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). Large parts of the city were destroyed during the Second World War and have been restored or 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. Hamburg (map) 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 my recommendations for things to do in Hamburg.
Things to do in Hamburg, Germany
1. Explore the Altstadt
Stroll around the Altstadt (the historic Old Town) and admire the gorgeous historic buildings. I recommend going on a tour inside the beautiful Rathaus (City Hall). Join a 2.5 hour private walking tour of historic Hamburg.
2. Shop
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).
3. Stroll around Speicherstadt and HafenCity
Admire the neo-gothic architecture of the historic Speicherstadt and the contrasting 21st century HafenCity. Make a small diversion to the controversial Elb Philharmonic Hall. Then head to the Deichstrasse to see some of Hamburg’s oldest homes. Don’t miss the stunning Chilehaus near the Messberg U-Bahn station.
Join a 2.5-hour walking tour of Speicherstadt, Hafen City and the ElbPhilharmonie.
4. Join a harbour cruise
Take a harbour cruise around the wharfs where some of the world’s largest ships are built. Join a 1-hour harbour cruise.
5. Experience the Fishmarkt
Get up early on a Sunday morning (5am – 9:30am) and head for the Fischmarkt (fish market). It’s colourful, boisterous and uniquely Hamburg!
6. Visit Reeperbahn
Stroll down Hamburg’s most notorious street: the Reeperbahn (the red light district). Join a Reeperbahn tour with a local.
7. Enjoy panoramic views of Hamburg
Climb 453 steps to the top of the St. Michaeliskirche (St. Michael’s Church) tower for magnificent views of the city and the harbour. This is arguably the best place for a panoramic view of Hamburg.
8. Enjoy the lake views
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.
9. Visit the Miniatur Wunderland
Connect with your inner child at Miniatur Wunderland! This miniature museum is an absolute wonder, with elaborate city and mountain landscapes, trains and an entire airport! The detail in the models is simply phenomenal. Read about my visit to Miniature Wunderland.
One more great thing to do in Hamburg: if you enjoy beer, I can recommend joining a tour of the local craft beer scene.
10. See the suburbs
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 Hamburg plane factory along the way. Blankenese is a picturesque hillside village with quaint houses and gorgeous views of the Elbe. Join this sightseeing cruise to Blankenese.
11. Go on a day trip to Lübeck
Lübeck is a historic city situated about an hour’s drive or train ride from Hamburg. Known as the ‘City of the Seven Spires’, Lübeck is renowned for its Brick Gothic medieval architecture and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Read about things to see in Lübeck (including a suggested walking route).
Further afield from Hamburg, along the Baltic Sea coast, you’ll find other beautiful places to explore such as the town of Stralsund and the island of Rügen.
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I never visited Hamburg in my life. After reading your article I would definitely like to visit the place once in my lifetime. Thanks for sharing the nice and informative article.
[…] If you’re visiting Hamburg, don’t miss the Miniatur Wunderland (tickets via GetYourGuide). This miniature museum certainly brought back so many fond childhood memories for me but above all, it truly is a remarkable place! Read more about things to do in Hamburg. […]
[…] This cosmopolitan harbour city is one of my favourites in Germany. Hemmed in between the harbour and two lakes, Hamburg boasts stunning architecture, a vibrant nightlife and a classy culinary scene. Join a harbour cruise, stroll around the UNESCO World Heritage Speicherstadt, grab a fish sandwich at the Fischmarkt or climb to the top of St. Michael’s Church for magnificent views. If you’re a fan of toy trains and airplanes, you have to visit Miniatur Wunderland! Read more about things to do in Hamburg. […]
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I read about it. I should add it to this post. Hehe! Thanks for the heads-up!
Cheers,
Keith
Hi Keith! This year a new free attraction has appeared. The construction of the Elbphilharmonie has been completed and for free you can take a futuristic staircase to the observation deck and see 360 ° panorama of Hamburg. I really recommend.
[…] you’re visiting Hamburg, don’t miss the Miniatur Wunderland. This miniature museum certainly brought back so many […]
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[…] Ten things to do in Hamburg […]
[…] Ten things to do in Hamburg […]
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.
[…] Ten things to do in Hamburg […]
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! 🙂
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 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
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.
[…] Click here and subscribe to our RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!Hamburg, the second largest city in Germany, has more canals than Venice. Hamburg really is a city of water […]