Is Hamburg Worth Visiting? A Complete Hamburg Travel Guide [2025]

Is Hamburg worth visiting in Germany? While Hamburg isn’t usually the first destination that comes to mind for a European vacation, it’s actually a fantastic city to visit, especially if you’re looking to explore some of Germany.

Not only does Hamburg have a rich history, vibrant culture, and interesting architecture, but it’s also a sophisticated, safe, and modern city with plenty of fun things to do.

As someone who is half German, Hamburg is definitely on my travel bucket list. And, to find out more about this fascinating city, I recently reached out to Julia Mam from Badenguide.com, who has helped me put together a comprehensive Hamburg Travel Guide.

Julia is quite the German travel expert, as she has been helping people plan trips to Germany since 2015, when she started her blog. She first travelled to Germany in 2008 and, since then, Germany has been one of her favourite destinations. Plus, she speaks German, so she has been able to truly immerse herself in the local culture each time she has visited.

So, if you’re wondering whether Hamburg is worth visiting, or are looking to learn more about the city, read on for the complete Hamburg Travel Guide, from an expert!

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Is Hamburg Worth Visiting?

Is Hamburg worth visiting? When planning a trip to Germany, Berlin and Munich are probably the places that first come to mind. But Hamburg is another German city which is absolutely worth visiting!

As Germany’s second largest city, with a unique blend of architectural styles and a rich maritime history, there are plenty of reasons to visit Hamburg.

Thanks to its huge port, where major European trade routes converge, Hamburg is one of the leading cities of the Hanseatic League and has long been considered the ‘gateway to Germany’. And not only is Hamburg a major industrial hub, but it’s also a sophisticated and modern city, which has excellent infrastructure, is safe, and has plenty of things for visitors to do.

In particular, some of the best things to do in Hamburg include taking a boat tour of the harbour, visiting the city’s fascinating museums, marvelling at the contrast of historic and modern architecture, immersing yourself in local art, culture and music, and indulging in unique seafood dishes.

On top of this, the city is filled with picturesque canals, impressive boulevards, quaint cafés, classic restaurants, varied shopping districts, and tons of green spaces. So you definitely won’t run out of things to do in Hamburg!

Hamburg City Guide

Here is everything you need to know to plan your trip to Hamburg!

What to See and Do in Hamburg

Experience a Fascinating Mix of Architecture

Hamburg is a historic city which dates all the way back to 500 AD. But, like Germany’s other major cities, it came under fire during World War II, which destroyed a lot of the city’s landscape.

Although some historic architecture survived the war, most of the city needed to be restored or was hastily rebuilt in the 1950s in a more modern style. Therefore, it’s not surprising that different architectural styles are now intertwined here, with one quarter of the city often radically different from another.

As a result, beautiful Renaissance buildings now coexist with austere brick Gothic, industrial areas are contrasted with lush green spaces, and amidst it all, you’ll find Baroque churches, Art Nouveau buildings, and historic residential districts.

Tour the Port of Hamburg

A tour of Hamburg usually begins either from the historical centre or from the port.

The port of Hamburg is truly impressive. It’s Germany’s biggest and Europe’s third-largest seaport. As such, it’s one of Europe’s most important commercial hubs, is a major cruise ship destination, and plays a significant part in Hamburg’s economy.

The best way to see the port and surrounding districts is by taking a Port of Hamburg boat tour. This will ensure you get to see all of the port’s most significant sites and landmarks, learn more about its history, and experience Hamburg’s unique maritime flair.

Visit the HafenCity Quarter and Speicherstadt

And there’s a lot more to see at the port of Hamburg than just ships and the harbour. Part of the old port was redeveloped in 2008 to become Europe’s largest inner-city urban development, known as HafenCity.

This project revitalized the area by combining culture, leisure, retail and tourism with new residential, commercial and education spaces. And, it gave a new lease of life to one of Hamburg’s most historic districts – the Speicherstadt – which is the world’s largest complex of warehouses and has even been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

These historic red-brick buildings have charming canals running between them and are connected by iron bridges. This true 19th-century industrial look makes the Speicherstadt one of the most interesting and picturesque districts in the city. And if you look closely enough, you’ll notice that no two buildings are the same, as each of them has its own unique facade.

