Hamburg Travel Guide

Discover Hamburg and its culturally important attractions, natural attractions, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, best things to do, where to stay, local culture, getting around and so much more with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Hamburg

Hamburg is the second-largest city in Germany and a major port city located in the northern part of the country. The city is known for its lively music scene, award-winning architecture, and delicious cuisine. Hamburg has plenty to offer visitors, whether they’re interested in art and culture, outdoor adventures, or just simply exploring the city’s vibrant streets and neighborhoods.

List of Places to Visit in Hamburg

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Miniatur Wunderland: This is the world’s largest model railway and is an especially popular attraction with families. The displays are incredibly detailed and bring to life scenes from cities around the world.
  • International Maritime Museum: Located in an old warehouse building along the harbor, the museum houses exhibits that celebrate Hamburg’s maritime history.
  • Hamburg Dungeon: This is a live-action history experience that will transport visitors back to the city’s past. It’s a great option for families looking for an interactive and fun way to learn about Hamburg’s history.
  • St. Michaelis Church: This church is one of Hamburg’s most recognizable landmarks and is known for its impressive architecture and stunning views of the city.

Natural Attractions of Hamburg: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Planten un Blomen: This is a beautiful park in the heart of Hamburg that offers plenty of green space for relaxing and picnicking. There are also botanical gardens, a Japanese garden, and a large lake where visitors can rent boats.
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza: This is a public viewing platform located on the top floor of Hamburg’s iconic Elbphilharmonie concert hall. It offers stunning views of the city and harbor.
  • Wohldorfer Wald: This is a large forested area just outside of Hamburg that’s perfect for hiking and cycling. It’s also home to a stunning castle that’s open for tours.
  • Stadtpark: This is another large park in Hamburg that offers plenty of outdoor space for visitors to enjoy. There’s a lake for rowing, pedal boating, and feeding the ducks, as well as a large open-air stage that hosts concerts in the summer.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hamburg

Hamburg offers plenty of options for hiking and cycling enthusiasts. Some of the best routes include:

  • Elbe Cycling Route: This route follows the Elbe River from Hamburg to the Czech Republic. It offers beautiful scenery and plenty of opportunities to stop in small towns and villages along the way.
  • Travemünde to Lübeck: This is a shorter route that’s perfect for a day trip. It follows the coastline along the Baltic Sea and offers stunning views of the sea and surrounding landscape.
  • Stadtpark to Alster Lakes: This is a popular route for runners, cyclists, and walkers. It winds through Hamburg’s parks and green spaces with beautiful views of the city and lakes along the way.

Best Things to Do in Hamburg: Activities and Tours

  • Harbor Boat Tour: Hamburg is a major port city, and there’s no better way to experience it than by boat. There are plenty of tours available that offer stunning views of the city skyline and harbor.
  • Hamburg Food Tour: This is a great way to experience Hamburg’s delicious cuisine. The tour takes visitors through the city’s neighborhoods, where they can sample local specialties like Fischbrötchen (fish sandwiches) and Labskaus (a traditional sailor’s dish).
  • Reeperbahn Nightlife Tour: The Reeperbahn is Hamburg’s famous red-light district, but it’s also home to some of the city’s liveliest bars and clubs. This tour offers a safe and fun way to experience the nightlife in the area.
  • Art and Architecture Tour: Hamburg is known for its award-winning architecture and thriving art scene. This tour takes visitors off the beaten path to explore some of the city’s most interesting buildings, galleries, and street art installations.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hamburg

Day Activities
1 Explore the city center and see the famous St. Michaelis Church.
Visit the Miniatur Wunderland.
Grab lunch at a local Imbiss stand or street food market.
Take a Harbor Boat Tour in the afternoon.
2 Visit the International Maritime Museum.
Take a stroll through the Planten un Blomen park.
Visit the Elbphilharmonie Plaza for views of the city and harbor.
3 Take a day trip to Lübeck and explore the old town.
Shop for marzipan at one of the local bakeries.
Visit the Holstentor Museum and gate.
4 Explore the art galleries and street art in the Karolinenviertel neighborhood.
Grab lunch at one of the trendy cafes or restaurants in the area.
Visit the Kunsthaus and Hamburger Kunsthalle museum in the afternoon.
5 Take a day trip to the Wohldorfer Wald for hiking and cycling.
Visit the Wohldorf Castle and gardens.
Stop for lunch in one of the small towns along the way.
6 Visit the Hamburg Dungeon for a live-action history experience.
Take a stroll through the Musical Hall neighborhood with its colorful buildings.
Go on a Reeperbahn Nightlife Tour in the evening.
7 Visit the Stadtpark and Alster Lakes for outdoor activities.
Go shopping in the Jungfernstieg area.
Have a farewell dinner at one of Hamburg’s Michelin-starred restaurants.

Food and Drink Scene of Hamburg

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fischbrötchen: This is a classic Hamburg dish that consists of a fresh fish fillet, usually herring or salmon, served on a bread roll with a variety of toppings.
  • Labskaus: This is a traditional sailor’s dish that’s made with corned beef, potatoes, and onions. It’s served with pickles, beets, and a fried egg.
  • Currywurst: This is a classic German street food that’s popular in Hamburg. It’s a sausage that’s served with ketchup and curry powder.

Local Beverages

  • Astra Beer: This is a local beer brand that’s brewed in Hamburg and is a popular choice among locals.
  • Lüttje Lage: This is a traditional Hamburg drink that consists of beer and schnapps served together in a small glass. It’s typically consumed as a celebratory drink during festivals and special occasions.

Where to Stay in Hamburg: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hamburg has plenty of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Some of the best hotels in the city include:

  • The Westin Hamburg: This hotel is located in the iconic Elbphilharmonie concert hall and offers stunning views of the harbor and city.
  • Park Hyatt Hamburg: This hotel is located in a historic building in the city center and offers luxurious amenities and a prime location.
  • Generator Hostel: This is a trendy and affordable hostel located in the St. Georg neighborhood, just a short walk from the main train station.

What to Buy in Hamburg: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Marzipan: This almond paste candy is a specialty in northern Germany and is a popular souvenir choice.
  • Elbphilharmonie Merchandise: The iconic concert hall is one of Hamburg’s most recognizable landmarks, and there’s plenty of merchandise available to commemorate a visit.
  • Original Hamburg Watercolor Painting: Hamburg is known for its impressive architecture and beautiful cityscape, making it a popular subject for local artists.

Local Culture and Customs of Hamburg

Hamburg is known for its lively music scene, and visitors will find plenty of options for live music and concerts throughout the city. The people in Hamburg are friendly and welcoming, but it’s always a good idea to learn some basic German phrases to help communicate during your visit.

Best Time to Visit Hamburg

Hamburg is a great destination year-round, but the best time to visit is during the summer months when the weather is warm and there are plenty of outdoor activities and festivals to enjoy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hamburg

Do:

  • Do try the local cuisine, especially the Fischbrötchen and Labskaus.
  • Do take a Harbor Boat Tour to see the city and harbor from the water.
  • Do explore the city’s parks and green spaces.

Don’t:

  • Don’t take photographs without permission in the red-light district.
  • Don’t assume everyone speaks English, so knowing a few German phrases will come in handy.
  • Don’t litter in public spaces or parks.

Safety and Health

Safety in Hamburg

Hamburg is generally a safe city for visitors. However, it’s always a good idea to take basic precautions like keeping valuables secure and being aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas or at night.

Health in Hamburg

Hamburg has a high standard of healthcare, and visitors should have no problem finding quality medical care if needed.

Getting to Hamburg: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Hamburg

  • Hamburg Airport (HAM): This is the city’s main airport and is located about 8 miles (13 kilometers) north of the city center.

Bus Stations Near Hamburg

  • Hamburg ZOB: This is the city’s main bus station and offers connections to destinations throughout Germany and Europe.

Other Options

  • Train: Hamburg has a well-connected train network with connections to major cities like Berlin, Munich, and Cologne.
  • Car: Hamburg is easily accessible by car, and there are several major highways that lead to the city.

How to Get Around in Hamburg

Hamburg has an excellent public transportation system that includes buses, trains, and ferries. Alternatively, visitors can also rent bicycles to explore the city on their own.

