City Sightseeing Berlin: HOHO Bus – All Lines & Icebar

Taking a city tour in Berlin is a must-do for any first-time visitor, and this City Sightseeing Berlin package offers a flexible way to see the highlights while enjoying some unique extras. This review covers everything you need to know about the all-line hop-on hop-off bus tour combined with entry to the famous Icebar Berlin, helping you decide if it’s the right fit for your travel plans.

What immediately draws us to this tour are three things: the convenience of unlimited hop-on hop-off access, allowing you to customize your sightseeing day; the inclusion of the Icebar experience — a fun, frosty change from traditional bars; and detailed audio commentary in 13 languages, making sure you don’t miss a thing about Berlin’s history and sights.

That said, travelers should consider that this experience is primarily about sightseeing and may not include in-depth guided tours of specific attractions. If you’re looking for a deep dive into Berlin’s history or access inside certain landmarks, you may need additional tickets or tours.

This experience is perfect for first-time visitors, those wanting a flexible, all-encompassing overview of Berlin, or travellers who enjoy a mix of sightseeing and fun experiences like visiting ice sculptures. If you prefer walking tours or private guides, this might not be your best option. Otherwise, it offers great value for a comprehensive, low-stress day out.

Good To Know

• Flexible 24 or 48-hour hop-on hop-off tickets allow you to see Berlin at your own pace.
• Two routes cover all major sights, giving you a broad overview of the city’s highlights and East Berlin culture.
• The Icebar Berlin experience is included, with 3 complimentary drinks and stunning ice sculptures.
• Audio guide commentary in 13 languages makes the tour accessible for international visitors.
• The 26 stops provide easy access to key landmarks like Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, and Alexanderplatz.
• The tour’s affordable price offers good value, especially considering the Icebar entry and drinks.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Comprehensive Review of the Berlin Hop-On Hop-Off & Icebar Tour

Ease of Transportation and Flexibility

One of the standout features of this tour is the unlimited hop-on hop-off model, which allows you to explore Berlin without feeling rushed or forced into a fixed schedule. The two routes cover a wide range of key areas, and with 26 stops, you can hop off to visit sites like the Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, or the East Side Gallery, then hop back on when you’re ready for the next leg.

In terms of timing, the classic tour departs starting at 9:30 a.m., with the last bus leaving at 3:30 p.m., and the entire ride takes about 120 minutes. The trendy East Berlin & Wall Tour is shorter, at 60 minutes, with departures starting at the same time but every 40 minutes. This setup suits travelers with limited time but wanting a good overview of both historic and modern Berlin.

The buses are air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible, making the experience comfortable for most. The frequency of buses (every 25 minutes for the classic route and every 40 minutes for the East Berlin tour) means you rarely wait long, even at popular stops.

Audio Commentary: An Informative Companion

The audio guide is available in 13 languages, which is a big plus for international visitors. It provides insightful commentary about the sights you’ll pass, from historical facts to cultural tidbits, enhancing the sightseeing experience without needing a guide physically present. Based on reviews, the commentary is generally well-received, helping travelers feel more connected to Berlin’s stories as they cruise around.

The Stops and Sights

The classic route takes you past the city’s most iconic landmarks:

• Brandenburg Gate: The symbol of Berlin’s reunification, it’s a must-have photo stop.
• Reichstag: The German Parliament building, offers impressive architecture and views from its dome (though inside access might require separate booking).
• Checkpoint Charlie: The Cold War crossing point, essential for history buffs.
• Gendarmenmarkt: A beautiful historic square with a stunning church and concert hall.
• Alexanderplatz: The bustling hub for shopping, the TV Tower, and urban life.

Beyond these, stops near Kulturforum, Potsdamer Platz, and the Berlin Central Station let you explore both the political and modern sides of Berlin.

