11 Best Things To Do In Hamburg To Ensure You Don’t Miss Anything

Are you planning a trip to Hamburg? After reading this blog post you will know all the best things to do in Hamburg – Germany’s infamous port city. 

Hamburg is one of my favorite cities in all of Germany. While it once got a lot of traction due to being the biggest port city in the country, it has so much more to offer. Hamburg is a beautiful city with old traditional areas, mixed with the new and modern. If you like Berlin, you are going to love Hamburg. I found it to be quite similar to the city, but so much prettier than Berlin. 

While there are many things to do in Hamburg all year round, I would recommend arriving between late March – October. Not only will it be nicer to explore in the warmer weather, but you will be able to enjoy the Alster lake. 

To get the most out of your trip, I have compiled a list of the 11 best things to do in Hamburg. From beautiful walks along the central lakes to exploring the vibrant art scene, Hamburg makes a great weekend trip for families and couples alike. 

This post is all about things to do in Hamburg

Getting to Hamburg

Getting to Hamburg is extremely easy thanks to its popularity. If you are coming from abroad, then there is the Hamburg Airport just north of the city. If you are coming from inland Germany then you have a few options. 

Arrival by car: It takes about 3 hours to get to Hamburg from Berlin, making it a great option for a weekend getaway. 

Arrival by bus: If you don’t have a car, the bus is probably your best option as it will be the most affordable choice. You can find direct buses for less than 10€ with the Flixbus. Best of all, the fastest routes from Berlin will take the same amount of time as a car!

Arrival by train: Taking a high-speed train is the fastest option. You can get to Hamburg in just 1 hour and 45 minutes! The downside is tickets can be costly, with the lowest fares starting at around 50€ each way. If you have the money, I recommend this option. 

Something to Consider:

The area of St. Pauli is still a very well-known red-light district. The whole district surrounding Reeperbahn station comes alive at night. While this is also a known area for great bars and restaurants, you will likely stumble upon adult shops, and bars. Herbertstraße is only accessible to men, with prostitutes and brothels lining the street. Keep this in mind when finding a place to stay, and also if you are coming with children. We stayed at an Airbnb in St. Pauli as I forgot this small factor, but it was fine and we didn’t feel uncomfortable. 

PS. If you are interested in learning more about the red light district of St. Pauli there is an incredibly popular tour that takes you around the district for 2 hours. Please note that this tour is only for ages 18+.

Where to stay in Hamburg

When it comes to choosing a base in Hamburg, I think that it’s important to base yourself in the district that has the most attractions that you would be interested in since it can save a lot of time and money on transport. However, with that said it will of course also depend on budget and what you prefer to do in the evenings so below is a quick overview of where to stay based on your personal interests. 

For travelers drawn to Hamburg’s nightlife and entertainment scene, St. Pauli offers a lively base with easy access to the Reeperbahn and other attractions. Those seeking a more eclectic and artistic atmosphere may prefer Sternschanze, while architecture enthusiasts and cultural explorers will find HafenCity’s modern skyline and museums captivating. 

If you are looking for a centrally located stay with quick access to Hamburg’s highlights then Neustadt is the perfect base. Its lively streets and cultural sites offer a vibrant backdrop, ensuring convenience and excitement. Alternatively, travelers desiring a historic ambiance can opt for the Altstadt, where they can wander through charming streets, admire iconic landmarks, and immerse themselves in the city’s rich heritage.

Ultimately, the best place to stay in Hamburg depends on individual preferences and interests, ensuring a memorable experience tailored to each traveler’s desires.

11 Best Things To Do In Hamburg

1. Explore Jungfernstieg Area and Alster Lake

Jungfernstieg is the area right below the Binnenalster (smaller lake) in the city center. A must-visit building in the area is the Rathaus (city hall), as it is one of the most beautiful city halls I have come across. It is possible to take a guided tour inside the building for 5€ per adult. While we did not take the tour, if you are interested here is the link with all of the information. 

