hamburg germany tourist attractions

19 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Hamburg

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 27, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Hamburg, the largest city in Germany after the capital of Berlin , lies at the head of the long funnel-shaped estuary of the River Elbe. Its location makes it an important link between the sea and Germany's network of inland waterways and numerous islands.

The city is best known for its famous harbor area, the Port of Hamburg. In addition to being a major transportation hub, Hamburg has become one of Europe's most important cultural and commercial centers, as well as a major tourist destination.

The only part of old Hamburg to survive centuries of fires and wars, the narrow, curving Deichstrasse gives a sense of the city's past. Built long before the 19th-century warehouses and 21st-century harborside complexes, the street offers a glimpse into the city's Hansa past. The Hanseatic League was a medieval association of independent port cities and merchants along the Baltic and north Atlantic from the 11th to the 18th centuries, and even into the 19th century. Its distinct architecture is found throughout Baltic Germany.

Deichstrasse takes you straight onto a bridge over one of the city's many canals. Massive brick warehouses, built a couple of centuries after the Hansa's power faded, form a canyon along the canal's sides.

A second footbridge leads into the hottest new neighborhood, Hafencity, where old and new mix in a striking blend of 19th-century, neo-Hansa brick, with contemporary steel-and-glass apartments, their balconies jutting out over attractive cafés, eye-to-eye with vintage sailing vessels. Many of the most interesting things to do in Hamburg are in this port area.

To help you find the best places to visit in this important German port city, be sure to refer to our list of the top attractions and things to do in Hamburg.

See also: Where to Stay in Hamburg

1. Take the Pedestrian Trail to the Port of Hamburg & Speicherstadt

2. miniatur wunderland, 3. see a concert at elbphilharmonie, 4. get your art fix at hamburger kunsthalle, 5. visit the hamburger rathaus (city hall) and mönckebergstraße, 6. st. michael's church, 7. board the historic tallships: rickmer rickmers and cap san diego, 8. explore ships of the past at the international maritime museum, 9. explore the alster lakes, 10. museum of art and design, 11. see one of the world's largest burial grounds: ohlsdorf cemetery, 12. take a walk in a park: planten un blomen and wallringpark, 13. hear the historic organ at st. james' church, 14. museum am rothenbaum & prototyp museum, 15. altona & the altonaer museum, 16. see the old ships at museumshafen oevelgonne (museum harbor), 17. jenisch house, 18. visit the zoo: tierpark hagenbeck, 19. drive to schloss ahrensburg, where to stay in hamburg for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in hamburg, hamburg, germany - climate chart.

The Port of Hamburg, the Hamburger Hafen – also known as "HafenCity" – encompasses 100 square kilometers of tidal harbor and is known as the Gateway to Germany. It's also where you'll find many of the city's most-visited tourist attractions, and on summer evenings and weekends, it's full of local residents relaxing.

A lovely pedestrian trail takes in the old 19th-century Warehouse District , the Speicherstadt , with its continuous lines of tall brick buildings once used to store tobacco, coffee, dried fruit, and spices. Built up from 1883 to 1927, it's reputedly the world's largest such warehouse district and was in 2015 designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Another landmark of the Port of Hamburg is the Köhlbrandbrücke , a 3.9-kilometer bridge that spans the harbor. The newest and most spectacular addition to the waterfront area, though, is the Elbphilharmonie , the city's most important cultural venue (see more on this attraction in #3 below).

The adjacent Traditionsschiffhafen/Sandtorhafen harbor lines the peninsula and is a great place to see vintage tall ships at their docks. If you've got time, a good way to explore the Port of Hamburg is by boat, with numerous tours departing from Landungsbrücken.

Although billed as the world's largest model railway, Hamburg's Miniatur Wunderland is really much more than simply a toy train layout. This is definitely one of the best places to visit in the city's historic Speicherstadt warehouse district. It's the world's largest model railway, boasting more than 15,400 meters of track and 1,040 trains (so expect to spend plenty of time here, especially if you're traveling with kids).

Built on a truly massive scale, the attraction covers an impressive 2,300 square meters. Highlights include areas dedicated to the USA, Scandinavia, and Germany, as well as an airport with planes that actually take off, plus some 100,000 vehicles that actually move, all of it illuminated by more than 500,000 lights and containing some 400,000 tiny (and unique) human figures.

As this is one of the most visited attractions in Germany, you can avoid a long wait by reserving your ticket online. Fun, behind-the-scenes guided tours are available and are highly recommended. Dining and snacks are available on-site, including a restaurant for the kids.

