Top Things To Do in Hamburg: A Hamburger’s Guide!

What makes our ‘top things to do in Hamburg’ different? Our insider’s guide comes from a proud Hamburger and passionate enthusiast of this essential city!

This means a guide to some unmissable places and local tips you won’t see elsewhere.

Top Things To Do in Hamburg – Points of Interest

Welcome to one of the most incredible cities on earth!

The port city on the Elbe is often called the “Gateway to the World” – and you’ll soon discover why.

Thanks to its fascinating history, cultural attractions, maritime charm, and welcoming locals, Hamburg has so much to offer tourists.

Hamburg is also graced with some of Germany’s grandest buildings.

Since you’ll be spoiled for choice, keep reading to discover some must-see places.

Hamburg Shopping –  The Jungfernstieg

Being located on the water—the Inner Alster—makes it a very special place. It is also a good starting point for visiting the nearby department stores or the famous and traditional Alsterhaus.

If you’re looking for exclusive accessories, designer furniture and luxury fashion, you don’t want to miss Neuer Wall.

Finding Your Way

It is one of the finest shopping streets in Europe, next to the Jungfernstieg. At the end of the street from Neuer Wall, you will find the Town Hall, a proper “anchor” to orientate yourself around the city.

Hamburg Boat Tour – Speicherstadt

One of the reasons people visit Hamburg is the Speicherstadt. It is another significant landmark in Hamburg and one of the main attractions in the excellent harbour. The district is crossed by what are known as fleets-canals, meaning you can travel by boat to savour the architectural details or take the city bus tour.

Did you know that Hamburg has more bridges than Venice, Amsterdam and London?

You can take a boat trip through the Speicherstadt and enjoy the architectural details of the water, or you can take a city bus tour, but I think it’s best to explore them during a walk.

The Speicherstadt has an atmosphere all its own, especially at nightfall when it is enveloped in an aura of mystery.

At that time of day, the red brick buildings, bizarre gables and turrets, and steel bridges are artfully illuminated by 800 spotlights. Enjoy the fairytale atmosphere of illuminated façades and reflections in the water. If you want, you can go from Speicherstadt to HafenCity. It is the complete opposite.

One of my favourite restaurants is Heldenplatz, between Speicherstadt and HafenCity. It’s casual fine dining with great food and excellent service. The menu offers a small selection of dishes with a French twist.

Stunning Spotlights

Also, 800 spotlights artfully illuminate the red brick buildings, unique gables and turrets, and steel bridges in the evening. Enjoy the fairytale atmosphere of illuminated façades, reflections in the water, and the spicy aromas of goods from around the world during a walk through the Speicherstadt 365 days a year.

The century-old historic monument Speicherstadt, is the world’s largest contiguous warehouse complex. It was built in 1883 and is located in the Freihafen (free port).

Some warehouses have recently been turned into apartments, others are visitor attractions, and a few still fulfil their original purpose of storing spices, tea, coffee, and electronics.

Hamburg Architecture – HafenCity

HafenCity uniquely combines tradition and modernity—a true architectural and cultural delight, with (predominantly) new buildings with a maritime flair.

A viewpoint in the area is worth seeking out. It stands 13 meters high and offers a beautiful view of Hafen City and its changes.

Model Railway

Hamburg’s HafenCity is the largest construction complex and inner-city development project in Europe. Besides the office and apartment buildings, you can linger in the many cafés and restaurants.

There is also one more attraction, Miniatur Wunderland. It is the most extensive model railway system in the world and worth a visit.

The Elbphilmarmonie is also part of the HafenCity.

Hamburg Landmarks – Michel

One of the most beautiful churches is not far from the harbour: the St. Michaelis (simply called “The Michel” by the locals). It is Hamburg’s most important landmark, and in its nearly 400-year history, the “Michel” had to be rebuilt twice.

The church can fit 2,500 people, making it the largest in Hamburg.

A View of the City

The distinctive copper roof and the 132-meter tower—with Germany’s largest clock bell—are visible afar. At 82 meters high and after 452 steps, you have a fantastic view of the Elbe and the rest of the metropolis. You should not miss it!

If you can’t face 452 steps, you can also take the lift from the first floor. It’s also worthwhile to look inside the church.

