City Sightseeing Prague HOHO Bus, Castle Tour + River Cruise

Setting out on a sightseeing adventure through Prague feels like stepping into a fairy tale, and this combined tour offers a well-rounded way to see the city’s highlights. It’s designed for travelers who want to balance flexibility with guided insights, offering a comprehensive look at this historic capital. Whether you’re short on time or prefer to take it slow, this package packs in a lot — from impressive castles and bustling squares to tranquil river vistas.

What really resonates with us is the flexibility of the hop-on, hop-off bus system and the chance to explore major sights at your own pace. Plus, the inclusion of a river cruise offers a unique perspective of Prague’s scenic beauty, especially along the iconic Vltava River. One note of caution: the buses can experience delays — a common issue in many busy cities — so plan a little extra time if you’re trying to keep to a tight schedule. This tour suits travelers eager for a practical, multi-faceted introduction to Prague, especially those who enjoy comfortable, guided options with plenty of photo opportunities.

Key Points

• Flexible sightseeing: Hop on and off at major stops on two routes according to your interests.
• Stunning views: The river cruise provides a peaceful, scenic vantage point of Prague’s historic skyline.
• Historic highlights: Visitors get access to Prague Castle grounds and a guided tour of the castle complex.
• Convenient combo: The ticket combines multiple experiences, offering good value for the price.
• Transport and commentary: Clean buses with audio guides in 25 languages, and free Wi-Fi make the journey informative and comfortable.
• Accessibility: The Red Line buses are wheelchair accessible, making the tour inclusive.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus System: Navigating at Your Own Pace

Starting with the bus system, we loved how the two routes—the Red and Blue Lines—cover all the essential sights of Prague. The Red Line, a double-decker, takes you from the Main Train Station to the Old Town with stops near the Prague Castle and Strahov Monastery. The Blue Line runs through Wenceslas Square, Malostranske namesti, and the Old Town Square, areas bustling with shops, cafes, and historic charm. The buses run frequently—every 30 minutes for the Blue Line and hourly for the Red—so you can hop off for a closer look or stay on longer to soak up the views.

We experienced some delays, as noted in reviews, with buses sometimes leaving passengers waiting longer than scheduled. This is worth keeping in mind if you have tight plans. The buses are clean and comfortable, with functioning headsets providing commentary in 25 languages. It’s a straightforward way to get an overview of the city, especially if walking isn’t your ideal choice or if you want to avoid lugging around a map.

Visiting Prague Castle: The Heart of the City

One of the highlights is the entry to Prague Castle grounds, which is included in your ticket. The castle complex is vast, with cobblestone pathways, impressive courtyards, and the St. Vitus Cathedral, a breathtaking Gothic masterpiece. The guided walking tour of the castle grounds departs daily at 11:15 am and 1:15 pm, with a live English-speaking guide to bring the history to life.

The castle is a must-see for its architectural grandeur and historical significance. The grounds are extensive, so comfortable shoes are a good idea. From the tower, you’ll get an excellent vantage point over the city, and from the cathedral’s steps, you’ll witness some of the best views of Prague’s rooftops. Be prepared for some crowds, especially during peak hours, but the experience of walking through this UNESCO World Heritage site is well worth it.

The River Cruise: A Scenic Perspective

The 1-hour cruise on the Vltava River is a real treat, providing a peaceful break from city walking or bus riding. Departing from Pier 3, the cruise offers a 55-minute escape with panoramic views of Prague’s bridges, historical buildings, and skyline. During the summer months (April to September), the first departure is at 10 am, with evening cruises running until 10 pm, giving you ample options to fit into your day.

Reviews highlight that the cruise is a highlight, offering “a unique perspective” of the city from the water. The boat is open-air in good weather, letting you enjoy Prague’s sights from a different angle — a peaceful, picture-perfect experience. It’s particularly worthwhile if you love scenic views and want a gentle, relaxing journey.

Practicalities and Value

Price-wise, at $59 per person, this package offers solid value—covering transportation, access to the castle grounds, and the river cruise. Given that individual entry to the castle or a separate river cruise might cost more, getting all three in one ticket makes this a budget-friendly option. The flexibility of a 24- or 48-hour validity means you can spread out your sightseeing and not feel rushed, although some reviews note that bus delays can impact your schedule.

The included audio guides in 25 languages make the experience accessible for international visitors, and free Wi-Fi on the buses helps you stay connected or look up additional info on the fly. The tour is wheelchair accessible, a thoughtful touch for visitors with mobility needs, although only the Red Line buses are equipped for wheelchairs.

More Great Tours Nearby

What’s Not Included

It’s worth noting that food, drinks, and entry to attractions beyond what’s listed are not included. So you’ll want to budget for meals or additional tickets if you wish to explore specific museums or interiors of buildings. The tour mainly covers exterior sights and the grounds, which is enough for a general overview but leaves the inside of many attractions extra.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who value convenience and a well-organized itinerary. It suits those with limited time or who prefer a relaxed, guided approach to city sightseeing. The combination of bus, castle access, and river cruise offers a comprehensive introduction to Prague’s most photogenic and historic spots.

If you’re someone who enjoys stunning vistas, this tour delivers. The views along the river and from the castle are particularly striking, especially on a clear day. The guided castle tour helps deepen your understanding of the city’s history without the hassle of finding your way around.

Final Thoughts

The City Sightseeing Prague HOHO Bus, Castle Tour + River Cruise represents a solid choice for a balanced, value-driven sightseeing experience. It’s simple to get started, covers the main sights, and offers unique perspectives from land and water. While minor delays can happen, they’re a small trade-off for the convenience and variety it provides.

Travelers keen to tick off Prague’s highlights without the stress of navigating public transportation on their own will find this tour a practical solution. It’s especially suited for first-time visitors, families, or anyone who appreciates a curated, flexible introduction to the city’s beauty.

How do I start the tour?
You’ll need to exchange your voucher at the City Sightseeing Prague kiosk located at Namesti Republiky 1037/3. From there, you’ll receive your tickets and can begin your adventure.

Are the buses accessible for wheelchairs?
Only the Red Line buses are wheelchair accessible, which is helpful for travelers with mobility needs. The Blue Line buses do not have this feature.

What are the departure times?
The Red Line starts at 10:35 am, with departures every hour until 4:35 pm. The Blue Line begins at 9:37 am, with buses every 30 minutes until 5:37 pm.

How long is the river cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 55 minutes, departing every 30 minutes from Pier 3. It’s a relaxing way to see the city from the water.

Can I do this tour in one day?
Yes, the 24-hour ticket allows you to explore at your own pace within a day. The 48-hour option gives you more flexibility to spread out your sightseeing.

Is food or drinks included?
No, meals and beverages are not included. You should plan to enjoy local cafes or restaurants separately.

What if I want to visit interior attractions?
Entry to attractions like Prague Castle interiors is not included; you’ll visit the grounds and exterior, but interior tickets are separate if you wish to go inside.

In sum, this tour offers a thorough and enjoyable way to see Prague’s highlights without feeling rushed. The combination of land, castle, and water experiences makes it especially appealing for those wanting an authentic and memorable city visit.

You can check availability for your dates here: