A Complete Hamburg Travel Guide: Top Places in Hamburg

Hamburg is one of our favorite cities in Germany. Hamburg is a port city where you can hear the sounds of ferries while walking by the river with a fish sandwich in hand, freeze from the cold while crossing its bridges, but enjoy every moment. Perhaps this is why it reminds us of Istanbul. Moreover, Didem has a lot of memories in Hamburg. As she was intern in a city near Hamburg during her undergraduate studies. So, here’s our Hamburg Travel Guide!

A Complete Hamburg Travel Guide: Top Places in Hamburg

In this article, we covered all you need for your travel to Hamburg. You will find transportation to Hamburg, public transportation in Hamburg, places to visit in Hamburg, festivals in Hamburg, shopping in Hamburg and accommodation in Hamburg.

Transportation to Hamburg

You can reach Hamburg by air, car, train, or bus. You can get to Hamburg from Berlin by car in about 3 hours or by train in about 2 hours. From Frankfurt, it takes about 4 hours by car and about 3 hours by train. You can also fly directly to Hamburg from all over the world!

Public Transportation in Hamburg – Hamburg Travel Guide

Using public transportation while touring Hamburg will allow you to see places in different parts of the city in a short time. After determining the places you want to visit, you can buy a Hamburg Card to get discounts at many museums and use public transportation for free.

You can purchase a Hamburg Card for 1, 3, or 5 days. If you plan your Hamburg trip to frequently use public transportation and visit museums, you can see many places at a very affordable price with this card. Museums you can visit for free with the card include Miniatur Wunderland, Kunsthalle Hamburg, and the International Maritime Museum. Additionally, you get discounts at some restaurants and shops with this card. We’ve provided a link for the actual Hamburg Card prices. You can purchase the Hamburg Card at tourist info points in the city or online.

Also, if you are traveling in a group, you can use Moia Taxi. You can travel around Hamburg conveniently and affordably with the electric minibuses you call via the app. We think it’s a great option, especially for returning to your hotel late at night.

Places to Visit in Hamburg

There are many places to visit in Hamburg. In our Hamburg travel guide article, we covered our favorite buildings, parks and streets.

Rathausmarkt – Hamburg City Hall

Rathausmarkt, the central square of Hamburg, is considered the heart of the city. We recommend visiting the magnificent Hamburg City Hall located here. Additionally, by joining guided tours inside the building, you can get to know its architecture and history more closely.

Google Maps: Rathausmarkt

Außenalster

Außenalster is a large artificial lake in the heart of Hamburg. With walking, running, and cycling paths around it, this lake is perfect for nature lovers and those who enjoy sports. Sailing and rowing can also be done on the lake. Additionally, there are many cafes and restaurants around the lake, allowing you to relax with a lake view. Außenalster is an ideal place for those who want to explore Hamburg’s peaceful nature.

Google Maps: Außenalster

Speicherstadt

Speicherstadt, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known as the largest warehouse complex in the world. Getting lost in the streets of Speicherstadt is one of our favorite activities in our Hamburg travel guide recommendations. Miniatur Wunderland, located in this area, is the world’s largest model train exhibit and appeals to all ages. Additionally, Hamburg Dungeon is ideal for those seeking a thrilling experience.

Google Maps: Speicherstadt

Speicherstadtmuseum – Miniature Museum

Located in Hamburg’s historic Speicherstadt district, the Speicherstadtmuseum reflects the cultural heritage of the city’s historic port area. The museum is housed in a 19th-century warehouse and offers visitors the opportunity to explore the history, trade life, and daily life of Speicherstadt. Historical items, documents, and miniature models are displayed here. This museum offers an educational and fun experience, especially for children, making it an ideal stop for families.

Google Maps: Speicherstadtmuseum

Elbstrand

Elbstrand is a beautiful beach on the banks of the Elbe River in Hamburg. It is a popular place for sunbathing, swimming, or picnicking in the summer months. At Elbstrand, you can also take a walk or ride a bike along the river for a pleasant day. The beach bars and cafes along the river are perfect places to relax with a cool drink. Thus, Elbstrand is also an ideal spot for those who want to escape the city and spend time in nature.

Google Maps: Elbstrand

Treppenviertel Blankenese

The Treppenviertel area of Blankenese is one of the most beautiful and impressive places in Hamburg. This district, located on the hills of the Elbe River, is famous for its narrow and winding staircases, historic houses, and stunning views. You can take a walk here to explore the unique houses and lush gardens along the Elbe River, and also take great photos. Treppenviertel is especially popular in the summer months.

Google Maps: Treppenviertel Blankenese

Elbphilharmonie

Elbphilharmonie is a concert hall famous for its modern architecture and acoustics. Even if you do not attend a concert here, you can go to the top floor of the building to see the panoramic view of the Elbe River and the city. Moreover, it is possible to tour the interior of this structure for free. If you want to attend a concert here, we recommend getting your tickets well in advance, as they sell out very quickly.

