Hamburg

Your Ultimate Guide to Exploring Hamburg

Hamburg, Germany’s second largest city, is a vibrant port town with a rich history, stunning architecture, and a unique maritime charm. From its bustling harbour to its vibrant nightlife, this city offers something for everyone. This guide will help you navigate the best of what Hamburg has to offer, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller.

Things to Know Before You Go:

  • Location & Geography: Hamburg is located in northern Germany on the Elbe River. It’s known as the “Gateway to the World” due to its historical significance as a port city and its diverse international population.
  • Language: German is the official language of Hamburg. While most people speak English, especially in tourism-related areas, knowing some basic German phrases will enhance your experience and be appreciated by locals.

Getting Around:

  • Public Transportation: Hamburg boasts an efficient public transport system with buses, trains (S-Bahn), and the iconic U-Bahn (subway) network connecting all corners of the city. Consider purchasing a “Hamburg CARD” for unlimited travel on public transportation within the city and discounted entry to attractions.
  • Walking & Cycling: The city centre is easily navigable on foot or by bicycle, thanks to its compact size and numerous pedestrian walkways.

Things To Do:

Hamburg’s vibrant culture and history come alive through its many museums, attractions, and cultural experiences.

Must-See Museums:

  • International Maritime Museum (IMMH): Explore Hamburg’s maritime heritage with a vast collection of ships, models, and nautical artifacts.

  • Miniatur Wunderland: A marvel of miniature model making, this attraction features intricate models of famous landmarks and cities, all in motion!

  • Deutsches Zollmuseum (German Customs Museum): Discover the fascinating history of customs and border control with a unique collection of artifacts, from antique smuggling tools to modern contraband.

  • Hamburg Museum: Delve into the city’s rich past through exhibits on art, archaeology, and everyday life in Hamburg.

  • Kunsthalle Hamburg: A renowned art museum housing a world-class collection of European paintings, sculptures, and photography.

  • Deichtorhallen: A contemporary art museum with two exhibition halls and a diverse program featuring photography, design, and experimental art.

Beyond the Museum Walls:

  • Hamburg Harbor: Take a harbor tour to see the massive container ships and historic warehouses. Visit the Landungsbrücken (the iconic pier) for stunning views and access to restaurants, bars, and ferries.
  • Speicherstadt & HafenCity: Explore the world’s largest warehouse complex, the Speicherstadt, and its modern counterpart, HafenCity.

Cultural Experiences:

  • Elbphilharmonie: Experience a concert in this iconic concert hall, marvel at its stunning architecture, and enjoy the panoramic views from the Plaza.
  • Hamburg Warehouse District: Enjoy the charm of the historic harbor with its beautiful red-brick buildings.
  • Speicherstadt: Explore the unique architecture and modern infrastructure of HafenCity while learning about the historical significance of the Elbe River and Hamburg’s role in international trade.

Beyond the Museum Walls:

  • Boat Tours: A boat tour is a fantastic way to experience Hamburg’s maritime history from a unique perspective.
  • Speicherstadt: Explore this historic warehouse district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Elbphilharmonie: This architectural masterpiece offers breathtaking views of the city and harbor while showcasing a variety of performances.

Historical Sites:

  • St. Pauli Landing Stages (Landungsbrücken): Enjoy a traditional “HafenCity” experience with a harbor cruise, departing from these historic landmarks.
  • The Hamburg Speicherstadt: Explore the history of this fascinating district, with its canals, warehouses, and bridges.
  • Speicherstadt’s historical architecture:

Culture & Entertainment:

Hamburg is known for its vibrant nightlife and cultural scene. Here are some ideas for things to do:

  • Experience the Reeperbahn: Hamburg’s famous red-light district offers a unique blend of entertainment, including bars, clubs, and live music venues.

  • Explore the city’s museums:

    • Deutsches Historisches Museum (Hamburg): Immerse yourself in history at this museum dedicated to German maritime culture.

  • Visit the historic St. Pauli district: Discover its hidden bars and restaurants, and experience the unique atmosphere of Hamburg’s nightlife hub.

Must-See Sights:

  • The Hamburg Dungeon: This immersive attraction brings history to life with terrifyingly entertaining experiences.
  • St. Michael’s Church: This iconic church with its Baroque facade offers stunning views from the top of its tower and a glimpse into Hamburg’s religious past.
  • Hamburg Maritime Museum: Learn about the history of seafaring and explore the world of ships, maritime trade, and shipbuilding at this fascinating museum.

Food & Drink:

  • Fischmarkt (Fish Market): A bustling Sunday morning tradition offering fresh fish, seafood and local delicacies.
  • Traditional German restaurants in St. Pauli: Enjoy local favorites like Labskaus (a dish of corned beef, mashed potatoes, and beetroot) or experience a taste of Hamburg’s history with a hearty breakfast at the “Deutsches HafenCity”

Where to Eat:

  • Fischmarkt:
    • Fischmarkt: Don’t miss the chance to try the fresh fish and seafood. The vendors are known for their friendly banter, making it a fun and unique experience.
  • HafenCity:
    • St. Pauli: A historical neighborhood: Enjoy a delicious traditional meal at one of the many restaurants in St. Pauli, like the “Fischmarkt” restaurant itself.

