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Essential Hamburg

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• Grand Elysee Hotel Hamburg
• Pierdrei Hotel Hafencity Hamburg
• Hotel Atlantic Hamburg, Autograph Collection
• THE MADISON Hotel Hamburg
• Hotel St. Annen
• Bootshaus Grill und Bar
• La Paz Tapas & Wine Bar
• Le Golden Igel Tapas
• Erdapfel Hamburg
• Miniatur Wunderland
• Alter Elbtunnel
• Port of Hamburg
• Speicherstadt
• Dialog in the Dark
• The Local Tour of Hamburg Historic Centre
• Hop-on hop-off on the water with the Maritime Circle Line in Hamburg
• Hamburg Dungeon Admission Ticket
• Hamburg Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour on Red Double Decker Bus
• Hamburg Reeperbahn Small-Group Walking Tour

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The Savvy Backpacker

City Guides .\33 a132798-3f3b-4585-954d-7e70cf863447{fill:#231f20}

Hamburg travel guide | our in-depth visitor’s guide to exploring hamburg.

The COMPLETE guide to everything you need to know about visiting Hamburg, Germany.

Hamburg often gets overshadowed by the tourism behemoths of Berlin and Munich but this welcoming city has quietly become one of Europe’s must-visit cities for in-the-know travelers. It’s ultra-modern and socially progressive while sticking to its old-world roots. It’s home to some of Germany’s (and Europe’s) best bars, restaurants, and nightlife. It’s no wonder why it’s considered Germany’s most livable city.

In this Hamburg Travel Guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about visiting this bustling port city — including what to see, where to eat and drink, and how to experience the best that Hamburg has to offer.

I wanted to thank the Come To Hamburg project for inviting me to visit this great city and for the great and budget-friendly  Heikotel am Stadtpark for hosting me while I visited. 

Daily Costs To Visit Hamburg

Hamburg is one of Germany’s most expensive cities so budget travelers will have to watch their wallet — but there are plenty of ways visit on a budget. We estimate that budget travelers will spend an average of €40-€70/day. That said, you can easily spend a little less or quite a bit more depending on your travel style. Check out our Hamburg Price Guide to get a better estimate of travel costs.

In general, your biggest expenses will be accommodation, food, and alcohol. Luckily, there are a decent number of budget-friendly restaurants and the beer tends to be fairly cheap if you know where to look.

How Long To Visit Hamburg: 2-4 Days

Hamburg isn’t chock-full of “must see” tourist sights so you can see the highlights in about two days. However, the real charm of Hamburg comes from exploring the city’s neighborhoods, experiencing its famous nightlife, and sampling the city’s diverse cuisine that’s a result of Hamburg’s long history of being one of Europe’s busiest port cities.

Don’t forget that Hamburg is a good home base for multiple day trips to cute neighboring towns and villages.

Hamburg: The Good & Not-So-Good

Every city has both good and not-so-good things about it. Below are a few things that stood out to us.

• Nightlife: Berlin may be world-famous for its nightlife but many Germans argue that the country’s real nightlife champion is Hamburg. Either way, it’s easy to find a party if you’re looking for one.
• Not Touristy: Hamburg’s international visitors are rising in numbers but it’s still largely off the well-trodden tourist trail.
• Germany’s Capital of Cool:   There seems to be an ongoing battle about which city is Germany’s “Capital of Cool” — some say Berlin, some say it’s Leipzig, and others say it’s Hamburg. There may never be a consensus but it’s safe to say that Hamburg oozes that cool factor.
• The Water: Whether it’s the massive port, the multiple canals (and its 2000+ bridges) or the city’s two lakes, it’s no doubt that Hamburg’s entire history has revolved around the water. This comes very clear when the weather warms up and the locals flock to the water.
• Greenspace: Hamburg has numerous parks and other green spaces so it’s easy to escape the bustle of the city.
• Public Transportation: Public transportation is excellent in Hamburg so traveling around is a breeze. Furthermore, the airport is well-connected to the city center so you don’t have to worry about taking an expensive taxi.
• Diversity: Historically, port cities tend to be more diverse since there is a constant influx of new people coming and going — and Hamburg is no different. The people of Hamburg embrace this sense of diversity so they’re very welcoming to different cultures, ideas, lifestyles, and the LGBT community.
• Architecture: Hamburg was essentially leveled during WWII. When it came time to rebuild, the city embraced both classic German and modern architecture so it’s common to see all-glass buildings next to old-looking brick buildings.
• Not Your Stereotypical Germany: Hamburg feels a bit more like Scandinavia than “traditional” Germany so it’s a nice change of pace if you’re doing a tour of Germany.
• Bike Friendly: While it’s no Copenhagen or Amsterdam, Hamburg is regularly ranked one of the top 20 most bike-friendly cities. There is a successful bike share program or there are multiple ways to easily rent bikes.

Not-So-Good

• Prices: Hamburg isn’t as expensive as Scandinavia but it ain’t exactly cheap either.
• Cold and Rainy Winters: Winters in Hamburg tend to be grey, wet, and windy thanks it’s proximity to the North Sea. Snow isn’t super common but it often gets cold enough for the Elbe river and the city’s lakes to freeze.
• Aggressive Prostitutes: Hamburg is famous for its Red Light District. In fact, it’s one of the city’s most visited areas and it’s also a hub for bars, clubs, and nightlife (it’s also a generally safe area thanks to the heavy police presence). There are parts of the RLD where prostitution is legal after 8 pm so you will get approached by these ladies and they can get aggressively grabby — which might make some people uncomfortable.

Hamburg’s Weather and Seasons

Hamburg tends to be fairly rainy all year with an average of about 10 days of rain each month. The city has a mild climate so summer’s high temperatures average in the mid-70s (but there are usually a few hot days). Winter temperatures also rarely dip below freezing.

Late Spring is a great time to visit because the city’s parks come to life with blooming flowers and Germans ready to break out of the long winter funk — don’t miss the Cherry Blossom Festival in May. The temperatures are also comfortable. Tourism doesn’t really pick up until summer so flight and accommodation prices will be a bit lower.

Summers in Hamburg are nice but can still be a bit rainy. Temperatures are usually in the 70s but a few 85+ degree days aren’t uncommon — you should also expect a bit of rain. The city’s parks, gardens, sidewalk cafes, beer gardens, and water/beaches will be full of people enjoying the nice weather. This is also the height of the tourist season but it’s not too bad.

Fall & Winter

The temperatures start dropping in October but it’s a joy to watch the leaves change colors. Temperatures aren’t too bad in the early fall but start getting cold and gloomy toward the second half of the season. You can find some cheap flights to Hamburg during this time since it’s not a super popular time for international visitors.

The winter is a bit rainy, gloomy, and windy but it’s also very festive thanks to all the Christmas markets and decorations. Tourism drops after the holidays so you can have the city to yourself. You can also find cheaper accommodation and flights.

Be sure to dress properly. Check out these handy articles:

• Winter Packing List for Europe
• Best Waterproof Boots for Men
• Best Waterproof Boots for Women
• Guide To Dressing For Winter in Europe

Hamburg’s Neighborhoods

Hamburg has a few distinct neighborhoods and each has its own vibe. In this section, we’ll cover some of the most popular areas of the city that you might want to explore.

Altstadt and Neustadt Neighborhoods

Altstadt (Old Town) and Neustadt (New Town) would be considered the “city center” and this is where you’ll find Hamburg’s impressive City Hall (one of the few buildings that survived WWII) and a few impressive churches. In Altstadt you’ll also find  Deichstraße street — the oldest street that survived the great fire of 1848.

Neustadt (New Town) is the main shopping area of town so you’ll find lots of international chain stores as well as

Speicherstadt & HafenCity  Neighborhoods

Speicherstadt is the Hamburg’s warehouse district. These beautiful red-brick buildings were built on a series of canals from 1883 to 1927 and it’s the biggest warehouse complex in the world. It’s a nice area to walk around it’s also home to Hamburg’s crown jewel — the Elbphilharmonie concert hall.

Next to Speicherstadt, you’ll find HafenCity — which is Europe’s largest inner-city development project. It’s been called “a utopian cityscape built into the Elbe river” and it’s a series of ultra-modern architecture. Some locals think its a soulless neighborhood for wealthy people. Either way, it’s a fun area to walk through and stop for a drink in a hip coffee shop.

St Pauli  Neighborhood

One of Hamburg’s biggest attractions is the St. Pauli neighborhood — which is also home to the city’s Red Light District (it’s also where the Beatles got their start). The main drag of the Red Light District is the Reeperbahn street. Surrounding the Reeperbahn you’ll find tons of bars, clubs, restaurants, strip clubs, adult stores, brothels, and prostitutes. Where else can you find a McDonald’s next to a brothel?

The entire area isn’t XXX-themed so you’ll also find some excellent bars and nightlife spots that have nothing to do with the Red Light District. Furthermore, the area is safe and there is a heavy police presence (including its own police station) since it’s such a tourist draw. They even have their own Christmas market!

Also, be sure to catch a soccer match at FC St. Pauli — if you can actually get a ticket. This local team is famous for their passionate and politically progressive fans who fight for the rights of the LGBT community.

Sternschanze & Karolinenviertel  Neighborhoods

Sternschanze (or  Schanze it’s known locally) is a super hip and youthful area full of excellent bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and independent shopping. Basically, it’s a major nightlife destination for people who don’t want the craziness of St. Pauli. Furthermore, it’s a popular spot for locals so it’s a great place to experience real Hamburg (as opposed to most of St. Pauli). It’s also home to graffiti-covered  Rote Flora — a former theater that’s been a squat since 1989.

Karolinenviertel is a small neighborhood which borders Sternschanze (it’s essentially the buffer between Pauli and Sternschanze). It’s a trendy but calm area that feels slightly rough because of the abundance of street art but it’s full of coffee shops, second-hand stores, and boutique shops.

Other Neighborhoods

St Georg:  St Georg is Hamburg’s gay neighborhood and it’s home to plenty of hip bars, restaurants, and art galleries. The locals call the neighborhood a “global village” since it’s home to multiple international cultures and people from diverse background. It’s located directly to the North/East of the train station.

Eppendorf: This upscale neighborhood was once the suburb to Hamburg’s wealthy residents. It’s a nice place to explore if you’re visiting Hamburg for an extended amount of time. Be sure to check out the walk along the Isbek Canal if the weather is nice.

Hostels & Hotels in Hamburg

Hamburg has a number of solid hostels. That said, the city does attract a party crowd so some hostels have a reputation of being a bit rowdy (which may or may not be something you’re looking for). So be sure to read reviews to get an idea of the hostel’s vibe.

• MEININGER Hamburg City Center
• Generator Hamburg
• Backpackers St. Pauli
• a&o Hamburg Hauptbahnhof
• a&o Hamburg City
• Pyjama Park Schanzenviertel

My Hotel – Heikotel am Stadtpark

During this trip to Hamburg, I was hosted by the nice folks at  Heikotel am Stadtpark .  It’s a clean, comfortable, quiet, and spacious hotel that’s also budget-friendly.

Best Things To Do In Hamburg

Hamburg has plenty of things to keep you busy. In this section, we’ve divided this section into multiple subsections to give you a better idea about the best of Hamburg.

Kunsthalle Hamburg

Kunsthalle is one of the largest and most important museums in Germany. One interesting thing about the Kunsthalle is that it has European art spanning seven centuries — from the old masters to contemporary art. Additionally, the museum’s cafe at the top of the building offers some of the best city views of Hamburg.

International Maritime Museum

Hamburg has been one of Europe’s most important ports and this museum pays 3,000+ years of maritime history. Here you’ll find a huge collection of model ships, art, uniforms & photographs that came from Peter Tamm. This is an extensive collection that’s spread out over something like nine floors so set aside a few hours if you visit.

Museum of Arts and Crafts (Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe)

The Museum of Arts and Crafts is one of the largest of its kind in Europe and it covers fine, applied and decorative arts from the past 4,000 years. The exhibits everything from fashion (Coco Chanel, Alexander McQueen, etc.), textiles, and jewelry to photography, poster art, and graphic design.

Sights & Attractions

Miniatur wunderland.

The Miniatur Wunderland is not only the largest model railway in the world, but it’s also the most popular tourist attraction in Germany. Before going we thought it would be a bit kitschy (and it is) but it’s actually a lot of fun. They’ve built multiple massive scenes that are modeled around different parts of the world (and they’re adding more every year).

But the real joy is taking the time to admire all the details and easter eggs of each scene. And yes, some of the little figurines are a bit naughty.

Hamburg’s Street Art

Hamburg has some excellent street art and graffiti. While you can find street art just about everywhere in the city, the best examples can be found covering every inch of the neighborhoods of St. Pauli, Sternschanze, and Karolinenviertel. We suggest taking a few hours to walk around these areas to see what you discover.

The Elbtunnel, sometimes called St. Pauli Elbtunnel, is a long tunnel that runs under the Elbe River and connects the city center with the harbor in the south of the city. Completed over 100 years ago, it’s become a point of pride for the people of Hamburg. It’s open 24/7 to pedestrian traffic and it’s a popular tourist attraction.

City Views From St. Michael’s Church

For some of the best views of Copenhagen we recommend heading to St. Michael’s Church and taking the elevator up to the top of its 132-meter high Baroque spire. The church is free to enter but it costs around €5 to visit the tower.

Planten un Blomen & Stadtpark

Planten un Blomen, which roughly translates to “Plants and Flowers”, is a large urban park in the middle of Hamburg. It’s an excellent escape on a nice day so pack a picnic and some adult beverages and enjoy nature. It’s also famous for having Europe largest Japanese garden and an impressive tropical greenhouse complex. There are also a number of playgrounds and other attractions for the kiddos.

Stadtpark, often called the “Green Heart” of Hamburg, is a huge park in the northern part of the city that locals flock to during the nice weather. The park features dozens of statues, a lake, playgrounds, a large lawn, and wooded areas.

Elbphilharmonie

The recently opened Elbphilharmonie Concert Hall is the largest and acoustically most advanced concert halls in the world. This €870 million jewel of the Hamburg skyline is made to look like the ocean waves. Concert tickets are tough to score (and they’re not cheap) but you can visit the 360-degree view observation decks for €2 (you can book tickets online to skip the line).

Jungfernstieg

No visit to Hamburg is complete without visiting Jungfernstieg — a picturesque promenade that runs along Lake Binnenalster. It’s understandably touristy and the shops/restaurants there are expensive but it’s worth checking out.

Harbor and Ships

Hamburg is a port city so be sure to head down to the harbor to have a look around. Specifically, check out the two old merchant ships — the Rickmer Rickmers and Cap San Diego. Each has been turned into a museum so you can walk through them or just admire them from afar.

Furthermore, you can also tour the interior of the old Soviet-era U-434 Submarine that’s docked in the harbor.

Free Walking Tours

One of the best ways to get a nice overview of Hamburg is through a free walking tour. We ended up taking two great free walking tours from Robin And The Tourguides . Their Historic City Center tour gave a nice overview of Hamburg’s history and you see a lot of the classic sights like St Michael’s Church, the Rathaus,  Nikolaifleet (the old canal). T he next day we took the Harbour, St. Pauli & Reeperbahn tour — which covers some of the seedier parts of the city’s past. We recommend both.

Another interesting option is to request to get shown around town by local volunteer greeters via Hamburg Greeter . This is a volunteer organization so you need to request a greeter at least two weeks in advance.

Harbour Boat Tour

Fans of nautical engineering or people who want a nice view of Hamburg should consider taking a harbor boat tour. I took a tour with  Barkassen-Meyer . It was interesting to learn more about Hamburg’s port and to get a super up-close view of the massive ocean cargo freighters and views the city. They have limited tours in English but also have an app with an English audio tour.

Speicherstadt Warehouse District

The Speicherstadt district of Hamburg is an impressive complex of brick warehouses, canals, and bridges. It’s a fun place to walk around for an hour or two. The area also has a handful of coffee shops and cafes in the area if you want to rest for a bit. We recommend visiting at night to see the buildings illuminated.

Flohschanze Flea Market

            View this post on Instagram                     Jeden Samstag Flohmarkt Flohschanze auf dem Gelände der Alten Rinderschlachthalle dirket am Bahnhof Feldstraße???????? @marktkultur_hamburg @marktundkultur #flohschanze #flohmarkt #alterinderschlachthalle #feldstraße #stpauli #schanzenviertel #sternschanze #karoviertel #hamburg #welovehh #view #inspiration #fleamarket #shoppen #weihnachten #hamburguesa #hamburgcity #shoppen #travel #trödeltrupp #geheimtipphamburg A post shared by Flohschanze (@marktkultur_hamburg) on Dec 21, 2018 at 7:35am PST

Looking to pick up some unique souvenirs? Check out the Flohschanze Flea Market that’s located in the Sternschanze neighborhood. This is the biggest flea market in Hamburg and you find all kinds of vintage clothing, trinkets, and other random things. It’s held every Saturday.

Explore On Bike

While Hamburg might not be as bike-friendly as its Scandinavian neighbors, bikes are still a popular form of transportation and there is a decent number of dedicated bike lanes. Like most cities in Europe, Hamburg has its own bike sharing program ( StadtRAD ) where you can check out bikes from automated stations throughout the city. You’ll need to first create an account on StradtRAD — the first 30-minutes is free and then rentals cost 8 cents per minute with a maximum fee of €12 per day.

In addition to private businesses that rent bikes, you’ll also see bright orange bikes scattered throughout the city from a company called  Donkey Republic  — you use a smartphone app to find and unlock the bikes. Prices start at 1.25 for 30 minutes and you just park the bike wherever you like when finished.

Ferry 62 Harbor Ride

Just because you’re on a budget it doesn’t mean you can’t see Hamburg from the water. Check out Ferry 62 which uses a normal public transportation ticket. Learn more here .

Hop-on-hop-off Bus Tour

A great way to get a quick overview of any city is through a hop-on-hop-off bus tour. Check out Hamburg-citytours.de to see their bus tour which takes 1h40m to see all of Hamburg’s highlights.

Other Interesting Attractions

• Deichtorhallen: This is one of the largest art centers for contemporary art and photography in Europe.
• St. Pauli Football Stadium: Catch a match at FC St. Pauli stadium. It’s a great atmosphere but tickets can be tough to get.
• Tierpark Hagenbeck: Hamburg’s Zoo.
• PROTOTYP Automobile Museum: Car fans might want to check out the small but interesting PROTOTYP AutoMuseum — which features a selection of around 50 cars spanning 80 years.
• Lübeck Day Trip: Old German town and Unesco as a World Heritage site that’s a short train ride from Hamburg.

Food, Alcohol, and Coffee in Hamburg

Hamburg has plenty of great restaurants, coffee shops, bars, cocktail bars, and beer gardens at a range of price points. Furthermore, Hamburg’s history of being a port city means it has been exposed to multiple cultures (and their cuisine) so you’ll find more than just schnitzel and currywurst in Hamburg.

Note: Most of our food recommendations will skew towards budget-friendly/good value options since The Savvy Backpacker is all about budget travel so this list won’t include every “best” restaurant — just the best value.

Restaurants

Erika’s Eck:   Ericka’s Eck has been a local favorite for over 40 years. Where else can you get a huge schnitzel for around €10, and an excellent selection of local beers in a no-nonsense, old-school atmosphere? This place fills up just about every night so you might want to make reservations. Furthermore, Ericka’s Eck is open all night so it’s a popular spot to get that 3:30 am post-party schnitzel fix. Neighborhood: Sternschanze/Karolinenviertel. See On Google Maps . 

Otto’s Burger : Otto’s is a hip burger place that has three locations in Hamburg (we recommend the super-cool Sternschanze location). The burgers are excellent and they’re fairly affordable at €9-€13. Neighborhood:   Sternschanze/Karolinenviertel. See On Google Maps . 

Better Burger Company: If you’re in the main shopping area and want a quick bite then you should check out Better Burger Company. The burgers are organic and the prices are fair.  Neighborhood: Altstadt (Old Town). See On Google Maps . 

Frank und Frei:  Frank und Frei is another no-nonsense local favorite that serves up classic German food and beer at budget-friendly prices. It’s particularly popular for its weekend breakfast/brunch that’s served from 9:00 am to 3 pm. It’s a fairly large location so it’s a nice spot for groups.  Neighborhood: Sternschanze. See On Google Maps . 

Frau Möller:  This cozy and rustic looking restaurant serves up large portions of Northern German food, burgers, and beer for a fair price.  Neighborhood: Altstadt (Old Town). See On Google Maps . 

Zum Spätzle: This small family run restaurant specialized in h omemade Spätzle. Prices are reasonable. Neighborhood: Neustadt. See On Google Maps . 

Omas Apotheke:  Another budget-friendly restaurant serving up simple yet tasty Germany fare — from breakfast to dinner.  Neighborhood: Sternschanze. See On Google Maps . 

Gaststätte Fisch Imbiss: This small but popular fish restaurant is a favorite with locals so expect a crowd. Prices are reasonable and the fish is fresh.  Neighborhood: Sternschanze. See On Google Maps . 

BAN CANTEEN: BAN CANTEEN is a hip, modern, and minimalist Vietnamese restaurant that serves up fresh dishes like bao burgers, pho, and other authentic options in large portions.  Neighborhood: Sternschanze. See On Google Maps . 

Quan Do Hauptbahnhof:  When it comes to cheap, tasty, & authentic  Vietnamese Pho then you should head to Quan Do Hauptbahnhof. It’s located across from the train station. It’s a small and often-busy restaurant but the service is quick. Cash only. Neighborhood: Altstadt (Old Town). See On Google Maps . 

SO NA MU : This small and modest restaurant serves up authentic, tasty, and budget-friendly Korean food. Portions are generous. See On Google Maps . 

Mö-Grill: Mö-Grill is a popular snack bar/food stand that serves up brats and sausage but they’re most famous for their currywurst. Prices are cheap and service is fast. This is an outdoor food stand so there isn’t much space to eat other than a few stand up tables.  Neighborhood: Altstadt (Old Town). See On Google Maps . 

Eppendorfer Grill-Station: This modest and unassuming restaurant is another local favorite that most visitors might pass by. The prices are low, the food is tasty (particularly the fried chicken and currywurst), and the portions are filling. There are a few seats inside and out but it’s mostly a takeaway joint.  See On Google Maps . 

Schmitt Foxy Food: Our tour guide told us about this no-frills spot serving up tasty sausage and fries at low prices. It’s a popular spot to visit after consuming a few drinks.  Neighborhood: Sternschanze. See On Google Maps . 

Kiez Curry:  One of the most popular currywurst spots in St. Pauli is Kiez Curry and it’s a must-visit after a long night of drinking and partying.  Neighborhood: St. Pauli. See On Google Maps . 

Souperia: Sometimes there is nothing better than a nice bowl of soup to warm you up. Souperia serves up healthy and tasty soup at affordable prices. This is mainly a takeaway restaurant because there is very little space to eat in.  Neighborhood: Sternschanze. See On Google Maps . 

Azeitona:  This budget-friendly middle eastern restaurant serves up some of the best falafel in Hamburg and plenty of other dishes. Great for vegetarians.  Neighborhood: Sternschanze/Karolinenviertel. See On Google Maps . 

Kleine Pause:  This cheap restaurant is a local favorite thanks to their no-nonsense food and large portions — including hamburgers, currywurst, and lots of other options. It’s open late and it’s located in the party-central St. Pauli neighborhood so it’s popular after a night of drinking. Neighborhood: St. Pauli. See On Google Maps . 

Luigi’s:  Arguably the best pizza in Hamburg is found at Luigi’s. It’s fresh, home-made, and authentic Italian. It’s not “cheap” but it’s a good value since their pizzas are large. Neighborhood: Neustadt.  See On Google Maps . 

Restaurante Español Picasso: For authentic Spanish tapas look no further than Restaurante Español Picasso. The atmosphere is nice and the food is great quality. That said, it’s not a cheap restaurant but its a good value for the quality. Reservations are suggested. Neighborhood:  Altstadt (Old Town). See On Google Maps . 

Hobenköök:  Hobenköök is a new “food market” restaurant that’s found in the HafenCity neighborhood. It’s a more upscale dining experience but the food is fresh & very local. Neighborhood: HafenCity.   See On Google Maps . 

The Fish Market: Every Sunday morning from 5.30-9.30am partygoers stumble to the fish market located along the Elbe river to continue the party with live rock, jazz music, and dancing. The locals chow down on a few traditional fried fish sandwiches so check that out. See On Google Maps .

Coffee and Bakeries

Pastelaria Transmontana: Hamburg has one of Europe’s largest Portuguese populations and Pastelaria Transmontana is one of the city’s most-loved and oldest Portuguese cafes. Try the Galão (Portuguese coffee) and Pasteis de Nata (traditional egg tart pastries). Neighborhood:  Sternschanze. See On Google Maps . 

Café MAY:  A hip, cozy, and cash-only cafe that serves up a solid breakfast and brunch for reasonable prices. There are multiple locations in Hamburg but the most centrally located one is in St. Pauli. They also serve drinks later in the day/night so it’s a nice place to chill out and escape the craziness of the Red Light District. Neighborhood:  St. Pauli. See On Google Maps . 

elbgold Röstkaffee: Excellent coffee shop in a hip industrial vibe. Top quality coffee. Friendly staff. Tons of space. Neighborhood:  Sternschanze. See On Google Maps . 

kopiba Kaffeerösterei & Bar: This uber-cool coffee shop is located in the equally cool  Karolinenviertel neighborhood.  The coffee is really nice and there are some solid breakfast/brunch options. The atmosphere is hip and welcoming. There is also some nice outdoor seating. We found the barista to be a bit cold but the overall experience was still positive. Neighborhood:  Sternschanze/Karolinenviertel. See On Google Maps . 

Tōrnqvist: Another excellent little coffee shop in the Sternschanze/Karolinenviertel neighborhood and its owner takes his coffee seriously. They also have some nice pastries. And you’ll dig the stunning minimalistic interior. Neighborhood:  Sternschanze/Karolinenviertel. See On Google Maps . 

ZEIT Café: Good coffee. Modern decor. Nice music. Cozy. And wifi. Nuff said. Neighborhood: Altstadt (Old Town). See On Google Maps.  

Speicherstadt Kaffeerösterei: This large coffee shop is located in Hamburg’s warehouse district. The coffee is solid and the industrial chic decor is welcoming. There are a lot of tables but this place is located in a touristy part of town so it can get a bit crowded at times. Neighborhood: Speicherstadt (Warehouse District).  See On Google Maps . 

Die Rösterei Coffeum: Cozy little coffee shop serving up quality coffee and baked goods. Neighborhood: Altstadt (Old Town). See On Google Maps . 

Hermetic Coffee Roasters: Another great hip and cozy third wave coffee shop with a range of top quality coffee and a few snack options. Small inside but plenty of outdoor seating in the summer. Neighborhood:  Sternschanze/Karolinenviertel. See On Google Maps . 

Milch: This minimalist and quiet third wave coffee shop is located near the harbor and serves up high-quality coffee. They also have a small selection of goodies to eat. Neighborhood: Neustadt/Harbor.  See On Google Maps . 

Playground Coffee: Located on the edge of the Red Light District of St. Pauli, Playground Coffee is a cozy little coffee shop with a hip atmosphere and good music. Excellent coffee. Friendly staff. Neighborhood: St. Pauli. See On Google Maps . 

Die kleine Konditorei: This bakery’s few locations might be a bit outside the city center but people still flock there for their delicious baked goods. We suggest the cinnamon or chocolate franzbrötchen pastry but just about everything is great. See On Google Maps . 

Biokonditorei Eichel: Excellent bakery for vegan and  gluten -free pastries.  See On Google Maps . 

Beer, Bars, Pubs & Cocktails

The most popular nightlife destinations for young people is St. Pauli/The Red Light District (for a wild night out) and Sternschanze & Karolinenviertel (for a hip but more chilled out and “local” experience). There are plenty of great placed outside these areas but most suggestions on this guide will be in these areas. By the way, Astra is a famous beer brewed in Hamburg so it’s usually pretty cheap.

Clockers: This super stylish and hidden speakeasy doesn’t have a sign outside (you have to ring the buzzer to get inside) but inside you’ll find excellent cocktails and a DJ playing nice tunes. They also make their own house-distilled gin so many of their drinks revolve around gin. Drinks are expensive but the quality is top notch. Neighborhood: St. Pauli. See On Google Maps . 

Le Lion Bar de Paris: Another classic cocktail bar serving up well-crafted cocktails. Swanky and sexy atmosphere. Again, drinks are expensive but expertly made. Neighborhood: Altstadt (Old Town). See On Google Maps . 

Boilerman: The Boilerman is another great cocktail bar and the prices are a little more reasonable than the other cocktail bars on this list. Two locations. Neighborhood: HafenCity. See On Google Maps . 

20Up Skyline Bar: This bar is expensive but the views from the 20th floor of this fancy high-rise hotel are the best in the city. So treat yo self to a nice drink and some killer views before continuing on with you budget travel lifestyle. Neighborhood: St. Pauli: See On Google Maps .

Braugasthaus Altes Mädchen: This is a great brew house that offers a huge selection of craft beers and good pub food. The atmosphere is excellent (log fire in the winter and a large bustling nice beer garden in the summer) but it can get a bit crowded during the weekend. The prices are a bit high for Hamburg but it’s still a solid place to enjoy a drink or two.  Neighborhood :  Sternschanze. See On Google Maps . 

Ratsherrn: If you’re a beer snob then you should check out the local Ratsherrn microbrewery. They always have an interesting selection of beers available to drink onsite. They also have tours available.  Neighborhood :  Sternschanze. See On Google Maps.

Zum Silbersack: Old-school and down-to-Earth neighborhood pub in St. Pauli. Mixed crowd of young and old, locals and tourists. Affordable drinks. You can smoke inside.  Neighborhood :  St. Pauli. See On Google Maps . 

3 Zimmer Wohnung: This chilled bar looks like a German living room from the 1970s/1980s — couches, ugly but charming wallpaper, etc. The drinks are affordable and the place is super cozy and a nice break from the craziness of the St. Pauli neighborhood.  Neighborhood :  St. Pauli. See On Google Maps . 

David Quelle: Classic and quaint neighborhood pub in St. Pauli. A mix of locals and tourists. Reasonable prices and friendly staff.  Neighborhood :  St. Pauli. See On Google Maps . 

Barbarabar : Cheap beer and shots. A cool/kitschy atmosphere with great music — but can get crowded on the weekends.  Neighborhood :  St. Pauli. See On Google Maps . 

Albers Bar: A bit of a hidden gem hid among the seedier and party-focused bars normally found on the Reeperbahn. A laidback atmosphere so good for a chilled evening. Pretty good craft beer menu and affordable cocktails.  Neighborhood :  St. Pauli. See On Google Maps . 

Bar 99 Cent : Every drink costs 99 cents… but don’t expect much more. In the Red Light District.  Neighborhood :  St. Pauli. See On Google Maps . 

Lehmitz: Typical neighborhood pub/dive with live rock music. Drink are affordable.  Neighborhood :  St. Pauli. See On Google Maps . 

Zoë 2 Sofa Bar: A unique and cozy dive bar that’s filled with shabby-chic sofas. The atmosphere is chill and the drinks are reasonably priced.  Neighborhood :  Sternschanze. See On Google Maps . 

Dschungel: Dive bar with a friendly and chilled atmosphere. Affordable prices.  Neighborhood :  Sternschanze. See On Google Maps . 

Katze: Laid-back locals bar. Nice for an affordable drink. There are tables outside so it’s nice in the summer.  Neighborhood :  Sternschanze. See On Google Maps . 

Goldfischglas: Another laidback bar popular with the locals — many of whom use this bar as a first stop before heading out of the night.  Neighborhood :  Sternschanze. See On Google Maps . 

Hamburg’s Public Transportation

Hamburg has an excellent public transportation network so getting around is quick and easy. I used the Hamburg Card — which gave me unlimited public transportation and a few small discounts at some attractions.

Getting Into Hamburg

The Airport to Hamburg City Center: There is a commuter train the connects the Hamburg Airport to the City Center/Central Train Station. From there you can transfer to the subway. It’s an easy 30-minute ride and uses a standard public transportation ticket.

Hamburg Central Train Station (Hamburg Hauptbahnhof): Hamburg’s Central Station is located in the heart of the city. The train station has connections to four railways (S-Bahn) and six subway platforms (U-Bahn). Note: Hamburg has five train stations so make sure you don’t accidentally get off at the wrong station — Hamburg Hauptbahnhof will almost always be the last stop for most routes.

ZOB Long-Distance Bus Station: Hamburg has a centrally located bus depot that’s located right next to the central train station (most cities put their bus station on the outskirts of town). See more here .

Getting Around Hamburg

The commuter train, subway, buses, and ferries all use the same ticket. The standard ticket covers essentially all the parts of the city you’ll want to see (including the airport) so stick with that ticket unless you plan on adventuring out into the suburbs. Visit the official public transportation website site at hvv.de for more details and a trip planner.

Standard Ticket Prices (Within The City):

• Single Ticket:  €3.30
• All-Day Ticket: €7.80
• All-Day Ticket (After 9 am): €6.50

As you can see, in most cases it makes sense to just buy an all-day ticket.

S-Bahn and U-Bahn

The main city-wide transport options are the U-Bahn (underground lines) and S-Bahn (suburban lines). These two trains will get you everywhere you need to go. Both run 4:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. the next morning and 24 hours on weekends.

And while there aren’t any ticket turnstiles in the stations, you must still have a valid ticket to ride these trains. Train often randomly come check tickets and there is a big fine for not riding with a valid ticket.

Most visitors more than likely won’t need to use the ferry to get around but there are six lines that will take you different stops along the water. That said, Ferry 61 offers some great views of the city for the cost of a single ticket. It’s a good sightseeing option for travelers on a budget.

Most visitors won’t use the bus but Hamburg has an extensive bus network with frequent service. Buses run 24/7. We suggest downloading a bus route app or use Google Maps to help you navigate the bus.

More Trip Planning Resources

Here are a few other websites you might want to check out as you plan your trip to Hamburg.

• Hamburg Ahoi : Blog about cool things going on in Hamburg.
• Creme Guides/Hamburg : Another blog about hip bars, restaurants, and shops in Hamburg.
• Spotted By Locals/Hamburg : Locals share their favorite restaurants.
• Megan Starr/ Hamburg Craft Beer Guide : A really nice guide to craft beer in Hamburg (bars, bottle shops, tap rooms, etc.)
• Hamburg Tourism Website : The official Hamburg Tourism website has a solid amount of information about visiting the city. It’s worth checking out.

More Travel Tips From Us

• The Best Travel Backpacks : Our favorite backpacks for exploring Europe.
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• Europe Packing List for Men : The men’s guide to packing for Europe.
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When all's said and done, Hamburg's appeal can be narrowed down to one simple calling card: Welcome to one of the coolest cities on earth.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Mahnmal St-Nikolai

St Nikolai church was the world’s tallest building from 1874 to 1876, and it remains Hamburg’s second-tallest structure (after the TV tower). Mostly…

St Pauli & Reeperbahn

Here's the perfect excuse to stay up all Saturday night. Every Sunday in the wee hours, some 70,000 locals and visitors descend upon the famous Fischmarkt…

Elbphilharmonie

Welcome to one of the most Europe's most exciting recent architectural creations. A squat brown-brick former warehouse at the far west of HafenCity was…

Hamburger Kunsthalle

A treasure trove of art from the Renaissance to the present day, the Kunsthalle spans two buildings linked by an underground passage. The main building…

With its spectacular coffered ceiling, Hamburg’s baroque Rathaus is one of Europe’s most opulent, and is renowned for its Emperor’s Hall and Great Hall…

St Michaelis Kirche

‘Der Michel’, as it is affectionately called, is one of Hamburg’s most recognisable landmarks and northern Germany’s largest Protestant baroque church…

St Pauli Nachtmarkt

Wednesday late afternoon and evening is a terrific time to be in St Pauli when the weekly night market takes over Spielbudenplatz with food stalls, live…

Miniatur Wunderland

Even the worst cynics are quickly transformed into fans of this vast miniature world that goes on and on. The model trains wending their way through the…

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Located on the Elbe River in northern Germany, there’s so much to love about this beautiful and bustling Hanseatic city – one of Cate’s top 3 favorite cities in Germany (she used to live there).

There are countless attractions in and around Hamburg, lush parks and botanical gardens, a famous fish market with delicious food, an historic harbor, canals and gorgeous neighborhoods to explore by boat or canoe, and so much more.

This guide will help you start planning what to do and see in the Hamburg area, where to stay, best tours, day trip ideas, and more.

What to Do and See in Hamburg

Northern Germany looks and feels different than southern Germany, and we highly recommend visiting. Cate used to live in Hamburg and it’s one of her favorite cities in Germany. Whether you’re into food, history, architecture, nature, art, or spontaneous adventures, you’ll find plenty to see and experience in and around Hamburg!

Tip: if you have our Germany Travel Planner , be sure to check out our city cheatsheets and our digital planning map so you can see where the top sights, hotels, and day trips are in relation to each other. It makes planning your visit SO much easier!

Things to see and do in Hamburg

View our top recommendations!

Hamburg Accommodations

You’ll find a wide variety of accommodation options in Hamburg, including hotels and apartments, from budget to luxury, city center to beautiful neighborhoods on the Elbe River. If you’re looking for an apartment in Hamburg, do a search on Booking.com . We’ve found several great apartments there (less than what we saw on Airbnb for the same apartment) and it’s SO nice to have all hotel and apartment reservations in one place.

Book your Hamburg accommodations in advance! They tend to fill quickly during peak travel times (summer, Christmas, etc.) so we recommend seeing what’s open for your travel dates ASAP.

If you have our  Germany Travel Planner  you’ll find recommended hotels on our interactive planning map. Seeing where these hotels are in relation to the top sights makes it a lot easier to find the perfect place to stay.  If you don’t yet have it, click here to get access.

Best Hotels in Hamburg, Germany

Book from a list of our top recommendations!

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Know Before You Go

Airport : Hamburg International Airport (HAM) Currency: Euro Language:  The official language of Germany is German (Deutsch) Time zone:  Central European Time (CET / GMT+ 2 / 6 hours ahead of US EST) Germany Visa:  tourists from the US, Canada, and several other countries do not need a visa to visit Germany for under 90 days. Germany Electricity Socket:  Germany uses different voltage and sockets than in North America, the UK, and other parts of the world.  Read our guide to adapters and converters  so you can safely use your tech in Germany. Germany SIM card: Read our guide here to SIM cards  and other ways to use your phone in Germany. Germany Car Rentals:  We find  great deals on rental cars here . You can also check out our scenic  Germany road trips article here.

Recommended Day Trips from Hamburg

One of the best things about making Hamburg your home base while visiting northern Germany is that you have countless day trip options. You can plan your own day trips for maximum flexibility or book a guided tour for maximum relaxation and convenience. Here are some ideas to get your planning started.

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Best Day Trips from Hamburg

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Hamburg Travel FAQ

Where is hamburg located.

Hamburg is located on the Elbe River in northern Germany, north of Bremen, south of Lübeck, and west of Berlin.

Where do I Get That Map?

If you have our  Germany Travel Planner,  you’ll find recommended hotels on our interactive planning map. Seeing where these hotels are in relation to the top sights makes it a lot easier to find the perfect place to stay.  If you don’t have it yet, click here to get access.

Does Hamburg Have an Airport?

Yes! Hamburg has a good-sized international airport that you can easily reach from the city with flights all over Germany, Europe, and beyond. I’ve flown in and out of this airport several times.

How to Get to Hamburg ?

Hamburg is easy to reach via train, bus, car or plane. If arriving from the US, consider flying directly into Hamburg’s international airport. We’ve started doing this and usually transfer in London or Frankfurt after an international flight from the US. You can take an U-bahn (metro) from the airport into the city in about 40 minutes, hop in a taxi or book an  easy airport transfer here .

How to Get Around Hamburg?

Hamburg has an excellent public transport system that you can use to go all over the city. If you’re flying into Hamburg you can easily take the U-bahn into the city center from the airport or arrange an  easy airport transfer to your lodging.

If arriving via the main train station or bus station, you can walk to many hotels, catch a bus, U-bahn or S-bahn or grab a taxi. Hamburg’s public transportation is excellent and will easily get you where you want to go. If you use public transportation during your visit, I highly recommend getting a day pass over continually buying individual tickets.

Another way to get around Hamburg, at least for part of your visit, is the Hop On Hop Off bus ! We did this one day and actually had a lot of fun seeing a lot of the city in a short amount of time.

You don’t need a car to explore Hamburg. It’s better to take the S-bahn, U-bahn, bus, and ferry to get everywhere you want to go in Hamburg. There are also taxis, Uber, and the HOHO bus.

If you drive to Hamburg make sure your lodging has parking. It’s often possible to find on street parking but it’s not always easy, especially in some parts of the city. The last time we were in Hamburg we spent about 40 minutes looking for a place to park our car and then another 20 minutes walking to our Airbnb. It wasn’t a big deal for us on that trip but it’s something to be aware of.

Does Hamburg Have Uber?

Yes, you can use Uber in Hamburg. FreeNow is another good option.

Is Hamburg Worth Going To?

