Berlin: taxi-bicycle Tour by Night and Illuminations

Taking in Berlin’s Festival of Lights from the seat of a rickshaw is a pretty special way to experience this dazzling event. We’ve reviewed this private, 1.5-hour tour offered by Rikschakalaka, and if you’re looking for a way to see the city’s illuminated highlights in a relaxed, personalized setting, this might just be perfect.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the guided aspect means you get expert commentary— Matthias knows Berlin inside-out, and reviewers mention how friendly and knowledgeable he is. Second, the customizable route allows you to focus on the most impressive installations or explore lesser-known gems. Third, the luxury of privacy (up to two people per booking) makes it intimate and flexible.

One consideration? Since the tour takes place at night during the festival, the streets are bustling, and some installations might be too crowded for close-up viewing from the rickshaw. However, the guide’s flexibility means you can opt to walk closer or stop for photos, making the experience adaptable.

This tour is ideal for couples or small groups wanting a smooth, memorable way to enjoy Berlin’s Festival of Lights, especially if you prefer avoiding crowded crowds or want a more private, tailored experience.

Good To Know

• Private, intimate experience: Perfect for two people wanting a personalized tour.
• Expert local guides: Matthias and team offer insightful commentary and insider tips.
• Flexible route and stops: Can be customized to focus on your preferences.
• Great value for a unique experience: Combines sightseeing, exclusivity, and comfort.
• Accessible in multiple languages: Tours available in German, English, and French.
• Ideal for night-time sightseeing: Enjoy Berlin’s illuminated landmarks in a relaxed setting.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Exploring Berlin’s Festival of Lights on a Taxi-Bicycle

Berlin’s Festival of Lights is a visual feast, transforming well-known landmarks into vibrant art pieces from October 8th to 15th, 2025. The taxi-bicycle tour offers a rare chance to see these spectacular installations from a comfortable, eco-friendly vehicle while enjoying the informative commentary of a local guide.

The cost of $152 for up to two people strikes a good balance considering the exclusivity and tailored nature of the experience. Compared to large group tours or self-guided walks, this private ride offers a unique blend of comfort, flexibility, and intimacy.

What to Expect from the Tour

This 90-minute journey begins at the historic St. Mary’s Church, Berlin’s oldest church, which serves as a convenient and picturesque meeting point. From there, Matthias, your guide, will pick you up and steer the rickshaw through key illuminated sites, including TV Tower, Bebelplatz, Brandenburg Gate, and either Potsdamer Platz or Nikolaiviertel — depending on your preferences.

The route can be customized before starting—whether you want to focus on the most iconic landmarks or explore lesser-known installations. The guide will focus on the Festival of Lights highlights, sharing insights into the art, artists, and stories behind each installation.

Highlighting Iconic Landmarks

• TV Tower (Fernsehturm): As Berlin’s tallest structure, the glass and lights of the tower create a stunning focal point at night.
• Bebelplatz: Known for the historic books burning, it becomes a compelling mix of history and light during the festival.
• Brandenburg Gate: An enduring symbol of Berlin, often illuminated with colorful projections that mesmerize visitors.
• Potsdamer Platz or Nikolaiviertel: Depending on your interests, the guide can steer you towards the modern buzz or historic charm.

The tour’s flexibility allows some stops to be extended—if you want to get off the rickshaw and take photos or just soak in a particular installation, the guide can accommodate. This is especially useful given that some of the more popular spots might be crowded, making close-up viewing from the vehicle difficult.

Authentic Experiences and Insider Tips

Reviewers consistently praise Matthias for his friendly demeanor and local knowledge. One rider mentioned how he provided “little insider tips on lesser-known but impressive light installations at Bebelplatz,” which added depth to their experience. Others appreciated the opportunity to capture great videos and photos during the relaxed ride, noting how the stunning views and illuminated landmarks looked even better in person.

The guided commentary enriches the experience—learning about the stories behind each installation adds context to the visual spectacle, making the tour more meaningful than just sightseeing.

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The Practicalities: What You Need to Know

Duration, Cost, and Booking

The 1.5-hour tour offers a manageable, relaxed timeframe—just enough to see the highlights without feeling rushed. The price of $152 for a private experience is reasonable, especially considering the personalized service and flexible route. You can reserve your spot with the option to pay later, which offers peace of mind if your plans are still flexible.

Group Size and Language

Limited to two guests, the tour ensures a cozy, exclusive experience. The guide speaks English, German, and French, accommodating a diverse range of visitors. The tour’s private nature makes it ideal for couples, best friends, or a small family wanting a special night out.

Meeting Point and Accessibility

You’ll meet at St. Mary’s Church, a beautiful historic spot, and the guide will be reachable by phone on the day of your tour. The rickshaw is a comfortable way to navigate through the city’s lively streets, giving you a quick, unobstructed view of the illuminated sights.

Considerations and Limitations

During weekends, the city and lighting installations tend to be very crowded. As one reviewer pointed out, some installations might be viewed only from afar if the crowd is too thick for close-up photos from the rickshaw. However, the flexibility to stop and walk closer or take photos on foot helps mitigate this issue.

This tour isn’t suitable for people over 309 lbs (140 kg) or over 6 ft 6 in (200 cm), mainly due to the size limitations of the rickshaw.

Why This Tour Is a Great Choice

This private taxi-bicycle tour combines convenience, expert insights, and a personalized touch. It’s an excellent way for visitors to experience Berlin’s Festival of Lights without the hassle of navigating busy streets on their own, especially if they want to maximize their viewing with minimal exertion.

The guided aspect ensures you don’t miss out on the stories behind the lights, and the flexibility means you can tailor the experience to your interests. Plus, the small group size fosters a relaxed, intimate atmosphere perfect for capturing photos and soaking in the ambiance.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

For travelers who appreciate comfort, exclusivity, and expert guidance, this tour offers real value. The fact that it’s private means your experience is tailored, and the knowledgeable guides enhance the visual spectacle with stories and tips you won’t find elsewhere.

If you’re visiting Berlin during the Festival of Lights and want to see the highlights while avoiding large crowds, this ride is a smart choice. It’s especially suitable for couples or small groups craving a personalized, relaxed adventure that combines sightseeing with a touch of luxury.

While it might not cover every single installation due to crowd constraints, the flexibility of the route and the guide’s attentiveness ensure you see the best of Berlin’s night-time illuminations in style.

FAQ

Is this tour private or a group experience?
It’s exclusively for a private group of up to two people, offering a tailored experience with your guide.

What languages are available for the tour?
The tour is available in English, German, and French, making it accessible for a wide range of travelers.

How long does the tour last?
The ride lasts approximately 1.5 hours, covering key illuminated landmarks.

Where do I meet the guide?
You meet at the main entrance of St. Mary’s Church, Berlin’s oldest church—it’s a scenic, central spot.

Can I customize the route or stops?
Yes, the route is flexible and can be agreed upon before the tour starts, allowing for stops at preferred installations or viewpoints.

What if I want to take more photos or see a particular installation closer?
You can request to stop and walk closer to installations for photos or a better view, especially if the crowd from the vehicle is too thick.

Is it suitable if I want to see all the installations?
While the tour covers the must-see highlights, some sites might be viewed from afar if crowded. The guide will do their best to maximize your experience.

In essence, this Berlin taxi-bicycle tour is a fantastic way to experience the Festival of Lights with comfort, insight, and a dash of flexibility—perfect for those who want a memorable, personalized evening in the city’s illuminated glow.

You can check if your dates are available here: