Perched on the Elbe River in the north of Germany, this intriguing maritime city is great to visit all year round. There are fun Christmas markets to browse during winter and a quirky man-made beach for summer sun. With beautiful lakes, woodland, and parks to explore, alongside a warehouse district, a bustling port, and hipster neighborhoods that offer a glimpse into post-war life, it’s worth spending a few days to get the measure of this wonderful destination.
The birthplace of former German Chancellor Angela Merkel and fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld, Hamburg is where British pop legends The Beatles started their stratospheric careers—and got their trademark mop haircuts. It’s a town full of surprises,
From the UNESCO World Heritage historic Speicherstadt, World War II bunkers to walls ablaze with colorful street art, Hamburg’s rich and diverse culture bears witness to centuries of history. It has a cheeky side, too: Party lovers can pick from glittering night spots along Hamburg’s infamous Reeperbahn.
Our expert guide will take you through historic streets, past giant container ships, and even under the river Elbe. Prepare to be charmed, as this city will steal your heart. Pro tip: A joy to explore on foot or by bicycle, Hamburg also benefits from a superb public transport system, with trains, metro, buses, and boats spanning the city. Make the most of every corner of this fascinating town with a convenient Hamburg City Pass. It grants you access to free public transport across the city, as well as discounts at popular tourist attractions.
Where to Stay in Hamburg
The one for tranquility hunters
The sinuous curves of Hamburg’s top hotel, The Fontenay, reflect the meandering banks of the Alster lakes, just footsteps from its elegant atrium. This top-tier five-star hotel has peaceful energy; light pours in through full-length windows, courtyard gardens reflect the greenery of its almost rural setting, yet this striking property is a short walk from Hamburg’s center. Curl up with a book in the cozy library, or head to the stunning pool, then swim onto the rooftop to enjoy the view. There’s a Michelin-starred restaurant for gourmets, and a wonderful breakfast room.
The one for history buffs
It’s now possible to sleep in a World War II bunker, an imposing gray concrete building that once offered shelter to Hamburg’s population during air raids. Newly opened at the top of this historic colossus is the luxurious Reverb by Hard Rock, Hamburg, offering magnificent views across the city. This quirky yet extremely comfortable property is also deeply committed to sustainability. It’s a great choice for guests seeking something truly unusual.
The one for drivers
Planning a road trip? Then make life easier by choosing a hotel with ample safe parking in a delightful residential neighborhood of Hamburg. Nhow Altona is a modern and stylish four-star hotel in the Altona district, well connected by public transport links to city center attractions. There’s a Spanish-style restaurant offering delicious tapas and a spectacular buffet breakfast, along with a lively bar area. Upstairs, guests can relax in a gorgeous spa with a panoramic sun terrace. Rooms are spacious, elegant, and keenly priced, with free Wi-Fi throughout. This is the perfect pit stop on a longer journey.
The one for groups
Right in the heart of the HafenCity, friendly Hotel Pierdrei welcomes families and business travelers alike. With a selection of double, triple, and family rooms, this property is ideal for group travel. In an unbeatable central location for sightseeing and shopping, this hotel is just steps away from the fabled Miniatur Wunderland—the world’s largest model railway, regularly voted Germany’s top tourist attraction.
The one for sea lovers
Also in the HafenCity and benefiting from its central location is 25Hours Hotel. Leaning heavily into the seafaring theme, this hipster spot offers rooms that recall old-fashioned cruise ship cabins, with bunk beds, desks made from trunks, and decorative touches with a maritime theme. There’s even a sauna inside a shipping container.
Where to Eat in Hamburg
For Fischbrötchen
One of Hamburg’s most popular street foods, a humble yet delicious celebration of the fishing waters around the city, Fischbrötchen are simple fish sandwiches often filled with pickled herrings, salmon or breaded fried fish. The top spot in the city to try this traditional snack is Brüecke 10, located at the St. Pauli Landungsbrücken in the harbor. Grab a seat outside and watch the ships sail by … just look out for greedy seagulls.
For fine dining
Zeik offers an elevated take on Northern German cuisine, a chance to enjoy Hamburg’s traditional dishes and best produce through a gourmet tasting menu. Set in the calm green neighborhood of Winterhude, Zeik has a peaceful vibe where guests can enjoy carefully crafted dishes that follow the seasons. The Michelin guide has recognized Zeik’s dedication to sustainability with a green star, as well as a Michelin star for excellent cooking. Choose from the regular or vegetarian tasting menu, with a wine or non-alcoholic drinks pairing.
For Portuguese treats
Like many port cities, Hamburg has a diverse population, and the Portuguese quarter, a stone’s throw from the harbor, is well worth exploring. Wash down a delicious and authentic nata (an egg custard tart) with a tasty Galão (a coffee with foaming milk) at Café Sul before browsing the other charming cafés, restaurants, and shops in this fascinating neighborhood around the Ditmar-Koel-Straße.
For lobster (and other gorgeous seafood dishes)
When surrounded by water, it makes sense to dine on the ocean’s bounty. Hamburg seafood specialists Hummer Pedersen excel in lobster. Located on the harborfront in a chic modern dining room, pick from a menu featuring oysters, caviar, and, of course, lobster. These people are true experts, and the dishes served in this must-visit restaurant let their exceptional seafood take center stage. Pro tip: Try the delicious lobster dog.