Address: Kehrwieder 2-4/Block D, 20457 Hamburg

Official site: www.miniatur-wunderland.com

Known locally as "Elphi," the imposing Elbphilharmonie (Elbe Philharmonic Hall) is the crown jewel of the revitalized Port of Hamburg. Located at the point of the Grasbrook peninsula, this new building has become the city's major landmark, and is considered one of the largest - and most acoustically pleasing - concert halls in the world.

Opened to great fanfare in 2017, its base consists of a 1960s-era, six-story-tall former cocoa, tea, and tobacco warehouse built of red brick. Above this rises an additional 20 stories of curved, shining glass.

The largest of its three concert halls seats 2,150 and features 10,000 plates specially designed to tune sound waves. The building is also home to a major hotel, residential apartments, restaurants, and other features, including parking. A publicly accessible observation platform, the Elbphilharmonie Plaza provides splendid views of the harbor and the city.

Classical music fans should also plan on an evening at the Hamburg State Opera (Staatsoper Hamburg). This state-of-the-art facility is much admired for its rich program of opera and its excellent acoustics.

Address: Platz der Deutschen Einheit 1, 20457, Hamburg

Official site: www.elbphilharmonie.de/en/

Occupying three separate but connected buildings on the Glockengießerwall, Hamburger Kunsthalle – literally translated as the "Hamburg Art Hall" – is one of Germany's top art galleries. Highlights include numerous altarpieces, works by local artists of the 14th century, and Dutch masters of the 16th and 17th centuries.

Also of note are its fine collections of 19th-century German and French paintings, plus substantial modern and contemporary art collections. Tours and fun programs for children are available.

Another notable art collection is housed at the Deichtorhallen , one of the largest galleries of contemporary art and photography in Europe.

Address: Glockengießerwall 1, D-20095 Hamburg

Official site: www.hamburger-kunsthalle.de

In the center of Hamburg's Rathausmarkt stands the majestic City Hall, or Rathaus. This large, elaborately decorated Neo-Renaissance building adjacent to the Stock Exchange (Börse) was completed in 1897 and consists of 647 rooms, many opened to the public for the city's annual Long Night of Museums event.

Notable features include the spectacular painted ceiling in the Kaisersaal, which depicts the importance of German merchant shipping. Guided tours are available, as are opportunities to observe the local government in action.

From the Rathaus, the wide Mönckebergstraße, Hamburg's principal shopping and business district, leads past 14th-century St. Peter's Church , a cathedral and fine example of brick Hansa architecture notable for its 133-meter bell tower.

A column in the south part of the church bears a painting called Christmas 1813 , commemorating citizens who were locked in the church that year for refusal to provide food to Napoleon's troops. Continue on Mönckebergstraße all the way to the Central Station and the Schauspielhaus theater.

Address: Rathausmarkt 1, 20095 Hamburg

The most famous of Hamburg's many churches, St. Michael's (Hauptkirche Sankt Michaelis) was built in the Baroque style between 1750 and 1762 and is one of the city's most important landmarks.

One of the top things to do when visiting this catholic church is to ascend its 132-meter-high tower, known locally as "Michel." Accessible by stairs and an elevator, the tower's viewing platforms offer excellent panoramic views over the city and port, a particular treat during their regular extended evening openings.

Also, be sure to look out for the stunning bronze statue of Archangel Michael killing the devil, a fascinating piece of artwork that can be seen over the entrance. Also of note is the church's crypt, the final resting place of some 2,425 people, and one of the city's most interesting concert venues.

In a courtyard to the east of the church are the Krameramtswohnungen . These dwellings were originally built to house the widows of members of the local Shopkeepers' Guild. There's also a good museum here.

Address: Englische Planke 1, 20459 Hamburg

Official site: www.st-michaelis.de/en/

Berthed along the river at Landungsbrücken, Rickmer Rickmers is a three-masted tall ship with a long and colorful history. Built in 1896, the ship returned to Hamburg in 1983 and, after four years of restoration, is now a museum focused on the role of the merchant marine in the 19th and early 20th centuries (there's even a restaurant onboard).

The MS Cap San Diego , a 1960s cargo ship, is another merchant marine ship museum with visitor access to the entire vessel, from the bridge to the engine rooms (fun overnight stays are also available).

A different view of the Cold War is available in the former Soviet submarine , B-515 , now open as a museum and docked at St. Pauli Fischmarkt 10. For those interested in maritime-themed art, a visit to the Altonaer Museum is well worthwhile, and features numerous important paintings, sculptures, and cultural artifacts related to shipping.

Address: Bei den St. Pauli-Landungsbrücken 1a, 20359 Hamburg

The International Maritime Museum (Internationales Maritimes Museum Hamburg, or IMMH) is a great place to discover more about Hamburg's rich maritime history and all things sea-related.

