Hamburg guide 
Sights and Monuments - In this article, we will tell you about famous monuments in Hamburg, such as the Elbphilharmonie, Speicherstadt and others.
Accommodation - In this article you will find recommendations for luxury accommodation on Lake Alster, on a boat or in a cheap hostel and more.
Food and drink – In Hamburg, lovers of fish specialties will have a great time. But even beer drinkers don't come short.
Practical advice - Here you will get some tips for public transport, where to shop, where to enjoy leisurely walks and so on.
Famous people - Did you know that 2 famous German chancellors, music composers,.. came from Hamburg? Read more in this article.
Weather - When is the best time to visit Hamburg? When does it rain and when are there threats of thunderstorms?
Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany and one of the most important European port cities.
Hamburg is located in the north of Germany, on the Elbe River, about 110 km from its mouth into the North Sea.
Hamburg has a rich history as an important trade and port center. They founded it in the Middle Ages and it gained importance due to its strategic location.
The Port of Hamburg is one of the largest and most important ports in Europe. This important trade and logistics hub connects the old continent with the whole world.
The center of nightlife and entertainment can be found on the Reeperbahn street in the district of St. Pauli. Here you can "steam" in the most famous bars, clubs and cabarets.
A historic complex of warehouse buildings, the Speicherstadt is famous for its red brick architecture. It is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
If you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the big city, head to Lake Alster - the adjacent parks are a popular place for relaxation and recreational activities.
The Elbphilharmonie, a modern music center on the banks of the Elbe, will surprise you with its special architecture. Concert halls, hotels and shops are located here.
One of the most beautiful views of the city can be enjoyed from the tower of the famous Hamburg church of St. Michael (Michel).
Hamburg offers a rich cultural scene. You can visit many museums here, including the Hamburger Kunsthalle and the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe.
In the traditional fish market (Fischmarkt) you can not only buy fresh fish and seafood, but also have fun here. The sale of fish takes place in the form of an old fish auction. The market is visited by several tens of thousands of people every day.
Hamburg is a dynamic and cosmopolitan city with a rich history, vibrant culture and one of the busiest ports in the world.
Landmarks and monuments
There is something for everyone in Hamburg. Here you will find both historical monuments and modern architecture.
Elbphilharmonie - this modern concert hall on the banks of the Elbe has become an icon of the city. Its unique architecture includes an old warehouse block that they have transformed into a modern building with views of the city.
Speicherstadt - The historic complex of storage buildings, Speicherstadt, is the largest complex of its kind in the world. It is characterized by typical red brick buildings and canals.
St. Michael's Church (Michel) - an impressive church known for its rich decoration and historic organ. You can enjoy breathtaking views of the city from the 106 meter high tower.
Rathaus (Town Hall) - Hamburg's town hall, one of the most striking buildings in the city. The square in front of the neo-Gothic town hall hosts various events and markets.
Fischmarkt - a traditional fish market where you can taste fresh seafood and at the same time experience a lively atmosphere. When you wake up, every Sunday early morning there is a traditional fish auction.
Miniatur Wunderland - the largest model railway in the world, which presents miniatures of different parts of the world. The mini track is an incredible 13 km long. Not only children and train lovers will enjoy it here.
Landungsbrücken – the largest wharf in Hamburg. This popular place for walking along the Elbe river offers a view of the harbor and a panoramic view of the city.
Hamburger Kunsthalle - one of the most important art museums in Germany with a rich collection of European art from the Middle Ages to the present day.
St. Nikolai Memorial - the ruins of the Church of St. Nicholas, which was badly damaged during the wartime bombings. Today it serves as a monument and observation tower.
Planten un Blomen - beautiful public gardens and park in the center of the city, ideal for walks or picnics. Fountains and flower beds invite you to rest from the hustle and bustle of the big city and relax.
Accommodations
The accommodation offer in Hamburg will satisfy even the most demanding guests. Here you will find over 700 hotels, boarding houses, hostels and apartments. If you want to explore the city on foot, you can stay in the vicinity of the main railway station, where there are quality as well as cheap hotels. If you like nightlife, be sure to choose one of the hotels on the Reeperbahn street in the St.Pauli district.
If you want to relax in Hamburg and like to treat yourself to luxury, then choose The Fontenay hotel. It lies in a park on the shores of Lake Alster. The hotel offers a 1,000 m2 rooftop spa. In addition to the restaurants, you will also find a bar with a 320° panoramic view.
You can find the 4* Landhaus Flottbek Boutique Hotel in the outskirts of the city, not far from the botanical garden. Here you can soak up the atmosphere of the 19th century and relax in a country-style room. You can reach the center or the harbor in 15 minutes.