The HafenCity Quarter also offers one of Hamburg’s best examples of old and new architecture styles intertwined. In particular, the Elbphilharmonie – Hamburg’s biggest concert hall – is one of the city’s most architecturally significant buildings. This impressive structure seamlessly combines a former warehouse with bold, modern curves and glistening glass, symbolizing both architecture and art.

BOOK: Guided Port of Hamburg and HafenCity Boat Tours

Explore the Old Town

As the city of Hamburg grew throughout the centuries to become a major trading hub, the city centre expanded a lot over the years. As such, the original old town, known as Hamburg-Altstadt, now makes up just one portion of central Hamburg.

Spanning 1.2 square kilometres (0.5 sq. miles), this district dates back to the 8th century. Today, only a few buildings from before the 17th century remain, largely due to the Great Fire of Hamburg in 1842 and the bombings in World War II.

But, even though a lot of the original structures are gone, Hamburg’s old town is still a fantastic place to learn about the city’s history and see some of its most iconic, beautiful and historic streets and sites. Here are the key landmarks you should look out for:

Hamburg City Hall

The Hamburg City Hall (Hamburger Rathaus) is one of the city’s most spectacular buildings. The building’s exterior is in a Neo-Renaissance style, featuring intricate stone carvings which symbolize the city’s power, wealth and independence. And if you head into the building’s inner courtyard, you’ll find the beautiful Hygieia fountain, featuring a statue of the goddess Hygiea.

The City Hall is open Monday to Sunday from 8 am to 6 pm. The building is still the current seat of the local Hamburg government, so you can’t explore the inside on your own. But, there are several guided tours available throughout the day, which you can join if you’d like to see the interior.

St. Peter’s Church

St. Peter’s Church is Hamburg’s oldest surviving church. Originally built in 1195, it was largely destroyed by the Great Fire of 1842 and was rebuilt in 1878.

Not only is the church a beautiful building to see, but it also has the highest viewing platform in the city, located at the top of the church’s tower. Although you will have to climb 544 steps to get up there, the panoramic view of the city is well worth the effort!

The viewing platform is open Monday to Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm. Although you have to enter by 4:30pm to be able to climb the tower.

St. Nikolai Church 

St. Nikolai Church was once the highest church in Hamburg. Originally built in the 12th century, it has been reconstructed several times, most notably in a Gothic Revival style during the 19th century.

However, the church was heavily damaged in the Allied bombings of World War II, and it now stands as a hauntingly beautiful ruin and poignant reminder of Hamburg’s history.

Luckily, the church’s spire – standing at 147 metres (482 feet) tall – actually remains intact. So, you can admire the church’s Gothic architecture against the modern cityscape, which is truly striking.

And, the spire also has a viewing platform 76 metres (249 feet) up, which offers stunning views of Hamburg and the harbour. You can access it by taking a glass elevator up, which is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm. There’s also a permanent exhibition in the crypt where you can learn about the church’s history and the impact of the war on the city.

St. Catherine’s Church

Another church worth seeing in Hamburg’s old town is St. Catherine’s Church. Located along the canal next to the Speicherstadt, this one of Hamburg’s five main churches and is often considered to be the prettiest church in Hamburg.

Unfortunately, the church was largely destroyed during World War II, which only left the base of the spire and outer walls standing, although it has since been restored.

As a result, the interior of the church is new and a little plain, so you might want to skip going inside. But, the view of the church’s exterior, with its Baroque-style copper and gold coated spire is truly beautiful and makes it worth at least passing by.

Deichstraße

Deichstraße is a charming and historic street in Hamburg that offers a glimpse into the city’s past. Located near the Speicherstadt and the HafenCity, Deichstraße is one of the few areas in Hamburg that survived the Great Fire of 1842 – although it’s actually where the fire started!

Today, Deichstraße is an important part of the city’s architectural heritage, giving visitors an idea of what most of the old town once looked like.

Walking along Deichstraße, you’ll be transported back in time as you admire the well-preserved 17th and 18th-century merchant houses with their distinctive gabled facades.

These buildings once belonged to Hamburg’s wealthy merchants and have now been meticulously restored, housing a variety of restaurants, cafés, and shops. In particular, make sure to check out the historic Zum Brandanfang restaurant, which offers traditional German cuisine in one of the street’s oldest buildings.

Mönckebergstraße

Mönckebergstraße is one of Hamburg’s main shopping areas and a bustling hub of activity. This pedestrian street stretches all the way from the Hauptbahnhof (main train station) to the City Hall, making it the centre of the old town’s commercial life.

Walking along Mönckebergstraße, you’ll find an interesting mix of historic and modern buildings housing a wide variety of shops, from high-end boutiques to popular international chains. You’ll also find major department stores like Karstadt and Saturn here, as well as smaller specialty shops, and plenty of cafés and restaurants.

Visit St. Michaelis Church

In addition to the various churches in the old town, St. Michaelis Church (Hauptkirche St. Michaelis) is another must-visit church in Hamburg.

In fact, St. Michaelis Church is the most important Baroque church in northern Germany. It’s also one of Hamburg’s most famous landmarks, and is the city’s largest church.

Just like many of Hamburg’s other historic structures, this grand church has been destroyed and rebuilt more than once. Although it was not affected by the Great Fire, it has burnt down twice – first after being struck by lightning in 1750, and again in 1906, due to a fire caused by a blow lamp.

Fortunately, although St. Michaelis was heavily damaged in the World War II bombings, enough of the structure survived, and it was repaired by 1952.

The church’s most notable features include a 123 metre (404 feet) tall copper spire which supports Germany’s largest clock bell, and a large bronze statue of the Archangel Michael above the entrance. And the impressive interior boasts a 20-metre-high marble alter, 5 organs and a huge crypt.

Visitors can tour the Church’s interior and crypt, as well as head up the tower to an observation deck. Tickets range from 6 to 10 Euros, depending on which parts of the church you want to visit. There are also reduced concession and children’s tickets available.

The church is open daily from 9 am to 5:30-7.30 pm, depending on the time of year.

Explore Local Museums and Exhibits

In addition to exploring Hamburg’s vibrant and fascinating districts, the city also has a number of extraordinary museums, galleries and exhibitions.

Here are the ones we think are most worth visiting in Hamburg:

Miniatur Wunderland

Miniatur Wunderland is the world’s largest model railway exhibition and is one of Hamburg’s top attractions.

Spread over 1,500 square metres (16,146 sq. feet), it features detailed miniature railway replicas from various regions, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and even the United States. And these replicas are complete with 1,120 trains which are digitally operated, pulling more than 10,000 wagons.

In addition to the extensive collection of miniature railways and trains, the exhibition also includes more than 10,000 vehicles (including some which move independently), miniature operational airports featuring 52 model airplanes, 4,300 houses and bridges, and 290,000 figures. The details here are so precise that there are even changing day and night cycles!

Thanks to its fascinating detail, the exhibition is a must-visit attraction for both children and adults alike, making it one of Hamburg’s most family-friendly activities.

The exhibition is open daily from 9:30 am to 6 pm, with extended hours on Tuesdays, weekends and holidays. To avoid long queues, it’s recommended to buy tickets online in advance. Regular admission costs 20 Euros, but there are also concession tickets available.

Hamburg Kunsthalle

The Hamburg Kunsthalle is the city’s best-known museum and one of Germany’s greatest and largest art museums.

The museum features 20 themed exhibitions each year, as well as an extensive permanent exhibition of both old and new works.

The collection includes many notable European paintings, sculptures, and artworks, as well as pieces dating as far back as the Middle Ages. Works by masters such as Liebermann, Degas, Monet, Renoir, Gauguin, Cezanne, Goya, Rembrandt, Van Dyck are all exhibited here. And, there is also an extensive collection of contemporary and modern art.

The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm, with extended operating hours on Thursdays and holidays. General admission tickets cost 16 Euros, but there are reduced rates available for children, students and short evening visits.

International Maritime Museum Hamburg

Thanks to Hamburg’s huge maritime history, the city is home to the world’s largest private collection of maritime treasures, which are housed at the International Maritime Museum Hamburg.