Housed in the city's oldest warehouse, a massive red-brick heritage building in the HafenCity area, the museum's fascinating exhibits cover more than 3,000 years of human connection to water. The oldest artifact displayed is a dugout boat, hollowed out of a tree trunk thousands of years ago, that was recovered from the Elbe.

Models show how shipping has progressed, from Phoenician galleys to Viking long ships to the caravels of the Golden Age of Discovery. An entire floor (there are 10 all told) is devoted to the latest in marine research, with films taken by diving robots and recordings of undersea sounds. Another gallery is filled with maritime art.

The newest addition is a superb ship simulator, which allows you to try your hand steering a container ship. A variety of tours and workshops are available, and there is a great little bistro here called, aptly, "Catch of the Day."

Address: Koreastraße 1, 20457 Hamburg

Official site: www.imm-hamburg.de/international/en/

The focal points of Hamburg's inner city area are the Inner Alster (Binnenalster) and Outer Alster (Aussenalster), two artificial lakes connected to the rivers Alster and the Elbe. It's here you'll find Hamburg's most picturesque city squares and historic avenues, as well as its famous pedestrian areas, the passagens . The best routes take in the elegant Jungfernstieg with its cafés and landing stages used by tour boats, and the Ballindamm , with the city's largest shopping center.

The lakes are also popular for sailing and kayaking in summer and skating in winter, and are lined by many beautiful parks and gardens. The area is also popular among cyclists.

Also popular is the Pöseldorf area, with its galleries, boutiques, and cafés, along with the canals, or "fleetes," which link the lakes with the Elbe. If you're visiting in late summer, be sure to attend the annual Alstervergnügen , a street fair held around the lakes with great entertainment, including numerous concerts.

Hamburg's Museum of Art and Design (Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe Hamburg, or locally as "MKG"), located handily near the train station, ranks alongside the Bavarian National Museum in Munich as one of the country's most comprehensive displays of German, European, and Asian applied art.

Founded in 1874 and modeled after London's Victoria and Albert Museum, it's particularly well known for its displays of china, furniture, and silver from northern Germany. Other collections include applied art from East Asia, and a collection of works by Oskar Kokoschka. Also of interest is a large collection of keyboard instruments, as well as a fine display of porcelain. English-language guided tours are available, and a restaurant and bookshop are located on the premises.

The Hamburg Museum (Museum für Hamburgische Geschichte) will also be of interest to museum goers. Dating back to the 1830s, the museum is home to a large collection of artifacts that, together with their accompanying displays and information, offer a detailed look at life in the city over the centuries.

Address: Steintorplatz 1, D-20099 Hamburg

Official site: www.mkg-hamburg.de/en/home.html

Not only is Ohlsdorf Cemetery (Ohlsdorfer Friedhof) the world's largest rural cemetery, it's one of the most important. Covering 961 acres and boasting 12 chapels, more than 1.5 million burials have taken place here in some 280,000 burial sites.

The cemetery is also where you'll find the Hamburg Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery , where more than 400 allied prisoners-of-war are buried, along with many who died in battles on German soil. Other notable memorials include those dedicated to victims of Nazi persecution, the Hamburg Firestorm of WWII, and members of the city's anti-Nazi resistance.

Don't be put off by the fact that the site is a cemetery. More than two million people each year visit its memorials, monuments, and museum while strolling through the pleasant gardens along its 17 kilometers of streets and paths. Another important Hamburg memorial is the Bismarck Monument , the best known of Germany's many towers commemorating the country's most revered politician. Fascinating English language guided tours are available, and are highly recommended.

Address: Fuhlsbüttler Straße 756, 22337 Hamburg

Official site: www.friedhof-hamburg.de/en/

At the St. Pauli landing stages in Hamburg is the Wallringpark, a large recreational area that includes some of the city's most popular open spaces, such as the Old Botanic Garden and the Kleine and Grosse Wallanlagen , the gardens laid out on the line of the old fortifications.

The best of these excellent parks is Planten un Blomen - quite literally translated as "Plants and Flowers". The lovely 116-acre park was established in 1821 with the planting of a Platanus tree that can still be seen here. It's a wonderful place to relax and enjoy a picnic, or if visiting at night, take in the famous water-light concerts or a musical performance.

From Wallringpark, you're just minutes away from the 272-meter-high Heinrich Hertz Telecommunications Tower , popularly known as 'Tele-Michel"; though now closed to the public, it remains a striking sight.

Address: Marseiller Str., 20355 Hamburg

A few minutes' walk east of Hamburg city center will take you to the attractive St. James's Church, also known as St. Jacob's (Hauptkirche St. Jacobi). It's one of the most important religious sites in the city after St. Michael's. A church has existed on this site since 1255, at which time it was outside the city walls.