Yes! Hamburg is the largest city in northern Germany and is unique because it’s a city-state, meaning that Hamburg is both a city and Bundesland (state). There’s a lot to do and see in this beautiful maritime city, plus there are several options for day trips to cute town full of gothic brick, as well as beaches on the North and Baltic seas. You can even visit the islands of Sylt and Heligoland from Hamburg

Hamburg Basics

Population 1.9 million (city) 5.1 million (metro)

Airport International Hamburg Airport Helmut Schmidt

Bundesland Hamburg (it’s one of 3 “city-states” in Germany)

Schleswig-Holstein is the state north of city

Lower-Saxony is the state south of city

Train Travel Times to Hamburg Berlin ➔ Hamburg = 2 hrs Frankfurt ➔ Hamburg = 4 hrs Munich ➔ Hamburg = 5.5 hrs Salzburg ➔ Hamburg = 8 hrs Paris ➔ Hamburg = 8 hrs Rome ➔ Hamburg = 20 hrs Prague ➔ Hamburg = 7 hrs

Fun Facts The greater Hamburg area has as many inhabitants as Norway!

Hamburg has more bridges in its city limits than any other in the world and more canals than Amsterdam and Venice combined!

Hamburg is often shortened to HH, which is what you’ll see on Hamburg license plates.

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Best things to do in Hamburg

Where to stay in Hamburg

Best day trips from Hamburg

Road trip ideas and routes

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Hamburg travel guide

Hamburg tourism | hamburg guide, you're going to love hamburg.

One of the world's greatest ports, Hamburg is proud of its maritime past, but is forward-looking too. Great food, entertainment, art, and architecture combine in a city that it's hard not to fall for.

There's enough heritage in Hamburg to satisfy any history buff, from UNESCO-protected warehouse districts like Speicherstadt to the poignant ruins of St. Nicholas' Church and fascinating museum ships like the Cap San Diego, which also hosts a museum of emigration.

Back on dry land, Hamburg is endlessly entertaining. Take a stroll down the famous Reeperbahn and stay in bohemian St. Pauli to sample the area's vibrant bars and clubs. Or stick to the Altstadt for the stunning seafood at Deichgraf before a show at the Thalia Theater.

And that's just scratching the surface. There are Beatles tours, soccer matches, art galleries, and much more to explore in Hamburg.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Hamburg

1. it's a unesco-listed historical jewel.

Hamburg is full of historical sights. The beautiful ruins of St Nicholas' Church, the splendid UNESCO-protected warehouse districts of Speicherstadt and Kontorhaus, the war memorials in Ohlsdorf Cemetery, and the beauty of St. Michael's Church will fill anyone's vacation itinerary.

2. The Nightlife Is Fantastic

When your sightseeing day is over, Hamburg is just getting started. Modern Hamburg is a nexus for electronic DJs, and every night you'll find clubs in St. Pauli open until dawn, while Winterhude and Altona aren't short of excellent bars either.

3. Art Lovers Will Be in Heaven

Hamburgers love art, as you'll discover when you visit the enormous Kunsthalle, which is home to a permanent collection of 700 works (and is totally free of charge). Art lovers won't want to stop there, though, with smaller spaces like the Vera Munro Gallery and the Deichtorhallen offering plenty of delights.

4. There Are Plenty of Superb Restaurants

Hamburg takes food very seriously indeed, and its cuisine is oriented towards the sea. Places like Elbfisch or Deichgraf serve up local specialties of the highest quality, but even the street food is delicious, with filling falafel and doner kebabs available at bargain prices.

5. World-Class Markets Represent a Shopper's Dream

Hamburg has long been a commercial center, and this is reflected in its diverse collection of markets. The Fischmarkt in St. Pauli is the most famous (and a great place to find seafood snacks) but flea markets like Turmweg and Immenhof are better places to track down obscure records, vintage clothes, and local craft products.

Activities & attractions in Hamburg

Where to Eat in Hamburg

Food is one of Hamburg's great obsessions, so be sure to try a few of the city's leading restaurants while you are in town. Leading eateries to check out include the acclaimed Seven Seas, cozy bistros like Bistrot Vienna, and seafood experts like Deichgraf. Die Bank is an elegant brasserie, while Il Buco is an exceptional Italian option. Expect three course meals at the best restaurants to cost upwards of EUR30.

When to visit Hamburg

Summer hits Hamburg in early June and departs in early September. Between those months, you can expect fine sightseeing conditions (and great weather for harbor cruises). The beer gardens by the river will be full, and street festivals will be ubiquitous. If you want a cheaper vacation, April and early May could be better, with lower room rates and quieter museums and galleries. Christmas is also a major event in Germany, so festive breaks would work well too.

How to Get to Hamburg

Hamburg Airport (HAM) is around eight miles north of the city center and has a couple of connections to North American cities. However, connecting flights via Berlin, London, or Paris may be needed. When you touch down, the S1 S-Bahn train is the best route into town and costs EUR3.20. Failing that, expect a taxi to cost around EUR25-30.

Hamburg's Hauptbahnhof has connections to major cities like Munich, Berlin, Copenhagen, Zurich, and Cologne, along with indirect links to Paris and London, so getting to the city by train is a real possibility.

If you are driving from Berlin, take the A24 straight to Hamburg. Those coming from Bremen need to take the A1, while the A7 runs from southern destinations like Hanover and southwards from the Danish border.

Hamburg has excellent bus connections, and all intercity services stop at the ZOB (central bus station). Companies running services into the city include Eurolines and Flixbus.

Airports near Hamburg

Airlines serving hamburg, where to stay in hamburg.

Hamburg has some exceptional places to stay. Leading modern boutique hotels in the center include the Mövenpick, the Henri Hotel, and the Gastwerk, which has a unique ex-industrial setting. The Atlantic Kempinski has a beautiful waterfront location, as does the Fairmont Hotel, and other leading five-star options include the Royal Meridien and the Park Hyatt. All offer superb, comfortable, and convenient places to stay.

Popular Neighborhoods in Hamburg

The Altstadt - literally the old town, Altstadt is Hamburg's historic core. It's where you'll find Hamburg's five historic churches, along with the Rathaus, a wealth of attractive shopping arcades, and some of the city's very best restaurants.

Speicherstadt - officially protected by UNESCO, Speicherstadt is Hamburg's major warehouse district. If that sounds unexciting, think again. Buildings like the Chilehaus are stunning works of 19th-century architecture, while the area also hosts great attractions like the quirky Miniatur Wunderland and the International Maritime Museum.

Sankt Pauli - an infamous nightlife center and bohemian community, Sankt Pauli is where Hamburgers go to have fun and express themselves. The Reeperbahn (red light district) is world famous, but the Fischmarkt and the Star Club (which hosted the young Beatles) are also highlights of any trip to Hamburg.

Where to stay in popular areas of Hamburg

Most booked hotels in hamburg, how to get around hamburg, public transportation.

Hamburg's public transportation system is a real highlight of the city. Buses are efficient and run all night long, while the U-Bahn and S-Bahn only shut down between 1 am and 5 am in the morning. The best ticket to get is the Tageskarte, which lasts from 9 am until 6 pm and costs EUR6.20 for one adult and three children, which is an absolute bargain.

Hamburg's reliable taxis start with a meter drop of EUR2.80 and then it's roughly EUR2 per mile after that. With relatively low rates like that, getting around by taxi is an excellent option for nightlife fans and families alike.

There are plenty of day-trip destinations not far from Hamburg. Lübeck and Bremen both have enough attractions to fill a day, and with your own car, you can reach them in no time. Car rental outlets in Hamburg include Europcar, Sixt, Avis, and Enterprise, and rates can start from as low as EUR15 per day.

Car rental agencies in Hamburg

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

The Cost of Living in Hamburg

Shopping streets.

If you are hunting for vintage clothes or antiques, flea markets like Flohschanze in Schanzenviertel or Immenhof are the place to go. If you are looking for fashion boutiques and luxury stores, head to Mönckebergstraße or Spitalerstraße in the city center. With jewelers, designer stores, chocolatiers, footwear boutiques, and plenty more, they are fantastic places for an afternoon of window shopping.

Groceries and Other

If you need to stock up on groceries or essentials during your stay in Hamburg, the best places to go are supermarkets like Lidl, Edeke, and REWE (although it's more fun to shop for food at the Fischmarkt). Expect prices to be comparable to major US cities, at around EUR2.70 for a gallon of milk and EUR2 for 12 eggs.

Hamburg   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Westend61 | Getty Images

18 Best Things to Do in Hamburg, Germany

Updated February 11, 2021

Most of Hamburg's attractions, such as the  Hamburger Kunsthalle ,  Miniatur Wunderland  and the trendy HafenCity neighborhood, are clustered in the city center and Harbour districts. But you should explore Hamburg's other neighborhoods to experience

• All Things To Do

Elbphilharmonie Elbphilharmonie free

A stunning architectural marvel often compared to Sydney's opera house , the Elbphilharmonie is a concert hall and performance space designed by the Pritzker Architecture Prize-winning Swiss architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron. As soon as it opened in 2016, it became an instant architectural icon thanks to its wave-like rooftop and glass façade. Luckily, you don't need tickets to a show to enjoy the striking space.

A public viewing platform is open to everyone and offers breathtaking, 360-degree views of the city and the harbor – a particular highlight for recent visitors. While admission to the viewing plaza is free, you do need a ticket to enter. Advance booking is available and recommended by recent visitors, though a booking fee of 2 euros (or about $2.25) applies. Reviewers also recommended taking a harbor cruise to admire the building from the water.

Alter Elbtunnel Alter Elbtunnel free

The  Alter Elbtunnel  (also called the Old Elbe Tunnel, St. Pauli Elbe Tunnel) is a pedestrian, bike and motorist tunnel (though cars are not permitted), which travels underneath the River Elbe. It connects central Hamburg to the southern side of the river. Opened in 1911, the tunnel was built to serve the port and shipyard workers as a connecting route between the Landungsbrücken and Steinwerder piers. It became a tourist attraction when the "new" Elbe tunnel opened in the 1970s. It has been undergoing renovation for the past several years.

While walking through the quarter-mile-long tunnel, take time to look at the tile reliefs that line the walls, which portray starfish, dolphins and other creatures. Past travelers enjoyed the experience of walking beneath the river and taking in the great view from the opposing side. Others said it provides an interesting photo opportunity, though there is little else to do.

Planten un Blomen Planten un Blomen free

Planten un Blomen , which translates as the very imaginative Plants and Flowers, spans over 100 acres and is a favorite among locals and travelers. Referred to as "Hamburg's green lung," it is home to various themed gardens, including a rose garden, Mediterranean terraces and one of the largest Japanese landscaped gardens in Europe. Planten un Blomen offers much more than the eponymous "plants and flowers." There are playgrounds, mini-golf, an ice rink in winter and a roller rink in summer, and even life-size chess games. There are also several cafes and food kiosks.

Many past visitors said the park is a relaxing place to unwind and highly recommend touring the Japanese garden. Others said the park is well-maintained and a worthy stop even in the offseason.

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Hamburg Boat Tours Hamburg Boat Tours

No visit to Hamburg is complete without getting out on the water. The easiest, not to mention one of the least expensive, ways to enjoy Hamburg by water is via a public ferry. Head to the Landungsbrücken piers and hop aboard one of Hamburg's many public transportation options.

One of the most popular ferry trips is aboard the No. 62 toward Finkenwerder island, which takes 30 minutes and allows you to see some of the city's most important waterfront sights. You can also hop on a guided tour, many of which also operate from the piers at Landungsbrücken. You'll enjoy an overview of the industrial docks, the historic Speicherstadt warehouses and modern architecture highlights such as HafenCity Hamburg and the  Elbphilharmonie . Rainer Abicht Elbreederei and Barkassen-Centrale Ehlers GmbH earn high marks from recent tour-goers. You can find more information about available harbor cruises on the city's tourism website .

Fish Auction Hall and Market Fish Auction Hall and Market free

All-night revelers finish up their partying at the Sunday morning St. Pauli  Fischmarkt  (Fish Auction Hall and Market) and early morning shoppers get a head start on the day. Not only are there stalls brimming with fresh fish and other goods, there's also steaming hot bratwursts, free-flowing beer and even an energetic band to keep the jovial atmosphere alive. It's also one of those uniquely Hamburg attractions, one which has been an institution since 1703. If you sleep in (or you're just getting to bed after bar hopping), you'll miss out on the Fischmarkt; it's open on early Sunday mornings only.

Recent visitors who knew what they were in for say the scene is fun and festive, while those looking for a traditional market were a bit disappointed. Reviewers described the scene as merry, with many comparing it to Oktoberfest.

Miniatur Wunderland Miniatur Wunderland

Self-described as the world's largest model railway, the more than 10,000-square-foot Miniatur Wunderland takes visitors around the world to admire models of miniature-sized countries and cities, including Southern Germany, Hamburg, USA, Scandinavia, Switzerland and Venice. Across nine different sections are more than 1,000 trains, 130,000 trees and nearly 250,000 figures.

Recent visitors offered rave reviews for Miniatur Wunderland, saying it was appealing to both kids and adults alike. Others were in awe of the attention to detail. However, a few warned that since this is a popular attraction, it can get very crowded. Miniatur Wunderland advises timing your visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the largest crowds.

St. Michael's Church St. Michael's Church

St. Michael's, Hamburg's largest church, is actually the third church to be built in the same spot and was constructed in 1912. Visitors flock to the landmark church to see its five different organs, its 65-foot altar, its crypt and the amazing views from the nearly 350-foot-high observation deck. The church's 433-foot-tall tower, home to Germany's largest clock bell, is visible from all over the city. In the crypt far below, about 2,000 people have been laid to rest.

Views from the top are not to be missed, according to recent visitors. Others described the church's interior as "ethereal." What's more, travelers were pleased with the affordable admission fee.

Hamburg Zoo (Tierpark Hagenbeck) Hamburg Zoo (Tierpark Hagenbeck)

The Tierpark Hagenbeck (or Hamburg Zoo) is owned by the Hagenbeck family; Carl Hagenbeck, Jr. (who founded the zoo in 1907) was a wild animal trader and merchant. One of his innovations was to use moats instead of cages to enclose animals, a practice still used to this day. Today, visitors can encounter thousands of animals at the zoo, including one of the largest elephant herds in Europe. Of special note is the four-level Tropical Aquarium, an artificial habitat comprising more than 14,300 animals, including Nile crocodiles and around 13,000 fish. There are also several restaurants, playgrounds for kids, feeding demonstrations and a recreation park, among other attractions.

Recent visitors advised allowing plenty of time to check out all of the exhibits (some said they spent the whole day at the zoo) and said it's a great family-friendly activity. Reviewers were particularly fascinated by the walruses and polar bears. According to travelers, the zoo provides food to feed select animals (donations are encouraged).

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Emigration Museum BallinStadt Hamburg Emigration Museum BallinStadt Hamburg

Just as compelling and moving as Ellis Island, this museum and ancestral research center conveys the story of European emigration to the United States and elsewhere. The museum occupies the land originally used by the Hamburg-Amerikanische Packetfahrt-Aktien-Gesellschaft (HAPAG) shipping company for the city's Emigration Halls, which were built 120 years ago to accommodate people from all over Europe hoping to sail across the Atlantic. To lessen the likelihood of immigrants being sent back from the United States due to illness or other reasons (at the shipping company's cost), HAPAG offered medical examinations. Millions of people passed through the complex, which at one point included a hospital, a church, a music hall, housing and even hotels.

There are several halls that detail why people were emigrating, their journey across the ocean and what happened when they reached America, with interactive exhibits, displays, photos and artifacts. For an even more immersive experience, consider grabbing a bite to eat at the on-site restaurant Nach Amerika (or "To America"), which serves meals based on recipes used in the canteens of the former Emigration Halls. Visitors can also search complete passenger lists of all the ships that left the harbor in the family research area.

Hamburger Kunsthalle Hamburger Kunsthalle

One of Germany's great art museums (and one of its largest in terms of exhibition space), the Hamburger Kunsthalle boasts an extensive collection of paintings and sculptures – both old and new. The permanent collection encompasses art from eight centuries – with some pieces dating back to the Middle Ages. In the modern and contemporary sections, artists like Andy Warhol, Max Beckmann and Bruce Nauman are represented; in the older sections, you'll find works by Rembrandt and Anthony van Dyck, as well as a noted collection of works by German Romantic painters.

The museum is a highlight for many recent visitors, who rave about the excellent collection, especially the representation of German painters. Others were impressed by the building.

City Hall (Rathaus) City Hall (Rathaus)

The  Rathaus  (City Hall) is big – bigger than  London's immense  Buckingham Palace  – and according to travelers, it's one of the best sights in Hamburg. Resting on a square, inspired by  Venice's   Piazza San Marco , the neo-renaissance building's formidable exterior opens into a lavish interior, which is peopled by Hamburg's city council and state government officials. English-language tours take about 45 minutes and wind past the opulent state rooms, a mere fraction of the 647 rooms located on-site.

Recent visitors called the building "beautiful" and recommended taking the tour if you can.

International Maritime Museum International Maritime Museum

Located in a former warehouse, the International Maritime Museum offers a look at 3,000 years of maritime history across nine floors, with a stunning number of exhibits, artifacts and more, including thousands of model ships – a highlight for many recent visitors. Others were pleasantly surprised with the interesting and informative exhibits. One of its most treasured pieces is a copy of the "Atlantis Majoris" from 1657, the first nautical atlas printed in the Netherlands. Other exhibits include medals and uniforms from navies around the world, displays of commercial and passenger shipping and works by well-known maritime painters. One way to tackle the massive museum is by taking a 60- or 90-minute tour, which is offered in English, and costs 70 euros (about $77) and 80 euros (around $88), respectively. Audio guides are also available for a much smaller cost.

Recent visitors called the museum "fascinating" and said you should be prepared to do a lot of walking throughout its various levels and set aside several hours. However, some reviewers expressed disappointment that a few exhibits did not offer English translations. 

Speicherstadt Speicherstadt free

The red brick buildings of the  Speicherstadt  (Warehouse District) used to shelter the city's imports – coffee, spices, silks – which were carried fresh off the boats in the harbor. In 2015, Speicherstadt became Germany's 40th UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, this area full of neo-Gothic buildings, mostly constructed between 1883 and the late 1920s that are fun to see on foot. Though there are a few attractions within the area, including Miniatur Wunderland and the International Maritime Museum , it mostly attracts visitors in search of photo ops and a picturesque stroll. Popular photo spots include the Wasserschloss (or "water castle") at the end of Holländischer Birdge and Fleetschlösschen, a former customs booth.

Recent visitors call the area magical and recommend taking a canal tour if you can. A few reviewers said it's worth visiting at night when the area is beautifully illuminated.

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Reeperbahn Reeperbahn free

Hamburg's Reeperbahn once rivaled  Amsterdam's Red Light District for its sex trade, but times have changed (slightly). Located in St. Pauli, the Reeperbahn is a nightlife hub, still notorious for its corridor of sex shops, strip shows and brothels, though there are plenty of other non-X-rated activities and sights, from dive bars to the Beatles monument (the Beatles made their mark in Hamburg). St. Pauli is now almost better-known for its huge live-music scene, with clubs, bars, theaters and music venues. The annual Reeperbahn Festival in September brings in around 25,000 people to hear live music.

Recent Reeperbahn visitors found the area interesting to see, with plenty of music and pubs to check out. Others warned of potential pickpockets.

Hamburg Planetarium Hamburg Planetarium

Head to the Hamburg Planetarium to see everything from children's films to 3D trips through the solar system. The art deco building dates back to 1912 and is considered one of the world's oldest observatories. Visitors can also enjoy concerts and other musical shows in the enormous domed hall. The high-tech planetarium claims it's the most modern planetarium in the world. Previous shows include "Night Flight through the Galaxy," "Laser Zeppelin," and the "Green Planet 3D." After your show, head up to the rooftop terrace for unparalleled city views.

Recent visitors were impressed with the planetarium and highly recommend seeing a show there. Others suggested taking a stroll through the lovely Stadtpark City Park, where the planetarium is located, before or after a show.

Museum fur Kunst und Gewerbe Museum fur Kunst und Gewerbe

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Travel Guide To Hamburg

Hamburg is the centre of Germany's insurance, internet and newspaper industries and is its second fashion capital (as the birthplace of Karl Lagerfeld). Boasting ritzy shopping streets and lively areas such as the infamous Reeperbahn , the city is also surprisingly beautiful.