The East Berlin & Wall Tour guides you through neighborhoods like Mauerpark and the East Side Gallery, giving a vivid picture of Berlin’s division and reunification. Reviewers appreciate this route for its focus on Berlin’s Cold War history, with one noting it as a “great way to understand the city’s past”.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Visiting Icebar Berlin

Included in the ticket is admission to Icebar Berlin, a frosty attraction at -10°C. Inside, you’ll find stunning ice sculptures and a unique atmosphere surrounded by 69,000 kilos of ice. The experience includes three free drinks, allowing you to enjoy signature cocktails like the nougat vodka suggested by bartenders, which one reviewer found impressive.

The Icebar is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 4-12 midnight (5-12 on weekdays). The time slot ticket means punctuality is important—arrive on time for your reservation, as late arrivals might miss out with no refunds.

Value and Pricing

At $45 per person, this package offers solid value, especially considering the access to two routes, audio commentary, and entry to the Icebar with drinks. For those seeking a relaxing, flexible way to see Berlin’s highlights without multiple separate tickets, this is cost-effective.

Although food isn’t included, the tour’s convenient stops near cafes and restaurants mean you can easily grab a bite between sightseeing or at the Icebar itself. Keep in mind that this is a daylight sightseeing experience, so if you’re visiting in winter, dress warmly for the open-top bus and Icebar.

What We Loved and Noticed

We appreciated the wide coverage of key landmarks, which saves time and effort. The audio commentary was informative without being overwhelming, and the ability to hop on and off allowed for spontaneous exploration—perfect for spontaneous photo ops or quick visits inside attractions.

The Icebar was a highlight, with its stunning sculptures and chilling ambiance. Importantly, the 3 complimentary drinks added a fun, social element to the experience.

One aspect to consider is the limited inside access to major landmarks like the Reichstag or Museum Island, which require separate tickets or tours. This tour provides a great overview but isn’t designed for in-depth exploration.

What Could Be Better

A minor drawback reported by some is the difficulty in getting in touch with customer support, especially if questions or issues arise after booking. Also, since the tour is primarily about sightseeing, enthusiasts of guided, immersive tours might prefer more specialized experiences.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors wanting an introduction to Berlin’s most famous sights. It suits travellers with limited time who want to maximize their sightseeing without the hassle of navigating public transport or booking multiple tickets.

If you’re interested in Berlin’s Cold War history or want to combine sightseeing with a fun, ice-themed bar visit, this package is a good fit. It’s also perfect for families or groups looking for a relaxed, accessible way to explore together.

However, those seeking deep dives into specific attractions or detailed guided tours might prefer alternatives, as this experience offers more of an overview.

Final Thoughts

The City Sightseeing Berlin HOHO Bus & Icebar experience offers a practical and enjoyable way to see Berlin’s top sights at your own pace. It combines the flexibility of hop-on hop-off transport with a memorable experience at Icebar Berlin, making it a well-rounded day out.

It’s especially valuable for travelers who want a cost-effective, stress-free way to cover a lot of ground without sacrificing comfort. The inclusion of audio commentary and multiple routes ensures you’re well-informed while exploring.

For those who enjoy a good mix of sightseeing, fun, and convenience, this tour hits the mark. It’s a smart choice if you’re after a rundown of Berlin wrapped in a fun, social experience.

FAQ

How long can I stay on the bus?
You can ride for the entire duration of your 24 or 48-hour ticket, hopping on and off as often as you like during that time frame.

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

Can I buy the Icebar ticket separately?
No, the Icebar entry and drinks are included in your hop-on hop-off ticket, but be sure to arrive on time for your slot.

Do I need to pre-book the Icebar?
Since your ticket is a time slot reservation, booking in advance is recommended to secure your preferred time.

What languages are available on the audio guide?
The commentary is offered in 13 languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Hebrew, Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, Russian, Polish, Arabic, and Turkish.

Is food included in this experience?
No, food and drinks outside the Icebar are not included, but there are stops near cafes and restaurants if needed.

How many stops are there in total?
There are 26 stops across both routes, covering key landmarks and neighborhoods.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.

In summary, this tour offers a balanced mix of sightseeing, informative commentary, and fun experiences, all at a reasonable price. It’s a wonderful way to get a broad sense of Berlin’s sights and history, especially if you prefer a flexible, relaxed approach.

You can check if your dates are available here: