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Hamburg, the pearl of the north, is a city that impresses with its diversity and unique charm. Whether you are interested in culture, history, architecture or nightlife, Hamburg has something to offer for every taste.
In this article we will guide you through the top Hamburg sights that you definitely shouldn’t miss on your next visit.
The Reeperbahn is probably the most famous street in Hamburg and a synonym for the city’s exciting nightlife. This approximately 930 meter long boulevard in the St. Pauli district is more than just a party mile. Here you will find theaters, music clubs, bars and restaurants that cater to every taste.
The Reeperbahn has a long history as an entertainment district and was once the center of the city’s red light district. Today it is a lively meeting place for locals and tourists alike.
Address:
Reeperbahn, St. Pauli, Hamburg, Germany
Opening hours:
The Reeperbahn is open 24 hours a day, but most clubs and bars open in the evening and stay open late.
Entry:
Entry to the Reeperbahn itself is free. However, some clubs and events may charge entry fees.
Our tips:
Visit the Panoptikum wax museum or the Beatles monument during the day and enjoy the lively club scene and the many bars in the evening. If you come during a festival like the Reeperbahn Festival, you can experience concerts, art, literature and films.
The St. Pauli Landungsbrücken are one of Hamburg’s most famous landmarks and serve as a gateway to the world. These historic piers at the port of Hamburg offer a fantastic view of the Elbe River and the ships passing by.
The Landungsbrücken are not only a starting point for harbor tours, but also the ideal place to experience the maritime atmosphere of the city. From here you can also enter the Old Elbe Tunnel, another fascinating attraction.
Address:
At St. Pauli-Landungsbrücken 20359, Hamburg, Germany
Opening hours:
The St. Pauli Landungsbrücken are open around the clock as it is a public area.
Entry Fee:
Access to the jetties is free.
Our tips:
A visit to the Landungsbrücken is particularly recommended at sunset. From here you have a wonderful view of the harbor and the Elbphilharmonie. In addition, many harbor tours start from the Landungsbrücken, which offer a great insight into the port of Hamburg.
No visit to Hamburg would be complete without a visit to the Elbphilharmonie. This architectural masterpiece is not only a world-class concert hall, but also a symbol of the modern side of the Hanseatic city.
The Elbphilharmonie towers majestically above the harbor and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city from the plaza.
The spectacular glass facade, which is reflected in the water of the Elbe, makes the building an absolute eye-catcher.
Address:
Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg Platz d. German Unit 4, 20457 Hamburg
Opening hours:
The Plaza is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to midnight.
Entry Fee:
Entrance to the plaza costs 2 euros. Access to the Plaza is free for concertgoers.
Our tips:
Visit the Plaza for a breathtaking 360° view of Hamburg. It’s also worth taking part in one of the guided tours to learn more about the architecture and history of the Elbphilharmonie.
The Speicherstadt, the largest contiguous warehouse complex in the world, is another highlight of Hamburg. These impressive brick buildings date from the late 19th century and are now part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The narrow canals that run through the Speicherstadt give the district an almost mystical atmosphere, especially at night. Here you will also find some of the city’s best museums, such as the Miniatur Wunderland and the Speicherstadt Museum.
Address:
Speicherstadt, 20457 Hamburg
Opening hours:
The Speicherstadt itself is accessible 24 hours a day, but individual attractions and museums have different opening times. For example:
Miniatur Wunderland: Daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (open later on some days).
Hamburg Dungeon: Daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Entry Fee:
Admission to the Speicherstadt is free, but individual attractions and museums charge entry fees. For example:
Miniatur Wunderland: adults approx. €20, children approx. €12.
Hamburg Dungeon: adults approx. €25, children approx. €20.
Our tips:
A harbor tour is a great way to experience the Speicherstadt from the water. You should also definitely visit Miniatur Wunderland, the largest model train museum in the world.
The Schanzenviertel, also simply called “the Schanze”, is the creative heart of Hamburg. This district is known for its alternative scene and offers a variety of small boutiques, cafés, bars and restaurants. Artists, students and everyone who is looking for something special meet here.
The Schanzenviertel is also a center for political and cultural events and has retained its alternative charm to this day. A walk through the Schanze is like a journey into another world, far away from the typical tourist trails.
Address:
Schanzenviertel, Hamburg, Germany
Opening hours:
The district itself has no fixed opening times as it is a city district. However, the shops, cafes, bars and restaurants have different opening times, usually between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
Entry Fee:
Entry to the district is free. Some events or special places such as clubs or concerts may charge entry fees.
Our tips:
Visit the Rote Flora, a former theater and now an autonomous cultural center known for its political and cultural events. A walk through the Schanzenpark and a look at the Schanzenturm, which was once Europe’s largest water tower, are also highly recommended.
The Hamburg fish market is an institution and is one of the absolute top Hamburg attractions. Every Sunday morning the area around the fish auction hall is transformed into a vibrant market. Here you can buy fresh fish, exotic fruits, flowers and much more. But even if you don’t want to buy anything, the fish market is worth a visit just for the unique atmosphere.
The fish sellers are known for their loud and humorous sales strategies, which make the market a real experience.
Address:
Fish market, 22767 Altona
Opening hours:
Summer (April – October): Sundays from 5:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m
Winter (November – March): Sundays from 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m
Entry fee:
Entry is free.
Our tips:
Visit the market early in the morning to experience the lively atmosphere and the best deals. Be sure to try a fresh fish sandwich and enjoy the live music in the fish auction hall.
