How much do Berlin city tour boats cost?

The <experience tgid="10422" type="Popup" title="Berlin city tour boats" id="qR15m59N" /> range between €21.90 and €28.90. You can choose between a convertible ship, a 2-story boat, and a luxury, solar-powered catamaran range. If you include gourmet dinner add-ons, the cruise will cost around €69.

What is included in a Berlin city tour boat?

One of the best perks of booking <experience tgid="10422" type="Popup" title="Berlin city tour boats" id="1XwVIaES" /> is that you can enjoy complimentary add-ons like live commentary in English and German and audio guides in around 5 to 12 languages. The city tour boats feature spacious decks with ample space. You can also step inside one of their heated cabins if the outside air feels too chilly after sunset. You can also upgrade your sightseeing tour ticket to include a 3 or 4-course lavish dinner on board.

What route do Berlin city tour boats take?

Some Berlin city tour boats start from the center of the city, around Mitte, and go towards either the east or west side of the Berlin Harbor. A few <experience tgid="17631" type="Popup" title="sightseeing boat tours " id="Xpic0nQp" />start from Jannowitzbrucke and go beyond River Spree. They cross the Berlin-Spandau canal and reach Westhafen, the city’s largest port.

What can I see on a Berlin city tour boat along the Spree?

The <experience tgid="10422" type="Popup" title="east side Berlin city tour boats" id="ZLnoRCbE" /> pass by iconic landmarks of the city like the East Side Gallery, Oberbaum Bridge, DDR Museum, Alexanderplatz, Treptower Park, Spree River Promenade, and Nikolaiviertel. The boat tours that go towards the west side of the Berlin Harbor allow you to catch glimpses of the Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Reichstag, German Chancellery, Tiergarten, Bellevue Palace, and Victory Column.

From where will I get on my Berlin city tour boat?

The Berlin city tour boats have multiple boarding ports scattered along the River Spree like the Alte Borse, Nikolaiviertel, and Jannowitzbrucke, Depending on where your accommodation is situated and what kind of historic market squares you want to drop by, choose the cruise that leaves from your nearest boarding port.

How long are Berlin city tours on boats?

Most Berlin city tour boats are around 2 to 2.5 hours. If you choose sightseeing tours that go beyond River Spree towards Westhafen, it will take you longer, around 3.5 to 4 hours.

What kind of food and drinks are offered on Berlin city tour boats?

You can upgrade your cruising experience with an elaborate dinner. If you upgrade your city tour boats, you can enjoy a 3 or 4-course gourmet dinner with prosecco and cocktails.

What is the best time to go on a Berlin city tour boat?

The spring and fall months, April to May, and September are the best months to cruise around Berlin. The weather is calm along the Spree and the skies are clear. You can spot the city’s iconic landmarks such as the TV Tower, Tiergarten, Victory Column, East Side Gallery, and others quite easily. Around September, the crowds also start to thin out as most students return to their schools.

What facilities are available on Berlin city tour boats?

The Berlin city tour boats include complimentary add-ons like live commentary in English and German along with audio guides in around 5 to 12 languages. You can also lounge on spacious decks and relax in heated cabins. You can upgrade your ticket to add a gourmet dinner with cocktails to your cruising experience.

What to bring on a Berlin city tour boat?

You only need to bring your email ticket voucher and a valid identity document to board a Berlin city tour boat. The boats have open decks, heated cabins, dinner options, and an impeccable staff, who will provide you with anything that you may need during your cruise.

Are Berlin city tour boats suitable for children?

Yes, families can bring their infants and toddlers on board. There are special provisions on Berlin city tour boats to accommodate prams and strollers.

Are there any accessibility considerations for Berlin city tour boats?

Yes, most Berlin city tour boats are accessible to visitors with mobility challenges. There are experienced staff on board to help you navigate around the cabins and decks.

Berlin city tour boats | Cruising to the east and west Harbor

The Berlin city tour boats run along the River Spree, allowing passengers to marvel at the historic landmarks lined along the banks. These city sightseeing boat tours usually start from the center of the Spree and go towards either the East or the West side of the Berlin Harbor. The best perks of choosing city tour boats are that they follow a distinct route and offer live commentary and multilingual audio guides. You can choose between a convertible, a 2-story, and a luxury catamaran to sightsee along the Spree.

Plan your Berlin boat tours

Why choose Berlin city tour boats?

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Day or evening cruising

You can choose between a daytime and an evening cruise on Berlin boat tours. While day cruises offer clear visibility, evening cruises are perfect for romantic dates or a quieter sojourn along the Spree. As nightfall sets in, you can see the illuminated historic sites glistening in the water.

Sightseeing along the River Spree and beyond

The Berlin city tour boats run throughout River Spree and offer gorgeous views of the waterfront and the important historic sites on its river banks. On a city tour boat, you can marvel at the TV Tower, Charlottenburg Palace, Museum Island, Government District, TV Tower, and other landmarks. Some of these boats also connect to the Landwehrkanal, Berlin-Spandeu shipping canal, and Westhafen canal, allowing you to explore landmarks beyond the Spree.

Multiple boarding ports

One of the best perks of cruising the Spree on Berlin city tour boats is that they have multiple boarding points. You can choose a port depending on whether it's close to your accommodation or if you want to explore landmarks near them. Most city sightseeing cruises leave from Alte Borse, Nikolaiviertel, and Friedrichstraße. The luxury, solar-powered catamaran cruises and Landwehrkanal boat tours depart from Jannowitzbrucke.

A variety of boats

On most Berlin sightseeing cruises, you can choose between a convertible ship and a 2-story ship. If you want to support an eco-friendly venture, choose the solar-powered catamarans, which are known for offering a premium cruising experience. The catamarans go towards Landwehrkanal. The 2-story and convertible ships start from Alte Borse or Jannowitzbrucke and move to the East or the West side of the Berlin Harbor.

Complementary add-ons

All Berlin city tour boats offer live commentary in German and English along with multilingual audio guides in about 5 to 12 languages. These boats also feature open decks, plush seats, heated interiors, and professional staff on board to aid you in case of emergencies. You can also book tickets to add cocktails and lavish dinners to your cruising experience.

Family-friendly cruising experience

Another benefit of choosing city tour boats is that you can get on these boats with prams and strollers. It is ideal for families with infants, toddlers, or elderly members. You can also bring your guide dogs or assistance animals to the boat, provided you have a valid identification card.

Things to know before booking your Berlin city cruise

The Berlin city tour boats run along distinct routes, offering glimpses into both sides of the city. The 2.5-hour city boat tour starts from Friedrichstraße, navigates through the Government District, and reaches the Charlottenburg Castle via the Westhafen Canal. Here, you can spot the TV Tower, Nikolaiviertel, Humboldthafen, the Berlin Cathedral, and others. The East Side tour, as its name suggests, starts from Alte Borse and gives visitors a glimpse into the eastern side of the city. This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts as it traces the borders of both sides of the city, with its audio guides offering insights into its history.
Another reason why Berlin city tour boats are the perfect sightseeing option is that they have several boarding points along the Spree. Choose a cruise depending on how far your accommodation is and which historic shopping squares you want to frequent. Most Berlin city sightseeing boats typically depart from Friedrichstraße, Alte Borse, or Nikolaiviertel. You will find a Unter den Linden (historic boulevard) and the Galeries Lafayette (department store) near Friedrichstraße. Alte Borse is close to Barfußgässchen, a famous historic alley, Leipzig Old Town Hall, and Madler Passage, an iconic shopping arcade.
While day cruises are ideal for clear, unobstructed views of the city’s landmarks, you can also go for Berlin evening cruises. The evening boat tours are perfect for sunset lovers. You can make use of the golden hour backdrop to click gorgeous pictures.
These tours are not just restricted to the Spree. You can choose the luxury catamaran cruises that go towards the Landwehrkanal or go for the Mugglesee Lake cruise that lets you explore nearby sites like the Kopenick, Rubezahl, and Friedrichshafen, and hike up the Muggleberge Hills.
There is a city tour boat for every budget. Most city sightseeing boat tours, even the luxury, solar-powered catamaran cruises cost between €21.90 and €31.90. The Berlin dinner cruises, offering 3 or 4-course lavish gourmet meals, glasses of prosecco, and cocktails start from €69.
Another reason why you should book city tour boats is that they offer complimentary multilingual audio guides in around 5 to 12 languages. You can also listen to live commentary in German and English on board to know more about these historic sites.

Your Berlin city cruise options explained

Towards the West Harbor

Average duration: 1 hour to 2.5 hours
General timings: 11 am to 3 pm
Live commentary & Audio guides: Included

These city tour boats typically start from Mitte, around the center of the city, and sail towards the west side of the Berlin Harbor.
You can catch glimpses of iconic historic sites like the Reichstag in the Government District, the Bundeskamzleramt (German Chancellery), Tiergarten, Bellevue Palace, and others.

Recommended boat tours:

2.5-hour city boat tour
1-hour city cruise from Berlin Mitte

Towards East Berlin

Average duration: 2 to 2.5 hours
General timings: 2:45 pm to 5:15 pm
Live commentary & Audio guides: Included

These cruises pass through the border between the east and west parts of Berlin and go towards the eastern side of the Berlin Harbor, allowing visitors a glimpse into its storied past.
The East side city tour boats pass through the Museum Island, Berliner Dom, Berlin TV Tower, East Side Gallery, Oberbaum Bridge, and others.

Recommended boat tours:

2.5-hour East side tour
2-hour evening sightseeing cruise with an audio guide

Beyond River Spree

Average duration: 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours
General timings: 11 am to 2:20 pm
Live commentary & Audio guides: Included

You can also choose city tour boats that move towards the Berlin-Spandau shipping canal, the Landwehrkanal, or Westhafen, beyond the River Spree. It is perfect for individuals looking to spend more than half a day sojourning along the river.
On tour boats sailing beyond the River Spree, you can explore surrounding areas like Kopenick, Rubezahl, and Friedrichshafen, and hike up Muggleseeberge Hills. Depending on the kind of tour boats you book, you can avail yourself of dinner options on board.

Recommended boat tours:

3.25-hour River Spree and Landwehrkanal boat tour
3-hour Spree cruise to Mugglesee Lake

Find your best Berlin city tour boat match here

Experience	Boarding Points	Timings	Book Tickets
1-hour city cruise	Friedrichstraße, Nikolaiviertel, or Alte Borse	11 am to 5:15 pm	From €21.90
Evening sightseeing cruise with an audio guide	Friedrichstraße	10:30 am to 3 pm	From €28.90
2.5-hour city boat tour	Friedrichstraße	10:30 am to 3 pm	From €28.90
2-hour eco-friendly cruise in a luxury solar catamaran	Jannowitzbrucke	1 April to 29 October: Wednesday to Sunday: 11 am & 1:30 pm	From €25.90
Under the Bridges: 3.25-hour River Spree & Landwehrkanal boat tour	Jannowitzbrucke	10:45 am and 2:20 pm	From €32.90
2.5-hour east side sightseeing cruise	Alte Borse	2:45 pm to 5:15 pm	From €30.00

Berlin city tour boat highlights

Scenic routes in and around River Spree

The Berlin city tour boats follow a distinct route, typically starting from the center of the city, and sailing towards either the east or west side of the Berlin Harbor. Some city tour boats also venture beyond Spree, pass through the Berlin-Spandau shipping channel, and go towards Westhafen. You can enjoy the scenic waterfront and catch glimpses of the historic landmarks situated by the river banks.

