The Ultimate Guide Of Things To Do In Hamburg

Hamburg has medieval origins and all the conveniences of a modern, first world city, making it an excellent holiday destination. Use our ultimate guide to find things to do in Hamburg, as well as historical sights, great places to eat and drink, cultural and natural attractions, the best times to visit, how to get around, and much more.

We cover:

• Fun facts and things to know about Hamburg
• Travel tips when visiting Hamburg
• The best time to visit Hamburg
• Top things to do in Hamburg for city lovers
• Top things to do in Hamburg for romantics
• Cool things to do in Hamburg with the family
• Explore Hamburg for the nature enthusiast
• Top cultural activities in Hamburg
• Top events in Hamburg
• How to get to Hamburg
• Getting around Hamburg
• Where to stay in Hamburg

Take a closer look at what the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg has to offer you in our guide. The book can be downloaded and taken with you wherever you go!

Fun facts and things to know about Hamburg

Before beginning our exploration of Hamburg, let’s take a glance at a few fun facts and things to know about the city.

Hamburg has more bridges than any other city in the world

When it comes to cities with many bridges, places such as Amsterdam, Bruges, and Venice are the first places that come to mind for many people. However, Hamburg far outranks them. The city boasts more than 2,500 bridges that cross the Elbe River and the many canals.

Every ship that comes into port receives a special greeting

When ships coming into port reach the “Willkomm-Höft” downriver from the city, the greetings captains at the welcome point play the national anthem of the country in which the ship is registered. When ships leave, the greetings captains dip the Hamburg flag and hoist the international flag signal for “Bon voyage.”

The Beatles’ music career began in Hamburg

Contrary to popular belief, the Beatles’ music career did not begin in their hometown of Liverpool, England. Between 1960 and 1962, the band played approximately 273 shows in Hamburg, which allowed them to hone their skills and develop their unique sound.

Germany’s oldest opera house is in Hamburg

The State Opera House in Hamburg opened in 1678. What’s even more impressive is that this grand old building is still in use, which means you can soak up music in the same space that has hosted notable artists such as George Frederick Handel, Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, Pavarotti, and Plácido Domingo. Undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Hamburg if you’re a culture vulture!

Europe’s biggest Japanese garden is in Hamburg

You’ll find Europe’s biggest Japanese garden in Hamburg’s Planten un Blomen park. Created by Japanese landscape designer Yoshikuni Araki in 1990, the garden features traditional plantings and other elements, such as a tea house on the edge of a small lake containing koi.

Travel tips when visiting Hamburg

There are some things about cities such as Hamburg that only locals know; things that can make a world of difference to your experience there. We’re happy to share a few of those tips to help you make the most of your holiday.

Carry cash with you: Many of Hamburg’s smaller bars, cafes, restaurants, and shops only accept cash. While you will find plenty of ATMs in the city, you’ll find your time here much easier if you always carry some cash on you.

Purchase a Hamburg Card: Make your time in the city more convenient and cheaper by purchasing a Hamburg Card. Your card offers you, as well as up to three children under the age of 14, unlimited travel on the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and ferries, as well as more than 150 discounts at many museums, restaurants, and shops. Choose from cards valid for a single day or a few days.

Visit the Kunsthalle in the evening: The Kunsthalle is renowned for housing artworks by celebrated artists such as Cranach, Holbein, Canaletto, Gauguin and Caspar David Friedrich. If you hope to appreciate their works without jostling crowds of tourists, visit the Kunsthalle on a Thursday evening, as it stays open until 9pm.

Sundays are leisure days: Germany strictly regulates retail business hours to ensure workers enjoy at least one day off a week. That day is Sunday. While many attractions, bars, and restaurants are open on Sundays, most shops (except basic grocery stores known as spätis) are closed for the day. Do your shopping on Saturday afternoon if you want to cook your own meal on a Sunday or if you need supplies.

Take a raincoat if you’re visiting Hamburg in winter: Hamburg’s weather is cloudy and wet between October and April. If you’re visiting the city during winter, be sure to bring a raincoat along (you might also want to consider bringing an umbrella).