Additionally, Elbphilharmonie has caused much controversy as it was completed with a budget overrun of 700 million euros and a delay of 7 years.

Google Maps: Elbphilharmonie

Kehrwiedersteg Aussichtsplattform

Kehrwiedersteg Aussichtsplattform offers stunning views of the Elbphilharmonie concert hall and the surrounding luxury residences. From this point, you can observe the modern architecture of Hamburg and the dynamic atmosphere of the port area. Especially, the impressive structure of the Elbphilharmonie and the surrounding ship traffic make this an ideal place for photography enthusiasts.

Google Maps: Kehrwiedersteg Aussichtsplattform

Hauptkirche St. Michaelis

One of Hamburg’s landmarks, St. Michaelis Church, is a baroque-style building. You can climb the tower of the church to watch the breathtaking view of Hamburg.

Google Maps: Hauptkirche St. Michaelis

Planten un Blomen

This large park in the middle of the city offers visitors a cool escape, especially in the summer months. The botanical garden and the Japanese garden in the park are quite impressive. You can watch water and light shows here on summer evenings.

Google Maps: Planten un Blomen

Landungsbrücken – Elbe Tunnel

Landungsbrücken is located in Hamburg’s port area. From here, you can join tours along the Elbe River. You can also walk or bike through the Elbe Tunnel, built in 1911 and still in use. You can descend into the tunnel by elevator or stairs.

Google Maps: Landungsbrücken

Google Maps: Elbe Tunnel

Stintfang

Stintfang, located in the Landungsbrücken area, is another popular viewing point offering great views of the Elbe River. From here, you can see the port area, old port worker houses, and modern ships. We think visiting here at sunset or in the evening to enjoy the illuminated city view is a great experience.

Google Maps: Stintfang

Reeperbahn

Reeperbahn is the entertainment center of Hamburg, is the place where the heart of nightlife beats, also filled with bars, clubs, and theaters, you can visit the Indra Club and Star Club, where the Beatles’ career started.

Google Maps: Reeperbahn

Fischmarkt

Fischmarkt, set up very early every Sunday morning, is a market where you can find fresh fish, vegetables, fruits, and various souvenirs. There are also fish restaurants where you can have breakfast with live music.

Google Maps: Fischmarkt

Festivals in Hamburg

Hafengeburtstag

The birthday of the Hamburg Port is celebrated every year in May. Hafengeburtstag, Europe’s largest port festival, features maritime parades, concerts, and fireworks displays. Participating in a boat tour during this festival could be an interesting activity!

Alstervergnügen

Held around the Alster Lake in August, Alstervergnügen is one of Hamburg’s most popular summer festivals. You can have a great time at this festival, which is filled with street performers, water sports shows, and various food stalls.

Weihnachtsmarkt

Hamburg Christmas Market offers visitors a magical atmosphere with many stalls set up in different parts of the city. The Weihnachtsmarkt in front of the City Hall is the largest and most popular one. In this market, which continues from the end of November to the end of December, you can find handmade gifts and delicious foods.

Shopping in Hamburg

If you want to shop during your travel in Hamburg, this part of Hamburg Travel Guide will be your favorite part.

Mönckebergstraße

Hamburg’s most famous shopping street, Mönckebergstraße, has many shops, boutiques, and shopping centers. Europa Passage is one of the largest shopping centers on this street.

Google Maps: Mönckebergstraße

Neuer Wall

Neuer Wall, home to luxury brands, is Hamburg’s most prestigious shopping street. Here you can find stores of brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci.

Google Maps: Neuer Wall

Schanzenviertel

If you are looking for an alternative and bohemian atmosphere, Schanzenviertel is just right for you. This area has many design boutiques, vintage shops, and art galleries. You can also relax and have a good time in the cafes and restaurants around.

Google Maps: Schanzenviertel

Isemarkt

Isemarkt, the largest open-air market in Hamburg, is set up every Tuesday and Friday. In addition to fresh vegetables, fruits, cheese, and delicatessen products, you can also find handmade items. This market is located on Osterstraße in the Eppendorf district.

Google Maps: Isemarkt

Alsterarkaden

Alsterarkaden is one of Hamburg’s historical and architectural treasures. This elegant shopping street is located on the banks of the Alsterfleet (Alster Canal) and is filled with historical buildings, elegant arches, and luxury stores. Alsterarkaden is a great place for shopping, relaxing in cafes and restaurants, and feeling the vibrant atmosphere of the city. Walking under the illuminated arches, especially in the evening, is quite enjoyable.

Google Maps: Alsterarkaden

Accommodation in Hamburg

Hamburg offers many Airbnb or hotel options. Our choice was Aparthotel Adagio Access Hamburg. We were pleased with both its cleanliness and location. Therefore, we also recommend it to you. 🙂

Google Maps: Aparthotel Adagio Access

Thus, we have come to the end of our Hamburg Travel Guide! Did we forget any place in our Hamburg Travel Guide? What is your favorite place in Hamburg Travel Guide? Please comment it below!

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