Live commentary and audio guides

One of the best perks of booking city tour boats is that they feature live commentary in German and English as well as provide access to audio guides in around 5 to 12 languages. With these audios, you can learn more about the history and cultural significance of the landmarks. You can select an audio in your native language for a more personalized experience.

Impeccable service

The Berlin city tour boats are one of a kind with luxurious, state-of-the-art facilities. From spacious decks, heated indoor cabins, and gourmet dinner options, the city tour boats offer it all. There are professional staff on board to ensure you have a comfortable cruising experience and to help you in case of emergencies. The boats are also equipped with life jackets and other safety gear.

What can you cover on a city cruise in Berlin?

Spree River

Over 400 kilometers long, Spree River is the main tributary of the Havel River. It begins in the mountains of Lusatian near Neugersdorf and flows to Bautzen in the north, where it breaks up into two parts. The Spree River empties into the Elbe near Havelberg in Germany.

Your guide to boarding your Berlin city tour boat

Friedrichstraße

Nearest landmarks: Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie
Nearest metro station: Friedrichstraße Bahnhof

Friedrichstraße is renowned for its shopping opportunities, with numerous high-end boutiques, department stores, and designer outlets lining the street. It is an ideal starting point for visitors looking to immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Nikolaiviertel

Nearest landmarks: Berlin Cathedral and Museum Island
Nearest metro station: Klosterstraße

Located in the oldest residential area of the city, this port features cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and quaint cafes. You can wander through narrow alleys, admire the Nikolaikirche, and explore small artisan shops offering traditional crafts and souvenirs.

Alte Borse

Nearest landmarks: Leipzig Market Square and ST. Nicholas’ Church
Nearest metro station: Augustusplatz

The Alte Borse port is very close to the historic Old Stock Exchange, which once served as the center of trade and commerce in the city. Today, you can explore the vibrant market square, where farmers' markets, festivals, and cultural events take place, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Leipzig's trading tradition.

Jannowitzbrucke

Nearest landmarks: Oberbaum Bridge and East Side Gallery
Nearest metro station: Jannowitzbrucke

Situated at the intersection of the vibrant districts of Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain, this port provides access to some of Berlin's most eclectic neighborhoods. You can explore street art in Kreuzberg, stroll along the East Side Gallery, or experience the nightlife scene in Friedrichshain.

Plan your Berlin city boat tours

1-hour city cruise from Mitte: 11 am to 5:15 pm
2.5-hour city boat tour – Through the center of Berlin to the West Harbor: 10:30 am to 3 pm
2.5-hour East-side-tour sightseeing cruise: 2:45 pm to 5:15 pm
Evening sightseeing cruise with an audio guide: 10:30 am to 3 pm
2-hr eco-friendly river cruise in a luxury solar catamaran: 1 April to 29 October: Wednesday to Sunday: 11 am & 1:30 pm
Under the Bridges: 3.25-hour River Spree & Landwehrkanal boat tour: 10:45 am and 2:20 pm

More about Berlin boat tour timings

Best time to go on a Berlin city tour boat cruise

Best day of the week: The Berlin city tour boats are in demand throughout the year. If you are around Mitte and want to go on a sightseeing cruise, consider booking over the weekend, for it is difficult to secure parking around Mitte on work days. Reserve tickets online in advance to secure your seats on Berlin boat tours. For the best views, you must choose day sightseeing tour boats. If you love sunsets and photography, make use of the golden hour and go on an evening cruise along the Spree.

Best month in a year: April to May and September to October are the best months to go on a city sightseeing boat tour. During these months, the weather is clear and you can catch unobstructed views of the historic sights along the banks of the River Spree. June and July are the hottest months of the year. If you visit around these months, consider booking evening cruises to beat the heat. If you want to enjoy the city’s Christmas festivities, visit Berlin during the winter months and book a sightseeing cruise to see the decorations from a unique vantage point.

By bus: 147 and N6
By metro: U6
By tram: 12 and M1
By train: FEX, RB14, RB21, and Flixtrain

Open decks: All Berlin city tour boats have spacious decks and lounges for your convenience. You can stand on these decks for hours, admiring the historic sights passing by.
Live commentary: Professional guides offer live commentary in English and German on city tour boats. You can learn about the history, cultural relevance, and lesser-known stories about the city’s landmarks from these guides.
Audio guides: Besides live commentary, the city tour boats also have audio guides in around 5 to 12 languages for their visitors. These audio guides are particularly beneficial as you can listen to them at your own pace while marveling at the passing landmarks.
Gourmet dinner options: Depending on the kind of city tour boats you have purchased, you can enjoy 3 to 4-course gourmet dinner options with glasses of prosecco and cocktails on board.
Heated cabins: You will also find cozy, heated cabins on your city tour boats. If the evening air feels chilly after standing on the open decks for a long while, you can retire to one of these cabins and enjoy the ambiance.

Facilities available on Berlin city tour boats

Live commentary and professional guides: Enjoy live commentary in German and English and multilingual audio guides on board. These audio guides are available in over 5 to 12 languages for your convenience.
Cozy cabins: Relax in heated cabins and marvel at the passing landmarks on Berlin city tours. These cabins come in clutch when you feel chilly after standing on the open decks for a while, especially in the evening.
Accessible restrooms: There are accessible toilets on city tour boats for your convenience.
Gourmet meals: Depending on the kind of tickets you purchase, you can enjoy a lavish dinner on board. You can also add prosecco and cocktails to your dining experience.
Professional staff: There are experienced professional staff always on standby on city tour boats in Berlin to help you and ensure that you have a hassle-free cruise experience.

Tips to note when embarking on Berlin city tour boats

Check your ticket details: After confirming your payment, make sure to check your boat tour’s timings, duration, and boarding points in your email. You will find a ticket voucher with all these details. Keep that voucher handy, for you will not be allowed to board the cruise without it.
Carry a valid ID: Make sure you carry a valid identity card when boarding a city tour boat.
Arrive early: It is best to reach at least 15 to 20 minutes before the boat’s scheduled departure to settle in comfortably.
Bring sun protection: Carry sunscreen, a hat, and an umbrella to your sightseeing tour boat, for the sun is quite strong on the open decks.
Book tickets in advance: The Berlin city tour boats are always in demand, attracting attention throughout the year. To avoid standing in long lines, you must reserve your tickets in advance.

5 steps to ensure a hassle-free Berlin city boat tour

Book tickets online: Reserve your Berlin city tour boat tickets online to save time and money. With online ticket bookings, you can avoid long lines and ensure guaranteed access to your cruise no matter the crowd on the day of your visit.
Confirm your ticket details: After payment confirmation, you will receive a ticket voucher in your email with all the ticket information. Make sure to check your boarding port, the tour’s duration, timings, and other details.
Show a valid ID: Carry a valid identity document when boarding your city boat tour. You may be asked to present an identification card.
Redeem your ticket: You need to show your email ticket voucher at the boarding gate to get on the boat.
Embark on your cruise: Make sure to arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes before the cruise’s scheduled departure to settle in comfortably. After redeeming your ticket voucher at the port, you can board the cruise and enjoy your ride.

More Spree boat tours you must try in Berlin

Berlin sightseeing cruises

The city’s sightseeing cruises offer a unique experience in Berlin, allowing visitors to catch glimpses of iconic monuments situated along the banks of the River Spree. You can choose between day or evening sightseeing boat tours. Some sightseeing cruises move towards either the east or west side of the city and some boat tours cover some of the most picturesque lakes of the city.

Berlin dinner cruises

The city’s dinner boat tours are ideal for romantic partners looking to sojourn along the River Spree. These cruises offer the best of both worlds. You can catch glimpses of Berlin’s top attractions while enjoying a lavish dinner on board. You can choose between a 3 or 4-course dinner, which also includes glasses of prosecco and cocktails.

