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“Moin, Moin” and welcome to exploring Hamburg with us!
Located by the beautiful Elbe river, Hamburg has something for everyone. Are you into architecture, history or maritime flair? Then Hamburg might be the perfect destination for you! Let’s dive into this together, discovering its lively streets, pretty canals, rich culture and all must see in Hamburg.
Hamburg’s City Hall (Rathaus)
Strolling through the city centre you cannot miss the city hall, absolutely one of must see in Hamburg, with its stunning neo-renaissance architecture. Its roofs greenish/turquoise colour and the amount of details will captivate your eye. Not only can you admire the outside of it at the Rathausmarkt, but also access the beautiful courtyard with its fountain for free. The city hall is also accessible to the public and guided tours can be joined or exhibitions can be visited.
Binnen- und Außenalster
Another must see in Hamburg, loved by locals and tourists are the Binnen-and Außenalster. The Binnenalster is only a 5 minute walk away from the city hall or can be easily reached through the subway station (U-Bahn) “Jungfernstieg”. From there you can have a lovely walk towards the Lombardsbrücke, which awaits with a great view point. If you prefer to explore it from the water side, plenty of boat rides are offered, starting at the Jungfernstieg, driving through the Lombardsbrücke to have a nice ride around the Außenalster.
However, if you would like to be your own captain wanting to decide the length and areas to explore the Binnen- and Außenalster, then renting a pedal or sail boat might be an interesting option for you. It is also easy to get around the Außenalster by walking. The 7.5 km path will take you approximately 1.5 hours, passing cozy cafes and more than enough seating opportunities to take in the beauty. The Alsterpark is a lively and relaxing place too to end your little walking tour around the Alster.
Planten un Blomen
Not far from the Binnen- and Außenalster is another must see in Hamburg, a green little paradise that offers a place to relax, explore and enjoy. The park offers a beautiful water light show accompanied with music. The show takes place at the “Parksee” from the 1st of May till end of August at 10:00 pm, and at 9:00 pm in September. If you are visiting during the day, water shows without music and lights are happening at 4pm and 6pm.
Aside from the water show you will also find Europe’s largest Japanese garden inside the park (really nice place to visit that comes in our list of must see in Hamburg), featuring a tea house where tea ceremonies or different workshops such as taiko drumming, calligraphy or scent rituals are offered. Another highlight is the rose garden, which features over 300 varieties of roses. If you are seeking more activities to do, you might want to try out the roller skating rink in summer or the ice rink in winter.
Nikolaifleet (The Nikolai canal)
The Nikolaifleet formed the border between the new town and the old town and was the place where the port of Hamburg was born in around 1188. It is one of the most beautiful canals in Hamburg and one of the last historic Alsterfleets in Hamburg’s city centre.
Directly on the Nikolaifleet in Deichstraße you will also find Hamburg’s oldest preserved town houses. The street, built in the 15th and 16th centuries, is the last testimony to the city’s former architecture. This is because the Great Fire of Hamburg broke out here at Deichstraße 42/33 in 1842 – an incredible catastrophe that reduced two thirds of Hamburg’s city centre. If you are heading to Hohe Brücke you will have the best view of the last remaining facades of old Hamburg, definetely a must see in Hamburg.
Speicherstadt (“Warehouse city”)
The Speicherstadt, one of our must see in Hamburg, is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located next to the modern HafenCity, building a big contrast with its neo-gothic brick architecture. A popular photo motif of the Speicherstadt is the Wasserschloss, which is located at the Holländischer Bridge. Poggenmühlenbrücke gives the perfect view point towards the little castle.
While you are at the Speicherstadt you can also check out various museums such as the Miniatur Wunderland, where you can find the world’s largest model railway system. If you are looking for some adventure, you should make a visit to the Hamburg Dungeon, to learn in an immersive experience about Hamburg’s interesting history.
Hauptkirche St. Michaelis: a must see in Hamburg
Are you looking for the best view above Hamburg? Then you cannot miss to visit the “Michel”, one of must see in Hamburg. Due to its 132-metre-high tower it is present throughout Hamburg’s city centre and can be admired through various angles. You have the option to climb up the 452 steps on your own or take a lift from the first floor if you are not up to the 452 steps. Once you have reached the top you are rewarded with a breathtaking 360-view of Hamburg, spotting the Elbe and the rest of the metropolis.
On certain days, it is also possible to climb the tower at night. The event is called “Nachtmichel”. But beware: reservations are sometimes necessary. It is therefore best to enquire about the opening times and the need for a reservation on the day of your desired visit.
Elbphilharmonie
The concert hall, also called “Elbphi”, has become a well known landmark in Hamburg with its futuristic design, featuring a glassy wave-like facade atop a historic brick warehouse base. Besides the concert hall, a public viewing platform offers a panoramic view of the city and the harbour at a height of 37 metres. Free tickets for a Plaza visit on the same day are available from the Plaza ticket machines in the Elbphilharmonie Visitor Centre and in the entrance area of the Elbphilharmonie (subject to availability). Pre-booking is possible online and at the Elbphilharmonie Visitor Centre for a booking fee of 2 euros per ticket. We recommend this must see in Hamburg for the great views and architecture.
Talking about money, did you know that the construction costs of the Elbphi have increased twelvefold from the initial cost?
Landungsbrücken
Another must see in Hamburg is close to the Elphi you will find the Landungsbrücken, a historic waterfront landmark that embodies the city’s maritime heritage. It serves as a bustling transportation hub, connecting locals and visitors to the city’s iconic harbour and its various attractions. From here, one can embark on scenic harbor boat tours, witness the comings and goings of ships, or simply enjoy panoramic views of the Elbe River. We would definitely recommend taking one of the boat tours going through the Speicherstadt and driving close up to the big container ships.
Alter Elbtunnel: another must see in Hamburg
If you want to get from the Landungsbrücken to the area south of the harbour as quickly as possible, the beautiful St. Pauli Elbtunnel is your best bet. The over 100-year-old landmark of the city of Hamburg runs for 426.5 metres directly to Steinwerder. Entering the tunnel feels like a little time travel. The entrance can be found at a building with a green dome at the Landungsbrücken point. You can either choose to walk down via a staircase or use one of the provided lifts that run frequently free of charge. We recommend a lot this must see in Hamburg, since it is something unique and impressive.
After crossing the tunnel, the Steinwerder viewpoint offers a wonderful panoramic view of Hamburg’s pier, spotting the sights such as the fish market, the Michel and the Elphi. A worthwhile spot to end your discovery along the Elbe river.
Hamburg has a special place in our heart and we hope you enjoy your trip with all its must see in Hamburg, spots and beauty as much as we did. And as we say in the North: “Tschüss und bis zum nächsten Mal!”