The Port of Hamburg is not only the largest seaport in Germany, but also one of the most important transshipment points in the world. A visit to the harbor is undoubtedly one of the highlights of any trip to Hamburg. Here you can marvel at the gigantic container ships that arrive from all over the world, or take one of the numerous harbor tours to experience the harbor basin up close.
The harbor is also a popular place for walks, especially along the Elbe promenade, which offers wonderful views of the city and the river.
Address:
Port of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
Opening hours:
The port is open 24 hours a day as it is an important transshipment point for international trade.
Entry Fee:
Access to the port itself is free. However, entrance fees may apply for special attractions such as harbor tours or visits to the Miniatur Wunderland.
Our tips:
A harbor tour is highly recommended to get a comprehensive impression of the harbor and its importance. It is also worth visiting the historic Speicherstadt and the modern HafenCity district.
The Alter Elbtunnel, which opened in 1911, is a true masterpiece of engineering. This historic tunnel connects the Landungsbrücken with the Steinwerder district on the southern side of the Elbe. Particularly impressive are the large tubes lined with tiles, through which horse-drawn carts and later cars once drove.
Today the Alter Elbtunnel is a popular destination for pedestrians and cyclists who want to enjoy a very special view of the city and the harbor.
Address:
Alter Elbtunnel, near the St. Pauli Landungsbrücken, 20359 Hamburg
Opening hours:
The tunnel is open to pedestrians and cyclists 24 hours a day. However, the tunnel has been closed to vehicles since October 2023.
Entry Fee:
Access is free for pedestrians and cyclists.
Our tips:
A walk through the tunnel offers a unique perspective on Hamburg and the Elbe. A visit at sunset is particularly recommended, when the view of the city is particularly impressive. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the Art Deco architecture and the reliefs on the walls.
Right in the heart of Hamburg lies the Planten un Blomen park, a true oasis of peace and relaxation. This beautiful park covers 47 hectares and offers a variety of gardens, including a Japanese garden, a rose garden and a tropical greenhouse.
Planten un Blomen is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy nature. The water light concerts that take place in summer and bathe the park in a magical light are particularly popular.
Address:
Planten un Blomen, Marseille Promenade, 20355 Hamburg
Opening hours:
The park is open all year round.
Entry Fee:
Entry is free.
Our tips:
Be sure to visit the water light concerts, which are a highlight, especially in the evenings. The large playground and the various themed gardens are also worth a visit.
The Miniatur Wunderland in the Speicherstadt is one of Hamburg’s most visited attractions and a must for model building and railway lovers. On an area of over 1,500 square meters you will find the largest model railway system in the world. The attention to detail with which the various landscapes, cities and scenes are designed is simply impressive.
The Miniatur Wunderland is not only a highlight for children, but also delights adults with its lovingly designed scenes and technical refinements.
Address:
Miniatur Wunderland, Kehrwieder 2/Block D, 20457 Hamburg
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m
Saturday: 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m
Sunday: 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m
Entry Fee:
Adults: €20.00
Children (up to 15 years): €12.50
Reduced: €17.00
Our tips:
It is recommended to book tickets online in advance to avoid long waiting times. Wearing a medical mask indoors is also recommended.
The Alster Lakes is a central point in Hamburg and offers numerous opportunities for relaxation and leisure activities. The lake, which is surrounded by a picturesque waterfront promenade, is a popular destination for walks, jogging and cycling. On sunny days, the Alster Lakes is a meeting place for water sports enthusiasts who go sailing, rowing or paddling here.
The green meadows and parks around the Alster also invite you to picnic and relax.
Address:
Alster Lakes, 20148 Eimsbüttel
Opening hours:
The lake and surrounding parks are accessible 24 hours a day.
Entry Fee:
Access to the Outer Alster is free.
Our tips:
A tour on the small steamboats from Jungfernstieg is highly recommended. These trips not only offer wonderful views of Hamburg, but also lots of interesting stories and information about the city and the Alster. Prices for these tours start at around €11.90.
The Elbchaussee is one of the most beautiful streets in Hamburg and offers impressive views of the river and the ships passing by as it stretches along the Elbe. This historic boulevard connects the Altona district with the Elbe suburbs and is lined with elegant villas and parks.
A walk along the Elbchaussee is like a journey back in time, where you can marvel at the magnificent residences and well-tended gardens. Jenischpark, one of the largest and most beautiful parks in the city, is particularly worth seeing.
Address:
Elbchaussee, Hamburg, Germany
Opening hours:
The Elbchaussee is a public street and therefore accessible around the clock.
Entry fee:
There is no entrance fee as it is a public street.
Our tips:
A walk along the Elbchaussee offers beautiful views of the Elbe and the magnificent villas and parks along the street. A visit to the Jenischpark, which is also located on the Elbchaussee, is particularly recommended.
Hamburg is a city full of contrasts, where history and modernity meet. No matter whether you visit the well-known sights or discover the hidden corners – Hamburg offers something for everyone.
Hamburg offers a variety of impressive sights. The best include the Elbphilharmonie, the Speicherstadt, the Port of Hamburg and the Reeperbahn.
The best nightlife in Hamburg can be found on the Reeperbahn in St. Pauli, known for its clubs, bars and music venues.
Many of the most beautiful places in Hamburg are accessible free of charge, such as the Planten un Blomen Park, Alster Lakes and Alter Elbtunnel.
A must in Hamburg is a visit to the Elbphilharmonie, a harbor tour, the Speicherstadt and the fish market on Sunday mornings.
The best time to visit Hamburg is in spring or summer, when the weather is pleasant and many outdoor events take place.
To properly explore Hamburg, you should plan at least 3-4 days to visit the main attractions and soak up the atmosphere of the city.
