Hamburg
Western Europe · Germany
Did you know?
- Reeperbahn in St Pauli is a hub of music clubs, bars and late-night partying.
- Hanseatic merchants left their mark on the city's architecture.
- The Elbphilharmonie Plaza offers free panoramic views.
See also
Overview
Hamburg's harbour and Hanseatic trading past give the city its maritime character. Mercantile architecture rewards a walk through its historic districts.
Languages: German
Why go?
Hamburg is Germany's second-largest city and one of Europe's most important ports. It has more bridges (over 2,300) than Amsterdam, Venice and London combined. A former member of the Hanseatic League, its mercantile history is reflected in architecture. The harbour is the heart of the city, and Hamburg is also a major media hub and home to an Airbus plant. Locals may seem reserved but are friendly once you get to know them.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get in
Hamburg Airport is the fifth largest international airport in Germany with plenty of connections within Europe and a few intercontinental direct flights. The Hauptbahnhof (central station) is a major rail hub with connections nationwide. Intercity buses and cruise terminals also serve the city.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get around
The city centre is walkable, but Hamburg is extensive (over 700 km²) with an excellent public transport system (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, buses). Cycling is good because the city is flat, though bicycle infrastructure is not amazing. Driving is unattractive due to roadworks and expensive parking. Use public transport or park-and-ride lots.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
There are plenty of hotel rooms across Hamburg, with affordable options compared to other northern metropoles. High-end hotels are concentrated in Neustadt-Altstadt. The North offers relaxed comfort around Aussenalster, while Altona and St. Pauli cater to business and nightlife. The East has business and budget hotels near the centre. The South has limited options.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Reeperbahn in St. Pauli is the hub for late-night partying with beach clubs, music clubs, nightclubs, and bars. For relaxed coffee, head to Lange Reihe in the East, which is gay-friendly. Shops are mostly open daily 10:00-20:00, with longer hours on Thursday and Friday until 22:00.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
Walk the city centre to see Speicherstadt, five historic churches, Binnenalster, Rathaus, and HafenCity. Elbphilharmonie Plaza offers free panoramic views. St. Pauli has nightlife and the Hamburger Dom fair. Altona has a historic quay. St. Georg has cafes and gay culture. The North has parks and Hagenbecks Tierpark zoo. Events include Hafengeburtstag (Harbour Birthday in May), Kirschblütenfest (Cherry Blossom Festival in May), and Hamburger Dom (spring, summer, early winter).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Stay safe
Hamburg is a very safe city. Pickpockets operate in touristy areas (Mönckebergstraße, Central Station, Reeperbahn) and on public transport. Keep valuables in secure pockets. The area east of the main train station (Steindamm) can be a bit run-down.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connect
Free WiFi is available at most U-Bahn stations and some S-Bahn stations in the city centre. Some cafes and restaurants offer free WiFi, but not all. Buying a German prepaid SIM card is cheap: 1GB for €10, 5GB for €20.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day trips
Several destinations are reachable within an hour: Bremen (95 km), Lübeck (60 km, direct trains hourly), Lüneburg (50 km, direct trains hourly), Kiel (about 1 hour by train or car), Helgoland (by express ferry), and Altes Land (fruit-growing region south of the Elbe).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Onward destinations include Bremen, Buxtehude, Helgoland, Itzehoe, Kiel, Lübeck, Lüneburg, Travemünde, and Altes Land. Both North Sea and Baltic Sea beaches are reachable within an hour. Ferries and cruises from the port can take you worldwide.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- see
St. Ansgar (kleiner Michel)
Catholic chapel in Neustadt with Tagalog masses.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
St. Elisabeth
Catholic church in Harvestehude with English and Spanish masses.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
St. Marien
Catholic cathedral near central station.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Hafengeburtstag
Every year in May the harbour birthday attracts millions of people. Dozens of stands and stages, a ship parade, and changing events are organised to celebrate the cities spring of wealth. The harbour dates from 1189. Since then, the Harbour Birthday has grown into the greatest harbour party in the world. It is generally in early May.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Hamburger Dom
The Dom is one of the largest fairs in Germany. The streets of the fairground, lined on both sides with rides, amusements and food and drink stalls, are some 3.3 km long. It takes place for three separate months in spring, summer, and early winter.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Kirschblütenfest
On May 19, the Japanese community of Hamburg celebrates the Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival by the Lake Alster. Enormous fireworks and a peaceful atmosphere are characteristics of this event.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- drink
Wacken Open Air
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
Free WiFi at many stations; prepaid SIMs cheap (1GB for €10).
Culture
Locals may seem reserved but are friendly once you get to know them.
Health
Tap water is drinkable; emergency number 112.
Language
German is official, but English is widely understood.
Money
Hamburg can be affordable compared to other northern metropoles, but inner-city flats are expensive.
Safety
Pickpocketing in tourist areas; otherwise very safe.
Transport
Excellent public transport system; cycling is good due to flat terrain.