Frequently asked questions about Berlin city tour boats

We recommend you book Berlin city tour boats online. By booking tickets online, you can secure your seat in advance and avoid standing in long lines on the day of your cruise. You can also browse from a range of city tour boats and choose the one that best fits your needs.

Scenic routes in and around River Spree

Live commentary and audio guides

Impeccable service

Friedrichstraße

Nearest landmarks: Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie
Nearest metro station: Friedrichstraße Bahnhof

Nikolaiviertel

Nearest landmarks: Berlin Cathedral and Museum Island
Nearest metro station: Klosterstraße

Alte Borse

Nearest landmarks: Leipzig Market Square and ST. Nicholas’ Church
Nearest metro station: Augustusplatz

Jannowitzbrucke

Nearest landmarks: Oberbaum Bridge and East Side Gallery
Nearest metro station: Jannowitzbrucke

1-hour city cruise from Mitte: 11 am to 5:15 pm
2.5-hour city boat tour – Through the center of Berlin to the West Harbor: 10:30 am to 3 pm
2.5-hour East-side-tour sightseeing cruise: 2:45 pm to 5:15 pm
Evening sightseeing cruise with an audio guide: 10:30 am to 3 pm
2-hr eco-friendly river cruise in a luxury solar catamaran: 1 April to 29 October: Wednesday to Sunday: 11 am & 1:30 pm
Under the Bridges: 3.25-hour River Spree & Landwehrkanal boat tour: 10:45 am and 2:20 pm

More about Berlin boat tour timings

By bus: 147 and N6
By metro: U6
By tram: 12 and M1
By train: FEX, RB14, RB21, and Flixtrain

Open decks: All Berlin city tour boats have spacious decks and lounges for your convenience. You can stand on these decks for hours, admiring the historic sights passing by.
Live commentary: Professional guides offer live commentary in English and German on city tour boats. You can learn about the history, cultural relevance, and lesser-known stories about the city’s landmarks from these guides.
Audio guides: Besides live commentary, the city tour boats also have audio guides in around 5 to 12 languages for their visitors. These audio guides are particularly beneficial as you can listen to them at your own pace while marveling at the passing landmarks.
Gourmet dinner options: Depending on the kind of city tour boats you have purchased, you can enjoy 3 to 4-course gourmet dinner options with glasses of prosecco and cocktails on board.
Heated cabins: You will also find cozy, heated cabins on your city tour boats. If the evening air feels chilly after standing on the open decks for a long while, you can retire to one of these cabins and enjoy the ambiance.

Live commentary and professional guides: Enjoy live commentary in German and English and multilingual audio guides on board. These audio guides are available in over 5 to 12 languages for your convenience.
Cozy cabins: Relax in heated cabins and marvel at the passing landmarks on Berlin city tours. These cabins come in clutch when you feel chilly after standing on the open decks for a while, especially in the evening.
Accessible restrooms: There are accessible toilets on city tour boats for your convenience.
Gourmet meals: Depending on the kind of tickets you purchase, you can enjoy a lavish dinner on board. You can also add prosecco and cocktails to your dining experience.
Professional staff: There are experienced professional staff always on standby on city tour boats in Berlin to help you and ensure that you have a hassle-free cruise experience.

Check your ticket details: After confirming your payment, make sure to check your boat tour’s timings, duration, and boarding points in your email. You will find a ticket voucher with all these details. Keep that voucher handy, for you will not be allowed to board the cruise without it.
Carry a valid ID: Make sure you carry a valid identity card when boarding a city tour boat.
Arrive early: It is best to reach at least 15 to 20 minutes before the boat’s scheduled departure to settle in comfortably.
Bring sun protection: Carry sunscreen, a hat, and an umbrella to your sightseeing tour boat, for the sun is quite strong on the open decks.
Book tickets in advance: The Berlin city tour boats are always in demand, attracting attention throughout the year. To avoid standing in long lines, you must reserve your tickets in advance.

Berlin sightseeing cruises