At the museum, you can expect to learn about the history of seafaring and future of the maritime industry, thanks to a collection of more than 100,000 maritime items across nine themed decks. The collection includes artefacts such as precious ship models, nautical devices, maritime objects and historic uniforms, as well as books, paintings, photos, films and other graphics.

The museum is open from 10 am to 6 pm daily. General admission tickets cost 17 Euros, but there are also reduced and family rates available. To save time, you can buy tickets online in advance.

Hamburg Dungeon

For a thrilling interactive experience, the Hamburg Dungeon is definitely worth a visit.

This theatrical museum combines a cast of amazing actors with various rides, stages and special effects for a one of a kind walkthrough which targets all your senses. You’ll be able to see, hear, feel, and even smell the performance. And, at times you might even be assigned a role, becoming part of the show yourself!

The experience lasts 90 minutes and during this time you’ll be taken through some of Hamburg’s most significant historic events, including the Great Fire, natural disasters and the agony of historic torture methods. While the walkthrough will have some scary moments, overall it’s a very fun, entertaining and unique experience. However, it’s not recommended for children.

You should book this experience online in advance, as it can sell out quickly. Tickets cost 21 Euros per person, and there are both English and German walkthroughs available.

Hamburg Museum of History (currently closed)

The Hamburg Museum (Museum für Hamburgische Geschichte) is the best place to discover Hamburg’s fascinating history, from its early days in the 7th century right through to the present-day.

Here, you can see a wide array of artefacts, illustrations of life in Hamburg, models of ancient buildings, panoramas and maps of the city, model ships, vintage clothing, as well as a miniature model railway. And, all of the exhibits are accompanied by detailed information in both English and German, so you can learn as much as possible.

However, unfortunately the Hamburg Museum is currently closed while it undergoes renovations. We will update this post with additional information once the museum is open again.

More Interesting Museums in Hamburg

If you have the time in Hamburg, some other great museums worth visiting include:

• Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe (Arts and Crafts Museum) – to see a collection of European, Asian and Islamic artifacts from the ancient world to the present-day.

• Rickmer Rickmers Museum – A three-mastered ship museum, which is one of Hamburg harbour’s most popular attractions.

• U-Bootmuseum Hamburg – Go below sea level in this fully operational soviet-era submarine.

• Panoptikum Wachsfigurenkabinett (Wax Museum) – Germany’s oldest and largest wax figure museum!

• Kaffeemuseum Burg (Museum of Coffee) – For coffee lovers who want to learn about coffee history, trade and cultivation, in a traditional country shop setting.

Other Things To Do in Hamburg

If you’re looking for more things to do in Hamburg, here are some other top activities in the city:

Take a Guided Hamburg City Bike Tour

A guided Hamburg city bike tour is an ideal activity if you want to see all the key sights but are short on time. Or, if you’re looking for an active way to experience the city!

Do a Beatles-Themed Sightseeing Tour

Hamburg is the city where the Beatles started their journey to stardom and played many of their first concerts. By taking a self-guided or private Beatles tour you can walk in their footsteps and learn about the city’s impact on their musical journey.

Experience Hamburg’s nightlife

Hamburg is a fantastic city to party in as it has some of the best nightlife in Europe! And this isn’t just at weekends. Every night of the week you’ll find people having a good time in the city’s bars, pubs and clubs. In particular, make sure to check out the Reeperbahn in the vibrant St. Pauli Quarter (which is also home to the city’s famous red-light district).

Go on a Sunset Sailing Cruise on Lake Alster

Taking a sunset sailing cruise on Lake Alster is one of the most scenic and relaxing ways to see Hamburg’s waterfront landmarks.

Visit the Hamburg Fish Market

This lively market takes place every Sunday morning until 9:30 am, and is worth getting up early for. You’ll get to witness the boisterous fish trade, indulge in local seafood specialties such as Fischbrötchen (a roll stuffed with fresh fish from the North Sea), and even enjoy live music and DJs in the adjoining Auction Hall.

Relax in one of Hamburg’s Parks

In particular, Stadtpark (City Park) is Hamburg’s huge green oasis and is a fantastic place to swim, picnic and relax; the Alsterpark is Hamburg’s most popular outdoor recreation area for walking, cycling and paddle sports; and Planten un Blumen (meaning ‘Plants and Flowers’) is a beautiful landscape park complete with manicured flower beds, idyllic ponds, fountains, and themed gardens.

