Hamburg between the harbor, water and brick

The harbor and Elbe, waterside walking paths, expansive parks and striking brick architecture reveal different sides of Hamburg. Viewpoints and museums add their own highlights. When choosing accommodation, it can help to first consider which of these experiences you want to shape your stay.

Experience the harbor and Elbe

The Old Elbe Tunnel connects the Landungsbrücken with the harbor area in Steinwerder. Pedestrians and cyclists can pass through it free of charge around the clock, except on New Year's Eve. Numerous boats depart from the St. Pauli Landungsbrücken for harbor tours. You can travel along the Elbe on HADAG ferry 62 with a regular HVV ticket. Check the current route before your trip. At the Hamburg Fish Market, you can get fresh fish sandwiches right on the banks of the Elbe.

There are also various ways to enjoy the water itself: the Alster is a popular destination for stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing and pedal boating. Paths along the shores of the Outer Alster invite you to take a walk and are popular with joggers. When planning your day, you can choose between being active on the water and taking a walk along the shore, with each offering a different focus.

Parks and nature

Planten un Blomen covers 45 hectares and features flower beds, expansive lawns, streams, small lakes and themed gardens. Water light concerts take place on the park lake every evening from May to September. If you are planning your trip during this period, check the current program in advance. The water features and expansive green spaces offer different reasons to visit: the concerts are a seasonal evening event, while the gardens and paths offer their own opportunities for exploration.

Ohlsdorf Cemetery is a nature reserve with mature trees, rhododendrons, ponds and streams. It provides a habitat for rare animal species such as hedgehogs, eagle owls and bats, as well as grey herons and deer. Those interested in nature and wildlife will find a different perspective on Hamburg here than at the harbor basins or in the busy streets of the Speicherstadt.

Architecture, views and music

The Speicherstadt charms visitors with its brick architecture, canals and bridges, as well as museums, cafés and restaurants. Together with the Kontorhaus District and Chilehaus, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2015. The Kaispeicher B in Hamburg's Speicherstadt houses the world's largest private collection of maritime treasures, spanning 3,000 years of shipping and naval history. In this district, historic architecture and a long maritime history come together.

The 132-meter-high tower of St. Michael's Church, often called the Michel, offers panoramic views of the harbor, the Speicherstadt and central Hamburg. Admission to the church is free; paid tickets are required for the tower and crypt. Check the ticket conditions before your visit. The Elbphilharmonie Plaza offers another perspective: 37 meters above ground, it provides views of the Elbe, harbor, Speicherstadt and HafenCity. The Elbphilharmonie also has a concert program for a range of musical tastes.

Art and discoveries in Hamburg

The Hamburger Kunsthalle is one of Germany's most important and largest art museums. Its collection spans eight centuries of European art history, from the Middle Ages to the present day. Children aged five and older can take part in hands-on art activities with their families, including a weekly family session and holiday workshops. Since specific workshop dates may change, it is worth checking the schedule for your planned visit.

At Miniatur Wunderland, visitors can watch model makers and technical teams create a new landscape in open construction areas and workshops. Hamburg's City Hall, meanwhile, was built from 1886 to 1897 and its architecture defines the city center. The different themes—from a look inside workshops to art collections and a striking landmark—can help you choose cultural experiences that suit your interests.

Discover more destinations: Neuwerk Island, Kirchwerder, Duvenstedt, Wohldorf-Ohlstedt, Blankenese, Eppendorf, Niendorf.

To the main travel overview: Hamburg.