Where to Stay:

  • Consider hostels: For budget-friendly options and a chance to meet fellow travelers.
  • Explore unique accommodations: Like guesthouse apartments or even stays on a boat, which are popular choices in a city with such strong maritime history.

Other Tips:

  • Visit during the summer months: To enjoy the warm weather and the vibrant atmosphere of the “Wandsbek” district’s annual “Wandsbek Days” festival.**
  • Enjoy the Reeperbahn experience: Explore the variety of nightlife options, from traditional pubs to modern nightclubs.
  • Experience the “Hamburg” feeling:

Things to See and Do:

  • Explore Hamburg’s canals: Take a boat tour or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the banks.**

  • Visit the Hamburg Museum: Immerse yourself in the history of the city, from its days as a Hanseatic trading port to its modern-day status as a cultural hub. *

Hamburg’s “Fish Market” (Fischmarkt) and the “Fischmarkt” area:

  • Experience the fish market:
    • Visit the fish market early on Saturday mornings for fresh catches, lively auctions, and a chance to sample local seafood.**
  • Explore the historical district:

Where to Stay:

  • Hamburg’s diverse accommodation options: From cozy guesthouses to modern hotels and apartments.

Things to Know:

  • Currency: The currency in Hamburg (and all of Germany) is the Euro (€).

  • Language: While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, it’s always a good idea to learn some basic phrases like “Guten Tag” (Good day), “Danke” (Thank you), and “Bitte” (Please) to enhance your experience.

  • Safety: Hamburg is generally a safe city but be aware of your surroundings, especially on public transport and in crowded areas.

Where to Eat & Drink:

  • Try traditional German cuisine: Visit a restaurant or tavern serving “Labskaus,” a hearty dish of corned beef, mashed potatoes, and beetroot.
  • Explore the culinary scene:
    • Take a walk through the “HafenCity” area and discover its unique history as a place for shipbuilding and trade.

Other Tips:

  • Visit in the summer: For the full “Hamburg Days” experience, including the famous fish auction.

  • Embrace the Reeperbahn culture: Enjoy the vibrant nightlife and the variety of restaurants and bars in this iconic area.

  • Try a “Fischbrötchen”: This is a popular street food option - a fresh fish sandwich served on a crusty roll.

  • Visit a “Fischbrötchen” stand: These stands are located throughout the city, particularly near the harbor, and offer a delicious way to experience Hamburg’s history of fishing and seafood.

Hamburg Harbor (HafenCity):

  • The fish market is a must-visit: For tourists who want to see the “fish auction” scene in action,**
  • Enjoy fresh seafood and local produce:
  • Visit the Speicherstadt: This historic warehouse district is a great place to explore Hamburg’s history as a major trading center.

Travel Tips:

  • Transportation: Hamburg has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, trains (S-Bahn), and U-Bahn (subway) lines that connect the city’s different areas.

  • Hamburg Card: Consider purchasing this for free access to public transport and discounts at various attractions.

  • Accommodation:

Things to Do:

  • Experience the St. Pauli district: Known for its vibrant nightlife, you can enjoy a variety of bars and clubs,**

  • Visit Miniatur Wunderland: This miniature world offers detailed models of different cities and landscapes.

  • Explore the “Fischmarkt” (Fish Market):

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the “HafenCity” area, especially on weekends when it’s bustling with tourists and locals exploring the intricate details of the “Wandsbek” harbor and the surrounding docks.

Transportation:

  • Public transport options are readily available in Hamburg. The city has a well-developed network of buses, trams, and the U-Bahn (subway) that runs throughout St. Pauli and other parts of the city.

  • Buy a “HamburgCard” for free public transport: This is a great option for tourists as it allows you to travel freely on Hamburg’s public transport system, including trains, buses, and the ferry network.

Where to Stay:

  • Consider staying in St. Pauli: It offers a variety of accommodation options, from hostels to boutique hotels,**

all within walking distance of the vibrant “HafnCity” nightlife.

  • Explore the history of the city: The “St. Pauli” district has a rich maritime history, and there are many museums and attractions that showcase this heritage.

Enjoy the “Hamburg CARD” experience:

  • This “Fischmarkt” card is a great way to save on travel costs while exploring Hamburg’s diverse attractions.

  • The “HafenCity” area offers unique experiences for visitors.

  • Use public transport:

Buy a “Reeperbahn” ticket to enjoy the vibrant nightlife and explore the district’s historic architecture.

  • Explore the harbor:

Remember to always research and plan according to your interests and budget.

Enjoy Hamburg!