Prague: City Sightseeing HOHO Bus Tour & Optional Boat Tour

Quick overview: For around $34, you can hop onto a red or blue open-top bus and explore the heart of Prague at your own pace, with options to extend your experience with a river cruise. The tour covers major landmarks like Prague Castle, the Old Town Square, and the Jewish Quarter, making it an ideal way for first-time visitors to get their bearings without the stress of navigating on foot.

What we really like about this experience are two things: first, the flexibility of hopping on and off at prominent stops like Wenceslas Square or Malostranske namesti, and second, the multilingual audio guides in 25 languages, which enrich the experience without requiring a guided tour. A potential drawback is that bus frequency can be inconsistent, especially in winter months, meaning you might wait a bit longer during peak times or changeovers.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a rundown of Prague’s highlights without the hassle of figuring out public transport or booking multiple tickets. It’s especially good if you prefer to set your own pace and enjoy some scenic breaks along the river.

Key Points

• Flexible hop-on, hop-off system allows you to explore at your own pace
• Multilingual audio guides enhance understanding of sights in 25 languages
• Two routes (blue and red) cover the city’s main attractions from different angles
• Optional river cruise offers a relaxing view of Prague from the Vltava River
• Buses run every 30 to 60 minutes, so timing is crucial for maximizing your day
• Not ideal for travelers with mobility issues, as only the red route buses are wheelchair accessible

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Prague with the City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

When we set out to see Prague, the idea of a hop-on hop-off bus tour seemed like a practical way to cover a lot of ground without wearing ourselves out. For $34 per person, the 24- or 48-hour ticket offers enough flexibility to decide how much you want to see, whether you prefer a quick overview or a leisurely exploration over multiple days.

The blue route (single-decker panoramic bus) begins at Republic Square at 9:37 am, with buses every 30 minutes. It travels through some of the most picturesque parts of the city, including Wenceslas Square, the famous Dancing House, and the Malostranske namesti. The blue line’s highlight is undoubtedly the stop at Prague Castle—a must-see—and the Strahov Monastery nearby.

The red route (double-decker bus) starts at the Main Train Station at 10:35 am, running hourly. It offers a more detailed look at the city’s eastern side, including stops at St. Vitus’s Cathedral and Petrin Gardens. While both routes are well-positioned to give a broad overview, the blue line is often praised for its better ride quality and panoramic views.

What makes this system particularly attractive is the ability to jump on and off at stops that suit your interests. For example, if you’re eager to explore Prague Castle, you can hop off, spend a few hours wandering through the courtyards, and then rejoin the bus on your schedule.

The Highlights and What to Expect at Each Stop

Prague Castle & Strahov Monastery

A visit to Prague isn’t complete without seeing the Castle and its surroundings. The bus stops at Stop 5 (Prague Castle Up) and Stop 7 (Prague Castle Down). Many reviews mention the blue route’s Castle tour as a personal favorite, especially if you opt for the guided experience. One reviewer raves about Tomas, the guide, who shared his passion and knowledge, adding depth to the visit.

Old Town Square and Jewish Quarter

The Old Town Square is a hub of activity and history, with its stunning Astronomical Clock and vibrant cafes. This is a prime hop-off point. The bus stop at River bank on the blue route offers a scenic view. Many visitors find the area perfect for a quick walk, photo ops, or a sit-down in a cozy café.

More Great Tours Nearby

Wenceslas Square and Republic Square

These squares are central to Prague’s modern history and pulse with life. The Wenceslas Square stop is on the blue route, offering a chance to explore shops, restaurants, and historic sites. It’s also a good spot for a quick meal or a coffee break.

Dancing House & Malostranske Namesti

The Dancing House is a favorite for the architecture alone, and the stop here allows for a quick photo or a walk nearby. Many reviewers appreciate that the buses cover these hidden gems alongside the more famous sites.

River & Piers

If you select the boat option, you’ll depart from Pier 3 on the Blue Line, with cruises operating from April to September and October to March. The boat cruise, which lasts about 55 minutes, offers a more relaxed perspective of the city from the water, with chairs and waiter service. One reviewer described it as “not like a regular city boat tour,” with the addition of tables and snacks, making it particularly enjoyable.

The Experience of the Bus and the Journey

Traveling on these open-top buses generally offers excellent views and a chance to hear the commentary in your preferred language. However, some reviews mention that audio equipment was sometimes inconsistent, with the narration falling out of sync or not working in parts. Still, most found the guides in person, especially on the Castle tour, to be enthusiastic and knowledgeable.

