Prague: City Sightseeing HOHO Bus Tour & Optional Boat Tour

Discover Prague with a Flexible HoHo Bus and Optional Boat Tour

For those seeking a practical way to explore Prague’s top sights, the City Sightseeing HOHO Bus Tour offers a convenient and budget-friendly option at $34 per person. With either 24 or 48-hour tickets, visitors can hop on and off at designated stops, enjoying multilingual audio commentary, free WiFi, and the chance to see landmarks at their own pace. A popular addition is the optional 1-hour river cruise, providing a relaxing view of the city from the riverbanks.

This tour covers key destinations such as Prague Castle, Old Town Square, and the Jewish Quarter, making it an efficient way to get oriented. While the buses are generally frequent, some reviews note that crowding and timing issues can occur, especially on the smaller blue buses in the city center. This experience suits travelers who prefer flexible, self-paced touring, with options to include a scenic boat cruise for extra enjoyment.

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Key Points

• Flexible 24 or 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tickets allow unlimited access to multiple routes
• Includes multilingual audio commentary in 25 languages, plus free onboard WiFi
• Major stops include Prague Castle, Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, and the Dancing House
• Optional 1-hour river cruise offers scenic views from the Vltava River
• Buses run every 30 to 60 minutes, with some crowding reported on small Blue Line buses
• Tour departs from the City Sightseeing Kiosk at Namesti Republiky

Starting Point and How to Join the Tour

The tour begins at the City Sightseeing Kiosk located at Namesti Republiky 1037/3 in Nove Mesto. Visitors start by validating their digital voucher or ticket, then hop onto the buses at any of the designated stops along the Blue and Red routes. The Blue Line offers a panoramic, single-decker experience with buses every 30 minutes, starting from 9:37 am. The Red Line features double-decker buses, with departures every 60 minutes from 10:35 am.

The buses operate until late afternoon, with the last Blue Line departure at 5:37 pm and Red Line at 4:35 pm. The river cruise runs seasonally from April to September, with departures every 30 minutes between 10 am and 10 pm.

Exploring Prague from the Blue Line

The Blue Route is a panoramic single-decker bus that takes you through some of Prague’s most iconic sights. Starting at Republic Square, the route includes stops at Wenceslas Square, Dancing House, Malostranske namesti, and Strahov Monastery. The highlight is the Prague Castle, with an up and down stop allowing visitors to explore the fortress and the St. Vitus Cathedral.

The blue route offers stunning views from the open-top buses and provides plenty of opportunities to jump off and explore landmarks at your own pace. The audio guide explains the history behind each location in 25 languages, helping visitors appreciate the architectural and cultural significance of each site.

The Red Route and Key Stops

The Red Line offers a different perspective, departing from the Main Train Station and passing by locations like U Bruskych Kasaren, Prague Castle, and Petrin Garden. It also stops at Svanda Theatre and I. P. Pavlova Square. The Red Route is ideal for visitors who want to visit less crowded areas or prefer a double-decker bus experience.

One notable stop is Prague Castle, where the bus drops you conveniently close to St. Vitus’s Cathedral. The route covers less central neighborhoods, giving a more comprehensive view of the city’s diverse districts.

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The Scenic River Cruise Experience

For an added dimension to the city tour, the optional river cruise provides a 55-minute ride along the Vltava River. Operating seasonally from April to September, the cruise departs from Pier 3 at Stop 8 on the Blue Line. The cruise features comfortable seating with chairs and tables, and an onboard waiter/ess offers snacks and refreshments.

Reviews note that the boat is not a typical city boat tour—it’s more like a relaxed dining experience on the water, with the opportunity to enjoy Prague’s skyline from the river while sipping a drink. The seasonal timing means it’s most enjoyable in warm weather, but it adds a special touch to the sightseeing experience.

Practical Information on Buses and Accessibility

Buses operate every 30 minutes on the Blue Line and hourly on the Red Line. The Blue Route uses single-decker buses, which can be crowded during peak times, especially at popular stops like Prague Castle. The Red Line features wheelchair-accessible double-decker buses, making it a better option for travelers with mobility needs.

The buses start at 9:37 am and run until around 5:37 pm for the Blue Line and 4:35 pm for the Red Line. The river cruise is available seasonally with departures from 10 am to 10 pm in summer and 12 pm to 6 pm in winter.

Meeting Points and Ticket Validation

The activity begins at the City Sightseeing Kiosk in Nove Mesto, where tickets are validated. Afterward, visitors can hop onto any stop along the routes. The ticket validity is 24 or 48 hours, allowing maximum flexibility to visit major sights like Wenceslas Square, Old Town Square, and the Dancing House.

The end point is the same as the start, with the tour concluding back at the initial kiosk. This setup provides a straightforward experience, ideal for first-time visitors or those wanting a quick overview of the city.

Review Highlights and Practical Tips

While most reviews praise the friendly service and good coverage of Prague’s attractions, some mention crowding issues on the small Blue Line buses. It’s advised to arrive early and plan routes carefully, especially during peak times or busy seasons.

A few reviewers point out that cabin audio timing can sometimes be slightly off, but overall, the multilingual commentary enhances the experience. The boat cruise receives positive remarks as a relaxing complement to the busy city tour, especially if the weather is pleasant.

Travelers also appreciate the flexibility to jump on and off at their preferred stops and the convenience of combining bus and boat experiences in one ticket.

The Sum Up: A Practical and Flexible Way to See Prague

The Prague City Sightseeing HOHO Bus Tour offers a cost-effective, flexible way to explore Prague’s top attractions at your own pace. The 24 or 48-hour tickets allow visitors to comfortably visit landmarks like Prague Castle, Old Town Square, and Wenceslas Square, with the added benefit of audio guides in 25 languages.

The optional river cruise provides a scenic, leisurely experience that many find adds a special memory to their trip. While crowding on the smaller Blue Line buses can be a concern, the overall coverage, accessibility on the Red Line, and the ease of hopping on and off make this tour suitable for a wide range of visitors.

This tour works best for those seeking an efficient overview of Prague, with the option to explore specific sights at leisure. It’s a good choice for first-time visitors, families, or anyone wishing to maximize their sightseeing without excessive walking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the bus tour?
The tour duration is approximately 90 minutes on the Blue Line and 60 minutes on the Red Line. Tickets are valid for 24 or 48 hours, allowing multiple rides.

Where does the tour start?
The activity begins at the City Sightseeing Kiosk at Namesti Republiky 1037/3 in Nove Mesto. You can also start from any of the designated stops along the routes.

Is the river cruise included in the standard ticket?
No, the 1-hour river cruise is an optional upgrade available seasonally from April to September. It departs from Pier 3 at Stop 8 on the Blue Line.

Are the buses wheelchair accessible?
Only the Red Line buses are wheelchair accessible, making it easier for passengers with mobility needs to enjoy the tour.

What are the operating hours?
Blue Line buses run from 9:37 am to 5:37 pm, every 30 minutes. Red Line buses depart between 10:35 am and 4:35 pm every hour.

Can I book and pay later?
Yes, this activity offers a “Reserve now & pay later” option, enabling flexible planning without immediate payment.

Are attraction tickets included?
No, entrance fees to attractions like Prague Castle are not included; the tour provides a rundown so you can plan your visits accordingly.

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