City Sightseeing Berlin: HOHO Bus – All Lines & Icebar

Getting around Berlin can be overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors trying to make sense of its sprawling streets and historic landmarks. That’s where the City Sightseeing Berlin HOHO Bus comes in—a convenient, no-fuss way to see the city’s highlights at your own pace. Priced at around $45 per person, this ticket offers unlimited hop-on-hop-off access for 24 or 48 hours, making it perfect for those who want flexibility without the hassle of navigating public transport or crowded guided tours.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines ease of travel with insightful commentary in 13 languages, plus the added bonus of visiting Berlin’s coolest bar—Icebar Berlin—with three complimentary drinks included. The only potential downside? If you’re someone who prefers deep, guided storytelling or limited walking, this might feel a bit too freeform. Still, for travelers seeking a comprehensive, flexible overview of Berlin’s most iconic sights, this tour hits the mark.

This type of tour is ideal for first-time visitors wanting to see a broad array of landmarks, travelers on a tight schedule, or those who simply prefer to explore at their own pace while enjoying some unique experiences like the Icebar.

• Flexible sightseeing with 24 or 48-hour unlimited hop-on-hop-off access
• Two routes covering all major landmarks and trendy neighborhoods
• Audio commentary available in 13 languages enhances understanding of Berlin’s history
• Includes entry to Icebar Berlin with 3 free drinks and stunning ice sculptures
• 26 stops around Berlin ensure all key sights are within easy reach
• Wheelchair accessible and accepting mobile and paper vouchers for convenience

Traveling around Berlin with this open-top double-decker bus offers a surprisingly effortless way to take in the city’s most celebrated sights. The tour’s structure, with its two routes, ensures a rundown—covering both the historic core and East Berlin’s trendy, modern districts.

The Itinerary and Stops: What You’ll See

The classic route includes highlights like the Brandenburg Gate, a must-see symbol of Berlin’s reunification, and the Reichstag, where you can enjoy 360-degree views from the glass dome. Traveling past the Potzdamer Platz, once a desolate wasteland during the Cold War, now a bustling hub of shops and entertainment, gives travelers a real sense of Berlin’s transformation.

Checkpoint Charlie, the infamous Cold War crossing point, is another stop that offers a peek into Berlin’s divided past. From there, the route continues to the Gendarmenmarkt, famous for its stunning architecture, and the Alexanderplatz, the city’s vibrant central square. The stop at Zoo/Elephant Gate and Schloss Bellevue offers a mix of leisure and royal history.

The other route, focusing on East Berlin and the Berlin Wall, takes you through Mauerpark, a lively spot for local culture, and the East Side Gallery, a remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall covered in murals, making it a must-visit for those interested in the city’s recent history.

What Makes the Bus a Good Choice?

The open-top design means you’ll get excellent views of Berlin’s skyline and architecture—an especially big plus on a clear day. The audio guide in 13 languages provides compelling historical context as you pass each landmark, helping you understand the significance of what you’re seeing. It’s a straightforward way to learn without feeling overwhelmed or rushed.

The frequency of departures—roughly every 25 minutes for the classic route and every 40 for the East Berlin tour—means you’re never waiting long, and you can easily customize your day around the stops that pique your interest most. Plus, the ability to hop on and off lets you take your time at places like Checkpoint Charlie or Alexanderplatz, or simply relax on the bus if you’re tired.

The Icebar Berlin: A Cool Break

The Icebar is an experience that stands out in Berlin’s nightlife scene. Surrounded by 69,000 kilos of ice sculptures, you’ll be chilling at a steady -10°C. Your ticket includes three complimentary drinks, which can be cocktails or other beverages, making it a fun, unique way to cool down after exploring.

The time slot tickets mean you’ll want to plan your visit precisely, arriving at your booked time to ensure entry. Reviewers have mentioned the impressive ice sculptures and the nougat vodka suggestion, which adds a sweet twist to the cold atmosphere. It’s a memorable experience that blends fun and a bit of adventure, especially if you’re fond of trying unusual bars.