Best time to visit Hamburg

The best time to visit Hamburg is in the months between May and September, when the city enjoys temperatures in the 70s F (low to mid 20s C). You may have more tourists to contend with, and room rates may be higher, but the pleasant summer weather more than makes up for it.

There are still plenty of things to do in Hamburg in the winter and spring months between October and April, such as attending Christmas markets in late November and through December, but the days are short, cold, and wet.

Top things to do in Hamburg for city lovers

Are you a committed urbanite who loves the beat and pulse of city life? Check out some of the best things to do in Hamburg for city lovers.

Take a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour: Hamburg has amazing districts old and new, and the best way to orient yourself and get a sense of the city and its landmarks is to take a guided tour. A hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus is a fantastic option for this. Not only will you be taken to major points of interest, but you also have the chance to disembark and do some exploring before hopping on the next sightseeing bus that comes along to continue your journey.

Explore the Port of Hamburg: Hamburg is Germany’s largest port. Described as a sea superhighway, the Port of Hamburg is impressive to say the least, and it’s well worth seeing from the water. There are almost 300 berths and 27 miles (43km) of wharf for seagoing vessels. Take a barge tour, such as those operated by Maritime Circle Line, or RIB Piraten’s speedboat tour for a more exhilarating experience.

Shop for vintage or retro souvenirs at Flohschanze flea market: Held every Saturday in the Schanzenviertel district, the Flohschanze flea market, one of Hamburg’s finest, boasts hundreds of vendors. Don’t expect new items from local retailers. Instead, you’ll find a treasure trove of pre-loved clothing, brass candlesticks, mid-century light fixtures, and all manner of other interesting bits and pieces.

Treat yourself to a meal at Literaturhauscafé:  A beautifully restored 1839 building that served as a dance school and a home for girls is now an exquisite restaurant, complete with crisp white tablecloths, stuccoed ceilings, and opulent chandeliers. Treat yourself to one (or more) of the fresh, seasonal, regional dishes and dine in unforgettable ambience.

Saunter through the Reeperbahn red light district: St Pauli’s Reeperbahn red light district isn’t a dim, grim, seedy neighbourhood. Instead, it’s one of the city’s main attractions, and it offers fantastic nightlife beyond the adult-only entertainment. Saunter through the district, and you’ll find some of Hamburg’s liveliest bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Top things to in Hamburg for romantics

With cobblestoned streets, beautiful open spaces and parks, and serene waterways, Hamburg provides a gorgeous setting for a romantic holiday with your partner. Here is our pick of some of the top things to do in Hamburg for couples.

Row a boat on Alster Lake: Surrounded by parks and villas, the 160-hectare Alster Lake is a lovely spot to indulge in a bit of old-fashioned romance. Rent a rowboat, kayak, or paddleboat from one of the many places dotted around the lake and have fun rowing around the lake. If you’re in Hamburg in winter, the lake freezes over and becomes one of the city’s largest outdoor ice-skating rinks.

Explore Planten um Blomen Park: Visit one of the city’s biggest green spaces, Planten um Blomen Park, and spend a morning or afternoon delighting in its many flowering plants and pretty water features. Don’t forget to stroll through the Japanese Garden on one side of the park. If you’re there in the evening, you’ll be charmed by twinkling lights and a water show.

Go for a cruise on the Speicherstadt canals: Enjoy a relaxing cruise from the harbour to the canals of the Speicherstadt district. Head down to the Port of Hamburg and look for the cruise operators near the Landungsbrücken subway station and find one that appeals to you and your partner. If it’s a sunny day, opt for a boat with an open upper deck to make the most of the weather.

Add a padlock to Love Lock Bridge: Hamburg’s own Love Lock Bridge is the footbridge near the Landungsbrücken subway station at the Port. Purchase a padlock and write your initials on it prior to heading down to the bridge and adding it to the locks left there by numerous other couples.

Sip on cocktails at Le Lion: Stylish and sultry, Le Lion is one of Hamburg’s finest cocktail bars. The speakeasy-style bar that invented the gin basil smash has two levels, upholstered leather seats, and lion accents. If you’re feeling peckish, order one of the small plates of food (mostly salami and cheeses) with your cocktails.

Cool things to do in Hamburg with the family

There are all sorts of cool things to do in Hamburg with the family. Take a look at some of the best attractions and activities.