For Franzbrötchen
This classic Hamburg pastry, akin to a brioche, is perfumed with plenty of cinnamon. Known as Franzbrötchen, which roughly translates as “French bread roll,” this spiced treat has become a popular breakfast snack. There are multiple places across the city to sample this delicacy, but Daube is one of Hamburg’s oldest family bakeries, with 130 years of experience.
Where to Drink in Hamburg
For craft beer
Ratsherrn Braugasthaus Altes Mädchen, located in the fashionable Schanzenviertel, offers craft beer enthusiasts 30 varieties on tap and another 50 in bottles, including beers brewed in their own Ratsherrn brewery. Enjoy these thirst quenchers alongside traditional pub food that includes local and regional classic dishes from northern Germany and bread baked in-house. Prost!
For a wild night out
Like picking a favorite child, choosing the most lively club or bar on Hamburg’s notorious Reeperbahn is almost impossible. Follow in the footsteps of The Beatles, who performed in this famous party district, and discover traditional German pubs, cult dive bars, cocktail spots, and clubs to dance the night away.
For natural wine
Looking for low-intervention and high-quality natural wines to sip while nibbling at mezze? Then head to the quirkily named “A wolf will never be a pet,” a popular and hip natural wine bar that takes pride in using the freshest, most natural ingredients in their delicious dishes.
For fancy cocktails
Be part of cocktail history at chic bar Le Lion, where the delicious and fragrant mixed drink Gin Basil Smash was invented. Centrally located on Rathausstrasse, this upscale bar deals in classic cocktails and champagne. Walk-ins only, and no pets allowed.
For the finest coffee
There can be few better places to enjoy a cup of joe than right in the middle of a coffee museum, located in the warehouse district, where Hamburg’s relationship with coffee first began. Learn about the origins of the drink in Hamburg, before settling down to enjoy the most historic (and arguably best) cup of coffee in town.
Where to Shop in Hamburg
For big brands and inclement weather
Make your way to the city center and wander through Hamburg’s impressive arcade district, a series of elegant urban covered shopping streets, with cafés, restaurants, designer and independent shops. A great place to visit if the weather is less than perfect, but worth a trip all year round.
For a village atmosphere and a great market
The leafy neighborhood of Eppendorf has been christened Hamburg’s Notting Hill because of its classic architecture and wealth of independent shops. Wander the streets to admire the historic storefronts and gardens of this beautiful part of the city. Be sure to check out the famous Isemarkt, a fixture of the area since 1949, held on Tuesdays and Fridays, to get a true flavor of local life.
For sustainable vintage shopping in a hipster environment
The adjoining districts of Sternschanze and Karolinenviertel are a paradise for lovers of sustainable fashion; vinyl and bookstore fans will have plenty to discover too. Looking for antiques or a piece of art by a local talent? Then this is the place to shop. Take your time, as there’s lots to see—enjoy the murals that brighten these two most fashionable neighborhoods, or pop to Schulterblattstrasse with its interesting cultural center Rote Flora.
For families and mall lovers
The brand new and centrally located Westfield Mall is an integrated living, working, shopping, and entertainment space that attracts both locals and tourists with its convenient and extensive options. Right in the HafenCity, Westfield Mall is home to Hamburg’s largest cinema and immersive art space—ideal for keeping the family entertained on a rainy day.
Things to Do in Hamburg
Explore the world’s largest historic warehouse complex
UNESCO World Heritage Site Speicherstadt covers 64 acres in the port area of Hamburg. It has 17 red-brick Gothic-style building complexes that offer more than 3 million square feet of storage area. These warehouses have stored international luxuries like tobacco, tea, coffee, cocoa, and spices, as well as thousands of carpets. This area draws tourists eager for a glimpse into Hamburg’s past; the stunning buildings and waterways make this a true beauty spot in the city. There are plenty of museums and attractions to keep everyone entertained. The Minatur Wunderland railway (mentioned above) can be found here, along with the Hamburg Dungeon.
Enjoy the outdoors in one of Hamburg’s most beautiful districts
Head to the Alster lake for peaceful waters close to the city center, complete with running and cycling tracks. If you aren’t feeling quite that energetic, why not hop on a boat? Take a tour to admire the grand villas and parkland of this grand area of the city.
Take a boat trip around the harbor
Sightseeing from the water is a wonderful way to experience Hamburg. Take another boat tour in busier surroundings to get up close to huge container ships docked in the harbor. Join this fascinating harbor cruise led by maritime experts, and learn more about Hamburg’s container ports. As you relax on board a comfortable boat complete with drink and snack service, admire the stunning lines and angles of a modern landmark, the Elbe Philharmonic Hall, from a unique viewpoint (a great photo-op!).
Take an underwater stroll for a fresh perspective
Take an old-fashioned elevator nearly 80 feet below ground and discover a century-old tunnel beneath the Elbe river. Walk through this early 20th-century feat of engineering to the opposite side of the water and enjoy amazing views of the old town and the iconic St Michael’s Church. Pro tip: Take time to admire the antique majolica tiles depicting different sea creatures that decorate the walls of the tunnel.
Take in a light show at Hamburg’s famous “green lung”
Enjoy Hamburg’s centrally located green space—Planten un Blomen Park—the perfect place to escape the city’s busy streets and immerse yourself in nature. Home to the largest Japanese garden in Europe, this landscaped park is a wonderful place for a gentle stroll on a warm day. By night, it transforms into an exciting entertainment space; over the summer, a music and light show takes place at the lake every evening at 10 p.m. Bring a picnic and a blanket.
