Passau, the “City of Three Rivers,” is a perfect place for exploring on foot or by boat. Its winding alleys, baroque architecture, and scenic river confluence make for memorable sightseeing. One of our favorites is the Passau: City Highlights Guided Walking Tour. It offers an intimate look at the old town’s most iconic sights, with knowledgeable guides bringing the city’s history to life. For a different perspective, the Floating City Highlights Tour on the Danube and Inn provides a relaxing cruise along three rivers, showcasing Passau’s architecture and panoramic views from the water. Lastly, if you’re pressed for time or want a quick overview, the 1-Hour Guided City Walking Tour gives a concise glance at the main highlights. Each of these tours offers a unique way to experience Passau, whether on foot or from the river.
Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of each experience, helping you decide which tour best fits your schedule and interests.
1. Passau: City Highlights Guided Walking Tour
At number 1, the Passau: City Highlights Guided Walking Tour is a well-rated exploration perfect for first-time visitors wanting an overview of the city’s treasures. This tour takes you through Passau’s Old Town, where the stunning baroque architecture dominates the skyline. Your guide will point out highlights like the Höllgasse Artists Alley, famous for its colorful cobblestones perfect for quick photos, and the imposing Town Hall, decorated with murals of knights. A key stop is the 17th-century St. Stephen’s Cathedral, home to Europe’s largest church organ, and the guide’s storytelling brings the cathedral’s history to life.
This tour shines because of its flexibility and depth. Guests consistently praise the guide’s ability to translate in real-time, making the German-language tour accessible to English speakers. With a price of just $11 per person, it offers excellent value, especially considering the top sights it covers. The tour is ideal for travelers interested in authentic city stories, architecture, and local tips on dining and activities. The reviews highlight the guide Elizabeth’s ability to enhance the experience with engaging stories, and Doris’ bilingual skills. While it may not go very deep into history, it’s a delightful way to get your bearings.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a charming, inexpensive introduction to Passau’s highlights, making it perfect for a quick, informative stroll with local insights.
2. Passau: Floating City Highlights Tour on the Danube and Inn
Number 2 on our list is the Floating City Highlights Tour on the Danube and Inn. This scenic river cruise allows you to see Passau from a different angle—on the water. The tour departs from two locations and takes you along the confluence of three rivers: the Danube, Inn, and Ilz. As you glide past the Veste Oberhaus, the historic fortress towering above the city, and the St. Stephen’s Cathedral, you’ll enjoy engaging onboard commentary about the city’s architecture and history.
A major advantage of this cruise is the unbeatable views of Passau’s colorful facades, steep rooftops, and river confluence. It lasts about 45 minutes and is suitable for travelers who prefer a relaxing, scenic experience. Drink and snack options are available onboard, making it comfortable even on warm days. The reviews note the fine views and attentive crew, though some mention the difficulty in understanding the German narration, which could be a downside if language is a concern.
The tour is priced at $17 per person, making it a reasonably priced way to see the city from the river. It’s great for travelers who enjoy photography, architecture, and a peaceful boat ride. The route passes key sights like the Maria Hilf Monastery and the Passau Cathedral.
Bottom Line: This cruise provides a relaxed way to enjoy Passau’s iconic architecture and river scenery, perfect for those wanting a break from walking and a memorable water perspective.
3. Passau: 1-Hour Guided City Walking Tour
Coming in at number 3, the Passau: 1-Hour Guided City Walking Tour is a quick, budget-friendly option. For just $13, you get a short but sweet overview of the city’s most recognizable sights. The tour focuses on highlights like the Old Town Hall with its striking tower and the point where the three rivers meet, near the Veste Niederhaus castle.
This tour is ideal for visitors with limited time or those who prefer a brisk walk through the city’s core. It’s designed to give you a taste of Passau’s winding alleys, charming squares, and historical buildings, all led by a certified guide. While it doesn’t go as deep into history, the focus on major landmarks helps you orient yourself for later exploration on your own.
Reviews mention that it’s a “nice little walk,” perfect for getting an initial impression of Passau without a big time commitment. The brief duration makes it excellent for fitting into a busy schedule or combining with other activities.
Bottom Line: A solid choice for a quick orientation, especially if you’re short on time but still want to see Passau’s main sites.
4. Three Rivers City Tour in Passau
Finally, at number 4, the Three Rivers City Tour in Passau is a 45-minute boat ride that emphasizes Passau’s “Bavarian Venice” feel. This cruise offers unforgettable views of the colorful facades, the St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and Veste Oberhaus, while providing inspiring commentary about the city’s history and layout via onboard loudspeakers.
This tour particularly appeals to travelers who enjoy scenic boat rides with informative narration. One notable feature is the route along the mouth of the Ilz River, giving you a sense of the city’s unique geographical setting. Passengers can enjoy coffee, cake, or cold drinks during the trip, adding to the relaxed experience. It’s a more intimate option, with only a few reviews, but those praise the beautiful city views and the friendly atmosphere onboard.
Priced at $21, this option balances price with a more personalized cruise experience. It’s suited for those who want a short, visually rich tour that combines scenery and storytelling without much walking.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for travelers seeking a laid-back, picturesque cruise of Passau’s main sights, especially if they enjoy a leisurely boat trip.
How to Choose
When selecting a city tour in Passau, consider your budget, interest in history or architecture, and preferred pace. If you want a detailed, guided exploration, the City Highlights Walking Tour offers depth for just $11. For a relaxed, scenic experience, the River Cruise provides stunning views and a peaceful ride. If time is tight, the 1-Hour Tour delivers a quick overview, while the Three Rivers Boat Tour combines scenery with light storytelling.
Think about whether you prefer walking or cruising, your interest in architecture or river landscapes, and your budget. Booking in advance is smart, especially during peak summer months, to secure your preferred time slot.
Finally, if you’re especially interested in river views, the boat tours are excellent options, but if you want a comprehensive city overview, the walking tours give you more in-depth insights.
In summary, Passau offers a variety of tours suited for nearly every traveler. For a detailed walk, the City Highlights Guided Tour is hard to beat. For scenic immersion, the river cruises are memorable—whether on the Danube/Inn or the Three Rivers. And for a quick introduction, the 1-hour walk is perfect. Whichever you choose, Passau’s charm is sure to shine through. Book early, and enjoy exploring this fascinating Bavarian city.