The perfect port city, Hamburg hosts stunning buildings, miles of canals and bustling markets. See the best of it with our guide to the top 10 things to do.
Wherever you wander in Hamburg, you’re never far from water. It might not be the first thing you think of when considering a German city vacation, but this port equals Venice and Amsterdam when it comes to waterways. Hamburg built its riches as a port on its way to becoming Germany’s second largest city and it’s still the country’s largest port to this day.
As the money has flowed in through the harbors, the city has built big. This means Hamburg has no shortage of fascinating museums, cultural attractions, funky neighborhoods, and new areas popping up. So, where to start? This top 10 list of things to do in Hamburg will steer you in the right direction.
The Museum Mile
Feast on a whole heap of Hamburg culture in one stop in the Kunstmeile. The Museum Mile – literally the Art Mile – is a collection of five separate museums covering everything from modern art to photography and exhibitions. You can buy a single ticket to access them all, but if you only have time for one, make it the Hamburger Kunsthalle. It has a huge, layered, and endlessly fascinating collection of art. The impressive Old Masters – Hans Holbein, Cranach the Elder, Goya, Rembrandt – are contrasted with more modern pieces.
Fischmarkt
A Hamburg fixture for many years, the Fischmarkt (you guessed it, a fish market) is one of the highlights of the St. Pauli area. Best in the early hours around 5am, it’s not all about fish. You’ll also find fruit and vegetables, meat, poultry, pastries, flowers, clothes, and even live entertainment.
There are hordes of locals and visitors alike, clutching fish sandwiches as the market criers shout above the crowds and live bands create a raucous atmosphere. As a unique slice of Hamburg nightlife that blurs into the day, where else can you haggle for fresh fish one minute and dance on the tables the next?
Miniatur Wunderland
You don’t have to be a model railway enthusiast to be swept away by Miniatur Wunderland. In fact, calling it Hamburg’s model railway does it a disservice – it’s so much more than that. Step inside and you’ll see why it’s so popular. The 10 miles of rail track span multiple rooms, where you’ll find more than 260,000 human figurines. It’s an imaginative, detailed, and delightful masterpiece on a tiny-yet-huge scale.
Yes, there are trains, but there are also planes taking flight and rich recreations of the Colosseum in Rome, Neuschwanstein Castle, Las Vegas casinos, the canals of Venice, the Alps, Grand Canyon, and more. Delightful for children and grown-ups alike, it’s hard not to be charmed by the thousands of twinkling lights and amazing attention to detail.
Elbphilharmonie
Those au fait with building trends may recognize the stamp of Swiss architects Herzog and de Meuron on this dramatic addition to the skyline. For those who aren’t as familiar, don’t fret. You’ll quickly pick up an appreciation at Hamburg’s opera house – the Elbphilharmonie – which showcases curved glass on top of a red-brick cocoa warehouse. It looks like a ship about to set sail on the river, while inside it boasts exceptional acoustics and an ever-changing concert program. Add in restaurants, apartments, and stunning views to experience a remarkable symbol of Hamburg’s continuing prosperity.
Christmas Market
Come at the right time of year and all of Hamburg twinkles with festive lights. It doesn’t have just one Christmas market – it has several. Choose between the Fleet Island market, one in the shopping district or another around an artificial lake.
Most prominent of all, however, is the market held in front of the Rathaus – or city hall – every year. It even has its own recipe for glühwein. Head for toy alley, nibble alley, or craftsman alley to find exactly what you never knew you were looking for.
Tierpark Hagenbeck (Hamburg Zoo)
Hamburg Zoo is known locally as Tierpark Hagenbeck and has been charming visitors for more than a century. It’s a sprawling place covering around 50 acres, which allows the animals who live here plenty of space to roam around. There’s a large elephant herd, tigers, orangutans, and an aquarium. Children will be in their element with pony rides and a petting zoo, as well as bookable experiences. Adults, meanwhile, can seek serenity in the Japanese garden or Nepalese temple.
Reeperbahn
It’s not for everyone – and it’s definitely not for children – but the Reeperbahn is one of the city’s most distinctive districts. It’s not just the red-light district that you’ll find here, but also the Hamburg nightlife, restaurants, and buzzing streets that come alive at night.
This is where The Beatles showcased their talents at the beginning of their career, and it’s still a thriving hub for live music, often until the sun comes up the next day.
Hamburg Dungeon
Part of a chain that stretches across Europe, the best thing about the Hamburg Dungeon is how it delves into local history for its family-friendly chills. It only takes 90 minutes to tour this attraction, in which time you’ll find out about pirates, 1842’s great fire, and medieval torture. There’s also a sudden drop ride for those who dare to face the hangman.
Speicherstadt
Few port areas are as pretty as Hamburg’s Speicherstadt, a warehouse complex that’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Around since 1883, the warehouses are built upon oak piles and connected by canals known as fleets. Take a water tour at night when hundreds of spotlights illuminate the buildings. Close by you’ll find the Elbphilharmonie and plenty of the city’s best restaurants.
The Rathaus
A wonderful baroque, neo-Renaissance building from the late 19th century, the Rathaus – or city hall – is still in use today as Hamburg’s parliament building. It looms over the center of the city, in front of a square that’s a focal point for annual events such as the Christmas market. There are more than 600 rooms inside, although you’ll only cover a handful on the 40-minute guided tour. The Great Hall is particularly impressive, alongside the relaxing courtyard with a fountain.
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