Feel like a giant at Miniatur Wunderland: Devote three hours to wandering through Miniatur Wunderland, where you’ll find one of the world’s largest model railways. Follow the tracks to take a journey through the Harz mountains, the fictitious town of Knuffingen, the Alps and Austria, Hamburg, America, Scandinavia, Switzerland, a replica of Hamburg Airport, Italy, and South America. Tiny narratives unfold throughout the model, so pay attention to detail. This attraction pulls in crowds daily, so book in advance.

Take a walk along the Landungsbrücken: Built in 1907, the Landungsbrücken are a piece of Hamburg shipping history, a transport hub, the entrance to the Alter Elbtunnel, the departure point for sightseeing harbour cruises, and a pedestrian area that offers magnificent sights of various attractions, the skyline, and the harbour. Take a walk on the piers, explore the shops, and enjoy a bite to eat in one of the restaurants.

Visit Tierpark Hagenbeck: One of the oldest zoos in the world, Tierpark Hagenbeck offers an enthralling glimpse at an array of various animals. Spend a day seeing highlights such as the Arctic Ocean-themed Sea of Ice, the African Panorama, Cave World, the Orangutan House, Tropical World, and the Tropical Aquarium.

Enjoy splashy fun at Bäderland Festland: If you’re in Hamburg in summer, take the kids for fun in the sun at Bäderland Festland. The swimming club and sauna on the northern edge of Walter-Möller Park has a children’s attraction on the side called Dinoland. The kids will have a ball among the gigantic dinosaur models, manmade caves, wading pools, and water slides. While they’re having fun, you and your partner can enjoy a massage or unwind in the spa pool.

Marvel at the KL!CK Kindermuseum: More an interactive playground than a museum, the KL!CK Kindermuseum offers a feast of educational fun to children between 4 and 14 years old. They can cook in a working kitchen, learn how to print money, and work on a construction site. The science centre has gigantic models and offers experiments and workshops that teach children more about human anatomy.

Explore Hamburg for the nature enthusiast

There’s no such thing as boredom for the nature enthusiast in this exciting German city. Find out about the top things to do in Hamburg for people who love the outdoors.

Try your hand at boating on the Elbe and its canals: Head to the south of Hamburg and spend a few hours boating on the Elbe and its canals. More rural than other parts of the city, the Bergedorf district has numerous waterways that invite exploration. Wilhelmsburg, a neighbourhood built on an island in the Elbe, is a must. You can do an entire circuit by paddling or rowing through its canals, waterways, and ponds.

Stroll through the beautiful Ohlsdorf Cemetery: The world’s largest cemetery park, Ohlsdorf Cemetery is unsurprisingly peaceful and surprisingly beautiful. Opened in 1877, the cemetery is the final resting place of 1.4 million Hamburg residents. You’ll find more than chapels, graves, mausoleums, and monuments in the Elysian grounds – there’s also a museum and a nature trail, as well as flowers, trees, canals, and ponds.

Tour the Altes Land region by bike: The Altes Land region just outside Hamburg is Germany's largest continuous fruit-growing area. In addition to apple and cherry orchards, the region is famous for its gentle meadows and waterways, as well as dykes that prevent storm tides from wreaking havoc on the reclaimed marshland. Cycle through postcard-perfect little towns and past historic windmills, before learning how fruit is grown and harvested in harmony with nature. The cycling tour is particularly wonderful in spring when the cherry trees are in bloom.

Spend a morning at the beach: The sandy northern bank of the Elbe, between Övelgönne’s historic vessels and Teufelsbrück wharf, is the city’s beach. Head there if you don’t have much time to spare. Choose your location carefully, though. If sea and sun are all you’re interested in, try Oevelgönne’s Elbe beach. If you’d also like to do some exploring, take the S-Bahn to Blankenese. With winding alleys and gorgeous villas overlooking the river, this neighbourhood has a Mediterranean feel. Alternatively, take the train to one of the beaches on the North or Baltic Sea.