The splendid 14th-century building you see today houses a variety of important artifacts and architectural highlights, including its medieval altars. Perhaps its most important feature, though, is its Arp Schnitger organ. Built in 1693, this magnificent instrument is one of the oldest and best preserved still in use today and boasts no less than 60 registers and over 4,000 pipes.

Visitors can get to hear this masterpiece during regularly scheduled concerts and recitals, often with the church's choir. Interesting tours of the church, including some that focus specifically on music and its organs, are available and come highly recommended.

Address: Jakobikirchhof 22, 20095 Hamburg

Official site: https://jacobus.de/en/

Museum am Rothenbaum: Kulturen und Künste der Welt (or simply MARKK) – formerly the Hamburg Museum of Ethnology – was founded in 1879 and is one of the largest such museums in Europe.

With a focus on "Cultures and Arts of the World," this fascinating museum boasts more than 350,000 artifacts and documents. Highlights include a binder used to cover a Torah, dating from 1711; an African exhibition with traditional cultural and religious items; and fun hands-on exhibits such as foosball, xylophones, and cameras.

Also interesting is the PROTOTYP Museum , a car museum that focuses exclusively (as its name suggests) on prototype vehicles. Most of the 45 vehicles on display are racing and motorsport related and are accompanied with exhibits relating to their history and drivers. Porsche fans will also want to try their hand at the driving simulator. A café is also located on-site.

Address: Rothenbaumchausee 64, 20148 Hamburg

Official site: https://markk-hamburg.de/english/

Above the high bank of the Elbe is Hamburg's vibrant, ritzy Altona district. It's popular for sightseeing due to its many attractive Neoclassical houses, many of them protected as historical monuments.

Here, you'll also find Museumstrasse, which runs north from the end of the Palmaille, and the Altonaer Museum with exhibits relating to the geology, landscape, settlement, and economy of Schleswig-Holstein and the Lower Elbe region. Other highlights include displays of marine artifacts, including old models and preserved ship figureheads.

Afterwards, be sure to explore the area around Altona, including the Altonaer Balkon . You'll be rewarded with fine views of the river and the port, as well as the fishing harbor and fish market.

Address: Museumstrasse 23, 22765 Hamburg

Hamburg's popular Oevelgonne district contains the New Elbe Tunnel , a 3.5-kilometer-long tunnel running under the River Elbe. Here, near the Neumühlen ferry station on the Elbe main shipping channel, you'll find the Museumshafen (Museum Harbor), home to about 20 historic vessels from the period 1880 to 1960, each carefully restored by a private organization.

This impressive collection of important old vessels includes traditional German and Dutch flat bottom ships as well as barges, fishing boats, and steam tugs, some of them open to the public. One of the larger vessels is the SS Stettin , a former icebreaker built in 1933 that's now used for pleasure trips.

Also of interest are the numerous pilots' houses on the Elbuferweg and the Oevelgonner Seekiste , a small museum with a variety of displays and maritime artifacts.

Address: Baron-Voght-Straße 50, D-22609 Hamburg

Not far from the New Elbe Tunnel , in the Klein Flottbek district of Hamburg, lies the beautiful 110-acre Jenischpark , one of the city's largest and most attractive open spaces.

Here, you'll find the superb Neoclassical 19th-century Jenisch House ((Jenisch-Haus) with its rooms reflecting the taste of the prosperous middle classes in styles ranging from Louis XVI to Art Nouveau, all preserved in the on-site museum, a branch of the Altona Museum .

The park is also home to the Ernst Barlach Haus , with its collections of sculptures, drawings, and printed graphic art.

Address: 50 Baron-Voght-Straße, Hamburg 22609

Official site: https://shmh.de/en

Tucked away in Hamburg's northwestern suburb of Stellingen, Tierpark Hagenbeck, the city's zoo, was established in 1907 to house a collection of exotic animals owned by a local fishmonger-turned-exotic animal trader by the name of Carl Hagenbeck. The zoo is still run by his descendants.

This excellent facility was the first in the world to use open enclosures surrounded by ditches as opposed to cages, increasing the free-range area of the animals. It was also the first zoo to group animals by species, ideas that inspired the owners of other zoo parks to adopt.

Other family attractions worthy of a visit is Planetarium Hamburg , located in an old water tower, and the CHOCOVERSUM Chocolate Museum , a fun interactive museum with displays focusing on chocolate making. And yes, you can make your very own chocolate bars!

Address: Lokstedter Grenzstraße 2, 22527 Hamburg

About 23 kilometers northeast of Hamburg is the town of Ahrensburg, famous for its old mansion, Schloss Ahrensburg (Ahrensburg Palace).

