Hamburg

Travel Guide

Photo provided by German National Tourist Board
Hamburg showing a bay or harbor
Speicherstadt featuring a bridge and a city
Stadtpark showing a park
Hamburg Dungeon showing signage
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)

Imposing Renaissance Revival structures like Hamburg Rathaus and three main churches, St. Jacobi, St. Katharinen, and St. Petri, adorn this district. Explore museums like Hamburg Kunsthalle and enjoy performances at Thalia Theater.

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

Hamburg-Mitte

3.5/5(2 area reviews)

Discover Hamburg-Mitte's bustling urban center, home to the historic Altstadt, Neustadt, and HafenCity districts. Enjoy the green oasis of Planten un Blomen park, and easily navigate with the city's rapid transit system.

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

Saint Pauli

4/5(35 area reviews)

Experience the lively atmosphere of St. Pauli, Hamburg's entertainment hub, featuring musicals, theaters, bars, and clubs in the "sinful mile." Explore iconic landmarks like Beatles-Platz square and Hans-Albers-Platz near Reeperbahn.

Saint Pauli
St. Catherine\'s Church which includes a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Altstadt Hamburg

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Altstadt Hamburg. Spend some time visiting top spots like Moenckebergstrasse, and catch the metro at Messberg U-Bahn or Meßberg Station to see more of the area.

Altstadt Hamburg
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
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
Radisson Blu Hotel, Hamburg

Radisson Blu Hotel, Hamburg

4.5 out of 5
Congressplatz 2, Hamburg, HH
The price is ₩212,792 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
₩212,792
₩227,688 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Hamburg. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,081 reviews)
"Nice property and area"

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Radisson Blu Hotel, Hamburg
Hotel Fürst Bismarck

Hotel Fürst Bismarck

Kirchenallee 49, Hamburg, HH
The price is ₩165,347 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
₩165,347
₩200,311 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Hamburg. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,030 reviews)
"Nice hotel. Convient location, across the street from the train, sightseeing buses also stop right out front."

Reviewed on Jul 23, 2025

Hotel Fürst Bismarck
Reichshof Hotel Hamburg

Reichshof Hotel Hamburg

Kirchenallee 34-36, Hamburg
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₩217,287 per night from Aug 11 to Aug 12
₩217,287
₩232,497 total
Aug 11 - Aug 12
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this boutique hotel in Hamburg. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,262 reviews)
"My boys and i loved our stay at the hotel. It was perfect for a quick stay in Hamburg. Very friendly staff, spacious rooms and a comfy bed"

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2025

Reichshof Hotel 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.
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! (1,176 reviews)
"The room was very modern and comfortable. Love the apartment amenities! Perfect location to get around town and take public transport. The staff were also very nice and they let us access the room early!"

Reviewed on Jul 24, 2025

Adina Apartment Hotel Hamburg Speicherstadt
Clipper Boardinghouse – Hamburg-Michel

Clipper Boardinghouse – Hamburg-Michel

Ditmar-Koel-Strasse 1, Hamburg, HH
Stay at this aparthotel in Hamburg. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and free grocery shopping service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (933 reviews)
"Very nice location surrounded by lots of restaurants and shops. Very comfortable room with high quality items. The only issue was nobody informed us about self check in. Also the front door has issue to open with our room key which we resolved it with front desk after 3 days."

Reviewed on Jul 17, 2025

Clipper Boardinghouse – Hamburg-Michel
Numa Hamburg Fore

Numa Hamburg Fore

Kapstadtring 1, Hamburg
Stay at this aparthotel in Hamburg. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (702 reviews)
"Great apartment, beautiful natural light. Comes with a fully stocked kitchen. The room was a good size so we didn't feel stuck in a small space. Easy to get codes and get in and out. Close to the bus which takes you directly to town in less than 40 minutes. The main train station is 11-12 minutes ..."

Reviewed on Jul 22, 2025

Numa Hamburg Fore
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.

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