Surrounding the Michels is the traditional Portuguese quarter, inhabited by Portuguese immigrants in the 1970s. The many restaurants make it a real culinary highlight.

My absolute favourite is pizza at Luigi’s. Not everybody likes it, and most of the time, you have to wait for your table; it’s always packed. But while you wait, there is Prosecco for free. The wait is worth it; there is good food, dim candlelight, and a pleasant ambience.

Hamburg Concert Hall – The Elbphilharmonie

The Elbphilmarmonie, a concert hall in the HafenCity quarter of Hamburg, is a true cultural icon.

Classical music, modern music and cultural events have a spectacular home in this superb building. It is truly a building of superlatives and has, understandably, set itself the goal of becoming one of the ten best concert halls in the world.

It has the best chance of achieving this due to the spectacular architecture and the unique, world-class acoustics.

More Than Concerts

But the Elbphilharmonie has even more to offer than concerts. The Plaza is 37 meters above the ground, offering a breathtaking 360 ° view of the city and the harbour. It is accessible to all and free, too.

Another reason to visit the Elbphilharmonie is that it has the longest escalator in Europe. It starts at the main entrance and goes to the 6th floor. It is 82 m high and slightly curved—you can not see where it ends! It is quite a journey.

A visit is worthwhile, whether for the fantastic view, to learn more about the architecture, to meet friends for a coffee and a snack, or to have dinner with a spectacular view.

Hamburg Piers – Landungsbrücken

Next stop – Landungsbrücken. This floating pierücken is 700 meters long. From this water “station,” the harbour cruises, ferries, and HADAG steamers to Finkenwerder, Oevelgönne, and Blankenese start.

Even imposing luxury cruisers are set here from time to time.

Did you know you can also use the harbour ferries with your HVV ticket for suburban trains and buses?

Popular Beach Club

The Old Elbe Tunnel, the museum ships Rickmer Rickmers and Cap San Diego are also located near the piers.

A variety of restaurants and souvenir shops complement the beautiful views. In recent decades, the piers have become one of Hamburg’s most popular promenades.

The Landungsbrücke offers one of Hamburg’s most famous beach clubs. It impresses me with the view over the harbour and the cool breeze from the Elbe.

Only a few meters further on is the fish market.

Hamburg Markets – Fischmarkt

The fish market is a loud and bustling experience. To attract customers, the market traders outscream each other! The fish market has provided fish, fruits, flowers, clothing, and souvenirs since 1703.

For the early birds, it is the first stop on a Sunday morning, and for the night owls, it is the last after a night out on the town. After your coffee or Fischbrötchen (typical of Hamburg), you pass the fish market and auction hall and come to Dockland.

Observation Deck

It is just a ship-like futuristic office building which juts out freely 40 meters over the river Elbe. However, it offers an observation deck on its roof, which can be reached via a public outdoor staircase. After climbing the 140 steps, visitors are rewarded with a stunning view of the Elbe and the harbour.

Next, we will explore Hamburg’s entertainment district, as the bars and clubs of the Reeperbahn are only a few minutes away.

Hamburg Nightlife – Reeperbahn

The Reeperbahn, which Hamburgers called “Kiez”, is Hamburg’s best entertainment district.

You will find everything in a bar, whether chic or just a beer or cocktail: bars, clubs, student clubs, restaurants, hotels. During the day, the streets are pretty quiet. At night, it’s a different world. The colourful lights and the lively atmosphere will blind you.

Reeperbahn Sections

It is divided into three “parts”…

First, “Große Freiheit”: You will also find the Beatles-Platz next to the clubs and bars. The square’s highlights are sculptures of famous musicians, represented in a stainless steel frame as silhouettes. Visitors can fit into the sculptures and become the Beatles themselves.

Then there is the “Hans Albers Platz“, characterized by bars and small clubs. In summer, it is a popular place because there is a prominent place in the middle where you can go out with your drink and sit down at a table. And then there is the “Hamburger Berg,” a street with many small pubs.

There is no significant difference to the Hans Albers Platz, but it is not quite as “chic”. It is hard to say which of the three places is more popular, depending on your mood when choosing a pub, but they are all so close together that you can change your mind anytime.

