13 Best Things to do in Hamburg, Germany
Of all the big cities I’ve visited in Germany, Hamburg is probably my favourite. It has a unique and diverse culture that is, in my opinion, different from the rest of the country. In this post, I’ll outline a few of the best things to do in Hamburg.
Whether you’re a lover of music, food, or history, Hamburg is a great destination for just about anyone. It boasts with interesting architecture, a rich maritime history, vibrant nightlife, diverse food options, and so much more.
1. Visit the Elbphilharmonie
Although it only opened in 2017, the Elbphilharmonie is probably the most iconic building in Hamburg. Although it mainly serves as a concert hall, it has become a top tourist attraction that has immensely skyrocketed the number of visitors the city gets.
The building, nicknamed ‘Elphi’, was designed by some of the top architects in the world. Its distinguishing features are its uniquely curved top edge and over a thousand glass panels that make up most of the sides.
Fun fact I learned on a tour in Hamburg: The original budget for the Elbphilharmonie was estimated at about €77 million – it actually ended up costing €866 million to construct!
Acoustically, the concert halls are some of the best in the world. The concert hall is known as a ‘Floating Hall’, meaning that the sound is isolated from any external noise from outside or from somewhere else in the building. So it’s probably safe to say that it is one of the best places to see (or actually, listen to) an orchestra or concert. To view the current programme, as well as to buy tickets, visit the official website.
The Elbphilharmonie also features a 37-metre-high plaza that offers incredible views over the city, as well as the harbour.
You also have the possibility of taking a tour through the building, including ones specifically focused on music or architecture. To view all the available tours and to buy tickets, visit the website. The tours can generally be booked up to 12 weeks in advance online or can be purchased at the ticket shop on location. The tours involve a lot of stair-climbing, so keep this in mind if you have a physical disability.
2. Take a boat tour
When visiting one of the biggest harbour cities in the world, taking a boat tour is an absolute must. There is a huge variety of boat tours that are available, so there’s really something for everyone. Consider the following tours when you make your decision:
- Harbour Boat Tour: Takes you around the shipping port of Hamburg.
- Alster Lake Cruise: A scenic, relaxing cruise on the two Alster Lakes.
- Speicherstadt and HafenCity Tour: Explores the famous warehouse districts of the city.
- River Elbe Cruise: A great all-round cruise that takes you along the waterfront and to multiple landmarks.
- Cruises with meals: For a richer experience, go for a tour that includes local food options.
- Party Cruise: If you want to experience the infamous nightlife of Hamburg, or want to meet new people, go on a party cruise.
- Maritime Heritage Tour: A tour on the River Elbe focusing on the nautical history and influence of Hamburg.
- Private Customised Tour: Perfect for special occasions or for getting a more personalised experience.
- Evening Cruise: A great way to see the skyline of Hamburg at night.
- Seasonal or Themed Cruises: These cruises are usually themed around days like Christmas, Easter, Halloween, Oktoberfest, etc.
Check out my post about the best boat tours and cruises to take in Hamburg here. In this post you’ll find a more in-depth guide on all of the tours mentioned above.
Some of the best companies that offer a variety of boat tours include:
3. Watch a musical
Did you know that Hamburg has the third biggest musical theatre scene in the world – after New York and London? That means it’s the top city to watch a non-English musical.
When I visited Hamburg, we watched Hamilton, which is one of my favourite musicals of all time. It was such a special experience to see this musical in German.
Of course, this activity might not appeal to everyone. If you don’t understand German, for example, it may seem silly, but I find that watching an entire performance in a language I don’t understand gives me a new appreciation for it. A musical isn’t purely the words that are sung, after all. You’ll naturally pay more attention to the visual and instrumental elements of the show. Especially if you’re a theatre fan like me, and already know the show pretty well, it can give you a new perspective on something you already love.
To see which musicals are playing, as well as to book tickets, visit the official Hamburg Theatre website.
4. Take a trip through Miniatur Wunderland
Miniatur Wunderland is a massive collection of tiny little replicas of cities, countries, and venues, including the world’s largest model railway. It took over 1.2 million hours and 400 workers to build the entire exhibit, which spans almost 1700m2. The models also feature lots of moving parts and interactive elements. Of course, the exhibit is expanded every single year, with new sections opening every couple of years.
In order to truly appreciate and view the full exhibit, be prepared to spend 3-4 hours exploring it. You can either choose to go through it on your own, or book a guided tour, on which you will get a more in-depth understanding of Miniatur Wunderland and its creation.
Remember that this is one of the most popular attractions in Hamburg, so make sure to book tickets as early as possible. The tickets are time slot-allocated – don’t be late or you might be denied entry! Also, if you can, try to go during the week or early in the mornings if you want to avoid the giant crowds.
For more information on the Miniatur Wunderland, like which cities and countries are featured, as well as to book tickets, visit the official website.
5. Eat Franzbrötchen
When visiting Hamburg, you cannot miss the opportunity to try one of their best foods, the Franzbrötchen. As a pastry enthusiast myself, I can tell you that any description I give of this food would be underselling it.
Though it is sometimes compared to cinnamon rolls, I think the best description for it is probably a sort of squished croissant. It is made of a similar buttery, flaky pastry that is flattened and often filled or topped with other goodies like marzipan (my favourite!), cinnamon, chocolate, or raisins.
Enjoy a Franzbrötchen in a traditional German bakery with a cup of coffee or tea. Don’t even worry about tracking these down, because you’ll find them in every single bakery in the city.
6. Visit the PanOptikum Wax Museum
The PanOptikum Wax Museum is a wax museum in Hamburg that features about 120 figures. It is very similar to Madame Tussauds, but it’s a bit smaller (and a LOT cheaper – tickets are only 7,50€). The figures include American and German celebrities, politicians, athletes, and more.
You can buy tickets at the door. During peak season, I would pre-book online on the official website. You can also combine this experience with others in the city, like a boat tour or the Elbphilharmonie.
7. Enjoy a night out on the Reeperbahn
If you want to have a fun night out with friends in a new and exciting city, Hamburg’s Reeperbahn is a perfect place to do it. It is, after all, considered to be one of Europe’s most famous entertainment districts.
The Reeperbahn is home to a wide selection of restaurants, bars, and clubs, including many that have live music. Check schedules of the different venues in the area that host live music, like Docks, Große Freiheit 36, or Molotow, if you’re interested in it. Also remember that some venues have dress codes, so check online before you plan out your night.
Another great way to start the night is by going on a party boat cruise and continuing the night on the Reeperbahn.
You can also add bar hopping into your plan, since there are so many great spots so close to one another.
Afterwards, dance the night away in one of the city’s best clubs, like Moondoo, Bahnhof Pauli, or Halo. Sometimes, you’ll need to book tickets online to guarantee access.
Keep in mind that even though the Reeperbahn is generally safe, you should be careful with your belongings.
End the night in the classic German way, by getting a kebab or a currywurst from a food stall.
8. Take a stroll through Hamburg’s Speicherstadt
Speicherstadt is the world’s biggest district of warehouses. On top of that, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its red-brick architecture.
It is a great way to just take a walk and try to navigate the network of canals connecting the city. Alternatively, you can visit some of the iconic landmarks and attractions in it. You’ll find the Miniatur Wunderland, the Hamburg Dungeon, the International Maritime Museum, and the Elbphilharmonie.
You can also find some lesser known things to do here. At the Speicherstadt Coffee Roastery, you can learn about the production of coffee and have a coffee tasting. Spicy’s Gewürzmuseum is a small museum that is focused on spices.
There are also walking tours available in Speicherstadt that can teach you a bit more about the district’s history and architecture.
9. Try the food at a local Fischmarkt
Hamburg is famous for its fish-based cuisine, including herring, eel soup, and Fischbrötchen. The best place to try authentic local food in the city is at a traditional Fischmarkt.
The most well-known of these is the Fischbrötchen, which consists of a crusty roll with some sort of fish, often herring, mackerel, or salmon. Onions, pickles, and sauce finish the sandwich off perfectly.
You’ll find a huge variety of other fish dishes at a market as well. From more traditional dishes, like eel soup, herring, stews, fried and smoked fish, to seafood platters and sushi, you’ll have a hard time picking just one thing to try.
On top of this, there are many vendors that sell non-fish dishes, notably a local favourite called Labskaus – corned beef, mashed potatoes, and beetroot, which was traditionally eaten by sailors. Some stalls also sell fresh fruits, vegetables, and even flowers.
