Wondering what to do in Hamburg? Hamburg was always a bit of a stepchild when it came to German cities. Known for its financial and business prowess, but also for its flat terrain and rather chilly weather, the harbor city in the far north couldn’t keep up with the attention given to what to do in the likes of Munich with its Oktoberfest and dirndls, or Heidelberg with its quaint center and castle.

I know this personally, having been a Rotary fellow in Hamburg many years ago, long before Hamburg – the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, thank you — was fashionista cool or named the best city for nightlife, as it was in December 2017. My relationship with Hamburg has been personal and deep. I admired the city for what it was but saw it back then as a bit of an over-officious gray-suited businessman, not smiling, bustling along, with his chin tucked down into a collar as protection from the chill wind. Munich on the other hand was all oom-pah, foaming beer, colorful dirndls and cheeriness. While Heidelberg managed to get LOOOOVE into everything it did with the dramatic castle on the hill.

Then came the Elbphilharmonie (Elbe Philharmonic Hall), opened in January 2017, and suddenly with this glamorous building shaping the city’s flat silhouette, everybody including travelers sat up and took notice. The Philharmonic building, which we visited for its first anniversary in January 2018, is in fact spectacular, a true city icon of city icons the likes of Sydney’s Opera House. Don’t make the mistake, however, of underrating what Hamburg has to offer and dash through on your travels with just a day to tour the Philharmonic Hall. You will need several days – perhaps three to five – and even then you may leave frustrated about how much you missed.

After I lived there, I would tell people who asked that Hamburg is a city that sparkles like an expensive diamond when the sun shines. There is water everywhere – of course, as a port city, water has defined what it was and still is. Nevertheless, one must recognize Hamburg is a city in the far north with an oceanic climate (and the Baltic and North seas within spitting distance practically). Thus, it has quite a temperate climate, rarely getting all too hot and rarely snowing enough for a white wonderland. It can be gray and drizzly in the winter, and the wind can cut through you. If you like cool, foggy climates, you will love Hamburg in the winter! Otherwise, you may want to stick to spring, summer or fall for a trip to visit Hamburg.

No matter when you go or how long you choose to travel to Hamburg, the best way to find out what to do in Hamburg is right here. Our resource guide and links, map, and personal insider travel information with tips and insights can help clue you in to some great sights to see, including some lesser known, on your trip to Hamburg.

Hamburg has also done a fantastic job making sure key websites and sights for travelers visiting Hamburg are also in English!

Like most large cities (and Hamburg’s population is upwards of 1.8 million), you could spend a lifetime seeing neighborhoods, visiting museums, or touring parks and other attractions, not to mention just strolling around to enjoy the city sights and sounds.

Alster Lakes / Jungfernstieg – A showpiece for Hamburg, these lakes used to be part of the Alster River until a dam in medieval times transformed them into landlocked lakes in the city center. Greenways edge much of the Inner Alster (closest to town) and Outer Alster (larger and the one farther from the Jungfernstieg. Walk, bike, kayak, run, stroll, picnic…. The “Jungfernstieg” is the elegant shopping promenade that edges the southernmost edge of the Inner Alster. (Of note: “Jungfer” means “virgin” and “Stieg” could be loosely translated as a walkway; the name stems from the wealthy young women who used to stroll along the banks there.) This is also where the cruises on the Alster and through the canals embark – worth the time! As a side note, when you are admiring the swans, remember they are protected and cared for by the city and have been since the 13^th century. Don’t dare hurt or even insult one!

Elbphilharmonie – This is now THE icon for Hamburg since its opening in January 2017. For all of the inside scoop on the Elbe Philharmonic Hall building and touring it, see our story, “Hamburg Elbphilharmonie, a new city icon.”

Speicherstadt / Kontorhausviertel – Both UNESCO World Heritage sites since 2015, the Speicherstadt (or “Warehouse City”) is filled with historic port warehouses now gentrified into trendy lofts, offices, restaurants and cafes, while the Kontorhause District also houses historically significant architecture. A couple of our favorites there: Stop to inhale the rich scent of roasting beans at the Kaffeerösterei before you order a warm brew there.  Don’t short your time at the Miniatur Wunderland (Miniature Wonderland), a nearly 16,000-square-foot attraction with unsurpassed detail of trains, planes, landscapes and cities in nine so-called “theme worlds.” We know one adult who can easily spend an entire day there. Try to book in advance or you’ll have verrrrrry long waits.