Now a museum, the castle was built in 1595, and many of its original interiors and furnishings remain intact, providing a fascinating insight into the life of country nobility. The mansion also makes a great backdrop to the regular concerts and events held in its attractive grounds.

Address: Lübecker Straße 1, D-22926 Ahrensburg

Official site: www.schloss-ahrensburg.de/das-schloss/english-information/

For easy access to Hamburg's top attractions, the best place to stay is in the central Hamburg-Mitte district. An easy walk to Miniatur Wunderland, the world's largest model railway, as well as the city's always-bustling port, this district is also home to great shopping, dining, and art galleries. The following highly rated hotels are perfect for exploring:

Luxury Hotels:

• Overlooking Inner Alster Lake, the Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten offers huge suites, spa services, and high tea in the plush Grand Hall with its fireplace and fine art.
• Just minutes from Hamburg's main railway station, the Park Hyatt Hamburg boasts spacious rooms with balconies and heated bathroom floors, as well as an indoor pool and spa.
• For a more contemporary feel, try The Madison Hamburg with its spacious rooms (some including kitchenettes), large indoor pool, and on-site dining.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Small and close to Hamburg's harbor, Hotel St. Annen offers spacious rooms, the best of which overlook the inner courtyard.
• If it's funky and fun you're after, try Prizeotel Hamburg-City featuring large rooms with rainforest showers and heated tiles.
• Also worth considering is Hotel Wedina . Overlooking Outer Alster Lake, it's a popular place to relax with a book thanks to its well-stocked library and pleasant courtyard garden.

Budget Hotels:

• At the higher end of the budget scale, the Art Deco-styled Superbude Hotel Hostel St. Georg offers funky, colorful (and quiet) rooms large enough to sleep a family.
• Other good affordable options close to attractions and entertainment in Hamburg-Mitte are Motel One Hamburg Alster with its modern décor and furniture, and Ibis Hamburg St. Pauli Messe , as popular for its harbor location as it is for its comfortable, modern rooms.

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Nature Calls : Germany's magnificent Black Forest region should be on every travelers' itinerary, as famous for its incredible scenery as it is for its thermal springs, many of them located around the spa town of Baden Baden . Equally as attractive is the lovely Lake Constance area , famous for its pleasant climate, rolling countryside, and many small lakeside towns and villages. Those seeking even more dramatic scenery should head for the hills of Garmisch-Partenkirchen , a mountainous area that's home to great skiing and the Zugspitze, the country's tallest mountain peak.

Medieval Times : The old merchant town of Augsburg is home to many important examples of medieval architecture, including its lovely 14th-century cathedral and the charming Fuggerei, an enclave of old townhomes built to house the poor in the 1520s. Historic Bamberg is where you'll find Klein-Venedig, or "Little Venice" with its well-preserved medieval fishermen's houses, as well as the Old Town Hall perched atop a bridge. Perhaps the most immersive medieval experience, though, is to be had in the town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber , famous for its fairy-tale-like old homes of the Plönlein and its still intact fortifications and walls.

Germany Vacation Ideas : The German capital city of Berlin needs at least a few days to explore, and is where you'll find some of the country's best known tourist attractions, from the infamous Berlin Wall to the famous Museum Island with its vast array of important museums and art galleries. The historic river port of Frankfurt is also popular for its museums, as well as for its large and picture-perfect central square, the Römerberg. Munich is the capital of Bavaria, as well as one of Europe's most-visited cities, famous for its magnificent cathedral and its many parks, particularly the huge English Garden (Englischer Garten).

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Hamburg   Travel Guide

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18 Best Things to Do in Hamburg, Germany

Updated Feb. 11, 2021

Most of Hamburg's attractions, such as the  Hamburger Kunsthalle ,  Miniatur Wunderland  and the trendy HafenCity neighborhood, are clustered in the city center and Harbour districts. But you should explore Hamburg's other neighborhoods to experience

• All Things To Do

Elbphilharmonie Elbphilharmonie free

A stunning architectural marvel often compared to Sydney's opera house , the Elbphilharmonie is a concert hall and performance space designed by the Pritzker Architecture Prize-winning Swiss architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron. As soon as it opened in 2016, it became an instant architectural icon thanks to its wave-like rooftop and glass façade. Luckily, you don't need tickets to a show to enjoy the striking space.

A public viewing platform is open to everyone and offers breathtaking, 360-degree views of the city and the harbor – a particular highlight for recent visitors. While admission to the viewing plaza is free, you do need a ticket to enter. Advance booking is available and recommended by recent visitors, though a booking fee of 2 euros (or about $2.25) applies. Reviewers also recommended taking a harbor cruise to admire the building from the water.

Alter Elbtunnel Alter Elbtunnel free

The  Alter Elbtunnel  (also called the Old Elbe Tunnel, St. Pauli Elbe Tunnel) is a pedestrian, bike and motorist tunnel (though cars are not permitted), which travels underneath the River Elbe. It connects central Hamburg to the southern side of the river. Opened in 1911, the tunnel was built to serve the port and shipyard workers as a connecting route between the Landungsbrücken and Steinwerder piers. It became a tourist attraction when the "new" Elbe tunnel opened in the 1970s. It has been undergoing renovation for the past several years.

While walking through the quarter-mile-long tunnel, take time to look at the tile reliefs that line the walls, which portray starfish, dolphins and other creatures. Past travelers enjoyed the experience of walking beneath the river and taking in the great view from the opposing side. Others said it provides an interesting photo opportunity, though there is little else to do.

Planten un Blomen Planten un Blomen free

Planten un Blomen , which translates as the very imaginative Plants and Flowers, spans over 100 acres and is a favorite among locals and travelers. Referred to as "Hamburg's green lung," it is home to various themed gardens, including a rose garden, Mediterranean terraces and one of the largest Japanese landscaped gardens in Europe. Planten un Blomen offers much more than the eponymous "plants and flowers." There are playgrounds, mini-golf, an ice rink in winter and a roller rink in summer, and even life-size chess games. There are also several cafes and food kiosks.

Many past visitors said the park is a relaxing place to unwind and highly recommend touring the Japanese garden. Others said the park is well-maintained and a worthy stop even in the offseason.

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No visit to Hamburg is complete without getting out on the water. The easiest, not to mention one of the least expensive, ways to enjoy Hamburg by water is via a public ferry. Head to the Landungsbrücken piers and hop aboard one of Hamburg's many public transportation options.

One of the most popular ferry trips is aboard the No. 62 toward Finkenwerder island, which takes 30 minutes and allows you to see some of the city's most important waterfront sights. You can also hop on a guided tour, many of which also operate from the piers at Landungsbrücken. You'll enjoy an overview of the industrial docks, the historic Speicherstadt warehouses and modern architecture highlights such as HafenCity Hamburg and the  Elbphilharmonie . Rainer Abicht Elbreederei and Barkassen-Centrale Ehlers GmbH earn high marks from recent tour-goers. You can find more information about available harbor cruises on the city's tourism website .

Fish Auction Hall and Market Fish Auction Hall and Market free

All-night revelers finish up their partying at the Sunday morning St. Pauli  Fischmarkt  (Fish Auction Hall and Market) and early morning shoppers get a head start on the day. Not only are there stalls brimming with fresh fish and other goods, there's also steaming hot bratwursts, free-flowing beer and even an energetic band to keep the jovial atmosphere alive. It's also one of those uniquely Hamburg attractions, one which has been an institution since 1703. If you sleep in (or you're just getting to bed after bar hopping), you'll miss out on the Fischmarkt; it's open on early Sunday mornings only.

Recent visitors who knew what they were in for say the scene is fun and festive, while those looking for a traditional market were a bit disappointed. Reviewers described the scene as merry, with many comparing it to Oktoberfest.

Miniatur Wunderland Miniatur Wunderland

Self-described as the world's largest model railway, the more than 10,000-square-foot Miniatur Wunderland takes visitors around the world to admire models of miniature-sized countries and cities, including Southern Germany, Hamburg, USA, Scandinavia, Switzerland and Venice. Across nine different sections are more than 1,000 trains, 130,000 trees and nearly 250,000 figures.

Recent visitors offered rave reviews for Miniatur Wunderland, saying it was appealing to both kids and adults alike. Others were in awe of the attention to detail. However, a few warned that since this is a popular attraction, it can get very crowded. Miniatur Wunderland advises timing your visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the largest crowds.

St. Michael's Church St. Michael's Church

St. Michael's, Hamburg's largest church, is actually the third church to be built in the same spot and was constructed in 1912. Visitors flock to the landmark church to see its five different organs, its 65-foot altar, its crypt and the amazing views from the nearly 350-foot-high observation deck. The church's 433-foot-tall tower, home to Germany's largest clock bell, is visible from all over the city. In the crypt far below, about 2,000 people have been laid to rest.

Views from the top are not to be missed, according to recent visitors. Others described the church's interior as "ethereal." What's more, travelers were pleased with the affordable admission fee.