Of course, a Fischmarkt is about so much more than just the food. The atmosphere is brimming with energy, often accompanied by live music. It is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the culture of Hamburg, as it is a popular Sunday morning activity for many local people. Most of the markets are located right by the river, so you can grab some food and enjoy the waterfront with your breakfast or lunch.
The most famous market in the city is the Altonaer Fischmarkt, which is located near the harbour. It is only open on Sunday mornings, from 5:00 to 09:30 during summer, and 07:00 to 09:30 during winter.
Some other markets to try include:
- Fischmarkt in Harburg: A smaller, less tourist-flooded market offering a wide variety of seafood and local dishes.
- Großmarkt Hamburg: Doubles as a wholesale market, but has sections explicitly for seafood.
- Isemarkt: Though it has seafood and fish sections, the Isemarkt is more well-known for its fresh produce and baked goods.
10. Try an escape room on a ship
One of the most fun and unique activities you can do in Hamburg is an escape room on a ship. If you enjoy solving puzzles, this is the perfect thing to try out!
As the setting, the ship gives the escape room an authentic pirate-esque vibe, with factors like creaky floorboards, confined spaces, and nautical themes allowing for a much more immersive experience than a regular escape room. It’s such a fun and interactive way to undertake a treasure hunt.
The two ships that offer the most escape room experiences are the Cap San Diego and Rickmer Rickmers. The escape rooms are very popular, so make sure to book your room in advance. For tickets and more information on the specific rooms that are available, visit the official website. The rooms are available in both German and English, for groups up to 7 people.
11. Visit the International Maritime Museum
The International Maritime Museum is a must-see for anyone who is interested in Hamburg’s rich nautical history. It boasts beautiful exhibits, art, and a collection of over 40,000 ship models, artifacts, and maps.
The exhibits are not only interesting and educational, but often include interactive displays – like a ship simulator, where you can virtually ‘steer’ a ship. It is the perfect outing for families and history buffs alike.
With ten floors – referred to as ‘decks’ – the museum is relatively big. It takes about 2-3 hours to get through, depending on how thoroughly you like to check everything out.
As it is a pretty popular tourist attraction, it is recommended to buy your tickets online (which you can do here). You can also get a guided tour, which is available in multiple languages. Check out Get Your Guide for options.
12. Visit the Hamburg Dungeon
If you’re interested in the dark history of the city, the Hamburg Dungeon is the perfect spot for you to visit. During your experience, you’ll be guided through historically significant events like the Great Fire of 1842 and The Plague, as well as learn more about the pirates of Hamburg.
To me, the best thing about the experience is that it is not guided by a traditional tour guide, but by a cast of live actors. It makes the whole thing so much more entertaining, immersive, and dramatic. There are also rides, special effects, and simulations that add even more excitement to the tour. Additionally, the actors simulate situations to involve visitors more, making it more interactive than a regular museum.
Though the Hamburg Dungeon is marketed to be ‘frightening’, it is suitable for all ages. The actors make it fun by adding some humour and sarcasm to the show.
The Hamburg Dungeon was chosen as the city’s Excursion Destination of the Year in 2023, so it’s a must-see when you’re visiting. For this reason, it is always sold out relatively early, so make sure to book your spot ahead of time. You can absolutely book a ticket just for the dungeon, but I’d suggest combining it with another experience, like a boat tour or the Miniatur Wunderland. For tickets, visit the official website.
13. Visit Rickmer Rickmers
The Rickmer Rickmers is a historical ship that is permanently moored in the Hamburg harbour. It was previously a cargo ship, but now serves as a museum.
This ship offers a look into the history of maritime trade in Hamburg, particularly trade routes, shipbuilding, and navigation. It also allows visitors to explore the different parts of a ship that was active for decades. You can check out the crew quarters, cargo hold, captain’s cabin, and more.
This is one of the cheaper sights to see in Hamburg, with tickets for adults starting at 6€. You can also combine this with a ticket to an escape room on the ship. You can buy tickets once you get there.
Hamburg is such a vibrant, exciting city that offers so many different things to do. Hopefully, this guide can help you efficiently plan a wonderful trip to the exciting city of Hamburg.
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