St. Pauli – Everybody seems to want to go party in this loud and flamboyant area of the city, renowned for the red-light-district called the Reeperbahn. There, on Herbertstrasse lined with brothels, women sit in windows to attract patrons – no men under 18 or women allowed. OK, go if you must….

Elbe Tunnel – Today, you can walk under the water from one shore to the other of the Elbe River when in Hamburg. The 1,400-foot tunnel, originally opened in 1911, is still open for transit from shore to shore, as well as for curious tourists, including cyclists and pedestrians (free). A little spooky, a lot history.

Churches and towers – Something every traveler in every European city must do is visit a church or two or three. Same in Hamburg. There is St. Michael’s, and its baroque style, one of the best known with the dome’s copper roof, but not the tallest. The tallest is St.Nikolai, which today is a moving memorial and museum. (See our story, “St. Nikolai Church Memorial.”) Destroyed in World War II, St. Nikolai in 1874 was actually the tallest building in the world. Visit the ruins and climb the tower for a view of the city. And don’t miss the City Hall or Rathaus (see photo above) where there are tours nearly daily.

Deichstrasse – For an overdose of cute and a good helping of history with a touch of Venician feel, head for the Deichstrasse where some of the oldest buildings in the city line the “Nikolaifleet” canal. Buildings here date back to the 14^th century. Look for restaurants and coffee houses there today. Nearest underground is the U3 Rödingsmarkt station.

Planten un Blomen garden – We like to take the time to visit gardens in different cities. Sometimes the greenspace is a great break, but they also say something about a city. Hamburg’s Planten un Blomen garden is no exception – a real urban treat. Read our story and photographers diary, “Busy bee in Hamburg’s Planten un Blomen garden.”

Övelgönne / Historic harbor — Since the river and the harbor and what they represent run deep in Hamburg’s blood, a trip to the quaint Historic Harbor area with its historic ships is a delightful way to explore beyond town center. This strip is an extremely popular walk for locals too, taking you from historic ships, to beaches to winding cobblestone paths in the former fishing village. We consider this a must every time in Hamburg.

Treppenviertel (Blankenese) – In what is today a rather well-to-do area, Blankenese offers a neighborhood called the “Treppenviertel,” or “stairs neighborhood,” with winding stairs dotted with historic mansions and offering nice views  If you have more time or like exploring neighborhoods, the area is worth a little of your time.

Sternschanze – On the opposite end of the spectrum from chic Blankenese is the counter-cultural area of Sternschanze or Schanzenviertel not far from the Hamburg Congress Center. Like street art? More buildings are decorated here than are not. Looking for organic restaurants, hip cafes or alternative cuisine? This could be for you. We frankly love it. If street art is your thing – as it has become ours in seeking it out around the world – you could opt for a Street Art Tour in Hamburg too, such as Alternative Hamburg.

Where to eat in Hamburg

Like any metropolitan center, restaurants and cafes are everywhere. Searching for something specific? Try the Hamburg Tourist Office’s search engine.

For good eating in a bright, historic building near the center of town, try the Gasthaus an der Alster. Warm, lots of wood paneling, solid German food.

Seeking something nicer? Head around the southwest corner of the Outer Alster to Ristorante Porto Novo with great views of the water. Don’t miss sunset and get a window view! The finer end of Italian that includes a few Hamburg fish specialties too.

Carls an der Elbphilharmonie is precisely where its name says: Right at the Philharmonic. Choose from a finer brasserie restaurant with views of the port or a simpler bistro. French flair.

Wandering historic Övelgönne? If it’s spring or summer, drop into the Strandperle on the beach, a spot popular with locals for its basic grill food, including sausages … of course.

Then there is the food court in the main train station. No, not fine fare but good Asian and other cuisines. Places to sit although pretty noisy, but great take-out for those days when you need a picnic or just want a quiet meal in your hotel room after a busy day.

Where to stay in Hamburg

Like with restaurants, you can choose from fancy to simple, town center or far neighborhoods, chains or tiny B & Bs. One superior option is to use our easy Booking.com map, below, ready for you to find your perfect night’s sleep. Using Booking.com costs you no extra, and we get a small commission for every booking you make which helps us keep the lights on at HITravelTales.com.

Near the Alster and business districts we can offer two choices we’ve personally stayed in: The Henri Hotel, a hip and trendy yet casual place with a business orientation but feels homey too. Unless you can snag a special, prices are on the higher side, but location can’t be beat. The Reichshof Hotel is a historic boutique hotel that is part of the Hilton chain but you’d never really know that. Across the street from the main train station, this hotel is also a fashionable after-work meeting place, but breakfast is amazing and rooms very nice.

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