The Best Travel Guide to Hamburg

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Germany

Hamburg

Provided by: CooperCopter GmbH/Hamburg Tourismus GmbH

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Europe Germany Hamburg

Overview

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Hamburg The guide was updated: 2024-04-25

The Elbe River, lakes and canals, the historic Town Hall, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Speicherstadt and Kontorhaus District with Chilehaus, the nightlife on the famous Reeperbahn and the traditional Hamburg fish market shape the image of Hamburg, Germany’s green city on the waterfront. The HafenCity offers modern architecture and the new landmark, the concert hall Elbphilharmonie. In Hamburg — Germany's second biggest city — prestige, elegance and creativity are combined to create an edgy, modern vibe.

Facts

Population:	The City: 1.9 million Hamburgers Hamburg metropolitan area: 5.5 million
Currency:	Euro, €1 = 100 cents
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Ambulance & Fire Service: 112 Police: 110
Newspapers:	Hamburger Abendblatt: www.abendblatt.de Die Zeit: www.zeit.de/hamburg Hamburger Morgenpost: www.mopo.de
Website:	www.hamburg.com/visitors www.hamburg-travel.com
Opening hours:	From Monday to Saturday, the shops open around 10am and stay open until 6pm. Bigger shopping centres like Europa Passage stay open until 8pm. Shops and boutiques located away from the city centre may close earlier.
Tourist information:	Tourist Information at Hamburg Central Station: Hauptbahnhof, Kirchenallee Main entrance +49 40 300 51 300 Open daily 9am–5pm Tourist Information at the Port: St. Pauli Landungsbrücken 4 (between stages 4 & 5) +49 40 33 44 220 Open daily 10am–5pm Tourist Information at Hamburg Airport: New Airport Plaza (between Terminals 1 & 2) Open Mon & Tue 9am–4pm, Wed–Fri 8am–4pm, Sat & Sun closed Sales & Service Centre +49 40 300 51 702 Available Mon–Fri 9am–5pm

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Section in Hamburg

Hamburg is often hailed as Germany's most beautiful city, with its lively port creating a distinct international vibe. The city's Hanseatic charm ensures a memorable visit.

Blankenese — the Pearl of the Elbe

Blankenese — the Pearl of the Elbe

One of Germany's most beautiful hiking trails runs along the banks of the Elbe to Blankenese. The former fishing village is now a prosperous suburb to the west of Hamburg, located right on the Elbe. Picturesque lanes, winding stairs and houses standing close together: with its Mediterranean feel, the Blankenese Treppenviertel is reminiscent of a resort on the Riviera. Blankeneser Bahnhofstraße is like a small city in itself, with its church, weekly market, many well-stocked shops, restaurants and ice cream parlours.

Follow the Steps of the Beatles

Follow the Steps of the Beatles

In the early 1960s, the Beatles laid the groundwork for their illustrious career in Hamburg's St Pauli neighbourhood, the city's famous red-light district. Embark on a 'Beatles Tour' for a unique chance to trace the footsteps of the 'Fab Four' through St Pauli.

Bike Tours around Hamburg

Bike Tours around Hamburg

Explore Hamburg with a guided bike tour! It's an enjoyable and dynamic method to familiarise yourself with the city's diverse districts. Opt for city bikes, cruisers, kick bikes, or mountain bikes, and set out solo or with a group — all year round. It's the perfect way to swiftly see the city and access spots unreachable by bus.

Elbphilharmonie Plaza

Elbphilharmonie Plaza

The Plaza serves as the focal point of the Elbphilharmonie, bridging the warehouse and the new building. The public viewing platform offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and port from 37 metres above ground. Accessing it is an experience in itself, with an 80-metre-long, gently curved escalator transporting visitors through the structure. An outdoor walkway encircles the entire building, providing a unique perspective.

Boat Trips around the Harbor & Speicherstadt

Boat Trips around the Harbor & Speicherstadt

Discover the Port of Hamburg and the Speicherstadt (the Historic Warehouse Complex) on what is typical for Hamburg — a boat! Small barges, historical steamboats and modern passenger ships take you to the most interesting parts of the harbour area within an hour or two. You can take the Maritime Circle Line, a hop-on hop-off tour which connects Hamburg's maritime cultural attractions.

Guided Walking Tours

Guided Walking Tours

Rediscover Hamburg from a fresh and exciting perspective. Whether you're exploring by bike or on foot, enjoying Nordic delicacies like the legendary fish sandwich, or embarking on a classic tour of the Hanseatic city's top sights, there's something for everyone. Shopping enthusiasts, brewing art connoisseurs, and maritime lovers will all find entertainment and satisfaction. Choose a short tour just to get to know the centre quickly, or pick one led by a historian to delve into the rich history of Hamburg. With options ranging from food tours and Beatles tours to nighttime pub crawls, there's a perfect Hamburg tour for everyone.

St Michael's Church

St Michael's Church

Hamburg has numerous grand churches, but there's only one 'Michel'. From its platform, over 100 metres high, you'll be treated to a fabulous view of Hamburg, the port, and the surrounding countryside — a must-see! St Michael's Church has been rebuilt twice and now presents an informative exhibition on its history, which is filled with twists and turns.

Alster Lakes

Alster Lakes

Covering over 160 hectares, the Inner and Outer Alster Lakes are located right in the city centre, surrounded by cafes, parks, and walking paths, with an abundance of oaks and chestnut trees for nature lovers. Ideal for renting a canoe, pedal boat, rowing boat, or sailboat to stay active. The area is enhanced by sculptures both on land and in the lake. Vast bodies of water are often best enjoyed during the golden hour and aboard a boat. Gather a small group of friends and book a one-hour sailboat ride at sunset.

Speicherstadt — the Historic Warehouse Complex

Speicherstadt — the Historic Warehouse Complex

Over a century old, the Speicherstadt is the world's largest integrated complex of warehouses. Visitors to Hamburg will discover a picturesque setting of Wilhelmine era Gothic architecture rendered in red brick, featuring unusual gables and towers. Precious commodities are stored at controlled temperatures behind the massive walls: coffee, tea, cocoa, spices, tobacco, and the world's largest collection of Oriental rugs. If you're pressed for time or wish to give your feet a rest after exploring the city, consider taking a one-hour evening boat tour. The Speicherstadt looks particularly enchanting at sunset.

Miniatur Wunderland

Miniatur Wunderland

Miniatur Wunderland is the world's largest model railway museum and Germany's most popular tourist attraction. Its display sections feature authentic environments from various countries, ranging from Sweden and Norway to the pyramids of Egypt and Las Vegas in the U.S. The exhibit alternates between 'day' and 'night' every 15 minutes. Visitors can also take a guided tour to see behind the scenes at Wunderland, gaining a deeper appreciation for the technical wizardry and planning involved in running this extraordinary place.

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