Anyone looking for an alternative to the classic city bus tour after work can currently experience Berlin from an unusual perspective. In small, motorized hot rod-style cars, participants head straight into the capital’s regular traffic. The open-top mini-cars provide a driving experience just above the asphalt, strongly reminiscent of go-karts, while participants drive past famous landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag building in a guided convoy.
Sunset rides and a stop along the Spree
The rides are especially popular in the evening hours, when participants can watch the low-hanging sun over the streets and the Spree. The organizers offer various routes through the city center. One of the bookable tours includes a stop specifically at the nhow Hotel. Some of the small cars are even branded in the hotel’s distinctive pink color. During the break, the drivers are treated to a non-alcoholic drink on the terrace, courtesy of the house, before they put their helmets back on and start their engines to continue the ride.
Requirements for the ride
Despite the vehicles’ small size and playful appearance, clear rules apply when driving in Berlin city traffic. Anyone who wants to get behind the wheel of one of these single-seater hot rods simply needs a valid Class B driver’s license. No special driving skills or additional license classes are required. A full-face helmet, which is provided on-site, is mandatory throughout the entire drive on public roads. Before the start, participants also receive a briefing on how to operate the little speedsters and the most important safety rules so they can get accustomed to the unfamiliar driving experience.
The open-top car rides are ideal both for locals who want to discover their city from a new perspective and for visitors who want to experience Berlin beyond the typical sightseeing tours. The rides offer an exciting break from the daily routine, especially as an unusual after-work activity or a shared experience with friends. However, since the hot rods have neither a closed roof nor heating, the tours are heavily dependent on weather conditions. They therefore take place mainly during the warmer months and typically conclude before the onset of winter.