In our opinion, this huge variety of things do, unique blend of old and new, and fascinating landmarks, museums and entertainment options makes Hamburg a city which is definitely worth visiting!

When to Visit Hamburg

Hamburg is a great city at any time of year. But, the best time to visit is from May to October, when the weather is at its most pleasant, and is suitable to take your time strolling around the city.

This is also when the city truly comes alive, as locals embrace the summer, there are tons of public festivals, and you can enjoy being on the water.

Weather in Hamburg

Hamburg has a typical maritime climate, which is generally quite comfortable year round, as the city doesn’t get very extreme temperatures.

Although, thanks to its sub-oceanic climate, Hamburg is quite a rainy city, especially during the late autumn and winter. This is also the coldest time of year, with temperatures ranging from 0° to 8° C (32° to 46° F). And these cooler temperatures can stretch into spring, which can see daily highs anywhere from 8° to 18° C (46° to 64° F).

Although these are actually quite mild winter temperatures, the rainfall does often make it feel colder than it really is in Hamburg. So, make sure to pack lots of warm layers, a raincoat and umbrella!

Summers in Hamburg are usually quite warm, but not as hot as many other parts of Europe. Daytime temperatures usually vary from 20° to 25° C (68° to 77° F), but can get as cold as 12° (54° F) at night. And, although this is technically the dry season, you should still expect some rainfall.

Tip: If you would prefer travelling to places with milder climates, then we would recommend checking out Bavaria, the Rhine Valley or Baden-Wurttemberg in Germany.

How to Get to Hamburg

Hamburg is actually a very easy city to get to, as it has its own international airport. There are direct flights to Hamburg from various European cities on a daily basis.

A lot of travellers will also choose to visit Hamburg from neighbouring Berlin, which is only 290 kilometres (180 miles) away. This will either be one of several stops as part of a bigger trip. Or, makes for a fantastic day trip/weekend getaway from Berlin.

How to Get to Hamburg from Hamburg Airport

By Metro

Hamburg Airport has convenient transport links to the city. There is a metro line which leads directly to the airport, from where you can get to the city centre in 25 minutes.

The S1 metro station is located exactly under the terminals. It’s easy to find by following the signs. And you can purchase a ticket for the metro from the machine at the station. The metro runs directly to Hamburg’s Central Station every 10 minutes, from early morning until midnight.

By Bus

When leaving the terminal, you will find several bus stops with departures for various city routes. These include:

• Bus № 274 – U S Ohlsdorf (Im Grünen Grunde)
• Bus №292 – Langenhorn – U-Ochsenzoll, Lufthansa Basis and U-Lattenkamp
• Bus № 392 – U S Ohlsdorf (Fuhlsbüttler Straße), and S Elbgaustraße – Nienstedtener Markplatz
• Bus №292. Route: Langenhorn – U-Ochsenzoll, Lufthansa Basis and U-Lattenkamp;
• Express bus № X95 – A Schnelsen – S Pinneberg.

These buses run during the day, but there’s also a night bus (bus No. 606) which runs throughout the night. If you’re planning to use public transport to explore Hamburg, we would recommend buying a day pass, which you can buy at the airport bus terminal.

By Taxi or Transfer

You can find a taxi rank near the parking lot at the arrivals terminal.

Alternatively, you can also book a taxi or transfer service in advance. This option is especially popular for travellers who are arriving at night or who have a lot of luggage. Another big advantage of booking a taxi or transfer in advance is that the fare will be fixed, and the driver will be waiting for you at the time of your arrival.

The travel time from the airport by taxi or transfer usually takes around 25 minutes.

How to Get to Hamburg from Berlin

As Berlin is only 290 kilometres (180 miles) away, Hamburg is worth visiting from Berlin, as it’s easy to commute between the two cities by train or car.

By Train

There are direct trains between Berlin and Hamburg, and the travel time is only around 2 hours.

