Hamburg guide 

The third largest port in Europe has more bridges than Venice and Amsterdam combined – almost 2,500! History breathes at every turn, from the UNESCO-protected Speicherstadt, the largest warehouse in the world, to the iconic town hall with more rooms than Buckingham Palace. Do you like music? It was in Hamburg that the Beatles found their famous hairstyle and began to conquer the world. Lovers of modern architecture will appreciate the Elbphilharmonie – a concert hall that looks like a glass wave.

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?

The second largest city in Germany and one of the most important European port cities 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.

Landmarks and monuments

Elbphilharmonie - The 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 has been converted into a modern building with views of the city. The building features an 82-meter-long escalator that is so curved that you can't see the end from the beginning. The facade is made up of 1,100 unique glass panels that shimmer in colors from morning mist to evening sunset.
Address: Platz der Deutschen Einheit 4, Hamburg.

Speicherstadt - The historic warehouse complex, Speicherstadt, is the largest of its kind in the world. It is characterized by its typical red brick buildings and canals. These brick warehouses stand on wooden stilts made of oak (and sometimes even pine), so when you walk through the Speicherstadt, you are essentially walking through a “floating city” on stilts – Venice would be envious!
Address: Speicherstadt, Hamburg.

St. Michael's Church (Michel) - An impressive church known for its rich decoration and historic organ. From the 132-meter-high tower you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city. The church is home to the largest clock face in Germany – it has a diameter of 8 meters! So even if you forget your watch, you definitely won’t lose track of time here.
Address: Englische Planke 1, Hamburg.

Rathaus (Town Hall) - Hamburg City Hall, one of the most striking buildings in the city. Its tower can be seen from all over the city center. The city hall survived the bombings during World War II and thanks to careful reconstruction, it shines in its full glory today. The square in front of the neo-Gothic city hall hosts various events and markets.
Address: Rathausmarkt 1, Hamburg.

Fischmarkt - A traditional fish market where you can sample fresh seafood and experience a lively atmosphere. When you wake up, there is a traditional fish auction every Sunday morning - but be careful, the market opens its doors at 5:00! And if fish doesn't appeal to you, don't worry - the market also sells exotic fruits, nuts, souvenirs and you can visit the historic Fischauktionshalle auction hall, which is an architectural experience in itself.
Address: Große Elbstraße 9, Hamburg.

Miniatur Wunderland - The largest model railway in the world in a scale of 1:87, where the mini tracks measure an incredible 16 km! In Miniatur Wunderland you will find not only Germany, but also Switzerland, Scandinavia, America, Italy, even a working airport where planes really take off and land - in miniature, of course. You can admire over 1,300 trains here! Miniatur Wunderland is still growing - so even if you have been here before, you will discover new corners and stories on your next visit.
Address: Kehrwieder 2-4/Block D, Hamburg.

Landungsbrücken – The largest dock in Hamburg. A popular place for strolling along the Elbe River, it offers a view of the harbor and a panoramic view of the city. This giant floating "station" is almost 700 meters long! The pontoons are connected to the mainland by nine movable bridges, so when you walk along the Landungsbrücken, you are actually rocking on the waves, even if you haven't boarded a boat yet. Perfect training for a possible cruise. ;)
Address: Bei den St. Pauli Landungsbrücken, Hamburg.

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. The Kunsthalle consists of three interconnected buildings, so if you get lost in it, don't worry - you are not the only one who searched for a way from Romanticism to Pop Art and ended up having a coffee in a bistro with a view of the city. :)
Address: Glockengießerwall 5, Hamburg.

St. Nikolai Memorial - The ruins of the neo-Gothic church of St. Nicholas with a 147-meter-high tower! During World War II, the St. Nikolai Cathedral was almost destroyed in massive air raids known as “Operation Gomorrah”. Paradoxically, its tower remained standing and served as a landmark for Allied bombers – so while the city was disappearing in flames, the tower showed the way to those who were destroying it. Today, the ruins are a memorial to the victims of war and dictatorship. If you are attracted by the views, take the panoramic elevator to the observation deck at a height of 76 meters – you will see the harbor, the Alster, the Speicherstadt and modern Hamburg in the palm of your hand.
Address: Willy-Brandt-Straße 60, Hamburg.

Planten un Blomen - Beautiful public gardens and a park in the city center, ideal for walks or picnics. Fountains and flower beds invite you to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and relax. At Planten un Blomen you will find the largest Japanese garden in Europe! In the authentic tea pavilion, traditional Japanese tea ceremonies are even held occasionally. In summer you can enjoy the legendary evening water and light concerts and in winter go ice skating.
Address: Klosterwall 8, Hamburg.

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, we recommend 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.

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.

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.

You can read current information and the weather forecast for Hamburg for the next 7 days in our table:

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.