But it’s also worth it if you do not want to party. There is a St. Pauli night market, but it is not your average weekly market. It takes place in the heart of the Reeperbahn on Spielbudenplatz and has late opening hours. It is a popular after-work venue with live music and offers residents and visitors an unforgettable shopping and dining experience.

Do you enjoy cocktails? Then you have to try the Clockers Bar.

It’s a nice little cocktail bar in a well-hidden place—dimmed lights, wood everywhere, branches on the ceiling and delicious cocktails.

It’s snug and exclusive but modern and homely, too.

Hamburg Urban Culture – 

Without a doubt, Sternschanze is the counter-cultural centre of the city.

The area is trendy among young locals, who will gladly leave the Reeperbahn to the tourists. Here, you can browse through independent record stores and boutiques or enjoy the cosy cafés, lively pubs and bars around Schulterblatt Street.

The Schanze is also known in Hamburg, especially for its solid alternative scene.

The Schanzenpark, with its green areas, is a popular meeting place for the young and old alike. The Schanzenturm (Schanzen tower) is the undisputed eye-catcher of the park. In the summer, there is an open-air cinema, which is very lovely. Bring your blanket, chairs, snacks, and drinks and enjoy a movie.

Recommended Bar

For a drink, I recommend the Katze. It is always crowded, but the atmosphere is pleasant.. and cool!

Do you feel like a beer or something to eat? Then try the brewery and restaurant “Altes Mädchen” (Old Girl). They’ll welcome you with food and drinks, a great selection of both.

If you are looking for a relaxed atmosphere, good organic bread and craft beer from around the world, you should check this out!

For the best burger in town, go to Dulf’s Burger. It is located in the Karolinenviertel, not far from the Sternschanze. The burger is so tasty that it does justice to its name.

Hamburg Attractions – Planten un Blomen

If you want to take a break during your stay in Hanseatic, you can’t miss the Planten un Blomen park in central Hamburg.

Planten un Blomen is popular among Hamburgers and visitors who go for a walk, relax, and be fascinated by nature’s beauty. It offers Europe’s most extensive Japanese garden, its clipped hedges and tea pavilion, and the romantic rose garden with over 300 varieties.

A Treat for Plant-Lovers

Meanwhile, a botanical garden with a tropical greenhouse with tropical greenhouses attracts plant lovers. The gorgeous green area extends from St. Pauli to the Alster.

You can also explore the park in the evening and end the day with a romantic water light show with music by the park’s lake. It is a half-hour light show with coloured fountains every night from May to September. A cosy blanket and maybe a bottle of wine are all you need.

Hamburg Planetarium – Stadtpark

Another great park is the Stadtpark. It is not as central as Planten un Bloom, but it is also worth a visit.

In the summer, there are often concerts in the city park. You can meet many Hamburgers without tickets, sit in front of the forest stage with snacks and drinks on the grass, and listen to the band while they play.

Panoramic View

You will also find the Planetarium Hamburg there. It is one of Hamburg’s landmarks. Planetarium Hamburg offers many presentations for children, families, and adults. It is located in a historic water tower in the Stadtpark.

The building also offers another great panoramic view from the observation deck, which is 60 meters high and accessible by an express lift.

Hamburg’s Gem-A Majestic City Hall

Hamburg’s City Hall has such a striking presence in the city’s heart that you’ll quickly see why it should be at the top of your to-do list.

It is Hamburg’s seat of government, a magnificent sandstone building that houses the city’s senate, parliament, and the First Mayor.

The architecture on the 133-metre-wide and 70-deep facade is Neo-Renaissance and the tower in the centre soars to 112 metres. You won’t believe it stands on 4,000 wooden poles drilled into the muddy shores of Alster Lake.

The interior has more of a Historicist design, and one of its talking points is the fantastic number of rooms inside, 647 at the last count, even more than Buckingham Palace!

From the Townhall, it is not far from the Speicherstadt.

An Eventful History

Top Things To Do in Hamburg – A World of Choice 

From port views to nightlife, alternative culture to family activities, Hamburg, Germany, offers many things to savour.

Viel Spaß! (Enjoy!)