hop on can take extra time.

Another common comment is that the tours can take longer than expected, especially if you want to do both routes and the boat in one day. A traveler noted, “It doesn’t make sense to book both the A & B tours plus the boat if you’re on a tight schedule,” because the buses often stop for extended periods, like 15-20 minutes, which can add up.

The Value of the Tour

At $51 per person for a combined 24-hour experience, the cost is reasonable, especially considering it includes both bus routes, unlimited hop-on hop-off access, and the boat cruise. It’s a good deal for those wanting the convenience of on-demand transportation and sightseeing without buying multiple tickets or navigating public transit.

However, it’s important to keep expectations in check. Some reviews mention that audio quality on the buses isn’t perfect — “The audio wasn’t working on some radios,” one traveler noted — so don’t expect a flawless guided experience. Still, the availability of commentary in 13 languages is a definite plus.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour works best for visitors who prefer a relaxed, flexible way to see Berlin’s highlights without the need for guided group tours or intensive walking. If you’re traveling with family or friends who want to explore at their own pace, the hop-on hop-off format is perfect.

It’s also a good choice if you want to combine sightseeing with a scenic river cruise, offering a different perspective of the city’s architecture and waterways. Those who enjoy panoramic views from open decks will particularly appreciate the great photo opportunities.

On the flip side, if you prefer in-depth guided commentary, or want a tour with fixed schedules, you might find this setup a bit limiting. Also, if your schedule is very tight, the potential for delays or long waiting times might make it less appealing.

Final Thoughts

This CitySightseeing Berlin experience offers a practical and scenic way to explore Berlin, especially if you’re new to the city or want to get a broad overview without the hassle of planning every detail. The scenic water cruise is a highlight, offering refreshing views of the city’s waterways and bridges. The unlimited hop-on hop-off access allows you to tailor your day, stopping at your favorite sights or just relaxing on the bus.

While the experience isn’t flawless — some reviews mention unclear start points and occasional technical issues — most travelers seem to find value in the convenience and views. It’s particularly suited to those who want a laid-back, flexible sightseeing option and enjoy scenic excursions.

If you’re okay with some potential waiting and the occasional confusion over boarding, this tour could be a good fit, especially if you want to see a lot in a short amount of time without feeling rushed. Just plan your day carefully to include some buffer for stops and enjoy the ride.

FAQ

Can I start the tour at any stop?
Yes, the tour allows you to board at any stop along the route, but it’s not always clear exactly where to do so, which some travelers found confusing.

How long does the classic bus tour last?
The classic tour has a duration of about 120 minutes, with buses departing approximately every 25 minutes.

What is included in the ticket price?
Your ticket covers a 24 or 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour, access to two routes, a 1-hour boat cruise, and audio commentary in 13 languages.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so you’ll need to plan for meals separately.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for travelers with mobility needs.

What time does the boat cruise depart?
The boat departs several times throughout the day, with specific times at 11 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm, and 4 pm.

How do I receive and use my voucher?
Vouchers can be presented digitally or on paper at the meeting points. You have three months from the purchase date to use it.

If you’re looking for an easy, scenic, and flexible way to cover Berlin’s main sights, this CitySightseeing Berlin combination tour offers a lot of value — just keep in mind the potential for some waiting and technical quirks. For those who enjoy panoramic views and waterway perspectives, it might just be the relaxing way to enjoy Berlin’s diverse neighborhoods.

You can check availability for your dates here: