From towering harbour cranes to glittering concert halls, and from historic brick warehouses to immersive digital art installations, Hamburg is a city full of fascinating contrasts. It blends the old with the new, the rough with the refined, and the creative with the corporate. One moment you’re admiring a Gothic church, and the next you’re sipping coffee in a stylish café. You might find yourself basking in the soft sunlight by Lake Alster, then strolling down to the harbour to enjoy a classic fish sandwich.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the most beautiful places and must-see attractions in Hamburg. Of course, we’ll cover the well-known highlights like the Elbphilharmonie, the Speicherstadt, and the City Hall, but we’ll also take you to some of the city’s more unique spots – from the underground Elbe Tunnel and floating museum ships to peaceful urban parks and hidden neighbourhoods filled with character and charm.
What is Hamburg known for?
Hamburg is a city defined by water, trade, music, and character. It’s a well-known port city with a creative, gritty vibe. Instead of a polished centre filled with grand landmarks, you’ll find a lively, authentic urban atmosphere where real life takes the stage.
The harbour is the first thing that comes to mind for many people. As one of the largest seaports in Europe, its influence can be felt all across the city. Giant container ships glide past, museum ships are docked along the quays, and boat tours are available all day long. Water is never far away, whether you’re strolling beside the Elbe, paddling across the Alster, or exploring the narrow canals of the Speicherstadt.
Music is deeply woven into Hamburg’s identity. This is where The Beatles launched their career, and that musical spirit is still very much alive. From cosy bars and hidden venues to street performances and the iconic Elbphilharmonie, music fills the city at every turn.
Hamburg is also known as the media hub of Germany. Some of the country’s biggest newspapers, TV networks, and publishers are based here. That creative pulse runs through the streets, showing up in colourful street art, independent galleries, pop-up exhibitions, and alternative festivals.
What makes Hamburg so appealing is exactly what makes it different. It’s not neat or carefully restored. There’s no picture-perfect old town with tidy cobblestones. Instead, it’s a place where people live and work, where the city feels real and full of life. The harbour isn’t just there for show – it’s busy and alive. In St. Pauli, you’ll find a mix of bold street art, old workers’ homes, dark little pubs, and a new wave of creative minds. That’s where Hamburg’s character shines through. If you’re drawn to cities with layers, contrasts, and a bit of grit, Hamburg will feel like home.
The Best Neighbourhoods to Explore in Hamburg
Hamburg isn’t a city with one single tourist centre. Its real charm is found in the neighbourhoods around it, each with its own character, local feel, and things to see. In this guide, we’ll take you through the districts that are well worth exploring during your visit to Hamburg, and that also make great places to stay while you’re in the city.
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Altstadt is the historic heart of Hamburg. This is where you’ll find the impressive Town Hall, the Binnenalster lake, bustling shopping streets, and classic landmarks like St. Petri Church and the Nikolai Tower. Everything is close together and easy to explore on foot, with lots of cafés, restaurants, museums, and excellent metro links. In the evenings, it’s generally calm and not the liveliest part of town. Planning to stay here? Take a look at Henri Hotel Hamburg Downtown of Sir Nikolai Hotel.
Speicherstadt lies right next to Altstadt and is one of the most picturesque areas in the city. Its historic warehouses, iron bridges, and narrow canals create a one-of-a-kind backdrop. This is where you’ll find Miniatur Wunderland, the Hamburg Dungeon, the Maritime Museum, and a few peaceful cafés tucked between the red-brick buildings. It’s an ideal spot for a walk or a boat tour, especially during high water. We stayed in this beautiful warehouse district at the incredibly charming PIERDREI Hotel, which features stylish rooms, quality rental bikes, a rooftop bar with panoramic views, and even caravan-style rooms on the roof.
Read More: Things To Do In Speicherstadt
St. Pauli is gritty, lively, and full of personality. The Reeperbahn is its most famous street, known for its clubs, bars, and theatres, but the neighbourhood has much more to offer. You’ll also find quiet side streets, colourful street art, affordable food spots, and scenic views of the harbour. St. Pauli is alive around the clock. If you’re after a place that feels real and a bit rough around the edges, this is where you’ll want to be. Thinking of spending the night here? Stay in the iconic bunker at REVERB or go for the stylish east Hotel Hamburg.
Karolinenviertel right next to St. Pauli, is smaller and more relaxed. It’s a favourite among students, designers, and young families, who stroll through streets lined with vintage stores, cosy coffee spots, creative studios, and alternative eateries. There aren’t any major tourist attractions, but the area has a great vibe and plenty of local charm. Schanzenviertel a little further north, is a popular hangout for locals. The neighbourhood feels laid-back and creative, with independent shops, second-hand boutiques, busy terraces, and small concert venues. It’s also a great place for budget-friendly food and has a few fun hotels and hostels. Planning to stay in the area? Check out the trendy Superbude St. Pauli or the relaxed hostel Pyjama Park Schanzenviertel.
Portugiesenviertel, just behind the Landungsbrücken, may be small, but it’s full of atmosphere. This little neighbourhood is packed with Portuguese, Spanish, and Brazilian restaurants, and on sunny days the terraces are buzzing. It’s just a short walk from the harbour, the Elbphilharmonie, and the Old Elbe Tunnel. Want to stay nearby? The welcoming Hotel Stella Maris is a great option.
HafenCity is the newest part of Hamburg. Here, modern architecture and wide promenades blend with old harbour piers and striking waterfront views. This is where you’ll find the Elbphilharmonie, Port des Lumières, and the Maritime Museum. The area feels spacious and well-designed, and it’s easy to reach by metro or on foot from Speicherstadt. Looking for a cool place to stay? The creative 25hours Hotel offers bold design and lots of personality.
Tourist Map of Hamburg
The 20 Best Things to Do in Hamburg
#1 Elbphilharmonie
The Elbphilharmonie is without question Hamburg’s most iconic building. Set along the Elbe River, it’s impossible to miss: a striking glass wave rising above a historic brick warehouse. Opened in 2017, the building sits on the foundation of a former warehouse from 1903. What began as an ambitious and often delayed project has grown into one of the city’s proudest landmarks.
Inside, you’ll find concert halls, a hotel, a restaurant, and the public viewing platform known as the Plaza. Positioned 40 metres above ground, the Plaza is free to visit, though you’ll need a ticket. You can reserve one online for a small fee or collect one at the ticket desk for free. An impressive 80-metre-long escalator takes you up to the top, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the harbour, the city skyline, and the Elbe. The Grand Hall, which seats more than 2,000 people, is celebrated for its outstanding acoustics. Even if you don’t attend a concert, the Elbphilharmonie is more than worth a visit.
Good to know: the Plaza stays open until midnight, so in the summer months, it’s the perfect place to watch the sunset. You’ll find the Elbphilharmonie in the modern HafenCity district, just a short walk from the historic Speicherstadt.
#2 Speicherstadt
The Speicherstadt is the oldest and most picturesque part of Hamburg’s port area. Here, rows of red-brick warehouses rise on wooden foundations above the water, built between the late 1800s and early 1900s. The district sits on man-made islands separated by narrow canals and was once used to store goods like coffee, tea, spices, and carpets. It operated as a free trade zone, where items could be stored without paying import taxes.
Since 2015, the Speicherstadt has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can stroll across narrow bridges, take in the buildings with their iron shutters, and soak up the historic charm of old Hamburg. Or hop on a boat to explore the canals. Just note that boat tours only run when the water is high enough. The canals are affected by the tides, and during low tide, the water level can drop several metres, making the routes inaccessible.
Today, many of the old warehouses have been given a new life as offices, museums, or showrooms. But trade hasn’t disappeared altogether. A few buildings are still home to family-run carpet businesses that have operated here for generations. In fact, Hamburg is still the world’s largest transit port for Oriental carpets. Several of the city’s top attractions are located in this area, including Miniatur Wunderland, the Speicherstadt Museum, and the Hamburg Dungeon.
Reading More: Best Things To Do In Speicherstadt
#3 Bunker St. Pauli
Tucked between the streets and apartment blocks of St. Pauli stands a huge concrete bunker dating back to the Second World War. The Feldstrasse Bunker was built in 1942 and gave shelter to tens of thousands of people during air raids. The structure is 60 by 60 metres, nearly 40 metres high, and has walls more than three metres thick. After the war, the bunker was left standing. For many years, it was used for storage, and later it became a rehearsal space and concert venue.
Since 2019, the bunker has been completely transformed. Several sleek, modern levels were added to the top, along with a rooftop park planted with over 20,000 trees and shrubs. A panoramic path winds around the entire structure, stretching more than 500 metres and slowly leading visitors to the top. The new Bunker St. Pauli officially opened in 2024 and is free to explore. After a short security check (keep in mind that water bottles aren’t allowed), you can follow the gently sloping path upwards and enjoy breathtaking views from the rooftop. Inside, the bunker now houses a hotel, a restaurant, a concert hall, and an exhibition that tells the story of its wartime past.
#4 Port of Hamburg (with boat tour)
The harbour is a constant presence in Hamburg. You see it, you hear it, and on a boat tour, you truly get a sense of its enormous scale. The city has been shaped by trade since the 12th century, and today its port remains one of the biggest in Europe. Container ships, cruise liners, dry docks, and cranes are all part of the daily rhythm, operating around the clock.
The best way to explore the harbour is by getting out on the water. From Landungsbrücken, tour boats depart every hour, taking you past landmarks like the Elbphilharmonie, shipyards, container terminals, and if the tide allows even through the canals of the Speicherstadt. You can choose between a small Barkasse or a larger boat with an open-air deck. Most tours last around an hour, though longer cruises are also available.
We joined a tour with the well-known company Rainer Abicht, famous for the eye-catching Louisiana Star paddle steamer. The commentary on board was in German, and although an English-language app is offered, it didn’t work during our visit. It’s a good idea to check this in advance and bring your own headphones if you want to listen along in English.
For a more budget-friendly way to see the harbour, hop on ferry line 62, which is included in your public transport pass. While it’s not a guided tour, it still gives you a lovely glimpse of Hamburg from the water.
#5 Planten un Blomen
In Hamburg, you can unexpectedly step into complete tranquillity right in the heart of the city. Planten un Blomen is a lush, expansive park filled with ponds, flower beds, palm trees, fountains, and gardens in every imaginable style. Tucked between the Alster Lake, Dammtor station, and St. Pauli, it’s the greenest corner of the city.
One of the standout features is the Japanese Garden, the largest of its kind in Europe, with winding stone paths, peaceful water features, and an authentic teahouse. The rose garden is also well worth a visit, especially in summer when it bursts into full bloom. Wide walking paths weave through the park, lined with shady benches and open grassy areas perfect for a picnic or a quiet moment to unwind. For children, there are several playgrounds and even a water play area during the warmer months. The entire park is beautifully kept and thoughtfully designed, with plenty of inviting spots to sit and take it all in – we found it to be the perfect pause from a busy day of sightseeing.
What makes the park even more special is the evening fountain show held in the summer. Every evening from May to September, a magical performance takes place at the large pond, blending light, music, and dancing fountains. The show begins at 10:00 PM (or 9:00 PM in September), lasts about half an hour, and is completely free. Be sure to arrive early for a good spot by the water – when we visited, the area was already filling up well before the show began.
#6 Rathaus
Hamburg’s City Hall is anything but a boring government building. It’s a striking palace right in the heart of the city, with a façade full of statues, inscriptions, and elaborate details. Step inside and you’ll find marble columns, sparkling chandeliers, carved wood panelling, and gilded ceilings. This is where the Senate and Parliament of Hamburg meet, as the city also functions as a federal state with its own government.
The current building was constructed in the late 19th century, after the previous town hall was destroyed in a fire. It took eleven years to build and ended up with more than six hundred rooms. Even the grand entrance hall alone is worth seeing. Both this hall and the central courtyard are open to the public, so you’re free to wander in and take a look.
If you want to explore further, you can join a guided tour. When we visited during the week, tours were only offered on weekends, but they are available in English. The tour takes you through the Phoenix Hall, the Emperor’s Hall, and the chamber where city officials hold their meetings. Inside the entrance hall, you’ll also find photos of these impressive rooms, so even without the tour, you can still get a small preview of the beautiful interior.