The bus frequency can vary, especially in winter months, with some reviews noting waiting times of up to an hour when switching between routes or waiting for the next bus. The lack of a queue system at some stops led to crowding, which was frustrating for travelers expecting a more orderly process.

One particularly helpful point from a review is that travelers should plan their route carefully and be mindful of the bus schedules to prevent unnecessary waiting. The Blue Route tends to be more popular, perhaps because of its panoramic views and coverage of the main sights.

The Optional River Cruise: A Scenic Bonus

Adding the river cruise transforms this tour into a more relaxed, scenic experience. It’s especially popular in good weather, with reviews mentioning how lovely it is to view the city’s bridges and architecture from the water. The cruise includes tables and snacks, making it feel like a leisurely river-side lunch.

Note that the cruise operates seasonally—from April to September and October to March—and departs approximately every 30 to 60 minutes depending on the season. If you love a bit of waterfront scenery, it’s a highly recommended upgrade.

Pricing and Value

At $34, the price is reasonable considering the coverage of the main sights and the additional boat option. For a full day of flexible sightseeing, it offers decent value, especially since you can hop on/off as often as you like within the ticket validity period. However, some reviews mention that adding the boat increases the overall cost, so budget accordingly if you plan to include the cruise.

It’s worth noting that entrance tickets to attractions are not included—so if you want to go inside the castle or museums, you’ll need to budget separately. But if your main goal is seeing the city from the bus and river, this package covers most highlights.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Tour

• Start early in the day, especially if you want to visit key sites like Prague Castle or take the boat cruise.
• Check bus schedules ahead of time to avoid long waits, especially when switching routes.
• Bring headphones with the audio guide, but be prepared for occasional technical glitches.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking between stops or exploring on foot.
• Plan your route: the blue route is often more panoramic and covers essentials, but the red route provides a different perspective.
• Use the WiFi onboard to share your photos or look up info about Prague’s sights.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

Travelers who prioritize flexibility and convenience will find this tour highly appealing. It’s particularly good for first-time visitors who want a broad overview without the pressure of a guided tour schedule. If you’re comfortable with some waiting and navigating the stops, you’ll get excellent value and a chance to tailor your sightseeing.

Those wanting a relaxing water experience will enjoy the river cruise, especially if they appreciate scenic views from the water and a bit of comfort with snacks and tables. Families, couples, or solo travelers looking to maximize their time and get a sense of the city’s layout will benefit most.

Final Thoughts

This hop-on hop-off bus tour in Prague offers a practical, flexible way to experience the city’s key sights. While it has some logistical quirks—like inconsistent bus frequency and occasional technical issues—it remains a value-packed option for those looking to get oriented and explore at a leisurely pace.

The knowledgeable guides and scenic routes make it stand out, especially if you opt for the boat cruise to see Prague from the water. It’s a perfect choice if you want a laid-back, rundown of the city, with the option to go inside major sites on your own.

Travelers who enjoy self-directed sightseeing and a bit of scenic relaxation will likely find this tour a highlight of their trip. Just remember to plan ahead, arrive early, and be prepared for some waiting time in common with busy tourist spots.

FAQ

Is the bus tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The red route buses are wheelchair accessible, so if you need accessible options, look for the red line. However, some stops may require walking or a short walk from the bus to the sights.

How long do the buses run each day?
Blue line buses run from 9:37 am to 5:37 pm every 30 minutes, while the red line departs from 10:35 am to 4:35 pm hourly. Check the schedule for exact times before planning your day.

Can I buy a ticket on the day of the tour?
Yes, tickets are available at the City Sightseeing kiosk or onboard the buses, but buying in advance may save time and secure availability, especially in busy seasons.

Is the river cruise included in the standard ticket?
No, the boat option is an upgrade that can be added for an additional cost. It operates seasonally, from April to September, and has specified departure times.

How many languages are available for the audio guide?
The audio commentary is available in 25 languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, and more.

Will I need to plan my own entrance tickets?
Yes, entrance fees for attractions like Prague Castle are not included. This tour helps you decide which sights to visit on your own afterward.

In all, whether you’re a first-timer or want a comfortable way to see the most photogenic parts of Prague, this hop-on hop-off tour ticks many boxes. It’s a straightforward, enjoyable way to get your bearings—and enjoy some scenic water views—without breaking the bank.

You can check availability for your dates here: