Ten things to do in Hamburg
Rathaus
Hamburg is Germany’s second largest city (after Berlin) and is its main port. It’s a very cosmopolitan city with a small historic section (Altstadt) – most of the city was destroyed during the Second World War) – and large portions that have been redeveloped. The city is hemmed in by two lakes (the Binnenalster and Aussenalster) and the Elbe River – this unique geographic location is also one of its biggest attractions.
Speicherstadt
Hamburg is a vibrant and prosperous city with great shopping, world-class restaurants, beautiful parks and many worthwhile sights. For the first-time visitor, I’ve listed below ten things to do and see in Hamburg.
- Stroll around the Altstadt. Go on a tour inside the Rathaus (City Hall).
- Shop till you drop: explore the many arcades and galleries around the Neuer Wall in the Golden Triangle (including the splendid, blindingly white Alster Arcade).
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Shipbuilding
Admire the neo-gothic architecture of the historic Speicherstadt & the contrasting 21st century HafenCity, then head to the Deichstrasse to see some of Hamburg’s oldest homes.
- Take a harbour cruise around the wharfs where some of the world’s largest ships are built.
- Get up early on a Sunday morning (5am – 9:30am) and head for the Fischmarkt (fish market). It’s colourful, boisterous and uniquely Hamburg!
- Stroll down Hamburg’s most notorious street: the Reeperbahn (the red light district).
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Alster Arcade
Climb 453 steps to the top of the St. Michaeliskirche (St. Michael’s Church) for magnificent views of the city and the harbour.
- Have a drink or meal at one of the terraces along the Alster Arcade for unbeatable views of the Rathaus; or the historic Alster Pavilion and enjoy the views across the Binnenalster.
- Head out to the suburbs. Take the S-Bahn to Wedel, walk down to the Elbe river and hop onto the boat to Blankenese, passing the Airbus plane factory along the way. Blankenese is a picturesque hillside village with quaint houses and gorgeous views of the Elbe.
- To cap off a long day of walking, indulge yourself at the Hamam Hafen Hamburg (Turkish bath) and opt for the full package! You’ll never forget the sensation of the rich warm lather being rolled onto your back!
HafenCity
Rathaus & the lakes
Blankenese
Chilehaus
Read about velvet escape’s Hamburg Culinary Journey.
I love that you posted this! And I can vouch for the harbor cruise at least. I also remember the rathaus being larger than life.
An interesting forgotten city.
Hi Ren,
Thanks for your comment. I see that you’re well on your way to making this trip a reality. Good for you! Glad to help with any other tips of places you’ll be visiting.
Cheers,
Keith
Thanks for this! I’m planning a trip with friends next year, and one of our stops is most likely to be Hamburg… I’ve definitely bookmarked this page for future reference!
Thanks Jen. Yes, it’s pretty cool how the city is hemmed in by the river on one side and the lakes on the other, with many canals running through the city. I can certainly recommend a visit. You’ll love the shopping too!
Cheers,
Keith
I’ve never really seen Hamburg in pictures…until today. Thanks for sharing. Now I know this is one place I shouldn’t miss. I like how the rivers wind through the city. And those precariously tipped apartments are quite fascinating!
Thanks for your comment. Yes, Hamburg, though being inland, has a long waterfront (along the river, the lakes & the canals). very cool city. Wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I went there and I was pleasantly surprised. It’s a cool city, very clean and lots to see. Being a plane freak, I was thrilled to see the Airbus factory there. The shipyards are awesome too!
Cheers,
Keith
Ooh, my sister lives in Germany. I haven’t made it to Hamburg yet, but now after reading your post I want to go. I didn’t realize that there is such a waterfront and so many canals. It looks beautiful.