Things to do in  Hamburg

Hamburg really capitalizes on its waterside location with the Speicherstadt, or Warehouse District. Not only will you marvel at the impressive red-brick architecture and canal network within the world’s largest warehouse complex, but several buildings have been converted into museums and attractions that bring the area’s rich history to life.

Opened in 2017, the Elbphilharmonie (Elbe Philharmonic) is a striking work of modern architecture on the banks of the Elbe River in Hamburg. Made with 1,096 individual glass panes, it houses two concert halls, as well as a hotel and residential apartments. The halls’ acoustics are considered among the best in the world.

Explore an alternative side of Hamburg with a visit to the Reeperbahn, a street in the red light district at the heart of the St. Pauli neighborhood. This pedestrian street is lined with bars, clubs, and sex shops, but more upmarket restaurants and theaters with family-friendly shows have also opened here in recent years.

The unabashed highlight of Hamburg’s Old Town (Altstadt), the opulent Hamburg City Hall (Hamburger Rathaus) is recognizable by its soaring tower, coffered ceiling, and vast scale. The neo-Renaissance landmark on the edge of scenic Alster Lake dates back to 1897, and is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions.

The clock tower of the Church of St. Michaelis (Michaeliskirche) has soared above the rooftops of Hamburg since the 1680s. This baroque Protestant church stood as a beacon for sailors for centuries; today, visitors enjoy panoramic views out to the Port of Hamburg from the tower's observation deck.

Walk to Hamburg’s Deichstrasse from the harbor, and—in just a few blocks—you trade a modern world of glass for a sea of half-timbered houses. Deichstrasse is the oldest street in the city, dating to 1304. Though heavily restored in the 18th century, it still harkens back to another time, when Hamburg was a Hanseatic League port city, and Brahms wandered the ‘hood.

The St. Nikolai Church was first constructed in the 12th century, a fantastic Gothic cathedral on the River Alster. Rebuilt several times over, it was mostly destroyed during World War II air raids—miraculously, the cathedral tower still stands. Some 35,000 people were killed during Operation Gomorrah; today, the church ruins serve as a museum and memorial to those lives lost.

Approximately 12,000 ships per year deliver and pick up goods at the sprawling Port of Hamburg. The port takes up about an eighth of the city and is easiest to see on a river cruise. Learn about Hamburg’s maritime history during a visit to the MS Cap San Diego, a museum ship that travelers can step aboard and explore.

Opened in 2001, Hamburg’s Miniatur Wunderland holds the Guinness World Record for the largest model railway. One of Germany’s most popular tourist attractions, the vast landmark encompasses more than 1,000 trains, as well as myriad model airplanes, cruise ships, and other vehicles.

The oldest remaining church in Hamburg, St. Peter's Church has a wild and turbulent history. Technically, it’s been burned down—on purpose and on accident—several times; while some elements are fairly modern, others date back to the 1300s. Regardless, this historic spot is a must-see, both for its treasures and the fact that, from the top of the tower, visitors will nab some of the best views of the city.

A hundred years ago, Hamburg’s port dominated the city, a maze of waterways bustling with industry. But trade has now taken to the skies, and the port’s been redesigned into the largest inner-city development project in Europe: HafenCity (which translates to “Port City”). Today, in place of shipyards, you’ll find restaurants, hotels and shops, office and apartment buildings—even the Elbphilharmonie.

The St. Pauli Piers (St. Pauli Landungsbrucken) have nearly become their own ‘hood. One of Hamburg's most popular attractions, the once transport-heavy piers—a network of connected “landing bridges,” hence the German name—are now a bustling promenade. Visitors come here to people-watch, catch ferries and catamarans, visit the docked museum ships, stroll the onsite restaurants and gift shops, and more.

Hamburg’s Old Elbe Tunnel (Alter Elbtunnel, or officially St. Pauli Elbtunnel) runs under the Elbe River, connecting the St. Pauli jetties on the river’s north side to the Steinwerder in the Port of Hamburg. Comprising two separate tunnels for pedestrians and vehicles, it takes on-foot visitors on a very unique sort of stroll—underwater.

Hamburg’s grandest promenade, Jungfernstieg is a top spot for sightseeing and stylish shopping. Located along the Inner Alster Lake (Binnenalster), its name is inspired by the days when families would take their unmarried daughters (“Jungfern”) to walk along the promenade in a coming-of-age tradition.

The Outer Alster Lake (Aussenalster) is the larger of Hamburg’s two lakes, stretching to almost 400 acres (162 hectares) in size, although never more than 8 feet (2.5 meters) deep. Equally popular with tourists and locals, it provides a welcome place of calm and tranquility against the urban backdrop of the busy city.