Where to stay in Hamburg

25HOURS HOTEL

Paul-Dessau-Strasse 2, Hamburg (00 49 40 855070; www.25hours-hotels.com/hamburg). Why miss out on Living Divani daybeds, Brionvega televisions and special-edition Sixties-style lamps by Flos? You can have it all here, although you will have to do without room service, mini-bars and toiletries. The curved walls of the mirrored reception flow between the Esszimmer bar/restaurant and a multi-functional 'Wohnzimmer', or living room, with an open fire. Lighting allows for mood changes throughout the day: brighter for breakfast, darker for the evening. The bedrooms are mainly white, with cushions and throws in pale blues and greens, matching the Seventies-style patterned wallpaper. The bespoke bedroom and bathroom furniture, in white MDF, is mixed with string curtains beneath bare concrete ceilings. 25hours was featured in The Hot List 2004. £

ATLANTIC KEMPINSKI

An der Alster 72-79, Hamburg (00 49 40 288 8817; www.kempinski.atlantic.de ). Overlooking the Alster, the city's huge city-centre lake, the Atlantic Kempinski is located just a few minutes' walk from the exhibitions at the Kunsthalle (see What to See ). Its ambience is pleasantly old-fashioned and palatial: it was built for first-class ocean liner passengers departing for the USA. The 252 rooms and suites are traditionally furnished in an elegant, understated style, and the restaurant serves modern continental cuisine from pioneering chef Sven Buttner. Service friendly and efficient, but the buffet breakfast is a bit pricey at €33. ££

Simon-von-Utrecht-Strasse 31, Hamburg (00 49 40 309930; www.east-hamburg.com ). East is in a former steel foundry in Pauli, on the edgier side of Hamburg near the Reeperbahn. It is the first hotel from the restaurant-bar group Gastro Consulting, and the emphasis is very much on the Asian-fusion food, Asian-influenced cocktails (in Yakshi's Bar) and partying. The bedrooms are on five floors named, colour-coded and scented after oriental spices and flowers, and are categorised from S to XXL. The decor is a tour de force for the hotel's Chicago-based architect and designer, Jordan Mozer, who has fashioned curvaceous headboards out of resin to resemble oversized wing-back chairs and placed polished cast-aluminium sculptural basins centre stage between the bed and the open-plan bathrooms. The spa on the top floor has an unusual urban terrace looking on to the bold mosaics and curvilinear wood trim of the sauna. East was featured in The Hot List 2005. ££

EMPIRE RIVERSIDE HOTEL

Bernhard-Nocht-Strasse 91, Hamburg (00 49 40 311190; www.empire-riverside.de ). A brand new hotel built on the site of an old brewery, the contemporary Empire Riverside Hotel is located between the River Elbe and the Reeperbahn. Designed by British architect David Chippenfield, it is housed in a spectacular skyscraper that is sunlit and spacious. The 328 bedrooms include 12 junior suites and are decorated in a stark, modern style; 85 per cent have river views. The fine international restaurant serves dishes from Spain, Japan and Cuba, and the popular penthouse bar is great for cocktails. ££

FAIRMONT HOTEL VIER JAHRESZEITEN

Neuer Jungfernstieg 9-14, Hamburg (00 49 40 34940; www.hvj.de ). An impeccably maintained hotel dating from 1897, with stunning public areas full of marble, tapestries and chandeliers. There are 156 rooms and suites on five floors: the good-sized, individually furnished rooms are traditional without being fusty. Restaurants include the Michelin-starred Restaurant Haerlin, Art Deco Jahreszeiten Grill, Euro-Asian Doc Cheng's and the elegant Café Condi. The spa offers European and Asian treatments, including hot-stone massage. £££

GARDEN HOTEL

Magdalenenstrasse 60, Hamburg (00 49 40 414040; www.gardenhotels.de ). Three white Edwardian villas form a smart, quiet hotel in the leafy, chi-chi district of Pöseldorf. Epic breakfasts but no restaurant. £

Beim Alten Gaswerk 3, Daimlerstrasse, Hamburg (00 49 40 890620; www.gastwerk.com ). This Design Hotel masterpiece of industrial chic is located in a Victorian gasworks in Ottensen, a half-dozen S-bahn stops from the city centre. There are 141 spacious rooms, including 14 suites and 46 lofts. ££

HOTEL ABTEI

Abteistrasse 14, Hamburg (00 49 40 442 905; www.abtei-hotel.de ). A refurbished Grunderzeit (late-19th-century) villa with a grand staircase, smoky mirrors, candelabra, paintings and grandfather clocks. There are 11 rooms and suites, most with a terrace or conservatory. There is a pretty garden where breakfast is served in the summer. The locally renowned Prinz Frederik restaurant serves nouvelle cuisine ; breakfast is served in the basement café or the garden in summer. £££

LE ROYAL MERIDIEN

An der Alster 52-56, Hamburg (00 49 40 21000; www.starwoodhotels.com ). The glass-and-steel façade sets the tone for this contemporary business hotel, with high-speed Internet access in every room. 284 bright, colour-coordinated rooms (blue, pink, green or red) and suites are arranged on eight floors. The restaurant Le Ciel on the ninth floor has a Mediterranean menu and great views but lacks atmosphere. Most of the rooms have panoramic views of the Alster. Make sure you request one. ££

LOUIS C JACOB

Elbchaussee 401-403 Hamburg (00 49 40 822550; www.hotel-jacob.de ). Overlooking the River Elbe on the Elbchausee, Hamburg's grandest boulevard, Louis C Jacob is near the pretty village of Blankenese. It was built in 1791 and, despite a recent update and tasteful renovations, the style remains timeless and discreet. The hotel has 85 rooms, including 19 suites; the wood-panelled walk-in dressing rooms are a particular delight. German chef Thomas Martin combines traditional local ingredients with French cuisine at the popular restaurant, and the hotel has an impressive art collection. ££££

PARK HYATT HAMBURG

Bugenhagenstrasse 8, Hamburg (00 49 40 3332 1234; hamburg.park.hyatt.com ). The Park Hyatt is located on the top seven floors of an Art Deco warehouse, refurbished with acres of cherry wood, and is popular with media types. There are 252 rooms and suites and 30 apartments. Apples restaurant serves Mediterranean fare, the Park Lounge is for traditional high tea and there is 24-hour room service. This is a business hotel with a leisurely vibe: a great cocktail bar and Hamburg's biggest swimming pool. ££

Caitlin Morton

María Casbas

CNT Editors

Olivia Morelli

Drehbahn 49, Hamburg (00 49 40 309 990; www.side-hamburg.de ). This 12-floor, glass-fronted hotel, designed by architect Jan Störmer, has restrained bedrooms with dark-wood floors and crisp white linen sheets. The 'wellness' area comprises a swimming pool, sauna, aromatherapy steam room, gym, solarium and massage/treatment room. SIDE's Fusion bar has established itself as one of Hamburg's coolest hangouts and is usually packed at weekends. SIDE was featured in the www.sofitel.com ). A designer hotel with in-house spa in the city's swankiest shopping district. Orange, yellow and turquoise glass panels and muted beige predominate. £££

Where to eat out in Hamburg

Neuer Jungfernstieg 9-14, Hamburg (00 49 40 34940; www.hvj.de ). This decidedly gemutlich café in the Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten is the place to go for a filling breakfast and sumptuous cakes. Read more about the hotel in Where to Stay .

RESTAURANTS

DAS FEUERSCHIFF

City Sporthafen, Vorsetzen, Hamburg (00 49 40 362 553; www.das-feuerschiff.de ). Das Feuerschiff is a bar and restaurant on a converted Channel lightship moored near the Free Port. Watch the river traffic pass by over a bowl of fish soup washed down with good Bavarian Weissbier.

EAST RESTAURANT

Simon-von-Utrecht-Strasse 31, Hamburg (00 49 40 309933; www.east-hamburg.com ). The flamboyant restaurant at East hotel has soaring ceilings and huge sculptural pillars, and is overlooked by a two-tier bar that juts into the space like a Dalíesque cartoon. The menu features Euro-Asian dishes such as tuna tartar with avocado and crispy lotus roots, and springbok medallions on a chickpea ragout with pandan jus. Late at night, DJs are installed in the bar and the entire space becomes an enormous club. Read about East hotel in Where to Stay .

FISCHEREIHAFEN

Grosse Elbstrasse 143, Hamburg (00 49 40 381 816; www.fischereihafenrestaurant.de ). On a sunny day, a table overlooking the River Elbe can offer an alfresco experience as good as any in southern Europe. Located in a converted warehouse in the former fishing port, this restaurant serves up fine seafood to the burghers of Hamburg, who like to dine on the outside terrace, weather permitting, and watch the container ships glide gracefully past. Try the excellent fresh fish (especially codling and flounder), cured herrings and smoked eel. Start your meal with a dozen oysters from the very popular oyster bar.

FISCHERHAUS

St Pauli Fischmarkt 14, Hamburg (00 49 40 314 053; www.restaurant-fischerhaus.de ). A popular old place packed with families in their best knitwear, the Fischerhaus scores highly for its mighty helpings of no-frills local food (pickled herrings, fried plaice with sautéed potatoes and Labskaus: beef, herrings, potato and beetroot), friendly service and the fact that you won't find anywhere like it outside Germany.

Neuer Pferdemarkt 6, Hamburg (00 49 40 439 7823; www.restaurant-nil.de ). Fashionable bar and restaurant in a converted shoe shop. The food - potato soup with white truffles, venison with baby turnips and potato cakes - is smartly executed and the wine list seems designed to convince sceptics that not all German whites are sweet. Booking is advised for dinner.

RESTAURANT HAERLIN

Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, Neuer Jungfernstieg 9-14, Hamburg (00 49 40 34 943310; www.hvj.de ). Michelin-starred restaurant at the Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten. Choose from the Haerlin menu featuring classic French dishes or the 'Sea menu'. Read more about Fairmont Hotel in Where to Stay .

Van der Smissenstrasse 1, Hamburg (00 49 40 380 5919; www.rive-hamburg.de ). Trendy oyster bar and fish restaurant with a menu that mixes local favourites with Mediterranean flavours. Its location, halfway up an extraordinary glass-and-steel building, offers commanding views of the harbour.

Neuer Wall 13, Hamburg (00 49 40 345 021; www.saliba.de ). Smart Syrian café that serves good cakes, excellent mint tea and a range of light Levantine meals.

What to see in Hamburg

If you are feeling brave, then the 600m long Reeperbahn, the infamous Red Light District, warrants a visit. This is where The Beatles kick-started their career in the early 1960s.

Stroll down to the port, one of the busiest in the world, and take in the fischmarkt (fish market). Hamburg's oldest market, it dates back to 1703 and is popular with locals and visitors alike.

BUILDINGS AND MONUMENTS

ST MICHAELIS CHURCH

Englische Planke 1a, Hamburg (00 49 40 376 780; www.st-michaelis.de ). Located in the Altstadt (the Old Town, see above), the red brick, baroque church, dating back to the 1760s, has sweeping views of the city and port from its lift-accessible tower.

Rathausmarkt 1, Hamburg (00 49 40 42831). The neo-Renaissance Rathaus (Town hall) is one of the most interesting city halls in Germany and has more than 647 rooms.

KUNSTHALLE MUSEUM

Stiftung öffentlichen Rechts, Glockengiesterwall (00 49 40 428 131200; www.hamburger-kunsthalle.de ). The Kunsthalle has a superb collection of paintings from 1400 to the 20th century, including important works by some of Germany's greatest painters, from Lucas Cranach to Lovis Corinth.

Things to do in Hamburg

Take to the water

Hamburg is a city surrounded by water. Three rivers, the Elb, the Alster and the Bille, traverse it, as does a grid of narrow canals. And the large, picturesque Alster lake, dotted with yachts and ringed by leafy banks, pretty parks, villas and waterside cafés, accentuates the maritime feel. Explore the city by boat, on a ferry or steamer, or rent your own boat. For more information, visit www.alstertouristik.de .

Where to shop in Hamburg

For designer stores, head to oldest and most prestigious shopping streets in Hamburg, Grosse Bleichen and Neuer Wall, Jungfernstieg and Ufer Strasse. Less expensive shopping streets, housing the big department stores, are Spitalstrasse and Mönckebergstrasse.

DEPARTMENT SHOPS

Jungfernstieg 16-20, Hamburg (00 49 40 359 010; www.alsterhaus.de ). Alsterhaus, located on one of the most prestigious shopping streets in Hamburg, is a recently renovated elegant shopping destination. The department store stocks everything from cosmetics by Acqua di Parma to fashion by Max Mara and china by Wedgwood. Open Mon-Sat.

HANSE VIERTEL

Poststrasse 33, Hamburg (00 49 40 36 17 43 50; www.hanse-viertel.de ). The glass-roofed Hanse Viertel Galerie is some 200m long and filled with boutiques - including Lacoste, Falke and Stefanel - and a scattering of upscale cafés. Open Mon-Sat.

Neuer Wall 32, Hamburg (00 49 40 363 296; www.escada.com ). Escada, a German fashion label, was created by Margaretha and Wolfgang Ley in 1976, and has been known for its high-class collections and perfumes ever since.

Neuer Wall 43, Hamburg ( 00 49 40 374 1290; www.jilsander.com ). German fashion house Jil Sander's Hamburg shop is beautifully minimalist, and worth a visit even if you can't afford the clothes. The decor is black, white and grey, and compliments the clothes perfectly.

THOMAS-I-PUNKT

Hardenstrasse 9, Hamburg (00 49 40 789 9880; www.thomasipunkt.de ). A very cool shop for a very cool crowd, Thomas-i-Punkt sells trainers and clothes to suit young boys and men.

BRAMFELD & GUTRUF

Jungfernstieg 12, Hamburg (00 49 40 34 61 03; www.brahmfeld-gutruf.de ). Brahmfeld & Gutruf is a classic German jewellery house, which has been in business since 1743. The style is classic and the prices are high.

How to get to Hamburg

Hamburg Fuhlsbüttel ( www.airport.de ) is the city's international airport, located 9km north-west of the city centre.

AIRLINES FROM THE UK

bmi (0870 6070 555; www.flybmi.com )

British Airways (0870 850 9850; www.ba.com )

easyJet ( www.easyjet.com )

Lufthansa (0871 945 9747; www.lufthansa.com )

Take the Eurostar train from London St Pancras to Brussel (08705 186 186; www.eurostar.com ), a Thalys (00 32 2 528 28 28; www.thalys.com ) train to Cologne, and finally the InterCity (08718 80 80 66; www.bahn.co.uk ) to Hamburg. Railbookers (0844 482 1010; www.railbookers.com ), the train tour operator specialist, can organise the trip for you.

Tourist information for Hamburg

HAMBURG TOURIST OFFICE

(00 49 40 300 51 300; www.hamburg-tourism.de ) There are tourist offices at the central railway station (Kirchenallee main entrance), at the airport (at arrivals in terminal 1 and 2), and at the harbour (St Pauli Landungsbrucken, between jetty 4 and 5). The tourist offices sell the Hamburg CARD, which grants free or discounted admission to many museums and free use of public transport. You can also buy it at hotels, at Hamburg Transit Authority customer offices, and through your travel agent.

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Hamburg travel tips every first time visitor needs to know

Find out the dos and don'ts of navigating the city, from worthwhile boat tours to museum tips and more

Welcome to Hamburg, a city brisk with sea air, brimming with Hanseatic pride and open to the world not only in terms of centuries of maritime trade, but also in its vivid mix of nationalities, identities and political inclinations – not to mention its dusk-to-dawn party stamina. Whether you’re in town for 48 hours , a week or indefinitely, here’s how to make the most of this exciting harbour city, from public transport tips to tucked-away architectural treasures.

⛴  The best things to do in Hamburg 📍 The best attractions in Hamburg ⏰ How to spend 48 hours in Hamburg

An email you’ll actually love

20 travel tips every Hamburg visitor needs to know

1.  Expect the rough with the smooth

Every metropolis is multi-faceted, but Hamburg’s vivid contrasts often take first-time visitors by wide-eyed surprise. While Berlin inclines towards a gritty edge, Frankfurt puts its finance suit on and Munich purrs with prosperity and mountain air, Hamburg has something of the rough, the smooth and the salty all mixed together. It’s a place replete with harbour bawdiness as much as Hanseatic elegance, as dense with millionaires as it is with a history of anarchist dissent. Whatever your budget and taste, be adventurous, explore different districts and get a sense of the city’s striking variety.

2.  Get a Hamburg Card

Hamburg public transport (HVV) is extensive and efficient, with round-the-clock services at weekends. With the Hamburg Card, you have unlimited travel on all U-Bahn, S-Bahn, bus and ferry routes, as well as more than 150 discounts at many of the city’s museums, restaurants and stores. A one-day card, which is valid until 6am the following morning, costs €10.90 for one adult and up to three children under the age of 14. A three-day card costs €28.90. You can buy your card of choice on HVV buses, at vending machines, service centres, tourist offices, many hotels and hostels, and online.

3.  …and a Kunstmeile Card if you’re into art

In the heart of Hamburg, the Kunstmeile includes five of the city’s most renowned art institutions: Hamburger Kunsthalle , Kunstverein Hamburg, Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe, Bucerius Kunst Forum and the Deichtorhallen Hamburg, all within walking distance of each other. If you plan on checking out even two of these, it’s worth getting the three-day Kunstmeile Pass, costing €25, or €20 with the Hamburg Card.

4.  Go to the Kunsthalle late

The Kunsthalle is one of the most important museums in Germany, with major works across 700 years of European art history, including star turns from Cranach, Holbein, Canaletto, Gauguin and Caspar David Friedrich. Of course, there are plenty of other people wanting to catch a glimpse of the masterpieces, so if you’re hoping for a wistful moment alone before Wanderer above the Sea of Fog, your best chance will be with a late visit on Thursday, when the Kunsthalle stays open until 21.00.

5.  Carry cash

Like many cities in Germany, Hamburg has plenty of smaller bars, shops and restaurants that will only accept cash. Though you’re likely never too far from an ATM or “Geldautomat,” it’s always wise to have some cash in your pocket.

6.  Take to the water

With its nose to the North Sea, its vast harbour infrastructure, two inner-city lakes, a network of canals and majestic Elbe river, Hamburg is a city defined by proximity to—and the presence of—water. Make the most of the life aquatic with a trip round the harbour, a lazy day beside the Elbe, or a rental canoe, rowing boat or sailing boat on the Outer Alster lake.

7.  …and hop on Ferry 62 for a cheaper harbour tour

Unless you want running (mostly German) commentary, the regular public ferry 62 is a great way to see Hamburg’s harbour, and is much cheaper than the official tours. A round trip will start and end at Landungsbrücken, taking in Altona, the Fischmarkt , Fischereihafen and Neumühlen, where you’ll find the city beach, Strandperle . The ferry is yours to ride with a standard HVV ticket, and you’re free to hop on and off along the route.

8.  Put in some pedal time, too

With flat roads and dedicated cycle paths throughout the city, Hamburg is a very bike-friendly place. Some hostels and hotels have their own bike rental, but you can also check out the city-wide “Stadtrad” rental scheme—sturdy, red-pedal steeds which you can pick up and drop off at a multitude of stations all over town. The bikes are free to ride for the first 30 minutes, costing eight cents per minute thereafter, up to a daily cap of €12.

9.  Sundays are for leisure

Germany takes Sundays seriously; in the interest of both the religious Sabbath and workers’ rights to at least one day off a week, the country has some of the strictest laws on retail opening hours in Europe, and Hamburg is no exception. Though most restaurants, attractions and bars will be open and bustling on a Sunday, you can expect almost all shops to be closed, except for very basic grocery stores or “spätis.” If you need some supplies or plan to dine in, be sure to stock up on groceries on Saturday afternoon.

10.  Pack a raincoat in winter

If you’re hoping to escape wet weather, think again; Hamburg is renowned for its damp and cloudy winters. There’s plenty to keep you warm and entertained indoors, but between October and April, you’ll do well to pack a raincoat and umbrella.

11.  …and swimwear in summer

When sun hits the city, Hamburgers flock to the city’s many waterfront locales, whether for a sail, a chilled Astra beer or a paddle in the shallows. Though real swimming is not recommended due to passing boats, currents and swells, many dip their toes in both the Elbe and Outer Alster Lake. Strandperle and Strand Pauli are among the city’s best-loved beach clubs.

12.  Don’t miss the Reeperbahn

With its lurid run of erotic shops, fast-food joints and 24-hour pharmacies, the fluorescent thoroughfare that is the Reeperbahn is certainly not the makings of an elegant night out, but it’s an essential part of Hamburg’s identity. Whatever your taste, it’s well worth at least one walk down the “party mile”, if only to observe the bawdiness of its bars and the diversity of its crowds, from ebullient bachelorette parties to law school kids out to prove their wild side. You’ll see plenty of prostitutes, strip joints and upfront seediness, but with so many bright lights and people around you’re very unlikely to feel unsafe.

13.  You can party long and late if you want to

Whether you embrace raucous Reeperbahn revelry or opt for one of the city’s finest upscale cocktail joints, you can be sure to stay out late in Hamburg. Many bars and clubs won’t really kick off until well after midnight and the most dedicated night-owls will head straight from the party to breakfast, often in the form of a salutary sandwich at the Sunday morning Fischmarkt .