Pros and Cons: What Travelers Say

Most reviews highlight great value for money. One traveler from Canada called it an “exceptional visit” to the Icebar, emphasizing the delicious drinks and stunning ice sculptures. Another reviewer appreciated the informative audio commentary, which made the city’s history come alive.

However, some users, like a German traveler, pointed out challenges with contacting the provider for questions or issues, which might be frustrating if you need assistance during your trip. The timed entry to Icebar can also be a bit restrictive if your plans are flexible.

Practical Details and Tips

• Duration: The classic tour takes approximately 120 minutes, with departures every 25 minutes, making it easy to plan around your schedule.
• Starting points: May vary depending on the option booked, so check your voucher for the exact location.
• Price and value: At $45, the price includes two routes, entry to Icebar, and three drinks, which adds up to a pretty good deal considering individual attractions can be costly in Berlin.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, and both mobile and printed vouchers are accepted, making it convenient regardless of your preferred method of booking.

What We Think

This tour offers a well-rounded, flexible way to explore Berlin’s iconic sights without the pressure of a guided group. The two-route system ensures you see both historic landmarks and the more modern, edgy parts of the city, useful for getting a full picture of Berlin’s diverse character. The audio commentary adds depth, especially if you’re interested in understanding the stories behind the sights.

The Icebar elevates the experience by offering a fun and distinctive venue for a drink or two. It’s especially appealing after a long day of sightseeing, giving you a cool respite in a place that’s as much a visual spectacle as it is a social hub.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal if you’re seeking a broad overview of Berlin without the constraints of a fixed schedule. Perfect for first-timers, casual explorers, or anyone eager to tick off major landmarks while enjoying some leisure time. If you love flexibility, iconic photo opportunities, and unique bars, this package hits all those marks.

However, if you prefer deeply guided tours or want to explore specific areas in detail, you might want to supplement this with other options. Still, for the value and convenience, it’s hard to beat as a beginner-friendly introduction to Berlin.

In essence, the City Sightseeing Berlin HOHO Bus & Icebar Tour offers a balanced mix of sightseeing, learning, and fun. It’s a practical way to cover a lot of ground quickly, especially when you want to see the major landmarks without much hassle. The two routes ensure you don’t miss out on either the historic core or East Berlin’s vibrant scenes.

The inclusion of the Icebar experience makes it stand out, giving you a chance to enjoy something truly different in the city’s nightlife. Given the reasonable price point and positive reviews, this tour provides good value for travelers who want an easy, engaging way to familiarize themselves with Berlin.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a longer stay, this combination of bus and bar offers a fun, informative, and memorable way to explore Berlin’s rich tapestry.

How long does the classic tour last?
The classic hop-on-hop-off bus tour lasts about 120 minutes, with departures every 25 minutes from the starting point, allowing flexible planning.

Can I hop off at any stop and explore?
Yes. The ticket is unlimited within the selected time frame, so you can hop on and off at any of the 26 stops to explore further or take photos.

Is the audio commentary available in my language?
The commentary is available in 13 languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and more, making it accessible for many travelers.

What’s included in the Icebar experience?
Your ticket grants entry to Icebar Berlin, where you’ll experience stunning ice sculptures and enjoy 3 free drinks. Remember, the entry is time-slot specific.

Are the buses accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, and you can use either mobile or printed vouchers for entry.

What is the price for this experience?
The cost is approximately $45 per person, which covers both routes, entry to Icebar, and three drinks—offering good value considering the attractions included.

Can I buy this ticket last-minute?
Absolutely. You can reserve your spot with the “Reserve now & pay later” option, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What are the tour start times?
The classic tour departs first at 9:30 am from Stop 1, with the last at 3:30 pm. The East Berlin route starts at 9:30 am, ending at 4:30 pm.

Are pets allowed on the bus?
No, pets are not permitted on the tour.

What should I wear for the Icebar?
Dress warmly—think layers—and wear closed shoes, as the bar is kept at -10°C. Warm clothing ensures you enjoy the experience comfortably.

This tour offers a great way to get your bearings in Berlin, combining convenience, education, and entertainment. It’s especially suited for those who want to see a lot without the fatigue of walking or coordinating multiple tickets. The Icebar adds a fun twist, making for a memorable day in the city.