Other than the city hall, Jungfernstieg is the central area where most shops are located. Walk away from the lake to explore the small canals with picturesque houses lining the streets. Overall, this area is a must for tourists as it is the city center of Hamburg. 

After exploring Jungfernstieg, continue north towards the large Alster Lake. While walking around the lakes is a long walk, I highly recommend it as it is absolutely beautiful. You should walk on the right side as you will have a view of the Hamburg TV tower, as well as lots of cute restaurants on the water. There are some parks along the lake to sit and relax, so bring a book and sunglasses! You could easily spend half a day walking around the lake, so make sure to leave enough time to enjoy this wonderful area. 

 

2. Rent a Paddle Boat

This is a must-do activity in my opinion! There are a few possibilities for activities on the lake, such as renting kayaks, paddle boards, and paddle boats. Most of these rental places are open from April to early October, however, we found one that opened already in late March when we visited. I recommend renting a boat just north of Alster Lake. This is because the prettiest canals and neighborhoods are in the Winterhude area. If you visit during the summer, make sure to stop at Cafe Canal, offering drive-through coffee for paddlers. 

We rented our boat from Supper Club, which can fit up to 4 people and rates run at around 20€ per hour. Here is a link to their website with prices and rental options. The Supper Club is also a nice place to relax with a drink on a side canal, so consider visiting them even if you don’t want a boat. 

3. Sit at Monkey Bar

Monkey Bar is a great hangout spot among locals and tourists alike. You can find it in the northern area of Alster Lake, keep in mind its popularity so make sure you arrive before peak hours. The blue building on top sells Poke Bowls, while you can find cocktails and beers on the terrace below.

The terrace overlooks a side canal where many kayaks and paddle boats pass by, making it a great place to relax and people watch.  

4. Take a Harbor or Lake Tour

If exploring the small canals at your own pace is less your style, there are other ways to explore Hamburg from the water. First, there are large tours exploring the outskirts of the city and in the larger canals leaving from Landungsbrücken station. The tours operate daily in English at noon from April to October. While I find these boat rides to be a bit too touristy, it is a good option for those looking for English commentary on board. In addition, this tour explores Hafen City and Speicherstadt. 

On the other hand, there are also daily tours of Alster Lake if you want something a little more intimate. The tour company offers many options, including a basic round trip as well as tours throughout Speicherstadt. In addition, there is a tour where the boat goes to the smaller canals around the northern area of the lake. If you are traveling as a large group, I recommend taking this tour as an alternative to renting your own paddle boat. 

For both options, you can expect the adult price to be around 20-25€ and tours to last between 1-2 hours. Here is all of the information for the Harbor tours. If you are interested in the smaller lake tours here is all of the information for those. 

Below you can also find a couple of highly rated harbor tours!

5. Explore Speicherstadt

Speicherstadt is an area most will have seen before since it is the most iconic sight in Hamburg. This area is the largest warehouse ensemble in the world and was named a UNESCO heritage site in 2015. While this area is mostly toured for its picturesque buildings, it also has many activities to explore. I recommend walking around here in the morning, so you can experience the beauty of the area peacefully. Make sure you stop by Poggenmühle Brücke for a view of the iconic WasserSchloss restaurant. 

Besides pretty buildings, this neighborhood is full of attractions from a miniature wonderland to a specialty coffee roastery. In addition, there are several museums explaining the history of this warehouse ensemble, as well as a customs museum exploring the history of smuggling here. You can find all of the activities in Speicherstadt here. 

6. Walk Along the Jan Fedder Promenade

The Jan Fedder Promenade is the walkway by the sea, which eventually leads to the Elbphilharmonie. Make sure to check out this promenade as it has nice views overlooking the water. In addition, there are usually street artists that perform here, as well as a seating area to relax with a beer. 

7. Visit the Elbphilharmonie

The Elbphilharmonie is a beautiful opera building overlooking the sea. While concerts here can be very costly, you can visit the building for free! The plaza offers the best view over the harbor and city skyline and is a must-visit for anyone visiting Hamburg. Even though we did not visit the TV tower, I can guarantee you the Elbphilharmonie will offer a better view thanks to its location. 