14.  Book ahead for Elphi

Hamburg’s new Elbphilharmonie , affectionately known as “Elphi”, opened in January 2017 to rapturous acclaim, despite being several years late—and ten times over budget—on completion. As well as its stunning waterfront location and impressive architectural impact, the building’s three concert venues boast some of the best acoustics in the world. If you want to experience them for yourself, do book well in advance either online or over the phone. Note that the Laeiszhalle is a separate venue, three kilometres away from the new building.

15.  Ogle the architecture

Though it suffered significant bombing during World War II, Hamburg is home to some remarkable buildings old and new. As well as the Elbphilharmonie , other major architectural landmarks include the elaborate, neo-Renaissance town hall; the extraordinary red-brick warehouse district; the seventeenth-to-nineteenth century houses on the Deichstraße; and the 1920s Chilehouse and waterfront Dockland Office Building (2005), both of which nod to Hamburg’s maritime identity with forms like a ship’s prow.

16.  Sample the seafood

Naturally, Hamburg prides itself on excellent fish. Whether you’re in the mood for classic Hanseatic elegance at the Fischereihafen , sublime sushi at Henssler and Henssler , or market stall banter and  fischbrötchen (fish sandwiches) at the Fischmarkt , be sure to savour some seafood.

17.  Enjoy a free concert at the St Michaeliskirche

Beneath its 132-metre high spire, the 18 th -century ‘Der Michel’ is a historic Hamburg landmark, and not just for ships sailing up the Elbe. Dedicated to the Archangel Michael, it is considered one of the finest Hanseatic Protestant churches in the baroque style. There is an organ recital at noon each day, allowing you to enjoy the church’s remarkable acoustics as well as its impressive interior.

18.  Miniatur Wunderland is not just for kids

Tucked away in the Speicherstadt district, the Miniatur Wunderland is the largest model railroad in the world, and you sure don’t need to be a child or a train geek to get a kick out of its scale, technical wizardry and extraordinary attention to detail. At last count, it consisted of 15,400 metres of track and 900 trains, alternatively whizzing or trundling through replica American, Swiss, Scandinavian, Italian, German and Alpine landscapes. It’s not just trains, either; the Miniatur Wunderland also includes road, air and sea traffic infrastructure with cars, lorries, fire engines, police cars, cruise liners and the world’s most comprehensive miniature airport, complete with hangars, terminals, ground staff and vehicles.

19.  Get botanical

Hamburg has many glorious green spaces, among them the Planten un Blomen park. This 116-acre city oasis features a vast tropical greenhouse, water features, an ice-skating rink, an Alpine garden, a rose garden with some 300 varieties of rose and a show-stealing Japanese garden, complete with tea pavilion. If you’re in town in the summer, pack a blanket and a bottle of wine and watch one of the park’s water light shows, or Wasserlichtkonzerte , which take place every night from May to September, starting at 10 pm.

20.  Explore the suburbs

With so much to see in the Altstadt and neighbouring districts, it’s easy to spend your trip in Hamburg central only. But for those who enjoy a little serenity in the city, a bus trip west to the rolling Jenisch Park or upscale Blankenese suburb promises a major dose of leafy peace and luxury. Wander the park’s peaceful woodland paths; pop into the Ernst Barlach Museum of modern expressionist sculpture; or enjoy tea, cake and pristine Elbe views in one of Blankenese’s classic cafes.

Time to see some sights

The 10 best attractions in Hamburg

Known as a harbour city, millionaire’s metropolis, media capital and an anarchist hub, Germany’s second-largest city is an intoxicating mix. A place where the North Sea winds carry prosperous Hanseatic trading history, as much as bawdy nightlife and a long tradition of leftist dissent.

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Visitors Plan Ahead

Discover Hamburg's top activities, restaurants, nightlife, shopping districts, clubs, places of worship and more.

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Plan Ahead One Day

Only in town for a day? From shopping to sightseeing and from breakfast to dinner ─ here's how to spend the perfect day in Hamburg.​​​​​​

Hamburg Travel Tips Two Days

You have two days in Hamburg and you want to make them count? See Hamburg Tourism's tips, like the gorgeous Inselpark!  

Hamburg Travel Tips Three Days

72 hours in Hamburg are still just scratching on the surface of the city's possibilities. Find all the must-sees as well as hidden gems here!  

Hamburg by Seasons Hamburg in Spring

Every spring, the Hanseatic city overflows with flowers, budding leaves and plenty of special events.

Hamburg by Seasons Summer in Hamburg

With plenty of parks and beaches in and around the city, summer is arguably the time of year when Hamburg really shines.

Hamburg by Seasons Hamburg in Autumn

As the leaves of the trees start to turn red, Hamburgers snuggle up in cozy cafes or set foot in the cinemas and museums of the city.   

Hamburg by Seasons Hamburg in Winter

Things become quieter, sure, but Hamburg doesn't fall into hibernation once the temperatures drop. Find out what to do and see!

Plan Ahead Seasonal

See the city bloom in Spring or warm up at the Christmas markets in Winter - Hamburg is a year-round destination.​​​​​​

Holidays & Celebrations Easter

The Easter weekend   is an excellent time to visit Hamburg! Enjoy brunch and visit the   DOM funfair as the city awakes from hibernation.​​​​​​

Plan Ahead Valentine's Day

Want to surprise your significant other for Valentine’s? Make it a day to remember in romantic Hamburg.

German Holidays Reformation Day

31 Oct: This public holiday marks Martin Luther nailing his theses to the door of the Wittenberg church some 500 years ago.​​​​​​​

Explore City Tours

You'd like to explore Hamburg? Discover the sightseeing highlights of the city with one of these guided tours.

Hamburg by ... Foot

Go sightseeing at your own pace with one of the eight popular walking routes to explore different areas of Hamburg on foot.​​​​​​​

German Holidays Unification Day

Every year on 3 October, Germany celebrates the fall of the Berlin Wall and the subsequent reunification of east and west.

Important Dates 9 November

9 November marks the anniversary of a number of historic events. All across Hamburg and beyond, candles are lit to commemorate the victims of Pogrom Night.

Holidays & Celebrations Saint Nicholas Day

6 December: The origins of Father Christmas, early gift giving, shoes filled with treats? Learn all about this yearly children’s celebration.

Copyright owners of the images

• Visitors : © www.mediaserver.hamburg.de / Andreas Vallbracht
• Plan ahead: © www.pixabay.com
• One day in Hamburg: © www.mediaserver.hamburg.de / bcs Media
• Two days in Hamburg: © imago stock & people / McPHOTO
• Three days in Hamburg: © imago stock & people / Reiner Zensen
• Spring in Hamburg : © IMAGO / Christian Ohde
• Hamburg in Summer: © www.mediaserver.hamburg.de / Geheimtipp Hamburg
• Hamburg in Autumn: © imago / robertharding
• Winter in Hamburg : © Olle August / Pixabay
• Hamburg in spring: © www.bildarchiv-hamburg.de / Christoph Bellin
• Easter in Hamburg: © imago stock & people / Westend61
• Valentine's Day Hamburg: © imago stock & people / ZweiKameraden
• Reformation Day 2017: © imago stock & people / STPP
• City Tours: © imago stock & people / Christian Ohde
• Hamburg by foot: © imago stock & people
• The Berlin Wall : © Caro Sodar / Pixabay
• Stolpersteine: © Marek Santen
• St Nicholas Boot: © anncapictures / Pixabay

How To Spend 2 Days Hamburg! Perfect Weekend in Hamburg Itinerary!

Categories Europe , Germany , Itinerary

On a very cold February weekend, I visited Hamburg with my best friend. Although tourists have been visiting Hamburg for a long time I feel that Hamburg is a bit of an ‘up and coming city’ thanks to it having a bit of edge and coolness! There are plenty of things to do in Hamburg to keep you busy for 2 days in Hamburg at least, making it a great weekend city break destination.

Here is my Hamburg itinerary and Hamburg travel tips that I recommend you follow for your 2 days in Hamburg too!

2 Days in Hamburg

Hamburg Itinerary

Day one in hamburg.

We arrived late on a Friday night so we were ready to explore on Saturday morning and spend 2 days in Hamburg!

Hamburg is very walkable and if you’re in the centre and happy to walk you probably won’t end up even using the transport apart from getting to and from the airport, however if you are staying further out or like to use public transport, I would recommend getting the Hamburg Card which will cover all transport and give discount on sight-seeing trips, museums etc.

You can find out about the Hamburg card here ! Also, there are no barriers to any of the stations so if you do get on remember to buy a ticket, we didn’t get our ticket checked but it would be typical that you forget to buy a ticket, jump on a train because you can, and then get fined!

Hamburg Town Hall

We got off at Jungfernstieg Station which is right in the City and I was pleased to see the very impressive Town Hall building sticking out above the other, more corporate buildings I, of course, headed there to get some snaps of this very German architecture!

The water was what had really drawn me to want to visit Hamburg, I love being by water and Hamburg has so many canals and rivers and actually feels like it’s right on the ocean, so we naturally drifted away from the Town Hall and down towards Hafen City , an area of the city that sits by the river and many canals and one of the popular places to visit in Hamburg.

I also found myself heading towards the red brick buildings , I had seen so many photos of these online, and I do love a red brick building, so pretty soon we were in the area I had seen so many photos of on Instagram and whilst crossing a bridge and looking down between the buildings and a long the canal I even said out loud ‘ooh I think this is the famous Hamburg Instagram spot!!’ What do you think??

I was also really surprised by just how many bridges there were! Every few meters there seemed to be a cast-iron bridge, and I later found out that Hamburg has over 2,500 bridge which is more than Amsterdam, Venice and London combined and more than any other city in Europe! Crazy!

Elbphilharmonie Building

We walked around Hafen City, spotted the very impressive Elbphilharmonie Building which we had tickets for the next day and generally just took in the beautiful blue skies and the atmosphere of a very chilled city!

Tip: You can get a guided tour of the Elbphilharmonie Building  during your 2 days in Hamburg which is a very popular thing to do and way to see this really impressive building. Buying a ticket like this will also save you trying to reserve one as you do need to get one in advance.

We were in need of coffee so headed back across the canals and back towards the city centre, it’s as if the coffee gods were on our side as I saw a place called Nord Coast Coffee Roastery on my phone and thought it sounded cool so we headed there.

On arrival, with people queuing out of the door we realised that this must be one of Hamburg’s popular coffee and brunch spots! Luckily the queue was just for brunch so we grabbed a coffee and sat outside with the blankets provided and planned our next step.

Tip: I would really recommend adding  Nord Coast Coffee Roastery  to your Hamburg itinerary for a coffee or brunch in Hamburg! If you go on the weekend and want brunch, book a few days in advance as the waitress said they book up quick!

Hamburg Boat Trip

I was really keen to head out on the water so after our very good coffee we headed towards the harbour and enjoyed walking a long the promenade.

I visited Hamburg with Come to Hamburg which is a blogger initiative to show off what Hamburg has to offer and their recommended boat trip partner was Barkassen Meyer which is on bridge 6, just up from the Hard Rock Cafe.

We got to their pier just before 1:00pm which was perfect as the boats depart every hour, on the hour. A ticket is €18.00, the boat was really nice, the windows were nice and big and even the ceiling was see-through so we had lots of light and heat, however the only down side was that the whole tour was in German!

We were given phones with English audio but the guy doing the tour in German was very loud and drowned out the sound of the audio a bit, plus he seemed to talk a lot more in German than what our English audio guide was so I felt like I wasn’t getting the best of what a tour can offer.

Tip: I would definitely suggest doing a boat tour on your Hamburg itinerary and during your 2 days in Hamburg as it was amazing to see the city from the water, it was so good to see all of the container boats on the other side of the river too as its something we just don’t see in day to day life, but make sure that you do a tour with an English guide or a tour where everyone has an audio guide and can switch it to their preferred language! If you have a Hamburg Card, see where you can get discounts with that.

These boat tours around Hamburg look great:

That being said, I did learn a lot about Hamburg from the tour, for example –

Hamburg is the largest city for musicals after New York and London!

The Elbphilharmonie was estimated to cost 75 Million Euros but ended up costing 789 Million Euros!

The area of Reeperbahn, known as the sinful mile is where The Beatles started their world career!

And the City of Hamburg dates back to the 9th Century!

Our next stop of the day was Lunch and it was well needed by 2:00pm. I had been told about Ban Canteen , a Vietnamese place with Vegan options so we headed there via the St Pauli area. St Pauli is where the Reeperbahn is which is now the red light district part of the city.

It was pretty strange seeing sex shops and bars in the middle of the day but once we came off the main street and further into St Pauli we were so surprised by this side of the city. It felt cool, rundown, up and coming but safe, which is a weird combination! We liked it anyway and past lots of cool bars and places to eat!

Tip: To help understand the Reeperbahn, check out Man Vs Globe’s post – Don’t Fear the Reeperbahn !

I actually wish I had done a tour of the Reeperbahn area  on my Hamburg itinerary, I didn’t know they were a thing until I got back, these tours sound really intriguing!

Ban Canteen is only a small restaurant but its menu and its portions are huge! We shared the Summer Spring Rolls to start, followed by a huge bowl of Tofu Pho each, finished by sharing the Mango & Coconut Panna Cotta.. all of it was Vegan and all of it was delicious!

Tip: Ban Canteen may seem like a bit of a walk away depending on where you are in the city as its to the top of St Pauli but I really recommend going! If you’re not Vegan, don’t worry, it’s meat based too, if you are Vegan, check it out as there are lots of options! Also check out these Vegan places in Hamburg by Veggie Visa!

Tip: For more great places to eat in Hamburg check out this Hamburg Food Guide .

StrandPauli

After our late lunch, we slowly walked back towards the Reeperbahn but at this point we felt a bit stuck with what to do next. We wanted a drink but the bars in St Pauli all looked a bit too dingy for this time of day so we headed back to the River where we came across StrandPauli . We were drawn in because of its beach bar vibe which in 0° which seemed very random but also very cool!

We were so surprised to see an outdoor deck area with sand on the floor and lots of people huddled in blankets, looking over the water and I couldn’t believe that we had found another gem which I recommend adding to you 2 days in Hamburg and Hamburg itinerary!

I was sooo happy to see that the bar is pretty much West facing and the sun was due to set in about an hour so we sat outside with a glass of red wine, a blanket covering our legs, music in the background and watched the sun slowly go down. We headed inside afterwards and the bar tender mentioned that come Summer this place is so busy!

Obviously, it will be a lot more pleasant in the Summer weather wise but I felt lucky that we got to sit in peace and watch an incredible sunset without the crowds and it reminded me that often, the random places you find in new places are the best!

Tip: You have to go to StrandPauli, no matter what the weather is like and ideally for sunset!

Dinnertime came round quickly, once again we ended up on the Reeperbahn which was a lot busier now, we snuck off into the streets of St Pauli though and found an Italian place to eat. We did struggle with finding somewhere for dinner and kind of wished we had stayed in StrandPauli as they serve food too but the pizza’s were good!

Day Two in Hamburg!

The best thing to do on a Sunday morning in Hamburg is to go to the Fischmarkt aka the Fish Market ! I have woken up many times on a Sunday morning to look on Instagram Stories and see someone I follow at the fish market in Hamburg. I’ve seen live music, people dancing, drinking beers and all before 9:00am, so I knew I had to go!

The Fish Market starts at 5:00am and finishes up at around 9:30am. We got to Landungsbrucken train station for about 8:30am which was the perfect time  (considering the weather, more on that soon). Lots of people were heading to the markets at this time, although we noted that most of them seemed like tourists and that the locals were the people passing us leaving with baskets full of fruit and veggies!

We walked through an area of outdoor stalls selling lots of fish and fish sandwiches of course, but also cakes and fruits and clothes. It would have been really easy to get caught up in this and stay out here but I knew we needed to head further down to the inside market and I wasn’t disappointed when we got there!

Live music was blaring, people were dancing, the beers and Jaeger were out, some people looked like they had been up since last night, but luckily there was coffee on offer and seats for us who were still feeling sleepy from a night in bed! We didn’t get inside until about 9:00am so we only listened to about 30 minutes of music before it stopped and everyone slowly started leaving. For us this was a good amount of time, especially as it was a very cold morning and it had just started snowing, and settling!

Tip: I would recommend getting to the fish market for about 8:00-8:30am for a fuller experience, especially if you are visiting in Spring or Summer!

St Nicholas Church

We headed back towards the City Centre, passing St Michael’s and St. Nicholas Church . Both of these churches have viewing platforms which I had hoped to go up, however it was really snowing by this point and the visibility was terrible so I knew there was no point.

Tip: I would recommend going up at least one of these churches, both cost €5.00 to enter the viewing platform. I saw that St Nicholas Church (second photo below) has a lift all the way to the top!

International Maritime Museum

We were booked in for the Elbphilharmonie today so we headed back towards Hafen City however first we visited the International Maritime Museum . I’m not a huge museum fan but I did find this museum really interesting, we read a few bits about slavery which was awful to read but a good reminder, and on a more fun note we saw a huge lego cruise ship which was impressive!

Hafen City seemed very quiet on the weekend, I assume its busier during the week and office hours (or maybe it was because it was seriously snowing now as you can tell by my photos!). However across the canal and street from the International Maritime Museum is Wildes Fraulein Cafe so we popped in here for a coffee and once again, we came across a gem!

The cafe is Alpine style I believe and has a gondola car inside it which proved fun for the children, we had a good coffee but most importantly they offer awesome brunches and food in general!

Tip: If you’re in Hafen City and looking for a cool cafe, head to Wildes Fraulein for coffee, brunch or lunch!

Elbphilharmonie

Finally we headed towards the very impressive Elbphilharmonie ! We took the ‘Tube’ aka a cool escalator towards the top and then headed out onto the balcony. The balcony runs all the way around the building. Due to the weather we didn’t get to see much but luckily we had had the blue skies the day before so we had an idea of what was hiding behind the cloud! I really enjoyed going in here, its such an iconic building of Hamburg and Europe now its kind of a must visit!

Tip: Tickets are free however they are limited to a number of slots each day so it is advisable to book online, you can book here . There is a €2.00 booking fee and the tickets are emailed. The ticket says to print it out but I forgot and no one even looked at the ticket anyway so try to print it out but if not, you should be ok!

Lunch time called for a Burger at Better Burger Company , another place I had been recommended by Come to Hamburg. We headed back towards the Town Hall which we had seen the morning before, it really surprised us how quiet the city was, all the shops were shut which I guess is still normal for a lot of Cities (living in London for makes me forget that Sunday should be a quiet day!) and the snow was probably keeping people inside too!

Better Burger Company offers a few different types of beef burgers, a veggie burger and a vegan burger. You choose the burger, choose up to 5 toppings or sauces, add a side of fries and you’re in for a pretty awesome meal!!

Tip: Better Burger Company is a great place for lunch as its quick and relaxed so I would recommend heading there for lunch over dinner.

With the cold really setting in and the city being so quiet we decided to retreat into a bar.. again! We had searched beer tasting the day before and Barley & Malt had appeared. This is another thing that surprised me about Hamburg, we thought there would be a lot more pubs and we would see steins of beer everywhere but so far we really hadn’t, I guess this isn’t as common in Northern Germany?

Barely & Malt turned out to be an Irish Bar (trust us to find an Irish Bar!), but we were still tempted by its €7.00 craft beer tasting and I’m really glad we did head inside. It was quiet but we enjoyed sitting with a window view of the street, tasting 5 different beers!

Tip: I would really recommend doing the Craft beer tasting in Barley & Malt, especially if you’re on a budget as €7.00 for 5 small beers is good! It probably gets quite busy later on but they don’t allow stag parties which is good. Barley & Malt is also on the same street as Nord Coast Coffee Roastery!

Soon it was dinner time (we definitely lived for meals in Hamburg), the city was still very quiet so we headed randomly in the direction of Landungsbrucken station where we had started the day.

Around St Michael’s church we noticed that a lot of restaurants seemed open. We really wanted a true German meal since we hadn’t had one yet, but all of the restaurants seemed to be Portuguese, Spanish, Brazilian and Italian which we thought was strange but as it was so cold we decided to jump into one that looked good. Luigi’s on Ditmar-Koel-Straße street caught our attention for some reason but I’m so glad it did!

Luigi’s is an Italian restaurant, it’s quite dark inside and has pumping music which seemed very out-of-place, especially on a Sunday considering we had experienced such a sleepy Hamburg all day!

The rooms weave all the way back and the walls are full of graffiti and art and it’s all very random! The staff were so good and fun – cheeky and charming comes to mind, and the food was rally good, so all in all, we found another gem!

Tip: As I mentioned, we find it really hard to come across what I think of as German food (me being Vegan probably doesn’t help), so I would suggest embracing food from other Countries whilst in Germany, for example Vietnamese from Ban Canteen and Italian from Luigi’s!

And that was the end of our 2 days in Hamburg! We headed back to the hotel, relaxed in the spa for a bit, went to bed and flew back to London Monday morning!

Hamburg Travel Tips

Because Hamburg is on the water, it does get cold! If you can, I would suggest going outside of Winter!

As I mentioned, Sunday was so quiet in the City so heading to Hamburg during the week or a Friday and Saturday might provide a fuller experience. If not, a weekend is fine and maybe its busier on a Sunday when it’s not snowing!

Flights to Hamburg can often be so cheap! We flew there with Ryanair from London Stansted and back with Easyjet to London Luton, our flights were about £50.00 return in total but I have seen flights much cheaper on Skyscanner !

Staying in the centre of Hamburg is best, 25Hotels Hotel in Hafen City is a really good central hotel in Hamburg I have heard!

• Posts you may also like:
• A First Timer’s Guide to Visiting Berlin!
• What I Pack for a European Winter City Break!
• How to Plan, Book and Have a European City Break on a Budget!

I visited Hamburg with Come to Hamburg but all thoughts and opinions are my own! 

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Mark & Glenda

Wednesday 3rd of July 2019

Thanks very much for your tips for two days in Hamburg

Sunday 1st of July 2018

Love your post! Thanks for this. Great itierary.

TheWanderingQuinn

You’re welcome, thank you for reading and commenting! :)

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Is Hamburg Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Germany : Safety by City

The city of Hamburg has a well-deserved reputation as Germany’s Gateway to the World.

It is the country’s biggest port and the second-busiest in Europe.

It is also Germany’s second-largest city with a population of over 1.8 million.

Hamburg is an excellent tourist destination, and many visitors come to the city every year.

There are many landmarks in the city worth to visit: Speicherstadt – the city warehouse; HafenCity – is a new waterside quarter; Elbphilharmonie – is Hamburg’s tallest inhabited building; Planten un Blomen – 47 hectares of gardens, lawns, ponds, greenhouses, and botanical plantations.

There are also a lot of museums, Houses of worship, theaters and a lot of cultural and fun events for a year.

• Warnings & Dangers in Hamburg

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

In general, Hamburg is quite safe. If you follow the usual safety measures and monitor your things - you will not get into trouble. Mass crowds and demonstrations are best avoided. Keep track of pockets in crowded places.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Hamburg has a lot of public transport: from buses to boats. They are considered safe. However, watch your pockets. Taxis are reliable, and you can call them through the app on your smartphone or a unique stop sign.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Pickpockets are not so common, but in tourist places and crowded places, there can be quite a lot of them. The usual precautions will protect you from this risk. Be careful with beggars or those trying to distract you.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

Although this does not happen often, Hamburg may be flooded from time to time due to the spill of the river. Examine the situation for this risk before you visit this city.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

There are almost no armed severe robberies here. In addition, the police quickly respond to all cases of this kind of crime. Do not walk around the city late at night, and especially when drunk. Do not carry a lot of cash and precious things.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

Terrorists can carry out attacks in Hamburg, as terrorist attacks are not uncommon in Europe. You should be vigilant and follow the advice of local authorities. Avoid mass gatherings and demonstrations — especially religious and political subjects.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

The most common fraud in Hamburg is SMS and email newsletters, where fraudsters want to receive your data and your bank card details. Such activities usually rarely concern tourists. However, you should be on the lookout for such an opportunity.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women traveling alone can feel quite safe in Hamburg. However, you should follow the usual precautions. Do not walk late at night in the remote and dangerous areas of the city. Return home by taxi if it is already late at night.

• So... How Safe Is Hamburg Really?

Generally, Hamburg is a safe city.

The level of crime here is low to moderate.

Most crimes concern petty theft, things from car stolen, vandalism, and robbery.

There is also a little problem with drugs in the city.

The usual precautions should be observed against pickpockets, especially in crowded situations and along with the tourist and shopping areas.

The Reeperbahn area of the city is fewer safe than others.

But there are a lot of police patrols in that area.

You should be aware that prostitutes offer their services on the sidewalk and can be very persistent, even holding on to you and coming after you a few steps (until they begin to another’s spot).

Reeperbahn train station can be very crowded on weekends, especially at late hours with groups of drunk people causing conflicts.

Try to avoid any contacts.

Do not leave your personal belongings unattended: in most cases, they may not be touched; however, do not seduce small thieves once again.

Tap water is very clean and safe to drink, even to prepare food for infants.

If you relax on one of the beaches of the city, be careful in the water.

Passing ships sometimes raise quite large waves, which can hurt you if you are sitting right by the water.

Jumping into running water is also not recommended.

• How Does Hamburg Compare?
• Useful Information

You can enter Germany without a visa if you stay for less than 90 days. If you are EU nationals, you can stay in the country as long as you want. A valid passport is a must.

The Euro is the official currency for Germany. A sign is €; code: EUR. The euro is divided into 100 euro cents.

The best times to visit Hamburg for ideal weather are June to mid-September. Average temperatures in Hamburg vary greatly, and the weather feels cold for about half of the year and otherwise excellent with a little chance of rain or snow throughout the year.

Hamburg Airport is the international airport of Hamburg, the second-largest city in Germany. It is located 8.5 km north of the city center. It services international and domestic flights.

Travel Insurance

The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.

Hamburg Weather Averages (Temperatures)

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Germany - Safety by City

• Where to Next?

2 Reviews on Hamburg

Wrong rating….

Why is Hamburg isn’t rated at „low overall risk“ if the rating is 82?

One of our absolute favorite cities

Hamburg is the ideal city for those who try to run away from the insane temps in the metropolis. We’ve had the port tour which lasted some hours and we got to see so many important landmarks. Everyone was so pleasant and helpful while keeping to themselves, they didn’t like to engage in further conversations that much. You will see a lot of law enforcement officers around the city but they don’t feel or look intrusive.

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Article Contents

• Hamburg : Safety by City
• Overall Risk
• Transport & Taxis Risk
• Pickpockets Risk
• Natural Disasters Risk
• Mugging Risk
• Terrorism Risk
• Women Travelers Risk
• Weather Averages (Temperatures)
• User Reviews
• Share Your Experience

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Hamburg travel blog — the fullest hamburg travel guide for a budget trip to the 2nd largest city of germany.

We rarely hear about Hamburg, because of the huge shadow of the giant Berlin. But few people know that, Hamburg is the busiest trading seaport of Germany. This city is extremely modern and bustling, with a rich and vibrant nightlife, but still retains its ancient features. In this article we will guide you to travel to Hamburg, Germany’s second busiest port city after Berlin. It is not natural that people often say, Hamburg is the most livable city in Germany. So, how to visit and what to do in Hamburg? Let’s check out our Hamburg travel blog (Hamburg blog) with the fullest Hamburg travel guide (Hamburg guide, Hamburg city guide) for a great budget trip to the 2nd largest city of Germany from how to get there, where to stay, where to go, what and where to eat, to best places to visit, top things to do…to find out the answer!

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• Frankfurt travel blog — The fullest Frankfurt travel guide for first-timers
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Hamburg travel blog: The traveling cost in Hamburg

Hamburg is one of the most expensive cities in Germany. However, depending on your travel style, or if you know how to spend, find the right service, it is not too much to worry. Some travel costs per day you can refer to:

• Sightseeing cost: €6-10 (may or may not)
• Food cost: €17-19 (Breakfast: €3/Lunch: €6/Dinner: €8-10)
• Transport: €3.10
• Traveling cost (for hostel): €20-40

Total travel cost for the day per person: ~ €46-72

Read more: Berlin travel blog — The fullest Berlin travel guide blog for a great budget trip to Berlin for the first-timers.

Hamburg city guide: When is the best time to visit Hamburg?

Hamburg is a city with relatively much rain during the year. According to statistics, an average of 10 rainy days a month. However, the summers here are quite cool, and in winter, the temperatures rarely drop as low as freezing or snowing.

Spring: This is a very good time if you want to visit Hamburg and explore the parks. Cherry blossoms bloom in April and May. Room rates or services will be slightly lower than during the peak tourist season is summer.

Summer: The peak tourist season in Hamburg, nice weather but more rain than other seasons. Areas such as parks, restaurants, pubs, and beaches are crowded places to avoid the heat and enjoy the summer sun.

Autumn – Winter: The temperatures gradually decrease from the end of October in Hamburg. This is a good time to hunt for cheap tickets to travel to this city, as the weather will gradually get worse. Winter is very bleak, it is cloudy, much cold and rainy days. However, the Christmas season is a very good opportunity to explore Hamburg. There are many festivals take place during the month before the biggest holiday of the year.

Hamburg blog: Where to stay?

As a modern city, you can rest assured there are many options for hotels or hostels in Hamburg. If you have a good budget, you must stay at The Westin Hamburg hotel ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) with a beautiful view of the Elbe River. This river flows straight to the sea.

Alternatively, you might consider the 5-star Renaissance Hamburg Hotel ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) located in the New Town area. The hotel with deep tones, elegant interior, prime location in the heart of the bustling shopping district of Hamburg center.

If you are traveling alone on an average budget, you can refer to the hostel I stayed at the Generator Hamburg ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) . This hostel is located right next to the central station, the surroundings are extremely bustling and crowded. The quality of service as well as facilities in this hostel are also quite good.

Below we recommend more best cheap, budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

25hours Hotel HafenCity , a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $151/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

NH Collection Hamburg City , a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $99/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Scandic Hamburg Emporio , a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $130/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Adina Apartment Hotel Hamburg Speicherstadt , a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $129/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

You can find more, check rates, availability & book for hotels in this city on Agoda.com or Booking.com .

Hamburg travel blog: What to eat and where to go in Hamburg?

Museums in hamburg, kunsthalle hamburg.

Kunsthalle is one of Germany’s most important museums. This art museum displays artifacts spanning through 7 centuries, up to the contemporary art era. In addition, the top floor of the building also has a beautiful cafe overlooking the city.

Address: Glockengießerwall 5, 20095 Hamburg, Germany Hours: 10AM–6PM / Monday: Closed

International Maritime Museum

Hamburg is one of Europe’s most important seaports and this museum is a witness to 3,000 years of maritime history. Here, you will be immersed in the large collections of marine ship models, art, uniforms and images come from Peter Tamm.

• International Maritime Museum Entry Ticket in Hamburg

Address: Koreastraße 1, 20457 Hamburg, Germany Hours: 10AM–6PM

The Museum of Arts and Crafts

This is one of the largest museums in Europe and it displays decorative artworks from the past 4,000 years. Exhibits everything from fashion (Coco Chanel, Alexander McQueen, etc.), textiles, and jewelry to photography, and graphic design.

Address: Steintorpl., 20099 Hamburg, Germany Hours: 10AM–6PM/Monday: Closed

Watching the city from St. Michael’s Church

One of the best spots to watching Hamburg from above is from St. Michael’s Church. You can visit the church for free, and pay €5 to take the elevator to the top of the 132m high bell tower. From here you can see the panoramic city with a 360-degree view.

Miniatur Wunderland

This tourist place is extremely famous in Germany, with its enchanting train models. This complex is located on an area of ​​up to 1,300 square meters, with more than a thousand models of trains, planes, cars and ships. A wonder of miniature world. You can find a little Venice, San Francisco as in real life, from people to scenery.

Address: Kehrwieder 2/Block D, 20457 Hamburg, Germany Hours: 7AM–1AM/Saturday: 7AM–2AM

Hamburg Street Art

Hamburg is also a paradise of street art or graffiti. You can find it on every meter of street in the neighborhoods of St.Pauli, Sternschanze, and Karolinenviertel. Don’t forget to walk for hours to explore these beautiful street paintings.

Elbe Tunnel

Elbe Tunnel also known as St. Pauli Elbe Tunnel, is a long tunnel running under the River Elbe. Completed more than 100 years ago (built in 1911), this tunnel connects the city center with the port in the south of the city. Elbe Tunnel is open 24 hours a day for pedestrians and cyclists, and is also a tourist attraction.

Take some beautiful pictures in Hafencity

The Harbor City area of ​​Hamburg is truly a haven for those who love taking pictures. You can walk along canals in Wandrahmsfleet, step over iron bridges here to see the buildings reflected in the calm water surface. The best time to take good photos is at sunset. When the electric lights from the buildings lights up. A very famous building here is the Wasserschloss with a restaurant inside it.

Planten un Blomen and Stadtpark

Planten un Blomen means for Plants and Flowers in German, is a green park located in the heart of the city. This is a great place for you and your family to relax on weekends, enjoy the freshness of nature. This park has a lot of playgrounds for children. It is also known as the largest Japanese garden in Europe.

Address: Marseiller Str., 20355 Hamburg, Germany Hours: 7AM–11PM

The Stadtpark, often referred to as Hamburg’s “Green Heart”, is also a large park located in the north of the city. This area is filled with statues, lakes, and playgrounds for you to visit and relax.

Address: Hamburg, Germany Hours: Open 24 hours

Elbphilharmonie Theater (Elbe Philharmonic Hall)

Elbphilharmonie Concert Hall is one of the most modern and large theaters in the world. Although It has just opened, this can also be considered a symbol of Hamburg, like a pearl facing the blue sea. Admission is quite high but you can get up to the 360 ​​degree observatory for just €2, book tickets here.

Address: Platz der Deutschen Einheit 4, 20457 Hamburg, Germany

Jungfernstieg

If you have come to Hamburg without visiting Jungfernstieg, it means you have not come to this city yet. Jungfernstieg can be considered as a shopping, cultural and dining center when traveling to Hamburg. The bustling streets with famous fashion brands, large shopping mall, and countless German restaurants and eateries. In addition, you can not miss Lake Binnenalster with cherry blossoms falling into the lake in spring, beautiful and mesmerizing!

Seaport in Hamburg

Hamburg is Germany’s largest port city, so there’s nothing more exciting than spending a visit to the port with the ships moored here. In particular, remember to visit the area where there are 2 old ships Rickmer Rickmers and Cap San Diego. These ships have been renovated into museums and you can visit and see from afar. Also, do not forget to visit the interior of the former Soviet-era U-434 submarine still anchored at the port.

Experience the Christmas market in Hamburg

The Christmas market that I want you to experience when coming to Hamburg is St. Pauli. Not only the Christmas market, this is really the most “notorious” playing and dining area in this city. Especially the nightlife and the exclusive gay areas. When the Christmas season comes, this area is often lavishly decorated and the earliest in the city. Lights everywhere, harmonized with the music, the sound of playing, very exciting!

Some other attractive places to visit:

• Deichtorhallen: One of the largest art centers for contemporary art and photography in Europe.
• St. Pauli Stadium: The atmosphere in the stadium is always exciting, don’t forget to buy tickets to watch a football match.
• Tierpark Hagenbeck: Hamburg Zoo.
• PROTOTYP Museum: Automobile museum with samples displaying about 50 antique cars throughout the 80-year history of Germany’s famous automobile industry.
• Day trip to Lübeck: An ancient German village recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with just a short train ride from Hamburg.

Hamburg travel guide (Hamburg guide): Transportation and public transport in Hamburg

How to get to hamburg.

By air: As one of the largest cities in Germany, you can easily catch flights to Hamburg from anywhere in Europe. When arriving at the airport, there will be a subway connecting between Hamburg airport and the city center with just 30 minutes.

By train: The last station for trains from other cities is Hamburg Hauptbahnhof central station, located in the city center. The station connects with 4 lines in the German S-Bahn train system and 6 subway lines of U-Bahn.

By ZOB long-distance bus: Hamburg has a large bus hub right next to Hamburg Hauptbahnhof station. From here you can catch Flixbus to other major cities in Europe.

Getting around the city by public transport

One very convenient thing about getting in and around Hamburg when traveling to Hamburg is regional train, subway, bus and ferry all use the same type of ticket. This standard ticket is used for most major means of transportation and areas of the city including airport access. You can go to hvv.de to plan your itinerary and schedule.

Also you can buy Hamburg Card if you travel a lot because with this ticket you will have unlimited use of public transport. There will also be discounts for some attractions. Traveling by public transport in Hamburg is similar to traveling in other cities in Germany.

Hamburg Card

The basic types of tickets to travel within the city:

• Single ticket: €3.30 / time
• Daily ticket: €7.80
• Daily ticket (after 9am): €6.50

S-Bahn and U-Bahn trains

The two main types of trains to traveling in the city are the U-Bahn (underground lines) and the S-Bahn (suburban lines). You can take these two trains to get to anywhere. Both operate from 4:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m, and open 24/24 on weekends.

Because there are no barriers at stations in Germany, you will need to validate your ticket to take the train. Sometime, the staff will check randomly and you will get a heavy fine if you don’t have a ticket.

Travel by ferry

Although not very popular with tourists, there are 6 ferry lines in Hamburg that take you to different places in the city. The tip is that you can take the ferry number 61 to reach quite a few famous attractions. Access here for details.

Hamburg travel blog: What and where to eat in Hamburg?

Hamburg is a great tourist destination for those who want to experience food. This city not only has cultural features of Germany, but also has many impressive points of its own. There is still great German beer, but also a variety of seafood from one of Germany’s biggest seaports. Some food experiences you can try in Hamburg include:

Eating at a Vietnamese eatery in Hamburg

The Vietnamese community in Hamburg is quite crowded, so I see there are quite a few Vietnamese eateries in Hamburg. A good one when I went to Europa Passage was Hanoi Deli Rathaus. This shop is located on the food court in this commercial center, with the fried rice with roasted duck with mango juice that I ordered quite attractive.

Address: Schauenburgerstraße 49, 20095 Hamburg, Germany Hours: 11:30AM–10PM/Sunday: 1–8:30PM; Saturday: 12:30–10PM

Also you can experience the fast food chain AisaHung in Hamburg as well as across Germany. Here they specialize in Vietnamese and Asian cuisine, with full of rice, stir-fried noodles, … In general, the taste is suitable for Vietnamese.

Address: Kleine Johannisstraße 20, 20457 Hamburg, Germany Hours: 11AM–7PM/Sunday: Closed

Experience the Hamburg cuisine at Daniel Wischer

I found this restaurant in Alstadt, which just outside is a large plaza with a Christmas market. This restaurant is quite large and noisy, because many people often come here to drink. I ordered a large beer, a part of Labskaus with fried eggs and bacon, a part of sea fish fillet and pickled vegetables. Although a bit strange but generally good (enjoy!).

Address: Große Johannisstraße 3, 20457 Hamburg, Germany Hours: 11:30AM–9PM/Sunday: Closed

Romantic dinner at the restaurant Kartoffelkeller – Little Amsterdam

Little Amsterdam is a call for a colorful block houses next to a small Nikolaifleet canal in Hamburg. These houses are romantic restaurants that you will often have to pre-book for your dinner. I ordered a potato part, a meat skewer with sauce, and a heavy glass of vodka. The price for this meal is 23 Euros per person.

Address: Große Johannisstraße 3, 20457 Hamburg, Germany Hours: 12–10PM/Wednesday: Closed

Above are my travel experiences when explore Hamburg, thank you so much for reading and have a good trip!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Hamburg you can refer to

• Private Hamburg Airport (HAM) Transfers for Hamburg
• Hamburg City Pass
• Miniatur Wunderland Entry Ticket With Priority Entrance in Hamburg
• Hamburg Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour
• Hamburg Discovery Walking Tour
• Hamburg St. Pauli and Harbor Evening Walking Tour
• Wax Museum Panoptikum Admission Ticket in Hamburg
• Hamburg: 1.5-Hour Harbor and Speicherstadt Day Cruise
• St. Pauli: Reeperbahn Bars & Red Light District Walking Tour with Drink
• Hamburg: Port of Hamburg Cruise Tour
• Hamburg: 1-Hour Harbor Cruise
• Hamburg: Line A Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour
• St. Pauli: Reeperbahn Walking Tour by Drag Queen or Local Celebrity
• Hamburg: Harbor Evening Lights Cruise
• Hamburg: Hamburg Dungeon Admission Ticket
• St. Pauli: Reeperbahn Walking Tour with Zur Ritze Entry & Drink (18+)
• Hamburg: Ticket to the Panoptikum Waxworks
• Hamburg: City Center and Speicherstadt Bike Tour

Are you looking for more top things to do in Hamburg: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here. And Germany travel guide here .

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• One Day Itinerary
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• Flea Markets
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• Best Hotels In City Centre (Altstadt & Neustadt)
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• Best Hotels In St Pauli
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Hamburg Card: Where to Buy and Is it Worth It?

Updated on  March 8, 2024  

Are you wondering if the Hamburg Card is worth it?

Wondering where you can buy the Hamburg Card for the best price?

In this blog post, we'll answer all your questions about this tourist card in Hamburg! 👇

Hamburg Card Benefits and Where to Buy

The Hamburg Card is a special card for tourists! It helps you save money when you visit museums, attractions, or take tours in the city .

Plus, it lets you ride on public transportation for free , from buses and trains to ferries.

You can choose between 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, or 5-Day cards. And prices range from €11.90 to €48.90 per single-person card.

Here's a list of some of the Hamburg Card discounts (click category to see full list):

Museum Discounts

• Additives Museum ( €2 instead of €3.50 entry fee)
• Airport Model Exhibition (20% discount)
• Altona Museum (40% discount)
• Art Mile (Kunstmeile) Hamburg (20% discount)
• Automuseum Prototyp (16% discount)
• Bergedorf Museum (20% discount)
• Bucerius Kunst Forum (25% discount)
• CHOCOVERSUM (15% discount)
• Cap San Diego (15% discount)
• Coffee Museum Burg (18% discount)
• Deichtorhallen (33% discount)
• Deichtorhallen - Falckenberg Collection (20% discount)
• Deichtorhallen - House of Photography (33% discount)
• Deutsches Hafenmuseum (German Harbour Museum) (38% discount)
• Emigrant Museum BallinStadt (20% discount)
• HSV Museum (28% discount)
• Helms Museum (50% discount)
• International Maritime Museum (23% discount)
• Jenisch Haus (42% discount)
• Kramer Widow's Apartment (20% discount)
• Kunsthalle Hamburg (31% discount)
• Kunsthaus Hamburg (reduced prices)
• Kunstverein Hamburg (40% discount)
• Montblanc House (20% discount)
• Mahnmal St. Nikolai (25-50% discount)
• Miniatur Wunderland Hamburg (save €0.50-€1)
• Museum Ship Rickmer Rickmers (14% discount)
• Museum am Rothenbaum - Kulturen und Künste der Welt (32% discount)
• Museum der Arbeit (41% discount)
• Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe (42% discount)
• Panoptikum (15% discount)
• Polizeimuseum Hamburg (25% discount)
• Port des Lumières (15% discount)
• Speicherstadtmuseum (reduced prices)
• Spicy's Gewürzmuseum (reduced prices)
• St. Michaelis Church (reduced prices)

Culture Discounts

• Allee Theatre - Hamburger Kammeroper (20% discount)
• Alma Hoppes Lustspielhaus (27-33% discount)
• Altona Theatre (15% discount)
• ComedyBoot in Hamburg (24% discount)
• Deutsches Schauspielhaus (15% discount)
• Ernst Deutsch Theatre (20% discount)
• First Stage Theatre (30% discount)
• Hamburg Theatre Ship (16% discount)
• Hamburger Engelsaal (15% discount)
• Hamburger Kammerspiele (15% discount)
• Hamburgische Staatsoper (15% discount)
• Harburg Theatre (15% discount)
• Harry Potter and the Enchanted Child - Mehr Theater at the Großmarkt (10% discount)
• Kampnagel (20% discount)
• Kellertheatre Hamburg (20% discount)
• Komödie Winterhuder Fährhaus (15% discount)
• Ohnsorg Theatre (20% discount)
• Opernloft (15% discount)
• Pulverfass Cabaret (25% discount)
• Quatsch Comedy Club (15% discount)
• Schmidt Theatre (15% discount)
• Schmidt's TIVOLI (15% discount)
• Schmidtchen (15% discount)
• St. Pauli Theatre (25% discount)
• Stage Operettenhaus (up to 10% discount)
• Stage Theatre Neue Flora (up to 10% discount)
• Stage Theatre an der Elbe (up to 10% discount)
• Stage Theatre im Hafen (up to 10% discount)
• Thalia Theatre (15% discount)
• Varieté im Hansa Theater (25% discount)

Sightseeing Discounts

• Ahoy all sailors (20% discount)
• Alster Touristik Hamburg - Alster Cruise (15% discount)
• AlsterRadler Station (20% discount)
• Barkassen Ehlers - Big Harbour Tour, Historic Fleet Trip, Super Harbour Tour (reduced prices)
• Barkassen Meyer Harbour Tours - Big Harbour Tour, Harbor Sightseeing Tour XXL (reduced prices)
• CANAIR - Sightseeing flight (15% discount)
• City Tour - from the Town Hall to HafenCity (17% discount)
• Citi Naut - ELBPHILHARMONIE KURIOS (15% discount)
• Citi Naut - Hamburg Kurios Tour (22% discount)
• City Haut - Kiez Kurious  Tour (22% discount)
• Corpus Delicti (16% discount)
• Experience-Cooking Culinary Discount (20% discount on Genussrallye-Harbour)
• FRS Helgoline GmbH & Co. KG - Day trip / Multiday trip / One-way trip from Hamburg to Helgoland (15% on Jet Class in A, B & C season)
• Fahrradtaxi Pedalotours - City tour by rickshaw (20% discount)
• Guided City Tour "Bridges" (16% discount)
• Hamburg City Cycles - Hamburg Kompakt Tour (14% discount)
• Hamburg City Vision - Classic-Line C (13% discount)
• Hamburg Citytours hop-on-hop-off city tour ticket (reduced price)
• Hamburg Gezeiten - Private city tours (20% discount)
• Hamburg Town Hall - Tours (21% discount)
• Hanse Kart Tour - Street Kart Sightseeing Tour (reduced prices)
• Hanse Stadtrundfahrt - City Tour (Line G) (13% discount)
• Harbour Tour with Captain Heinrich Prüsse - Big Harbour Cruise (20-25% discount)
• Insider Tour of Hamburg (20% discount)
• Kiezjungs - Reeperbahn Tour (15% discount)
• Kiezjungs - Red Light District Tour (15% discount)
• Lüneburg City Tour (15% discount)
• Mister X Sightseeing Tour (40% discount)
• Rainer Abicht Elbreederei - Evening twilight cruise (20% discount)
• Ratsherrn Brauereiführung - Brewery Tour (15% discount)
• Reederei & Schiffs-Vermietung GREGORS (reduced prices)
• Reeperbahn - Lust & Vices Tour (20% discount)
• Regiomaris - Excursions in the region (15% discount)
• Runningtour Hamburg (20% discount)
• Ryddle City Rallies (30% discount)
• Satt Pauli Tour (28% discount)
• Sex & Crime in St. Pauli (25% discount)
• Speicherstadt - Hamburg's UNESCO World Heritage Site (21% discount)
• St. Georg Food Tour (15% discount)
• St. Pauli BeerTour (reduced prices)
• St. Pauli KiezTour (25% discount)
• St. Pauli QueerTour (30% discount)
• St. Pauli Quickie (17% discount)
• St. Pauli Quiz Tour (30% discount)
• St. Pauli Kulinarisch (15% discount)
• St. Pauli Night Watchman (15% discount)
• St. Pauli True Crime Tour (30% discount)
• Stade City Tour (28% discount)
• Stadterlebnis.Hamburg - Step-by-Step Through Hamburg Tour (16% discount)
• Sunday Morning Special: Off to the fish market! (20% discount)
• The Kiez-Captain Kieztour (15% discount)
• The Red Double-Deckers - Hop-on-Hop-off on Line A (13% discount)
• The Blue Double-Decker (reduced prices)
• The Yellow Double Deckers (reduced prices)
• Tunnel Tour (16% discount)
• UNESCO World Heritage Tour (17% discount)
• Verein Alsterdampfschiffahrt (reduced prices)
• Adventure World Tours - Sternschanze Kulinarisch - Die Food Tour (15% discount)
• Adventure World Tours - Elphi Plaza und HafenCity kulinarisch – Die Food Tour
• Adventure World Tours - Elbphilharmonie Tour (15% discount)
• scuddy.tours Sightseeing with electric scooters (15% discount)
• stadterlebnis.hamburg - With all your senses tour

Other Attraction Discounts

• Escape Room at the Rickmer Rickmers (17%)
• Casino Esplanade (free entry)
• Bungee Jumping (20% discount)
• David Lloyd Meridian Alstertal (25% off day tickets)
• David Lloyd Meridian Hamburg Barmbek (25% off day tickets)
• David Lloyd Meridian Hamburg Michel (25% off day tickets)
• David Lloyd Meridian Wandsbek (25% off day tickets)
• Dialogue in the Dark (15% discount)
• Dialogue in Silence (15% discount)
• Fluchtweg Hamburg - Live Escape Game (15% discount)
• Fluchtweg Hamburg Wandsbek (15% discount)
• Goblinstadt (reduced prices)
• Hamburg Dungeon (27% discount)
• Hidden Games - Puzzle Hunt (17% discount)
• Kids im Dialog (15% discount)
• Movie Golf Hamburg (save €2)
• Nordwand (15% discount on selected days)
• Open Air Museum Rieck Haus (25% discount)
• Panik City (15% discount)
• SUP Legion - Leasing SUP board (14% discount)
• Spielbank Hamburg (free entry)
• Wildpark Schwarze Berge (25% discount)
• pause & play Escape Rooms - Ferdinandstraße/Reihe (15% discount)

Shopping Discounts

• All my friends (10% discount)
• Elbphilharmonie Visitors Center (10% discount on souvenirs)

Local Public Transport

• Free use of bus, train and harbor ferries. The Hamburg CARD applies to Hamburg AB area including the airport.
• ERFAHRE Hamburg (15% discount on rentals up to 24 hours)
• Europcar (15% discount)
• Hamburg Airport Lounge (15% discount)
• Hamburg City Cycles - Bike Rental (18% discount)
• Share Now (starting credit of €5)
• StadtRAD Hamburg - Bike Rental (free 30 minutes, reduced prices)

Is a Hamburg Card Worth It?

Yes, the Hamburg Card is worth it. Some of these discounts might seem small at first, but if you plan to visit several top attractions in a day, you'll quickly save more than the €11.90 cost of the card.

For instance, if you're a museum enthusiast and you visit:

• the International Maritime Museum (saving €4),
• the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe (saving €6)
• Kunsthalle Hamburg (saving €5),

You would have already saved what you paid for the Hamburg Card, and that's without even using the free public transport or shopping discounts included in the card.

In fact, the costs of taking public transport in Hamburg is known to be steep. And an all-day pass is already €8.80, which is covered by the Hamburg Card's free public transport feature. That makes the card well worth the price!

Of course, just remember to plan your day ahead to make the most of these savings.

Should You Get the Hamburg Card?

Whether you should get the Hamburg Card or not, depends on a few factors — how much you want to walk, the weather, what activities do you plan to do, etc.

Let's take a look at some of these factors.

How Much Do You Want To Walk?

If you're fine with a bit of exercise, you can actually reach many of Hamburg's main sights on foot.

But there's a good chance you'll find yourself wanting to use public transportation during your trip — it's simply more convenient and saves time.

That's one of the biggest advantages of the Hamburg Card. It gives you free access to Hamburg's public transportation system (HVV) — including subways, trams, buses and ferries making it easy to get around.

If your accommodation is further away from the city center (as some budget options are) or if you have little children, then you may want to take public transport to get to the key tourist spots quickly.

BUT if you enjoy exploring cities on foot and are staying close to attractions you want to visit, you might not need the free public transport offered by the Hamburg Card.

However, if you think you'll be using public transportation occasionally, like visiting the Reeperbahn or HafenCity, the Hamburg Card is a great choice.

By paying slightly more than what an all-day HVV ticket costs, you not only get unlimited public transport rides, but access to a range of fantastic discounts too, making the Hamburg Card a valuable investment. [ 1 ]

Is it Winter or Summer?

The time of year you're visiting Hamburg will affect how likely you'll want to travel on foot.

For example, if you're visiting Hamburg during the warmer summer months, you might be more inclined to explore the city on foot, and you might not use the free public transport as much.

However, if you're traveling during the the cold and rainy German winter, having the Hamburg Card can be a real lifesaver. You'll appreciate having the option to hop on public transport when it's freezing outside.

Plus, the Hamburg Card has good discounts on bike rentals and river cruises for those who want to explore different sides to Hamburg!

Where are you staying?

If you're staying in the city center (Altstadt) , you'll find yourself right in the heart of Hamburg, with some attractions like Rathausmarkt within walking distance.

In that case, you may not need to rely much on public transportation, and the Hamburg Card might be less essential for you.

On the other hand, if you're looking to save money by staying outside the inner city or prefer a different neighborhood as your base, you'd probably find yourself using public transport more frequently to navigate the city.

In such cases, the Hamburg Card is better value for money, as it provides unlimited access to public transportation and discounts on top attractions.

How long are you in Hamburg for?

If you're planning a short visit, like just a day or a weekend in Hamburg, then the Hamburg Card is a practical choice.

That's because you'll likely be cramming a lot of activities with a short timeframe, so having the card will allow you to use public transport to get around quickly and save lots using the attraction discounts.

However, if you're staying in Hamburg for an extended period, like several weeks or more, then using Hamburg Cards to cover your entire stay can become costly.

It might not be worth getting the card for the entire duration of your trip. Instead, you could consider getting it for 1-5 days and using it on days when you plan to visit attractions with the discounts.

Your Hamburg Itinerary

If you've got a packed itinerary and can make the most of multiple attraction discounts and free public rides with the Hamburg Card, you can get more than your money's worth.

However, if your goal for your trip is to take things slow, you may not make full use of the card's benefits. Then it might not be the most cost-effective choice for you.

To help you decide, some of the best discounts include…

Museums and galleries:

• €7.50 off Hamburg Dungeon
• €6.00 off Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe
• €5.00 off Kunsthalle Hamburg
• €4.00 off International Maritime Museum
• €3.75 off the Chocoversum
• 15% off Dialogue in The Dark

Tours and experiences:

• Up to 40% off sightseeing tours
• Up to 25% off cruises
• Up to 20% off city tours
• 15% off Adventure World food tours
• 18% off bike rentals
• 17% off UNESCO World Heritage tour

Plus discounts on a number of shops around the city.

Hamburg is known to be a moderate pricey city , and most "budget" travelers can expect to spend around €11/day on transport and €15/day on sightseeing on average.

So for under €12 a day, the Hamburg Card is a steal.

So, should you get the Hamburg Card?

To sum it up, your decision to get the Hamburg Card should align with your travel plans and preferences.

If you're making a trip to Hamburg during the winter (or even the summer), plan to depend on public transport to get around, AND want to explore numerous attractions, the Hamburg Card is a great investment.

On the other hand, if you want a more leisurely trip, focused mostly on restaurants , cocktails, and relaxed strolls within the city, the card may not be the most cost-effective. You might consider getting it for just one day when it would provide the most value.

Ultimately, the Hamburg Card's value depends on how you intend to spend your time and whether its benefits match with your travel plans.

References:

1: HVV - Single / Day Tickets, retrieved from https://www.hvv.de/en/tickets/single-day-tickets

About the Author

Stephan Drescher

Stephan Drescher, founder of germanytravel.blog, is a German travel expert and insider, providing trusted tips and advice for a perfect trip to Germany. Born & bred German.

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Hamburg Marriott Hotel

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Bienvenido a Hamburg Marriott Hotel

Eleva tu visita en este hotel que acepta mascotas en hamburgo.

El Hamburg Marriott Hotel, rodeado de monumentos legendarios, es perfecto para los viajeros de negocios y de placer. Relájate con facilidad en las amplias habitaciones y suites familiares con camas de lujo, baños de mármol y WiFi de alta velocidad. En nuestro hotel se aceptan mascotas domesticadas. Descubre lo mejor del centro de la ciudad desde nuestra ubicación ideal cerca de Reeperbahn, Miniatur Wunderland y tiendas y restaurantes famosos. Deleita tu paladar con platos clásicos y tradicionales en nuestro restaurante y saborea cócteles creativos en el animado piano bar. Celebra tu próxima reunión en nuestro hotel de negocios. Tenemos amplio estacionamiento, espacios para reuniones con alta tecnología, un magnífico servicio de banquetes y un excelente equipo que te ayudará a planificar un evento exitoso. Concluye un día inolvidable en Alemania nadando en la refrescante piscina interior o haciendo ejercicio en el gimnasio. Con su inmejorable ubicación cerca de varios destinos famosos del centro de la ciudad, el Hamburg Marriott Hotel es el punto de partida ideal para tu visita a Alemania.

Habitaciones y suites

Servicios destacados del hotel, información sobre el hotel.

Registro de llegada: 16:00

Registro de salida: 12:00

Edad mínima para el registro de llegada: 18

Hotel para no fumadores

Se aceptan mascotas

2 dogs 50kg max with EUR 50 fee per pet per stay, guests responsible for damages

Cargo no reembolsable por mascota Per Stay: €50

Peso máximo de la mascota: 50kg

Número máximo de mascotas en la habitación: 2

Estacionamiento en el hotel

Por hora: €4.5

Diario: €35

Personal para estacionar

Cast Iron Grill

En el restaurante Cast Iron Grill, todo gira en torno a ingredientes frescos de temporada y combinaciones de sabores tradicionales. Nuestro menú ofrece platos clásicos y populares de todo el mundo.

El Pianobar del hotel es un conocido destino para viajeros y residentes en Hamburgo. Disfruta del delicioso bufet de pasteles de 12:00 a 18:00 h y de la música del piano en vivo a partir de las 19:00 h de martes a sábado.

Lobby Lounge

Relájate con tus amigos, familiares o compañeros de trabajo tras un largo día por Hamburgo en el elegante lounge del lobby del hotel. Cuenta con un bar completo y menú de restaurante informal, y sirve aperitivos, platos pequeños y más.

Más formas de disfrutar de su estancia

• Entrenamiento

Piscina cubierta con terraza exterior

Deja que tu estancia te lleve más lejos

Amplía tu experiencia con nosotros, ya sea profundizando tus conocimientos de coctelería en nuestro Greatroom o aprendiendo algo nuevo con el Manchester United.

Comida para tu viaje

Elige un refrigerio fresco al salir o disfruta de una comida con nosotros. Desde bocadillos ligeros hasta clásicos con un toque local, disfruta de comida familiar pero elevada más allá de lo esperado.

Vive la experiencia Marriott en casa

Trae detalles cuidadosamente seleccionados de nuestro hogar al tuyo, desde nuestra icónica almohada Marriott hasta nuestra colección para el baño y el cuerpo.

Ideal para familias

Planifica un viaje con tu familia a Hamburgo y alójate en una de nuestras amplias habitaciones familiares o Suites Junior.

Cómo llegar al hotel

ABC Strasse 52, Hamburgo, Deutschland, 20354

En las instalaciones:

Servicio de automóvil privado:

Servicio de limusinas y furgonetas

Estación de autobuses:

Estación de metro:

Estación de trenes:

Detalles del hotel

Acepta: Tarjetas de crédito

Pagos móviles sin contacto

El hotel cuenta con ascensores

Servicio de concierge

Idiomas que habla el personal: Alemana, Inglesa, Francesa, Española

No dudes en llamarnos si deseas más información sobre las características físicas de nuestras habitaciones y áreas comunes con instalaciones para personas con necesidades especiales o servicios especiales relacionados con una discapacidad concreta. +49 40-3505-0

Estacionamiento en el hotel con instalaciones para personas con necesidades especiales

Personal para estacionar vehículos de conductores en sillas de ruedas

Se aceptan animales de servicio

Acceso a habitaciones y suites por pasillo interior

La entrada al centro de negocios en el hotel tiene instalaciones para personas con necesidades especiales

La entrada al gimnasio en el hotel tiene instalaciones para personas con necesidades especiales

La entrada principal tiene instalaciones para personas con necesidades especiales

Los espacios para reuniones tienen instalaciones para personas con necesidades especiales

Los restaurantes en el hotel tienen instalaciones para personas con necesidades especiales

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INTERNATIONAL

Getting around Hamburg

Easily reach your destination in hamburg.

Hamburg offers many options for getting from any point A to any point B. In addition to buses, U- and S-Bahns, you can get around Hamburg by bicycle or the harbour ferry. Rental cars and car-sharing also offer flexible methods of travel.

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Harbour ferries in Hamburg

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Discover Hamburg on an e-scooter

More Hamburg Experience & Save

Free travel by bus, train & harbour ferries, up to 50% discount on over 150 activities, attractions and restaurants.

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Nationwide Travel Insurance offers many of the standard benefits you might see with a travel insurance policy. This can include things like trip cancellation coverage, so you can recover pre-paid costs or trip interruption in the event your vacation is interrupted by an unexpected event. There's also baggage delay coverage and medical coverage.

• Cancel for any reason coverage available

Nationwide is one of the leading names in insurance across various areas of coverage including life, auto, and travel insurance. Nationwide's coverage is also as comprehensive as it is varied. It tops our list of the best travel insurance companies and best cruise travel insurance , also ranking among the best cheap travel insurance companies for the value it provides.