Discover the Loki Schmidt Gardens: Named in honour of the late conservationist wife of former German chancellor Helmut Schmidt, the Loki Schmidt Gardens contain plants that represent a variety of small ecosystems found in Germany and the wider northern hemisphere. You’ll find a crops section, a German forest, a farmer’s garden with a small farmhouse, sections with Mediterranean, boreal, and alpine themes, an Everglades garden, a desert garden, and Chinese and Japanese gardens, and areas with roses, shrubs, rhododendrons, and biblical plants.

Top Cultural activities in Hamburg

If you’re a lover of art and culture, you’ll be in your element while you’re on your holiday. Here’s our pick of some of the top cultural things to do in Hamburg.

Explore the Portuguese Quarter: The area around Ditmar-Koel-Strasse in the Neustadt district has attracted Portuguese and Spanish immigrants since the ’60s and ’70s, giving rise to Hamburg’s Portuguese Quarter. The area has a decidedly different ambience to the rest of the city, and its shops, restaurants, and bars make it worth exploring. You’ll find the city’s best Mediterranean food, as well as other tasty treats. Gorge yourself on a bowl of steamed mussels in one spot before heading to another for pastel de nata (custard tart) and a galão (espresso with steamed milk).

Wander through the Altona Fischmarkt: The Altona Fischmarkt is a Hamburg institution. Open every Sunday from 5 am to 9.30 am, the 300-year-old market is worth the early start. In addition to fresh fish and seafood being sold by weight, you’ll find an open-air market selling everything from fruit and vegetables to souvenirs and clothing. While there, be sure to snack on a Fischbrötchen, the city’s iconic fish sandwich. You can choose from various types of fish or prawns and toppings such as fresh white or dried onions, pickles, remoulade, creamy horseradish sauce, ketchup, or cocktail sauce.

Take in a performance at the Elbphilharmonie: An impressive example of modernist architecture and design, the Elbphilharmonie hosts some of Hamburg’s most exciting cultural and entertainment events. The building boasts three concert halls, as well as several restaurants and bars. Tour the building or, better yet, treat yourself to dinner and a show.

Visit the Hamburg Kunsthalle: Take a trip through 700 years of European art history at the Hamburg Kunsthalle. One of Germany’s most important museums, the Kunsthalle contains works from some of the continent’s most illustrious artists. See works by Cranach, Holbein, Tiepelo, Canaletto, Rembrandt, Pieter de Hooch, Anthony van Dyck, Paul Gauguin, Paul Cézanne, Éduouard Manet, Max Liebermann, and Caspar David Friedrich. You’ll also find fine examples of pop art, Arte povera, conceptualism, and minimalism, as well as specially commissioned installations.

Tour the historic warehouses of Speicherstadt: The world’s largest warehouse district and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Speicherstadt spans 26 hectares in a grid of multi-storey red-brick buildings with alcoves, turrets, and neo-gothic gables, as well as bridges and canals. The district was built between 1883 and 1927, and saw innumerable tons of coffee, tea, cocoa, tobacco, spices and textiles pass along its channels. There’s no discounting the importance of Speicherstadt in the city’s history, so if you have time to explore it, do so.

Top events in Hamburg

Almost every month of the year sees one or more amazing annual events take place in Hamburg. Here are a few worthy things to do in Hamburg to consider when planning your holiday.

Carnival: Usually held in February, Carnival proves that the pre-Lenten party isn’t limited to Mediterranean countries. Expect parades, costumes, masks, music, and lots of beer.

Hamburg DOM: Held in spring, summer, and winter, Hamburg DOM is northern Germany’s biggest public festival. You’ll find a plethora of fun fair rides, traditional games, a banquet of fair fare, special events, fortune tellers, and much more.

Port Anniversary: Usually held every May, the Port Anniversary celebrates the port’s history of more than 800 years. The event is huge – and when we say huge, we mean it. There are six kilometres of events, music and food stands, as well as a grand arrival parade, historic boats to tour, Harbour Pride, the famous Tugboat Ballet, the AIDA fireworks display, and a grand departure parade – and those are just a few of the highlights!

Reeperbahn Festival: The four-day-long Reeperbahn Festival takes place every September. The festival takes place at various locations around the Reeperbahn Strip, offering more than 360 different concerts, readings, art happenings and movie screenings. Broaden your musical horizons by attending concerts that range from heavy metal and punk to hip-hop, and from indie to jazz and soul.