#7 Miniatur Wunderland
Miniatur Wunderland isn’t your average museum or just something for children – it’s a miniature world on an incredible scale that will leave you wide-eyed from the moment you walk in. What started in 2001 with a few model trains and landscapes has grown into a vast model railway that spans several floors and even stretches into a second building. Everything here moves, flashes, drives, flies, and feels alive – from the snowy mountains of Switzerland to a fully functioning airport with planes that actually take off. All the miniature worlds are linked together, sometimes by bridges that arch above the visitors below, earning Miniatur Wunderland the title of the largest model railway in the world.
As you wander through the exhibit, you’ll pass through charming villages, lively cities, cruise ship harbours, and wide-open deserts. Each section has its own unique feel, complete with sounds and background music. Hamburg, of course, is part of the display too, with detailed miniatures of the City Hall and the Elbphilharmonie. Throughout the experience, you’ll come across buttons that let you trigger special effects – flashing lights, moving parts, and fun surprises. One you definitely shouldn’t miss is the button that opens up the Elbphilharmonie, giving you a peek inside the tiny concert hall.
One of the most magical moments happens every fifteen minutes, when the entire world shifts from day to night. The lights dim, and thousands of twinkling lights appear throughout the display. In some scenes, you’ll also find special nighttime effects, like a UFO beaming up a cow or thunder rumbling through the Swiss Alps. Don’t forget to cross the bridge over the canal – it offers a great view and leads you into the second part of the exhibit, where you’ll find miniature versions of Brazil and Patagonia. There’s more to come too, as the team is still working on the rest of South America, and you can watch the progress live as they build.
Miniatur Wunderland is located in the Speicherstadt and is open every day. It’s almost always busy, especially on rainy days in summer, so it’s worth planning ahead. But no matter your age, this is an experience that’s just as fascinating for adults as it is for children. It’s one of Hamburg’s absolute highlights.
#8 St. Michaelis (Der Michel)
St. Michael’s Church – or “Der Michel” as it’s affectionately known by locals – is Hamburg’s most famous church and one of its most iconic landmarks. With its 132-metre-high Baroque tower, it stands tall above the city and can be spotted from many places, especially when walking along the Elbe River. The original church was built in the 17th century, but the version we see today dates back to 1786.
Step inside and you’ll find a light, airy interior that feels both grand and surprisingly modern. White walls, gold accents, a soaring pipe organ, and a beautifully carved pulpit all come together to create an elegant and uplifting space. Beneath the church is a crypt where several notable Hamburg residents are buried. You can also go up the tower – either on foot or by elevator – for breathtaking panoramic views over the harbour and the city skyline. Entry to the main church is free, but there’s a small fee for visiting the crypt and the tower.
St. Michael’s is perfectly located between the Altstadt and St. Pauli, making it a great stop to combine with a walk through the harbour area. The church is open every day and offers one of the best viewpoints in the city. Hamburg also has four other important churches worth seeing: St. Petri, St. Jacobi, St. Katharinen, and St. Nikolai.
#9 Alter Elbtunnel
The Old Elbe Tunnel (Alter Elbtunnel) is one of those places where the past still lingers in the air. Opened in 1911, this historic tunnel lies 24 metres beneath the Elbe River. It was originally built for dockworkers who needed a way to get to the southern bank each day, but today it’s mostly used by pedestrians, cyclists, and curious travellers.
You enter through a large lift at Landungsbrücken, and once you reach the bottom, you step into a narrow tunnel with tiled walls, rounded arches, and decorative carvings of fish, shells, and maritime symbols. It’s cool, quiet, and surprisingly photogenic. The tunnel stretches 426 metres and takes you to Steinwerder, across the river.
On the other side, you’re rewarded with one of the best views of Hamburg. From here, you can see the Elbphilharmonie, the cranes of the harbour, and the city’s skyline in the distance. The tunnel is free to enter. We had rental bikes from our hotel and cycled through the historic Elbtunnel, which turned out to be a really fun and memorable part of our trip.