Trains depart 1-2 times per hour throughout the day from Hauptbahnhof (Berlin Central Station) to Hamburg. Once you arrive at Hamburg Hauptbahnhof (Hamburg Central Station), the city centre is only one metro stop away.

By Car

If you prefer to drive to Hamburg, you can easily rent a car in Berlin, both at the airport and in the city centre.

To rent a car you will need to have your passport and bank card. Although, be aware, some car rental agencies in Germany will also require you to have an international driver’s license, which is easy to obtain in your home country before your trip.

Berlin and Hamburg are connected by the east-west autobahn, highway No. A24. The travel time between the two cities by car is approximately 3 hours. One of the advantages of travelling by car is that you can also stop at other picturesque towns on the way, such as Schwerin and Ludwigslust, which both have castles!

Where to Stay in Hamburg

Hamburg is a major city and popular tourist centre. So, there are plenty of accommodation options in the city. From hotels and bed & breakfasts to vacation rentals, guest houses and hostels, there is something to suit every type of traveller and budget.

We would recommend staying as central as possible, so you’ll easily be able to explore on foot. Our favourite areas to stay are the HafenCity, Altstadt and St Georg districts, as they’re close to everything, have lots of bars and restaurants, and are both lively and safe neighbourhoods.

And, here are some of the best hotels in Hamburg based on location, facilities and traveller reviews:

PIERDREI Hotel HafenCity Hamburg 4*

The PIERDREI Hotel is centrally located in Hamburg’s popular HafenCity Quarter. It’s close to all of Hamburg’s key attractions and features an onsite bar and restaurant.

The hotel has various room sizes available, which are all exceptionally clean, modern and comfortable. It also offers free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage, and has on site public parking for an additional fee.

Holiday Inn HafenCity, an IHG Hotel 4*

This contemporary Holiday Inn hotel has an upmarket feel at affordable prices. It’s also conveniently located in the HafenCity area, within walking distance of the main attractions, and there is also a metro station nearby.

The hotel has a restaurant and bar and serves a fantastic breakfast, which may be included in your stay. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk, in-room tea and coffee making facilities, and private parking for an additional fee.

Crowne Plaza Hamburg City Alster, an IHG Hotel 4*

The modern Crowne Plaza Hamburg City hotel is located right in the heart of the city, only 200 metres (650 feet) from the beautiful Alster Lake.

Not only is this a clean, comfortable and well-located property, but it also has fantastic onsite amenities, including two restaurants, a bar, workspace, fitness centre, 24-hour front desk, Wi-Fi, luggage storage and free onsite parking. And, for an additional cost, you can enjoy one of Hamburg’s best buffet breakfasts at the hotel!

Prizeotel Hamburg- St. Pauli 3*

If you’re looking to stay in the heart of Hamburg’s nightlife district, the Prizeotel Hamburg hotel is for you! This is also a fantastic budget-friendly option, without compromising on comfort, in a central location.

The hotel is located close to some of the city’s best bars and clubs, and is only two minutes walk from the S-Bahn, so you will easily be able to get to other parts of town. There’s also an onsite bar, the option to have breakfast at the hotel, free Wi-Fi, luggage storage, and onsite parking for an additional fee.

Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten 5*

For a world-class stay in Hamburg, there’s no better option than the Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten. In fact, this stunning hotel was even voted as Germany’s hotel of the year for both 2023 and 2024!

While this luxury property does come with a big price tag, you’ll be treated to a truly unmatched experience, with impeccable service, elegant rooms, a spa and wellness centre, several onsite bars and dining facilities (including a 2 Michelin star restaurant), a beautiful terrace overlooking Alster lake and endless 5-star services and amenities.

FAQs

Wrap Up – Is Hamburg Worth Visiting?

So, is Hamburg worth visiting? As you can see, Hamburg has tons of things to see and do, and is definitely worth visiting!

Despite ​​Hamburg being thought of as an industrial city, there are actually a lot of tourist attractions, entertainment options and green spaces to enjoy. While exploring the city you’ll get to see a variety of European architecture, learn about Germany’s history, see unique exhibitions and art, relax by the lake, and experience some of Europe’s best nightlife.

If you were wondering if Hamburg is worth visiting, we hope this guide has answered your question, and provided you with the information you need to start planning your trip!