Christmas Markets: More than 30 different Christmas markets take place in Hamburg every December. The largest of them is at the city hall, and it offers all the traditional goodies you’d expect to find at a German festive season market. If you want unadulterated elegance, head to the Jungfernsteig market at the Inner Alster Lake, or make your way to St Pauli for the bawdy and naughty Santa Pauli market. You’ll find seasonal enchantment at the Blankense and the Bergedorf markets.

How to get to Hamburg

There are several ways to get to the Hamburg city centre from the airport.

Train: Take the S1 S-Bahn train from the airport to the main station, Hamburg Hauptbahnhof. Trains run every 10 minutes to and from the airport, and the journey takes approximately 24 minutes. Alternatively, travel to the Jungfernsteigbahnhof, which has a more central location in the city. The journey takes approximately 27 minutes.

Bus: Take the line 606 bus from the airport to the city centre. The journey takes approximately 48 minutes. Alternatively, take the line 292 or the line 19 bus. Those journeys take approximately 55 minutes.

Taxi: Taxis are one of the most expensive options. Take a taxi from the airport to reach the city centre in approximately 15 minutes.

Car: If you’re hiring a car at the airport, drive to the city centre via the B433 and Mittelweg, or via the B433 and Sengelmannstraße. It’s best to use a satnav for directions.

Getting around Hamburg

A German city wouldn’t be a German city without superb public transport. Take a look at various ways to get around Hamburg.

S-Bahn: Hamburg’s S-Bahn (overground trains) has six lines serving 68 stations, and it offers great coverage within the city. Trains run daily from about 04:30 to 01:00, although there is all-night service on Friday and Saturday nights, as well as on nights before public holidays. Trains run every 10 minutes during the day, and every 20 minutes before 6am and after 11pm.

U-Bahn: The Hamburg U-Bahn has four lines serving 93 stations. The U-Bahn operates from 4am until 1am Sunday through Thursday. There is all-night service on Friday and Saturday nights. Most trains run every five to 10 minutes, except those on the northeastern peripheral branches of U1 that have a 10 or 20-minute frequency. During peak times, trains run every three or four minutes.

Bus: There are several bus operators in Hamburg, some of which share routes, while others focus on the city’s outer suburbs. You’ll have no trouble finding buses, bus stops, routes, and schedules.

Harbour ferry: Depending on where you want to go, harbour ferries are a great alternative to trains and buses. They leave Landungsbrücken regularly for various piers along the Elbe.

Taxis: You’ll find traditional taxis as well as bicycle taxis (rikshaws) in Hamburg. While rikshaws are incredibly budget-friendly, taxis are one of the most expensive transport options.

Car rental and carsharing: Instead of going the traditional car hire route, consider a carsharing rental. After a one-time registration, you can use a mobile app to find the nearest car, rent it for a few minutes or a couple of hours, and then park it at any public parking lot within the rental area.

StadtRAD: Hamburg’s bicycle rental system, StadtRAD makes renting bikes easy. You can register for the system for free via a smartphone app and then use it to rent a bike. You also have the option of renting bikes using a customer card or by telephone. The bicycles are available in various locations 24/7, and you can return them to any bike station within the city area.

Make using public transport more convenient (and cheaper) by purchasing a Hamburg CARD. Available for individuals and groups, and valid for one or more days, the cards offer unlimited rides on public transport within specified zones, as well as discounted entrance fees to various museums, attractions, and other things to do in Hamburg. The card costs €10.90, and it is valid in Hamburg’s fare rings AB including the airport. The Hamburg CARD plus Region costs €23.50, and it is valid for the fare rings A-E, making it a great choice for day trips.

Where to stay in Hamburg

Look no further than Fraser Suites Hamburg for your holiday accommodation. Our exquisite, elegant apartments are located in the prime Rödingsmarkt neighbourhood in the city centre, in a listed historical property which was the Oberfinanzdirektion, Hamburg’s Tax Authority office, in the early 20th century.

Enjoy comfortable, contemporary living and be in close proximity to some of the best things to do in Hamburg, as well as art, architecture, shopping, and food, at our five-star hotel.