Hamburg

Travel Guide
Hamburg showing a bay or harbor
This modern port city is known for its maritime traditions, art galleries and converted warehouse districts filled with restaurants, bars and boutique shops.

Calling itself Germany’s Gateway to the World, Hamburg is the country's biggest port and the second largest in Europe. It is proud of its status as an independent city-state and of its mercantile background, which created much of the city's wealth. Today Hamburg is known for being one of the richest metropolitan areas in Europe, along with Brussels and London.

Located on the River Elbe, Hamburg’s busy port is 60 miles (100 kilometers) from the North Sea. Hamburg Harbor today is home to the International Maritime Museum Hamburg and the museum ship Cap San Diego, which jointly tell the story of Hamburg’s maritime history. 

Although the port may be the heart of Hamburg, the city offers many additional features, particularly in the areas of culture and the arts. Visit the vast Hamburger Kunsthalle art gallery and the Deichtorhallen center for contemporary art, which hosts world-renowned international exhibitions. Use Hamburg’s extensive subway system to navigate between museums and galleries, which you’ll find throughout the city. Don’t miss the Miniatur Wunderland (Miniature Wonderland), one of the most visited tourist attractions in Germany.

Hamburg’s city center now contains mostly modern office buildings, as many of its medieval buildings were destroyed in the Great Fire of 1842 or reduced to rubble during World War II. Seek out the Hamburg Rathaus, or Town Hall, which was painstakingly rebuilt and restored to its original 19th-century condition.

Walk around the Speicherstadt and New Docklands areas, where you’ll find renovated former port warehouses and ambitious modern glass-and-steel structures. Admire the architecture, dine at upscale restaurants and shop for one-of-a-kind and luxury items at boutiques. These areas of urban redevelopment, currently the largest such project in Europe, show modern Hamburg at its best, embracing change and moving confidently into the future.

A short distance from the center you can find several large parks and lakes. Visit the Planten un Blomen (Plants and Flowers) park to spend time in the tranquil Japanese Garden. Rent a car or catch Germany’s fast and reliable national train network to explore nearby historic towns. 

Where to stay in Hamburg

Hamburg City Center which includes a city, heritage architecture and night scenes

Hamburg City Center

4.5/5(215 area reviews)

Travelers love Hamburg City Center for its popular shops, and you can see more of Hamburg by jumping on the metro at Rathaus U-Bahn or Rodingsmarkt U-Bahn. You might spend time checking out top sights like Hamburg City Hall and Rathausmarket.

Hamburg City Center
Hamburg City Center which includes a city, heritage architecture and night scenes

Hamburg-Mitte

3.5/5(2 area reviews)

Known for its interesting museums and waterfront views, there's plenty to explore in Hamburg-Mitte. Top attractions like Hamburg Cruise Center and Hamburg Wholesale Market are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Veddel S-Bahn or Wilhelmsburg S-Bahn to see more of the city.

Hamburg-Mitte
Japanese Garden showing a river or creek and a garden

Saint Pauli

4/5(35 area reviews)

Known for its ample dining options and captivating waterfront views, there's plenty to explore in Saint Pauli. You can visit top attractions like Millerntor Stadium and Operettenhaus, and jump on the metro at Feldstraße Station or Feldstrasse U-Bahn to see more of the city.

Saint Pauli
Botanical Gardens which includes an observatory, a garden and a pond

Altona

4.5/5(35 area reviews)

Consider exploring the abundant dining options in Altona. If sightseeing is on the list, Trabrennbahn Hamburg Bahrenfeld is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Othmarschen S-Bahn or Klein Flottbek S-Bahn to see more of the area.

Altona
Hamburg

HafenCity

Noted for its restaurants and waterfront views, there's plenty to explore in HafenCity. Top attractions like Hamburg Cruise Center and International Maritime Museum are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at HafenCity Universität Station or Überseequartier Station to see more of the city.

HafenCity
Winterhude showing a park

Hamburg-Nord

4/5(54 area reviews)

Consider a visit to Sporthalle Hamburg and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Hamburg-Nord. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Alsterdorf U-Bahn or Sengelmannstrasse U-Bahn.

Hamburg-Nord
Radisson Blu Hotel, Hamburg
Radisson Blu Hotel, Hamburg
4 out of 5
Congressplatz 2, Hamburg, HH
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₩208,467 per night from Jun 9 to Jun 10
₩208,467
per night
Jun 9 - Jun 10
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Hamburg. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on May 26, 2024

Radisson Blu Hotel, Hamburg
Reichshof Hotel Hamburg
Reichshof Hotel Hamburg
Kirchenallee 34-36, Hamburg
The price is ₩224,351 per night from Jun 3 to Jun 4
₩224,351
per night
Jun 3 - Jun 4
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Hamburg. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Rooms were very sound proof and clean. Easy access to bakeries and the train station"

Reviewed on May 27, 2024

Reichshof Hotel Hamburg
Hotel Europäischer Hof Hamburg
Hotel Europäischer Hof Hamburg
4 out of 5
Kirchenallee 45, Hamburg, HH
The price is ₩265,339 per night from Jun 2 to Jun 3
₩265,339
per night
Jun 2 - Jun 3
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Hamburg. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Spa area is a dream!"

Reviewed on May 28, 2024

Hotel Europäischer Hof Hamburg
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Citadines Michel Hamburg
Citadines Michel Hamburg
Ludwig-Erhard-Strasse 7, Hamburg, HH
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Hamburg. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,424 reviews)
"Really nice place, great location right in the center of the city, clean, well definitely stay there again"

Reviewed on Mar 28, 2024

Citadines Michel Hamburg
Adina Apartment Hotel Hamburg Speicherstadt
Adina Apartment Hotel Hamburg Speicherstadt
Willy-Brandt-Strasse 25, Hamburg
Stay at this aparthotel in Hamburg. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the room service in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (985 reviews)
Great stay
"A lovely, clean and comfortable apartment hotel. The kitchen area was very well equipped, even with a washing machine. Very convenient for local attractions. Definitely use Adina apartments again."

Reviewed on Jan 9, 2024

Adina Apartment Hotel Hamburg Speicherstadt
Clipper Boardinghouse – Hamburg-Michel
Clipper Boardinghouse – Hamburg-Michel
Ditmar-Koel-Strasse 1, Hamburg, HH
Book a stay at this eco-certified aparthotel in Hamburg. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and free grocery shopping service. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (741 reviews)
"They was heavy glue smell in hallways which was very off-putting. Thankfully smell disappeared once inside unit."

Reviewed on Jan 11, 2024

Clipper Boardinghouse – Hamburg-Michel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Hamburg

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
221
" "5 - Excellent 55.388471177944865%
4 - Good
143
" "4 - Good 35.83959899749373%
3 - Okay
32
" "3 - Okay 8.020050125313283%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0.2506265664160401%
1 - Terrible
2
" "1 - Terrible 0.5012531328320802%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Apr 8, 2020

I would have liked to see it!!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 6, 2020

Very beautiful city just to walk around and experience.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 5, 2020

Visited the Christmas markets that were still open the week between Christmas and New Years. Great variety of food and crafts. On a Saturday afternoon/evening in late December, the city was alive with people on the streets and in the shopping areas

5/5 - Excellent

Na
Jan 1, 2020

Beautiful city

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Dec 28, 2019

Once you figure out public transportation, you are fine!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Dec 23, 2019

Hamburg is absolutely beautiful! It was truly a pleasure to explore the city and learn about its history and culture.

Cities near Hamburg