Hamburg Zoo (Tierpark Hagenbeck) Hamburg Zoo (Tierpark Hagenbeck)

The Tierpark Hagenbeck (or Hamburg Zoo) is owned by the Hagenbeck family; Carl Hagenbeck, Jr. (who founded the zoo in 1907) was a wild animal trader and merchant. One of his innovations was to use moats instead of cages to enclose animals, a practice still used to this day. Today, visitors can encounter thousands of animals at the zoo, including one of the largest elephant herds in Europe. Of special note is the four-level Tropical Aquarium, an artificial habitat comprising more than 14,300 animals, including Nile crocodiles and around 13,000 fish. There are also several restaurants, playgrounds for kids, feeding demonstrations and a recreation park, among other attractions.

Recent visitors advised allowing plenty of time to check out all of the exhibits (some said they spent the whole day at the zoo) and said it's a great family-friendly activity. Reviewers were particularly fascinated by the walruses and polar bears. According to travelers, the zoo provides food to feed select animals (donations are encouraged).

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Emigration Museum BallinStadt Hamburg Emigration Museum BallinStadt Hamburg

Just as compelling and moving as Ellis Island, this museum and ancestral research center conveys the story of European emigration to the United States and elsewhere. The museum occupies the land originally used by the Hamburg-Amerikanische Packetfahrt-Aktien-Gesellschaft (HAPAG) shipping company for the city's Emigration Halls, which were built 120 years ago to accommodate people from all over Europe hoping to sail across the Atlantic. To lessen the likelihood of immigrants being sent back from the United States due to illness or other reasons (at the shipping company's cost), HAPAG offered medical examinations. Millions of people passed through the complex, which at one point included a hospital, a church, a music hall, housing and even hotels.

There are several halls that detail why people were emigrating, their journey across the ocean and what happened when they reached America, with interactive exhibits, displays, photos and artifacts. For an even more immersive experience, consider grabbing a bite to eat at the on-site restaurant Nach Amerika (or "To America"), which serves meals based on recipes used in the canteens of the former Emigration Halls. Visitors can also search complete passenger lists of all the ships that left the harbor in the family research area.

Hamburger Kunsthalle Hamburger Kunsthalle

One of Germany's great art museums (and one of its largest in terms of exhibition space), the Hamburger Kunsthalle boasts an extensive collection of paintings and sculptures – both old and new. The permanent collection encompasses art from eight centuries – with some pieces dating back to the Middle Ages. In the modern and contemporary sections, artists like Andy Warhol, Max Beckmann and Bruce Nauman are represented; in the older sections, you'll find works by Rembrandt and Anthony van Dyck, as well as a noted collection of works by German Romantic painters.

The museum is a highlight for many recent visitors, who rave about the excellent collection, especially the representation of German painters. Others were impressed by the building.

City Hall (Rathaus) City Hall (Rathaus)

The  Rathaus  (City Hall) is big – bigger than  London's immense  Buckingham Palace  – and according to travelers, it's one of the best sights in Hamburg. Resting on a square, inspired by  Venice's   Piazza San Marco , the neo-renaissance building's formidable exterior opens into a lavish interior, which is peopled by Hamburg's city council and state government officials. English-language tours take about 45 minutes and wind past the opulent state rooms, a mere fraction of the 647 rooms located on-site.

Recent visitors called the building "beautiful" and recommended taking the tour if you can.

International Maritime Museum International Maritime Museum

Located in a former warehouse, the International Maritime Museum offers a look at 3,000 years of maritime history across nine floors, with a stunning number of exhibits, artifacts and more, including thousands of model ships – a highlight for many recent visitors. Others were pleasantly surprised with the interesting and informative exhibits. One of its most treasured pieces is a copy of the "Atlantis Majoris" from 1657, the first nautical atlas printed in the Netherlands. Other exhibits include medals and uniforms from navies around the world, displays of commercial and passenger shipping and works by well-known maritime painters. One way to tackle the massive museum is by taking a 60- or 90-minute tour, which is offered in English, and costs 70 euros (about $77) and 80 euros (around $88), respectively. Audio guides are also available for a much smaller cost.

Recent visitors called the museum "fascinating" and said you should be prepared to do a lot of walking throughout its various levels and set aside several hours. However, some reviewers expressed disappointment that a few exhibits did not offer English translations. 

Speicherstadt Speicherstadt free

The red brick buildings of the  Speicherstadt  (Warehouse District) used to shelter the city's imports – coffee, spices, silks – which were carried fresh off the boats in the harbor. In 2015, Speicherstadt became Germany's 40th UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, this area full of neo-Gothic buildings, mostly constructed between 1883 and the late 1920s that are fun to see on foot. Though there are a few attractions within the area, including Miniatur Wunderland and the International Maritime Museum , it mostly attracts visitors in search of photo ops and a picturesque stroll. Popular photo spots include the Wasserschloss (or "water castle") at the end of Holländischer Birdge and Fleetschlösschen, a former customs booth.