With single trip, multi trip, and cruise-specific policies along with an abundance of riders, there's a good chance Nationwide will have the coverage you're looking for.

That said, Nationwide lacks some of the niche coverage that other companies can provide. For example, Nationwide doesn't insure trips over 31-days long. Its annual travel insurance only applies to trips 30 days or under. Additionally, Nationwide lacks specific adventure sports coverage.

Ultimately, Nationwide is the company to beat. If you're shopping for something a little more specific, use Nationwide's quotes as your baseline as you search for something more tailored to your trip. 

Coverage Options from Nationwide

Nationwide offers many of the standard benefits you might see with a travel insurance policy. This can include things like trip cancellation coverage, so you can recover pre-paid costs or trip interruption in the event your vacation is interrupted by an unexpected event. There's also baggage delay coverage and medical coverage.

The travel insurance policies offered by Nationwide are available to consumers and are divided up by the type of trip: single trip, multiple trips, or cruise coverage.

Single-trip travel insurance policies

Nationwide offers two single-trip travel insurance policies: the Essential plan and the Prime plan.

As the name suggests, Nationwide Essential travel insurance covers the basics. It offers some protection should anything happen ahead of your trip or while you're on your trip.

The Prime plan takes your coverage to the next level, with higher coverage limits and the option to add on the coveted cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage at an extra cost.

Both plans include trip cancellation or interruption coverage in the event of terrorism in your destination city, travel assistance from Nationwide at no additional charge, and refunds with a 10-day review period (except in Washington and New York). Note that for baggage and personal effects coverage, there is a $500 combined maximum limit for valuable items (see your policy's terms and conditions for details on what's considered valuable). It also covers damaged or lost sports equipment.

Here's how the two plans stack up in terms of coverage limits. For trip delay coverage, you'll be eligible for reimbursement for delays of six hours or more.

Annual and multi-trip travel insurance policies

If you're looking for travel insurance coverage for more than one trip and want to cover your partner and children, the Travel Pro Plan may be an affordable option. It's important to note that this policy only covers events after departure, not pre-departure events. This policy could be as low as $59 as of the time of writing.

The Travel Plus Plan is another multi-trip policy from Nationwide that has flexible term limits for trip interruption and cancellation coverage, up to $10,000. This covers the gaps from the Travel Pro Plan, which only covers post-departure events. So if you needed to cancel the trip due to a covered illness or other reason, this is the plan for you.

If you want to increase the level of benefits for your after departure coverage, the Travel Pro Deluxe Plan does just that. It builds on the Travel Pro Plan, hence the name, and includes higher coverage limits for just $20 more.

All plans include the same travel assistance from Nationwide that's included with the single-trip policies. Here's how the multiple-trip plans compare:

Cruise coverage

Nationwide offers three cruise travel insurance plans.

If you're going on a short cruise or going for the first time, the Universal Cruise Plan may be a good starting point if you want added protection and to recoup nonrefundable costs. Just make sure that you qualify based on your state, as cruise coverage isn't available in all states.

If you're going on a longer cruise and want added coverage to protect your trip, the Choice Cruise plan is an option to consider. And if you're looking for the most benefits and go on many cruises, the Luxury Cruise plan offers the most coverage options.

All three policies can be refunded with a 10-day review period, except in Washington and New York.

Here's a comparison of the coverage you'll get with Nationwide's three different cruise travel insurance policies:

Additional coverage options from Nationwide

Nationwide has a number of additional coverage options that can add more protection to your policy but also add to the cost as well. These include:

• Financial default coverage , in the event your travel supplier ends up in default or bankruptcy. This is available with the Essential and Prime single-trip policies.
• Pre-existing condition waiver, which may offer coverage for pre-existing illnesses or diseases if certain conditions are met. This is available with the Essential and Prime single-trip policies.
• Accidental death and dismemberment, which can have limits of $5,000, $10,000, $25,000 or $50,000 depending on the plan. This is available with the Essential and Prime single-trip policies.
• Accidental death for flights only, which can have limits of $100,000, $250,000, or $500,000. This is available with the Essential and Prime single-trip policies.
• Rental car collision or loss coverage, in the event something happens to your rental car, you can add on this coverage for up to $25,000 or $35,000 depending on the plan.This is available with the Essential and Prime single-trip policies (except in Texas or New York).
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) , which must be added to a policy and is available through the single-trip Prime Plan, the Choice Cruise Plan, and the Luxury Cruise Plan.

Nationwide Travel Insurance Cost

The premium you pay will depend on various factors, including the age of the travelers, destination, and total trip costs. The  average cost of travel insurance  is 4% to 8% of your travel costs.

After inputting some personal information, such as your age and state of residence, along with your trip details, like travel dates, destination, and trip costs, you'll get an instant quote for Nationwide Insurance plans available for your trip. And from there, it's easy to compare each option based on your coverage needs and budget.

Now let's look at a few examples to estimate Nationwide coverage costs.

As of 2024, a 23-year-old from Illinois taking a week-long, $3,000 budget trip to Italy would have the following travel insurance quotes:

• Essential: $89.55
• Prime: $129.19

Premiums for Nationwide Insurance plans are between 3% and 4.3% of the trip's cost, well within the average cost of travel insurance.

Nationwide insurance provides the following quotes for a 30-year-old traveler from California heading to Japan for two weeks on a $4,000 trip:

• Essential: $113.01
• Prime: $160.47

Once again, premiums for Nationwide plans are between 2.8% and 4% of the trip's cost, within and below the expected range of travel insurance costs.

A Texas family consisting of two 40-year-old parents with a 10-year-old and 4-year-old on a two-week trip to Australia for $20,000:

• Essential: $571.62
• Prime: $801.94

Nationwide plans cost between 2.8% and 4% of the trip's cost, below and within the average cost of travel insurance. 

A 65-year-old couple looking to escape New Jersey for Mexico for two weeks with a trip cost of $6,000 would have the following quotes:

• Essential: $248.56
• Prime: $352.44

Premiums for Nationwide plans are between 4.1% and 5.9%, which is well the average cost for travel insurance. While its certainly more expensive than coverage for younger travelers, it's on the lower end of what travel insurance companies tend to quote for older travelers. 

Nationwide Annual Travel Insurance Cost

Quotes from Nationwide's annual travel insurance plans don't actually change based on age or state. You'll get a base quote of $69, which will vary based on how much trip cancellation coverage you'd like to purchase. Prices range from $155 to $729

You can also select a Pro Delux upgrade, which will cost an additional $20.

How to Purchase and Manage Your Nationwide Policy

To purchase a Nationwide travel insurance policy, you first need to obtain a quote from Nationwide's website. You should be prepared to provide the following:

• Destination
• Departure date
• Return date
• State of Residence
• Total trip cost
• Initial trip payment date

When you select a plan, be sure to also take a moment and scroll through the optional add-ons, such as rental car coverage. 

How to File a Claim with Nationwide

If you purchased travel insurance through Nationwide and need to file a claim, you can contact a Nationwide representative. You have seven days from the start of the issue that caused loss to notify Nationwide of your claim.

Claims through Nationwide are handled by Co-ordinated Benefit Plans, LLC. You can use its claims portal or call a representative, based on your type of policy.

Single trip policy phone number: 888-490-7606

Annual plan policy phone number: 866-281-1017

Cruise policy phone number : 866-281-0334

Rather reach out via email? You can contact Nationwide via [email protected] .

If you need to send documents via mail, the mailing address is:

Co-ordinated Benefit Plans, LLC

On Behalf of Nationwide Mutual Insurance

Company and Affiliated Companies

P.O. Box 26222 Tampa, FL 33623

Nationwide refrains from promising a specific response time frame. However, customers have reported waiting several weeks before hearing any updates.

Since Nationwide offers such a wide breadth of insurance types, it's difficult to separate its travel-specific customer reviews from reviews on its other products. It received an average of 1.16 stars out of five across over 340 reviews on its BBB page, though most customers are writing about experiences with Nationwide's auto and health insurance.

On SquareMouth, a travel insurance-specific aggregator, Nationwide has an average of 4.01 stars across 570 reviews. Reviewers reported unresponsive a claims team and long wait times. Additionally, while insurance companies often engage directly with customer reviews on SquareMouth, Nationwide doesn't respond to customer reviews.

Learn more about how Nationwide Travel Insurance compares against the competition. 

Nationwide Travel Insurance vs. Allianz Travel Insurance

Much like Nationwide, Allianz Travel Insurance insurance offers many different types of insurance coverage. While the company may be most well known for auto insurance, it offers travel insurance as well and has eight options. Allianz Travel Insurance, a major player in the travel insurance space, has 10 options listed.

Allianz Travel Insurance may offer higher coverage limits for the policies offered and have a streamlined process for filing a claim online. Where Nationwide wins out is the fact that you can add cancel for any reason (CFAR) for an added cost, whereas CFAR coverage isn't available when purchasing an online policy via Allianz Travel Insurance.

Read our Allianz Travel Insurance review here.

Nationwide Travel Insurance vs. John Hancock Travel Insurance

John Hancock Travel Insurance  is similar to Nationwide in that it provides a wide range of insurance offerings and financial services. One of those offerings is travel insurance. John Hancock travel insurance offers travel insurance through Bronze, Silver, and Gold policies.

When comparing policies, the budget option may be slightly more affordable with Nationwide. However, mid-tier and higher coverage options may be more affordable with John Hancock travel insurance. It depends on your policy, trip details, and age. One good thing is that you can add cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage under all John Hancock travel insurance plan options.

Read our John Hancock Travel Insurance review here.

Nationwide vs. credit card travel coverage

Rewards credit cards come chock full of benefits for cardholders, some of which they might be unaware of. One such perk can be travel interruption or cancellation coverage as well as rental car coverage. Credit cards may have sufficient coverage for quick trips. However, if you want the peace of mind of having solid medical coverage or higher limits, going the traditional travel insurance route may be a better fit.

For frequent travelers, credit card travel protection may be appealing as the coverage is constant. If you're looking for a comparable travel insurance plan with more comprehensive coverage, some companies offer annual travel insurance.

You can find our guide on the best credit cards with travel insurance  here.

Nationwide Travel Insurance Frequently Asked Questions

Nationwide's travel insurance offers very comprehensive coverage, including trip cancellation, interruption, medical emergencies, and baggage loss.

Yes, Nationwide allows the purchase of travel insurance up to a day before your departure. It doesn't offer plans for trips already in progress.

Nationwide covers COVID-19 like any other illness, covering trip cancellations with proof of a positive test and covering emergency medical expenses. 

Nationwide single trip plans cover pre-existing conditions as long as you purchase the Essential plan within 10 days of your trip deposit and the Prime plan within 21 days of your trip deposit. The annual plan doesn't cover pre-existing conditions, with a 60-day look-back period. 

Nationwide is known for its reliable customer service, wide range of coverage options, and the ability to tailor policies with various add-ons, setting them apart from many competitors.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed Nationwide Travel Insurance

For our review of Nationwide, we looked at the leading travel insurance providers and compared the amount of options provided, coverage limits, cost, customer service options, and flexibility.

Nationwide is a top contender for cruise-related travel insurance policies and stands out for having cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage, though it's not available with every policy and comes with an extra cost. To find the best travel insurance policy for you, review various providers and compare quotes before buying a policy.

Read more about how Business Insider rates travel insurance companies here.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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• The First MICHELIN Key Hotels: All the Keys in Italy

The MICHELIN Guide announces top honors for Italian hotels in 2024.

MICHELIN Keys Florence Italy Hotels Rome

On May 7, 2024, the MICHELIN Guide revealed the brand new One, Two, and Three Key distinctions for the most outstanding hotels in Italy. This announcement comes four years into a comprehensive refresh of our hotel selection. The MICHELIN Guide now includes over 5,000 hotels across the world, and not a single one is simply a room for the night. These are places that significantly add to your experience as a traveler, each vetted and judged excellent in five categories: architecture and interior design, quality and consistency of service, overall personality and character, value for the price, and a significant contribution to the guest experience in a particular setting. Which brings us back to the Keys. The culmination of countless hours of evaluation by our team of experts, the Key hotels below represent the highlights of our broader selection. Like the MICHELIN Stars for restaurants, the MICHELIN Keys are our most outstanding hotels. In total, the 2024 MICHELIN Guide hotel selection in Italy includes 8 Three Key hotels, 31 Two Key hotels, and 107 One Key hotels. Want to know more about the MICHELIN Key? Here’s everything you need to know . Or, head below to see all the Keys.

How To Look Through the List

Jump straight to the list or take a deeper dive into select key hotels..

See the palazzo in Basilicata that just earned Francis Ford Coppola his latest accolade.

Or take a look at all of Italys 3-Key hotels, in photos.

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Highlights of the Italy 2024 Key Hotel List

Under 10 Rooms: The Tiny Keys Reign Across Italy

Expect: Bold, proprietor-driven design themes, special experiences, and hyper-personal service. The tiny hotels that pepper the cities and countryside might get lost on lists full of castles and palazzos, but these little boutiques with ten rooms or less are some the most creative and satisfying accommodations in all of Italy. It’s a given that you’ll find places like these in the Tuscan countryside ( Siena House and Follonico Suite B&B — both with just six bedrooms), but don’t miss the gems in the cities. Vico Milano is a seven room space filled with dazzling design furniture and contemporary art. Velona’s Jungle Luxury Suites is a pocket-sized jungle-themed luxury boutique full of animal-print upholstery and peacock-feather prints. Both are independently owned and marvelously compact.

A Closer Look: 10 Key Hotels with 10 Rooms or Less in Italy

Pick One: A Castle or a Farmhouse Hotel in Tuscany

Two iconic options in Tuscany earned a bevy of Keys: the castle hotel and the classic farmhouse. The former speaks for itself — ancient fortifications that were once private residences, built to house the handsomely titled, and fortified against attack. Towers, turrets, and crenellations give way to handsome wine cellars and vineyard views. Look to Castello di Casole for a masterclass in how to convert a thousand-year-old estate into a historically preserved, contemporarily luxurious hotel. Meanwhile, the motif of the Tuscan farmhouse has been emulated throughout the world — but there’s nothing like the real thing. Hotels like Lupaia and Conti di San Bonifacio make farmhouse charm into nothing less than a work of art.

Make Your Choice: The Key Decision in Italy

High Drama: Hotels on the Seaside of the Amalfi Coast

It’s profoundly satisfying to us that one of the most impressive places in the world has among the world’s most impressive hotels. On the Amalfi Coast, where natural cliffsides tumble down into an endless Italian sea, hotels like Palazzo Pascal and Le Sirenuse host guests in miraculous buildings that served for centuries as aristocratic homes over the water. Casa Angelina and Borgo Santandrea sport more modern builds. In either case, the views are perennially spectacular. Also read: High Drama in the Seaside Hotels of the Amalfi Coast

Click below to jump to each distinction: 

The three key hotels.

Capri: JK Place Capri Civita di Bagnoregio: Corte della Maestà Lisciano Niccone: Castello di Reschio Modena: Casa Maria Luigia Montalcino: Rosewood Castiglion Del Bosco Positano: Il San Pietro di Positano Venice: Aman Venice Venice: Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice

New York by The MICHELIN Guide – expert insights on where to dine, stay and explore

The two key hotels.

Amalfi: Borgo Santandrea Amalfi: Hotel Santa Caterina Capri: Capri Palace Jumeirah Castelnuovo Berardenga: Hotel Borgo San Felice Cogne: Bellevue Hotel & Spa Florence: Four Seasons Hotel Firenze Florence: Palazzo Portinari Salviati Residenza D'Epoca Florence: Villa Cora Florence: Villa La Massa Limone sul Garda: EALA My Lakeside Dream Lipari ME: Therasia Resort Menaggio: Grand Hotel Victoria Merano: Castel Fragsburg Merano: Villa Eden The Leading Park Retreat Milan: Bulgari Hotel Milano Milan: Grand Hotel et de Milan Milan: Portrait Milano Montaione FI: Castelfalfi Piegaro: I Borghi dell'Eremo Pinzolo: Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti Plose: Forestis Dolomites Rome: Hotel Vilòn Rome: JK Place Roma Siena: Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel, Tuscany Sorrento: Bellevue Syrene 1820 Sorrento: La Minervetta Taormina: Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina Taormina: San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel Torno: Il Sereno Tremezzo: Grand Hotel Tremezzo Venice: Hotel Gritti Palace

The One Key Hotels

Arco: Vivere Suites and Rooms Arenella: Donna Coraly Country Boutique Hotel Arezzo: Villa Fontelunga Arzachena: Cascioni Eco Retreat Bernalda: Palazzo Margherita Cagliari: Casa Clàt Caldaro: Lake Spa Hotel SEELEITEN Camaiore: Locanda al Colle Capalbio: Locanda Rossa Capri: Capri Tiberio Palace Castelrotto: COMO Alpina Dolomites Castiglione della Pescaia: L’Andana Cernobbio: Villa d'Este Chiusdino: Borgo Santo Pietro Cinigiano: Castello di Vicarello Como CO: Palazzo Albricci Peregrini - Como Cremolino: Nordelaia Cutrofiano: Critabianca Fiesole: Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel, Florence Florence: Ad Astra Florence: Brunelleschi Hotel Florence: Hotel Calimala Florence: Hotel Lungarno Florence: Riva Lofts Florence Florence: Torre di Bellosguardo Florence: Velona's Jungle Luxury Suites Forio di Ischia: Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa Forio NA: Botania Relais & Spa Forte dei Marmi: Principe Forte dei Marmi Gargnano: Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda Gavorrano GR: Conti di San Bonifacio Lake Orta Novara: Villa Crespi Lana: Vigilius Mountain Resort Lecce: La Fiermontina Palazzo Bozzi Corso Lecce: Palazzo de Noha Locorotondo: Ottolire Resort Madonna di Campiglio: Biohotel Hermitage Maranza: Milla Montis Massa Lubrense: Art Hotel Villa Fiorella Massa Lubrense: Relais Blu Matera: Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita Menfi: La Foresteria Planeta Estate Milan: Hotel Principe di Savoia, Dorchester Collection Milan: Mandarin Oriental Milan Milan: Vico Milano Moltrasio: Passalacqua Montalcino: Castello Banfi - Il Borgo Relais & Chateaux Montalcino: Villa le Prata - Residenza del Vescovo Montepulciano: Precise Tale Poggio Alla Sala Noto: Country House Villadorata Noto: Seven Rooms Villadorata Ortisei: Gardena Grödnerhof Hotel & Spa Ostuni: Paragon 700 Boutique Hotel & SPA Otranto: Baglioni Masseria Muzza Perugia: Hotel Castello di Monterone Pettenasco: Laqua by the Lake Pognana Làrio: Villa Làrio Lake Como Polizzi Generosa: Susafa Porto Ercole: Il Pellicano Positano: Le Sirenuse Praiano: Casa Angelina Ravello: Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, Amalfi Coast Riva del Garda: Lido Palace Rome: Hassler Roma Roma: Hotel Eden, Dorchester Collection Rome: Bulgari Hotel Roma Rome: Hotel Locarno Rome: Maalot Roma Rome: Portrait Roma Rome: Rocco Forte Hotel De La Ville Rome: Rocco Forte Hotel de Russie Rome: Singer Palace Hotel Rome: Six Senses Rome Rome: The Hoxton, Rome Rome: The Inn at the Roman Forum Rome: The St. Regis Rome Rome: Umiltà 36 San Cassiano: Lagació Hotel Mountain Residence San Pietro In Cariano: Byblos Art Hotel Villa Amista Sant'Agnello: Mediterraneo Sorrento Santa Margherita Ligure: Grand Hotel Miramare Santo Stefano di Sessanio: Sextantio Sarentino: Terra - The Magic Place Savelletri di Fasano: Borgo Egnazia Savelletri di Fasano: Masseria Calderisi Savelletri di Fasano: Masseria Torre Coccaro Savelletri di Fasano: Masseria Torre Maizza Scala: Palazzo Pascal Schnals: Goldene Rose Karthaus Sirmione BS: Villa Cortine Sorrento: Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria Tavarnelle Val di Pesa: COMO Castello del Nero Torre Canne di Fasano: Canne Bianche Lifestyle Hotel Torri del Benaco: Cape of Senses Torrita di Siena: Follonico Suite B&B Torrita di Siena: Lupaia Torrita di Siena: Siena House Umbertide: Vocabolo Moscatelli Boutique Hotel & Restaurant Venice: Ca’ di Dio Venice: Corte di Gabriela Venice: Hotel Londra Palace Venice: Il Palazzo Experimental Venice: Nolinski Venezia Venice: Palazzo Maria Formosa Venice: Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel Vicenza: La Barchessa di Villa Pisani Zafferana Etnea: Monaci delle Terre Nere

Hero Image: Castello di Reschio — Lisciano Niccone

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Palazzo Margherita Is Coppola Family Business

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