#10 Reeperbahn in St. Pauli
The Reeperbahn is the vibrant heart of Hamburg’s nightlife, a lively blend of clubs, bars, theatres, and glowing neon lights right in the middle of St. Pauli. It’s a place where music, nightlife, and atmosphere come together, all wrapped in a bit of gritty history. Once the stomping ground of sailors and dive bars, it’s now a magnet for concertgoers, tourists, and party lovers from across the city.
The Beatles played some of their earliest gigs here in the 1960s, and the spirit of live music still fills the air, especially in side streets like Große Freiheit, where old venues and basement clubs continue the tradition. By day, the Reeperbahn has a much more relaxed pace, perfect for exploring street art or grabbing coffee in one of the many cosy cafés. But once night falls, the whole area comes alive. In addition to its famous clubs and dance halls, you’ll find drag performances, jazz bars, underground lounges, and theatre shows. There’s also Hamburg’s Red Light District, tucked away on a street that’s only accessible to men over 18.
If you’re after something a little more low-key or alternative, head over to the nearby neighbourhoods of Karolinenviertel or Schanzenviertel. These areas are more relaxed, with a creative edge and a local, laid back vibe ideal for a different kind of evening out.
#11 Fish Market
On Sunday mornings, something truly unique happens in Hamburg. While most of the city is still fast asleep or just making their way home after a long night out the waterfront near St. Pauli comes to life. From five o’clock in the morning during summer, the Fischmarkt opens its doors, carrying on a lively tradition that’s been going strong for over 300 years.
But it’s not just about the fish. Between the stalls, you’ll find vibrant flowers, fresh fruit, souvenirs, and warm, crusty bread rolls. Street vendors shout over each other in good spirits, trying to win your attention with humour and charm. Step inside the old fish auction hall by the riverbank and you’ll hear live music echoing through the space. It’s the kind of place where you can tuck into a hearty breakfast or enjoy one last beer as your Saturday night gently fades into Sunday morning.
The market sits just below St. Pauli, close to Landungsbrücken. By around nine, things begin to quiet down, so it’s worth arriving early. With the harbour in view and the first boats drifting out for the day, the Fischmarkt offers a rare and unforgettable moment where Hamburg’s nightlife and early morning energy blend into one.
#12 Museum Boats in the Harbor
Along the waterfront near Landungsbrücken, two impressive ships are moored, and you’re welcome to step aboard and explore them. The Rickmer Rickmers is a striking green, three-masted sailing ship from 1896 that once sailed trade routes between Europe and Asia. Today, it serves as a museum ship, where you can take a look inside the engine room, galley, and crew quarters. You’re free to explore at your own pace, both above and below deck.
A little further along the quay lies the Cap San Diego, a sleek white cargo vessel built in 1961. This ship has been carefully preserved and was once part of Germany’s merchant fleet. These days, it’s used for special exhibitions and even still heads out to sea from time to time. Visitors can make their way through the ship on their own, from the bridge all the way down to the powerful engines deep below.
Both ships are docked side by side along the River Elbe and are easy to reach either from St. Pauli or by taking a scenic walk along the water. Whether you’re interested in maritime history or just curious to see what life was like aboard one of these ocean giants, both ships offer a fascinating and hands-on experience.
#13 St. Nikolai Tower
Between the Rathaus and the Speicherstadt stands a striking and somber landmark: the ruins of St. Nikolai Church. Once one of the tallest churches in the world, it now serves as a powerful open-air memorial. Only the Neo-Gothic tower survived the devastating bombings of 1943, while the rest of the church was left in ruins.
A glass elevator takes you up to a viewing platform 76 metres above ground. From here, you’ll enjoy a wide panoramic view of Hamburg. On clear days, you can see the harbour, the Elbphilharmonie, and the rooftops of the Speicherstadt.
The atmosphere is quiet and reflective. Walking through the broken remains of the church feels almost surreal, with the standing tower acting as a solemn reminder of what was lost. While you need a ticket to take the lift to the top, the ruins at ground level are open to all and free to explore.