If you are looking for accommodation near the center at a reasonable price, check out Hotel St. Annen. You will find it between the busy St Pauli district and the Schanzenviertel in a quiet street. From here you can reach both the port and the historic city center on foot.
The pleasant Studio Feuerfest guesthouse is located 5 km from the center. You will find a shared kitchen and a sun terrace.
Hamburg is located on the Elbe River, so you can also find accommodation on a boat here. In addition to several houseboats, you can book accommodation on board the Schiffshotel "Schlafen im Hafen" which offers family rooms.
If you are looking for cheap accommodation, you can also find several hostels in Hamburg. For example, Quartier No. 9 offers a shared kitchen and lounge and mixed rooms. It is located in the Lokstedt district about 4 km from the center and offers private parking.
For a complete offer of accommodation in Hamburg, we recommend using A-HOTEL.com. You can also use Booking.com offer for Hamburg.
Tips for the trip
Take advantage of efficient public transport, including the metro, buses and trams - you can easily reach different parts of the city. You can also buy daily or weekly tickets.
If you want to see Hamburg from the deck of a boat, head to Landungsbrücken.
If you want to see the Elbphilharmonie building, it is recommended to reserve tickets in advance, especially if you plan to listen to a concert.
Try traditional German food such as bratwursts, pretzels and fish specialties at markets or local restaurants.
Enjoy leisurely walks around Lake Alster and enjoy the beautiful parks and gardens of Planten un Blomen.
Try to visit the Fischmarkt on a Sunday morning when it is full of activity and offers an authentic experience.
Visit the Hamburg City Hall and the Market Square (Rathausmarkt), which is the central area of the city's events.
If you want to shop in Hamburg, head to Mönckebergstrasse, the city's main shopping street.
Hamburg offers a diverse mix of culture, history and modern life. With these tips, you'll be ready to explore this captivating German city.
Typical food and drink
As a port city, Hamburg offers a rich and diverse gastronomic scene that reflects its history and cultural diversity. Here are some typical foods and drinks in Hamburg:
Finkenwerder Scholle - traditional Hamburg carp. It is usually prepared fried or grilled, served with potato salad with lemon or fried chips.
Hamburger Pannfisch - delicious fried pieces of fish (usually cod or roach), served with fried potatoes in a mustard sauce. Originally it was food for the poor, then it spread throughout northern Germany.
Eel soup (Hamburger Aalsuppe) - hearty Hamburg eel soup that also contains vegetables, herbs, dumplings. It is served as a main course.
Köttbullar – meatballs. The influence of neighboring Denmark is evident in Hamburg's popular minced meat balls (often a mixture of pork and beef).
Elbe specialties - thanks to its port location, Hamburg offers a number of fish specialties, including sprats, herring and oysters.
Astra - a local beer that has a cult status in Hamburg. Many locals consider it a symbol of the city.
Alsterwasser - a popular Hamburg drink, radler or shandy. It combines beer with lemonade or tonic, it is most often drunk in the summer, when it refreshes beautifully.
Fritz-Kola - original drink, created in Hamburg. Lemonade that promises quality and authenticity.
Korn - a traditional North German distillate, usually made from barley or wheat. It can be served as a toast or part of cocktails.
Hamburg is known for its openness to different culinary influences, which is why you can sample a wide variety of food and drink in the city.
Weather
Hamburg is located near the mouth of the Elbe into the North Sea, so its climate is similar to other North Sea ports. Proximity to the sea moderates both summer and winter temperatures.
In summer, temperatures rise to a maximum of 25°C, in winter they rarely fall below freezing. It often drizzles in winter, and there is a threat of storms in autumn. It rains most in summer and winter.
The most favorable conditions for visiting the city are from spring to autumn.
Celebrities
Johannes Brahms (1833 – 1897) - famous German music composer and pianist. He was born in Hamburg in 1833. You can visit his birth house as it has been converted into a museum.
Angela Merkel (1954) - German politician and chancellor. She was born in Hamburg and from 1994 to 2000 held the position of Minister of the Environment. In the years 2005 – 2021, she moved to the Chancellor's office.
Helmut Schmidt (1918 – 2015) - former German chancellor. He was born in Hamburg and held the office of chancellor from 1974 to 1982.
Karl Lagerfeld (1933 - 2019) - legendary German fashion designer and creative director. He worked for a number of leading fashion houses. He was born in Hamburg.
Hans Albers (1891 – 1960) - icon of the German film and music scene, singer and actor. He was born and raised in Hamburg. Its popularity continues even after many years.
Heinrich Hertz (1857 – 1894) - physicist after whom the unit of frequency is named. He was born in Hamburg. His work on electromagnetic waves was of key importance in the field of physics.
