Hamburg has seen a lot of action in the past century; the economic boom of its maritime industry, its steadfast seat as a prime European trading center, and its trend-setting youth culture from the 60s are just a few sides of its exciting history and legacy. This wealthy port town is now a place of arts and culture appreciation, gourmet adventures, and nighttime notoriety. Follow this guide so you’ll never run out of things to do in Hamburg!
Situated along the port of Elbe River is the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, a concert hall with the most acoustically advanced features in the world. This waterfront musical wonder is an all-glass architectural wonder inspired by waves and icebergs. Visit the Plaza, its 37-meter high viewing platform that overlooks the harbor. You can also check out concert halls through guided tours, where you’ll learn about its history as built heritage, its construction as a Hamburg landmark, and its musical program.
Experience the world from the outside looking in at Miniatur Wunderland, a fully-functioning model railway and airport exhibit that runs around the world. Miniatures of famous cities in the Alps, Austria, Hamburg, United States of America, Scandinavia, and Italy are brought to life by the smallest of details. 400,000 human figurines live in a world of replicated famous landmarks, accessible by 1,300 trains, 10,000 carriages, and 100,000 moving vehicles. This ever-expanding attraction has guided tours available for booking online.
The soul of Hamburg lies in St. Pauli, the infamous entertainment district that houses Reeperbahn. Feel the rush of excitement and activity as nightclubs and bars pump wicked energy into the veins of the city. The red-light street is also an artist’s urban escape -- theaters and galleries run risque exhibits and shows packed with a shock factor. Pop culture and the underground scene meet halfway in pop-up markets, street fairs, and outdoor concerts, inciting unforgettable parties that’ll be the talk of the town until the next year comes and a new one is celebrated once again.
The Hamburg Rathaus, or more commonly known as Townhall, is the seat of Hamburg’s senate and parliament. Its renaissance revival architecture was finished in 1897 and has been a famous facade in the city ever since. A guided tour will take you around the courtyard and Greek-inspired fountain that looks even more gorgeous once the Christmas Market is set up. Its well-preserved interior space can also be visited by civilians from Monday to Sunday.
St. Michael’s Church is a Lutheran place of worship modeled after baroque-style architecture. Take in the scenic view of the city and the harbor from the bell tower, standing high at 132-meter tall and considered as Germany’s largest clock tower. The vast nave houses five different organs, overlooked by a 20-meter high altar that still holds mass service to this day. Right under its tiled floors lies a crypt and burial vault accessible by elevator, stairs, and wheelchair ramps. Take a hop-on hop-off bus for easier access to this and several other tourist attractions that offer a different side of Hamburg.
Within the city of Hamburg sits Planten un Blomen, a 47-hectare urban park. Locals and tourists spend their free time watching water-light concerts, music shows, and public theater productions here. You can also visit the Old Botanical Garden of Hamburg, where flowering plants, rose gardens, and themed gardens thrive in various greenhouses. The park is filled with manicured lawns, flower beds, and herb gardens that lead to the central part of the big city.
Explore a seamless mix of business and pleasure at the Port of Hamburg, Germany’s Gateway to the World. It sits on the mouth of Elbe River and welcomes up to 8,000 ships per day. A trip around the port is a popular tourist activity, with ferries and cruises accommodating eager locals and tourists looking for maritime sights and activities. Photography enthusiasts also flock to its berths and walls for a glimpse of the scenic coastline. Check out the International Maritime Museum for an insight into its colorful history.
Masterpieces from the past are juxtaposed with modern art at Hamburger Kunsthalle, the country’s biggest museum in terms of space. This late 19th-century landmark was largely funded by civic efforts, which then made art movements accessible by the people. Discover works of European greats like C.D. Friedrich, Manet, Rembrandt, Edvard Munch, Max Beckmann, and Max Liebermann. Visit its themed exhibitions, medieval collections, and contemporary art by international artists for free.
The century-old Elbe Tunnel runs under the Elbe River, a route that connects St. Pauli to the ports and its piers, as well as major landmarks in the city. The elevator ride descends 80ft underground and opens up to a 426-meter long tunnel decked with glazed terracotta and art deco ornaments relating to the river. Experience the local life as you disappear into the crowds of commuters going to and fro different parts of Hamburg.
Established in the late 19th century, Tierpark Hagenbeck is a popular attraction that pioneered open enclosures and petting zoos. Visit its panorama-style zoo that holds exhibitions by species to realistically replicate natural habitats. They also host a breeding program for endangered animals and an animal sponsorship scheme, both of which seek to preserve wildlife. Families and kids-at-heart will delight in the playgrounds available. Get a discount when you visit using the Hamburg Card.
The biggest port in the world can be found in Hamburg, a city bursting with life along the harbour of the Elbe River. Its coast has been at the forefront of international trade and maritime sector, making it one of the wealthiest cities in Germany. But beyond its pier lies a cosmopolitan petri dish of arts appreciation that seafarers and tourists love to explore.
The best time to take a stroll in Hamburg’s urban parks would be spring, just in time for the flora to be in full bloom. Pops of color decorate the city streets and establishments, and the breezy temperature calls for a lovely afternoon walk. But if you’re more keen to join public festivals or sail down the river Elbe, book your trip around summer.
Hamburg’s local nightlife buzzes to life in St. Georg, a LGBTQ+ friendly neighbourhood of diverse communities and food spots. The Old Town of Altstadt is also a great place to stay at if you’re a fan of historic buildings and architectural wonders beautifully maintained through the centuries. Last but not the least is St. Pauli, a red light district best known for its cheap end of alley bars and pubs.