#14 Chilehaus and Kontorhausviertel
The Chilehaus is one of those buildings that leaves a lasting impression. With its sharp, pointed corner, it resembles the bow of a ship cutting through the city streets. Built in the 1920s, it was commissioned as the headquarters of a Hamburg merchant who made his fortune in the Chilean saltpeter trade. Architect Fritz Höger used hundreds of thousands of bricks to bring this bold and distinctive structure to life.
You’ll find the building in the Kontorhaus District, a neighbourhood known for its grand office buildings from the period between the world wars. These elegant structures once formed the heart of Hamburg’s business world. Picture wide staircases, tiled passageways, and stately facades. Every detail was designed to reflect strength, stability, and commercial success, and the area still holds that character today.
Nowadays, you can stroll through the district at your own pace. If you’re someone who enjoys architecture, photography, or noticing the finer details of urban design, this area is full of inspiration. It’s just a short walk from the Speicherstadt and fits easily into a city centre walking route.
#15 Portuguese District, Schanzenviertel and Karolinenviertel
If you’re in the mood to take a break from the classic sights, these three neighbourhoods offer a refreshing change of scenery. The Portuguese Quarter sits just behind the harbour and is filled with tapas bars, seafood restaurants, and cosy little cafés. It took us a moment to catch on, but standing at a street corner surrounded by Portuguese names, we realised that everything here celebrates the flavours of Portugal. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, especially on sunny days when the terraces are buzzing with people.
A bit further on lies the Schanze, Hamburg’s creative centre. This is where you’ll find vintage shops, second-hand bookstores, bold street art, takeaway coffee, and people with strong opinions. The vibe is alternative and full of energy, particularly around the Sternschanze metro station. There’s everything from vegan cafés and political graffiti to independent galleries and busy little bars. We had dinner at Kkokki Loves Vegan, a fun Korean vegan spot that we absolutely loved. For coffee, Elbgold is the place to be, and in the same building, you’ll also find a great beer at Bullerei or Altes Mädchen.
The Karolinenviertel is smaller, quieter, and slightly more hidden. As you wander through its streets, you’ll come across independent boutiques, design studios, and laid-back lunch spots. It all feels a bit more local and less focused on tourists, making it a great area to explore if you enjoy discovering the more relaxed side of the city.
#16 Museums of Hamburg
Hamburg is home to an impressive range of museums, but since they’re spread out across the city, you won’t simply come across them by chance. The most well-known is the Kunsthalle, located right next to Dammtor Station. Inside, you’ll discover works by German Romantic painters like Caspar David Friedrich, along with modern pieces and regularly changing exhibitions. The collection is broad and diverse, yet it never feels too much.
Just a short walk away is the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe, which brings together design, photography, fashion, applied arts, and a surprising amount of pop culture. In a single afternoon, you can go from delicate Japanese tea sets to bold Bauhaus furniture and rebellious punk posters.
If you’re more drawn to digital art than classical works, Port des Lumières is a must-see. This immersive exhibition, located in the old Speicherstadt warehouse district, combines art with cutting-edge technology. You walk through animated projections of famous paintings, completely surrounded by music, light, and colour. When we visited, the focus was on Gustav Klimt, but the themes change often. For anyone who enjoys audiovisual experiences, it’s a memorable and unique visit.
Another highlight is the iconic Maritime Museum in HafenCity, which spans nine floors and tells the story of seafaring through the ages. It’s housed in a magnificent and historic building that’s just as impressive as the collection itself.
#17 Fleetschlösschen
Nestled among the towering warehouses of the Speicherstadt, you’ll find a small and charming building with a pointed roof, a turret, and a terrace overlooking the water. This is the Fleetschlösschen, once a customs office where ships were required to stop for inspection before entering the city.
These days, it’s a welcoming café with a laid-back vibe, excellent coffee, and peaceful views of the canal. Inside, you’re surrounded by rustic stone walls and wooden beams, while the outdoor terrace offers a front-row seat to the passing tour boats. The menu is small and leans heavily toward traditional fare, so it’s not ideal for vegetarians, but you’ll find local favourites like Hamburg’s famous fish sandwich, currywurst, pickled herring, and fish and chips.