Recent visitors call the area magical and recommend taking a canal tour if you can. A few reviewers said it's worth visiting at night when the area is beautifully illuminated.

Sailing trip on the Hamburg Outer Alster

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from $ 39.08

Private 2-Hour Hamburg Highlights Walking Tour

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from $ 286.22

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Reeperbahn Reeperbahn free

Hamburg's Reeperbahn once rivaled  Amsterdam's Red Light District for its sex trade, but times have changed (slightly). Located in St. Pauli, the Reeperbahn is a nightlife hub, still notorious for its corridor of sex shops, strip shows and brothels, though there are plenty of other non-X-rated activities and sights, from dive bars to the Beatles monument (the Beatles made their mark in Hamburg). St. Pauli is now almost better-known for its huge live-music scene, with clubs, bars, theaters and music venues. The annual Reeperbahn Festival in September brings in around 25,000 people to hear live music.

Recent Reeperbahn visitors found the area interesting to see, with plenty of music and pubs to check out. Others warned of potential pickpockets.

Hamburg Planetarium Hamburg Planetarium

Head to the Hamburg Planetarium to see everything from children's films to 3D trips through the solar system. The art deco building dates back to 1912 and is considered one of the world's oldest observatories. Visitors can also enjoy concerts and other musical shows in the enormous domed hall. The high-tech planetarium claims it's the most modern planetarium in the world. Previous shows include "Night Flight through the Galaxy," "Laser Zeppelin," and the "Green Planet 3D." After your show, head up to the rooftop terrace for unparalleled city views.

Recent visitors were impressed with the planetarium and highly recommend seeing a show there. Others suggested taking a stroll through the lovely Stadtpark City Park, where the planetarium is located, before or after a show.

Museum fur Kunst und Gewerbe Museum fur Kunst und Gewerbe

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THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Hamburg

Things to do in hamburg.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Hamburg-Altstadt
• Altonaer Fischmarkt
• Hammerbrook
• Harvestehude
• Sternschanze
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Couples
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Good for Kids
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Dialog in the Dark

2. Schmidt Tivoli

3. Old Botanical Garden

4. Automuseum Prototype

5. Loki Schmidt Garten Botanical Garden

6. Big Break Hamburg

7. Museum der Illusionen Hamburg

8. Hanseviertel

9. Skurrilum St. Pauli

10. Komödie Winterhuder Fährhaus

11. TeamEscape Hamburg

12. Harry Potter und das Verwunschene Kind

13. The Imperial Lasertag Academy (TILTA)

14. Gin Sul - Altonaer Spirituosen Manufaktur

15. PERLE Hamburg

16. Die Weingaleristen

17. Rindermarkthalle

19. Chang Thai Wellness

21. SPRUNG RAUM Trampolinpark

22. Metropolis KINOBAR

23. FLASHH - Boulder Spot

24. Sala Isaan

25. LaserTag Hamburg

26. Intouch Massageoase

27. lasertag hamburg.

28. Chokdee Thaimassage

29. Haunted History of Hamburg

30. Harburg Arcaden

What travellers are saying.

Alsterfontäne

Jungfernstieg 20354 Neustadt

Alsterschwäne

Alsterarkaden 1 20354 Hamburg

Jungfernstieg 20354 Hamburg

Helgoländer Allee 20459 Hamburg

Bei den St. Pauli Landungsbrücken 7 20359 Hamburg

Osterjork 10 21635 Jork

Altonaer Balkon

Klopstockstraße 22765 Hamburg

Altonaer Rathaus

Platz der Republik 1 22765

An der Alster 20099 Hamburg

Beatles-Platz 22767 Hamburg

Jungfernstieg 54 20354 Hamburg

Überseebrücke 20459 Hamburg

Fischertwiete 2 20095 Hamburg

The Hamburg quarter in the district of Winterhude is characterised by large building complexes.

City Nord (GIG City Nord GmbH)

Kaptstadtring 10 22297 Hamburg

Colonnaden 20354 Hamburg

Cranzer Hauptdeich 21129 Hamburg

Spielbudenplatz 31 20359 Hamburg

Deichtorstraße 1-2 20095 Hamburg

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Artistic highlights Art & Exhibitions

A visit to one of Hamburg’s museums involves rare old pieces on display in our magnificent buildings, but you’ll also find a number of smaller, owner-operated galleries, as well as contemporary art, pop up installations, street art and collections aimed specifically at the littlest visitors. Discover now

Art & Exhibitions

From ancient to futuristic, from abstract to modern, art in Hamburg does not only celebrate the past, but draws international exhibits at all times. More

WANDERLUST IS HERE: @hamburgahoi

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