Where to Go Next from Hamburg: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Lübeck: This historic town, located about an hour’s drive from Hamburg, is known for its stunning architecture and marzipan.
  • Bremen: This charming city, located about two hours’ drive from Hamburg, is known for its picturesque old town and famous Bremen Town Musicians statue.
  • Kiel: This port city, located about an hour’s drive from Hamburg, is known for its sailing regattas and beautiful beaches.

Conclusion

Hamburg is a city that offers something for everyone, whether you’re interested in art and culture, outdoor adventures, or just simply exploring the city’s vibrant streets and neighborhoods. With this comprehensive travel guide, visitors can discover all that Hamburg has to offer and explore the city like a local.

Aerial view of Hamburg Aerial view of Hamburg Hamburg around 1320, still within the old city walls, encompassing only the territory of today's ''Altstadt'' (the map was made in 1880 as historic documentation) Hamburg around 1320, still within the old city walls, encompassing only the territory of today's ''Altstadt'' (the map was made in 1880 as historic documentation) Hamburg in 1651 Hamburg in 1651 The extent of the great fire of 1842 (''Hamburger Brand'') - all the areas in the red shade were completely destroyed. The extent of the great fire of 1842 (''Hamburger Brand'') - all the areas in the red shade were completely destroyed. Altona and Hamburg around 1850 when Altona was part of Denmark. The ropewalk (rope factory. ''Reeperbahn'') on the open space in St. Pauli between. Altona and Hamburg around 1850 when Altona was part of Denmark. The ropewalk (rope factory. ''Reeperbahn'') on the open space in St. Pauli between. The impressive interior of Terminal 2 of the Hamburg Airport The impressive interior of Terminal 2 of the Hamburg Airport You can go to the city from the airport of Hamburg-Fuhlsbüttel directly by S-Bahn You can go to the city from the airport of Hamburg-Fuhlsbüttel directly by S-Bahn Hauptbahnhof, Central railway station Hauptbahnhof, Central railway station Hamburg is well connected to the German ''Autobahn'' network Hamburg is well connected to the German ''Autobahn'' network A cruise ship at the Hamburg HafenCity Cruise Terminal A cruise ship at the Hamburg HafenCity Cruise Terminal Map of all rail lines in Hamburg Map of all rail lines in Hamburg S-Bahn trains in Hamburg can look confusingly similar to both U-Bahn and R-Bahn ones S-Bahn trains in Hamburg can look confusingly similar to both U-Bahn and R-Bahn ones U-Bahn station Baumwall, line U3 U-Bahn station Baumwall, line U3 U-Bahn station HafenCity Universität, U4 U-Bahn station HafenCity Universität, U4 The ultralong The ultralong "bendybus" operating Metrobus line M5 The harbour ferries run as part of Hamburg's public transit system The harbour ferries run as part of Hamburg's public transit system StadtRAD station StadtRAD station A taxi rank denoted by the green A taxi rank denoted by the green "taxi-calling post" (Taxenrufsäule) The city hall, one of the major landmarks of Hamburg The city hall, one of the major landmarks of Hamburg ''Theater im Hafen'' specialises in musicals, such as ''The Lion King'', which opened in 2001, and still playing as of 2015. Next to it, the ''Theater an der Elbe'' under construction. Both are accessible by ferries from the northern bank of Elbe. ''Theater im Hafen'' specialises in musicals, such as ''The Lion King'', which opened in 2001, and still playing as of 2015. Next to it, the ''Theater an der Elbe'' under construction. Both are accessible by ferries from the northern bank of Elbe. Fish Market Fish Market Port Anniversar 2013 with ship Port Anniversar 2013 with ship "Mein Schiff" The Hamburg City Beach Club, complete with palm trees, deck chairs, umbrellas and a view of the port and huge container ships The Hamburg City Beach Club, complete with palm trees, deck chairs, umbrellas and a view of the port and huge container ships Full shopping tour starts at central station, down to town hall, then ''Poststraße'' towards Gänsemarkt square and back on ''Jungfernstieg'' at the Alter lake side. Full shopping tour starts at central station, down to town hall, then ''Poststraße'' towards Gänsemarkt square and back on ''Jungfernstieg'' at the Alter lake side. At Altona's fish market At Altona's fish market ''Vier Jahreszeiten'' has been working on its global reputation for well over a century ''Vier Jahreszeiten'' has been working on its global reputation for well over a century Town Musicians of Bremen Town Musicians of Bremen


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