#18 Alstermeer
The Alstermeer isn’t a true lake, but a wide section of river that flows right through the heart of Hamburg. Yet it feels like a calm, green oasis in the middle of the city. The Alster is divided into two parts: the Inner Alster, framed by grand buildings and shopping streets, and the larger Outer Alster, surrounded by leafy parks, shady trees, and graceful sailboats drifting across the water.
On sunny days, this is where locals naturally gather. Joggers, walkers, paddleboarders, rowers, and cyclists all share the space, enjoying both the water and the greenery around it. You can rent a canoe or a pedal boat, or simply settle on a bench with a cup of coffee and take in the peaceful scenery.
A seven-kilometre path circles the Outer Alster, perfect for walking or biking a full loop around the water. Along the way, you’ll pass grassy areas, stately villas, cosy cafés, and relaxed spots like Alsterperle, a simple outdoor bar with a stunning view across the lake. We cycled the loop with our rental bikes and loved every moment – the sunshine, the sparkling water, and the quiet charm of a side of Hamburg that feels worlds away from the busy city centre.
#19 St. Pauli Landungsbrücken
The Landungsbrücken are the lively heart of Hamburg’s harbour promenade. Here, you walk along a long floating platform beside the Elbe, with the river stretching out on one side and food stalls, boats, a metro entrance, and views of the city skyline on the other. It’s a mix of tourist hotspot and everyday transport hub, where locals hop on the ferry to cross the river. It’s also the perfect place to try Hamburg’s famous fish sandwich – and at the popular Brücke 10, we were surprised to find a vegan version too.
This is the main departure point for harbour boat tours. The public ferry on line 62 also leaves from here, giving you a relaxed and budget-friendly way to explore the river. Look one way and you’ll see the dramatic outline of the Elbphilharmonie; look the other and you’ll spot the Reeperbahn and St. Pauli.
One of the most striking sights is the historic station building with its green domes, standing here for over a century. The floating docks move with the tide, and as you walk, you can feel them gently shifting beneath your feet.
#20 HafenCity
HafenCity shows a different side of Hamburg – modern, bold, and full of new energy. What was once an area of harbour cranes and industrial sites has been completely reimagined as a vibrant urban district. Today, it’s home to striking contemporary architecture, wide boardwalks, waterfront dining, and sweeping views of shipping terminals and tall residential buildings. The whole area feels open, polished, and clean, with many parts still under construction as the neighbourhood continues to grow.
As you explore, you’ll come across a mix of office buildings, high-rise homes, museums, and design-forward hotels. There’s no shortage of things to do. When the weather is nice, you can settle into a deckchair by the river or enjoy a drink on one of the terraces by the canal. You might visit Port des Lumières for a digital art experience, stop by the Maritime Museum, or admire the Elbphilharmonie from up close. HafenCity is right next to the Speicherstadt, so it’s easy to move from one area to the other as you walk through this part of the city.
Things to Do in Hamburg with Kids
For us, Hamburg was our very first city trip together since becoming parents, so it was only natural that we kept an eye out for the most child-friendly spots. One of the first things we noticed was the number of fun and creative playgrounds, but there’s so much more in the city for families to enjoy.
Miniatur Wunderland is often a firm favourite with kids. With endless trains, flashing lights, and tiny moving worlds, it’s a place they can explore and be amazed by for hours. For a different kind of view, climb the stairs to the top of the Hamburg Bunker together and take in the sweeping panorama of the city. In Planten un Blomen, children can run free, climb, and splash around in the water playground during summer. The light show by the pond in the evening is a lovely way to wrap up the day, even if it might be a bit late for the littlest ones.
Out on the Alster, you can go for a row or rent a pedal boat, or simply feed the ducks from the shore. Another great idea is to hop on ferry line 62 and enjoy a scenic ride along the Elbe, all with your regular public transport ticket. Down at Landungsbrücken, there are historic ships you can board and explore, and at Tierpark Hagenbeck, you’ll come across lions, polar bears, and a wide variety of tropical fish in the aquarium.
Want to stay somewhere extra special in Hamburg with kids? Check out Camper City at the PIERDREI Hotel, where you can sleep in one of the caravans set up right on the rooftop!
We visited Hamburg at the invitation of Hamburg Marketing.