Pro Tip: You can reserve time slots for a visit here on their website, however, DON’T DO THAT as you will have to pay for the reservation. Simply show up at one of the ticket offices outside and get a free entrance to the terrace. 

If you are a fan of beautiful architecture and history, you can consider taking a guided tour to learn more about this fascinating building!

The plaza overlooking the city is open from 10:00 am until 00:00 am, so I recommend arriving around sunset for the best experience. 

 

8. Schanzenviertel and Schanzenstraße

Schanzenviertel which is also known as Sternschanze is probably the trendiest quarter in Hamburg. This area is home to beautiful boutiques, lots of second-hand stores, and trendy bars. While this area is known for its shopping and night scene, it is also full of street art and graffiti.

If you’re looking for hole-in-the-wall bars, and second-hand shops I recommend taking a stroll along Schanzenstraße. You will definitely find a place that suits your vibe, and there are also some great restaurants along this street. If you are looking for street art, make sure to check out Rosenhof and Schulterblatt Straße. On a warm sunny day, Schulterblatt is definitely a nice place to sit for a beer. You can also check out Flora Park right across the street, a skate park covered in graffiti, and a climbing wall near the back. 

9. Artist’s Districts: Karolinenviertel and Gangviertel

The two main artist’s districts are Karolinenviertel and Gangviertel. Although they are not adjacent you can reach them both in just a 20-minute walk.

Gangviertel is located in the city center, not far from Jungferstieg. In 2009 it was about to be demolished and locals saved the area and converted it into a creative space open to everyone. Here you can find different exhibitions and bars, with many activities changing seasonally. Click here to find more information from their official website. 

Karolinenviertel is also a nice area quite similar to Schanzenviertel with many restaurants and boutiques lining its street. It is adjacent to Schanzenviertel so you can easily combine the two in a visit. Here you can find more restaurants and cafes so make sure to come around during lunchtime as it makes for a great area to people watch. In addition, every Saturday Karolinenviertel hosts a market from 8 am to 4 pm. If you happen to visit on the weekend make sure to check it out! The rules of the market are that no new items are allowed, so come and browse through a variety of second-hand items. You can find goods ranging from clothes and jewelry to books and furniture. Even if thrift shopping is not your cup of tea, you should still come and sit on the steps overlooking the market to enjoy the atmosphere. 

10. Eat at Altes Madchen

Altes Madchen is a must visit restaurant in Hamburg. It boasts a huge selection of craft beers (both their own and also local breweries) as well as great food. Known as the inspiration for the hamburger, you cannot visit this city without claiming you have “eaten a hamburger in Hamburg”. There is a great selection of hamburgers in Altes Madchen and even a great vegan version. Come for dinner time for the best experience, and make sure to reserve a spot in advance, otherwise, you might not find a table upon arrival. 

11. Eat at Soul Vegan Coffee Bar

As the name suggests, this cafe is fully vegan, however, it is one of the best brunch spots in the city. My non-vegan boyfriend loved his scrambled tofu bowl, and the pancakes were amazing as well. The atmosphere of this cafe is very cozy and it is a popular spot here in Hamburg. If you want aesthetically pleasing meals that are also delicious, then this is the place for you. I recommend combining a trip here with a walk around Hayns Park which is right around the corner and overlooking the river. In addition, the cafe is just a short walk from Supper Club boat rentals so you can combine the two. 

Bonus Activity

Unfortunately, I did not have time for this, but if you find yourself with some extra time consider visiting Blankenese. You can easily reach this old fisherman’s village via the water bus. Blankenese is home to the most luxurious villas in the area perched on a small hill overlooking the water. Consider coming out here to roam around this beautiful area. 

Hamburg hugely exceeded my expectations and is one of my favorite cities in all of Germany. Next time you visit Germany make sure you leave at least 2 days to explore this beautiful area. Save this post so you never forget all of the best things to do in Hamburg. 

This post was all about the best things to do in Hamburg to ensure you don’t miss anything.