Moin! Welcome to Hamburg, the Free and Hanseatic City (Freie und Hansestadt Hamburg), Germany’s second-largest city and one of its 16 federal states. Located over 100 km upriver from the North Sea on the Elbe, Hamburg has been a major European port for centuries. The city is famously crossed by hundreds of canals and boasts more than 2,300 bridges—more than Amsterdam, Venice, and London combined. Amid the urban landscape, expansive parks and the central Alster lake provide scenic spots to relax, with cafés dotting the waterfront.
Things to Do in Hamburg
Waterfront & Harbour
Hamburg is a city of water. Explore the Alster lakes or take a harbour tour from Landungsbrücken to experience the city from the river. Insider tip: hop on the HVV 62 ferry for a scenic local ride along the Elbe for just a few euros. Don’t miss the Speicherstadt, Hamburg’s UNESCO World Heritage warehouse district. On sunny days, the beaches along the Elbe and beach clubs like Strand Pauli are perfect for relaxing.
Culture & Art
Hamburg boasts world-class art galleries such as the Kunsthalle and Deichtorhallen. Music lovers can enjoy classical performances at the Laeiszhalle or the spectacular Elbphilharmonie (“Elphi”), where plaza tickets provide access to the viewing platform and panoramic views of the harbour. Live music venues like Molotow, Grosse Freiheit 36, Docks, Mojo, and Übel & Gefährlich offer everything from rock to electronic, while musicals and shows abound, mostly in German.
Attractions & Unique Experiences
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Miniatur Wunderland: the world’s largest model railway, now featuring an airport.
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Old Elbe Tunnel: walk beneath the river for unique city views.
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Scenic running or walking routes along the Elbe, starting from Altona Bahnhof.
Dining & Nightlife
Explore Hamburg’s vibrant neighborhoods—Sternschanze, St. Pauli (Reeperbahn, Karolinenviertel), Ottensen, and Grindel—for bars and restaurants. Seafood lovers will enjoy the Portuguese restaurants near Landungsbrücken, while traditional German fare can be found at places like Groeninger. Hamburg’s nightlife is lively, especially on the Reeperbahn, with a mix of clubs, live music, and entertainment.
