Hamburg Attractions
Hamburg, the captivating port city at the head of the River Elbe, is Germany’s vibrant maritime destination.
From its iconic Elbphilharmonie concert hall to the bustling Speicherstadt warehouse district, this city offers a mix of culture, history, and entertainment. Stroll along the Reeperbahn, Hamburg’s electrifying nightlife strip, or cruise through its scenic Alster Lakes and canals, earning it the title of “Venice of the North.”
From port to art and nature to nightlife, Hamburg will be your unforgettable European city getaway.
Ready to explore one of Germany’s most dynamic destinations? Here’s your guide to the 32 best things to do in Hamburg!
Miniatur Wunderland
Miniatur Wunderland is the world’s largest model railway exhibition, but don’t let the term “model” fool you. With incredibly detailed miniature landscapes that showcase different countries and continents, working trains, buses, airports, and tiny people going about their daily lives, it’s a truly mesmerizing experience.
It’s the most popular tourist destination in Germany and a must-see for families and curious visitors of all ages.
Visit during weekdays for fewer crowds, especially if you’re into photography. The lights at night are particularly magical!
Hours: Opening: 7 AM to 8:30 AM; Closing: 10 AM to 8 PM
Duration: 3 Hours
Location: Kehrwieder 2/Block D, 20457 Hamburg, Germany. Get Directions
Elbphilharmonie
The Elbphilharmonie or the Elphi is more than just a concert hall. With its futuristic glass structure on top of a historic warehouse, this architectural masterpiece is a must-see where music meets spectacular views.
Europe’s longest escalator takes you to the Plaza, offering a panoramic 360-degree view of Hamburg and its bustling harbor. The views at sunset are spectacular, but you can enjoy it anytime.
Located in the HafenCity quarter of Hamburg, this building attracts more than four million tourists every year.
Hours: 9 AM to 11:30 PM
Duration: 1 hour
Location: Platz d. Deutschen Einheit 4, 20457 Hamburg, Germany. Get Directions
Old Elbe Tunnel
One of Hamburg’s most iconic historical landmarks, the Old Elbe tunnel connects the city with the harbor, offering a unique underground walk or bike ride.
The tunnel was opened in 1911 and features impressive architecture, Art Nouveau details, and fantastic photo opportunities.
Open daily; early mornings or late evenings are best for fewer crowds.
Hours: 8 AM to 6 PM
Duration: 2 hours
Location: Bei den St. Pauli-Landungsbrücken, 20359 Hamburg, Germany. Get Directions
St Pauli Tours
St. Pauli is one of Hamburg’s most colorful neighborhoods. Known for its alternative culture, the district has a storied past, from the famous Reeperbahn to its vibrant street art and cultural events.
A guided tour gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the area’s famous nightlife, history, and street culture.
Hours: Starts from 8:30 PM
Duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
Location: Hamburg, Germany. Get Directions
Hamburg Dungeon
The Hamburg Dungeon is an immersive, spine-chilling experience that delves into the city’s murky history, from medieval torture to the great plague. The live actors and interactive shows make the past come alive in a thrilling, hands-on way.
Perfect for a dark and stormy day—though it’s an indoor attraction, so it’s great anytime and equally terrifying in the best possible way!
Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM
Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
Location: Dungeon Deutschland GmbH, Kehrwieder 2, 20457 Hamburg, Germany. Get Directions
Chocoversum
For those with a sweet tooth, Chocoversum is the ultimate stop. This interactive museum teaches you about the process of chocolate-making, from cocoa beans to chocolate bars.
The best time to visit is any time you need a sugar rush! The range of cocoa products you can explore here is plenty – from spiced to barbeque chocolates. You can create your own chocolate bar with all kinds of toppings—making it the perfect souvenir.
Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM
Duration: 1.5 hours
Location: Meßberg 1, 20095 Hamburg, Germany. Get Directions
Hamburger Kunsthalle
Art lovers! This attraction is for you. Hamburger Kunsthalle, one of Germany’s most prestigious art museums, houses an impressive collection spanning from medieval to contemporary art, featuring works from artists like Rembrandt, Caspar David Friedrich, and Max Liebermann.
Three buildings showcase different periods of art history, and exhibitions featuring international artists regularly change.
For a quieter experience, art enthusiasts who want to explore at their own pace should prefer weekdays, especially mornings, rather than weekends and public holidays.
Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM
Duration: 3 hours
Location: Glockengießerwall 5, 20095 Hamburg, Germany. Get Directions
Reeperbahn
The Reeperbahn is the heart of Hamburg’s nightlife scene. Located in the St. Pauli district, this entertainment street has nightclubs, bars, theatres, and even cabarets.
Enjoy a guided tour from local personalities like drag queens, who’ll give you the inside scoop on the red-light district of Hamburg.
This place truly comes alive at night, perfect for late-night revelers!
Hours: 5 PM to 12 PM
Duration: 2 hours
Location: Hamburg, Germany. Get Directions
International Maritime Museum
Located in a historical warehouse, the International Maritime Museum hamburg (IMMH) is all about Hamburg’s connection to the sea.
The Maritime Museum is also known as the Academic Institute of Shipping and Naval History for its extensive collection of maritime-related models and artworks that elaborate on nautical history.
From the age of exploration to modern shipping, this world’s largest maritime museum will take you on a voyage through time with fascinating ship models, maritime artifacts, and exhibits about oceanic exploration.
Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM
Duration: 2.5 hours
Location: Koreastraße 1, 20457 Hamburg, Germany. Get Directions
Planten un Blomen Park
Planten un Blomen is a gorgeous park that offers a serene escape with its lush gardens, ponds, and wide green spaces. Located at the heart of the city, it’s perfect for a quiet walk or a family picnic.
The Japanese garden and medicinal herb section are highlights. Don’t miss the spectacular water light concerts in summer. The best time to visit is Spring and summer, when the flowers are in full bloom.
Hours: 7 AM to 10 PM
Duration: 2 hours
Location: Marseiller Promenade, 20355 Hamburg, Germany. Get Directions
Hamburg Harbor
Hamburg harbor is one of Europe’s largest and most significant. Whether you take a harbor cruise or wander through historic Speicherstadt, it’s a place where one can witness the city’s nautical history.
Take a boat tour through the harbor in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft, and the harbor is full of activity. The view of the city’s skyline from the water is unforgettable.
Hours: Always open for visitors
Duration: 1:30 hours
Location: Get Directions
Hamburg Boat Tours
Hamburg’s port is one of Europe’s largest and most significant. Hamburg Boat Tours offers a fascinating experience right in the middle of Hamburg, where the Elbe River elegantly flows through the cityscape. Whether you take a harbor cruise or wander through historic Speicherstadt, it’s a place where one can witness the city’s nautical history.
Take a boat tour through the harbor in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft, and the harbor is full of activity. The view of the city’s skyline from the water is unforgettable.
Hours: Always open for visitors
Duration: 1:30 hours
Location: Get Directions
Hamburg’s Town Hall
Hamburg’s Town Hall is an awe-inspiring Neo-Renaissance architecture building. It’s the seat of Hamburg’s original governmental functions.
Don’t miss a guided tour to see its grand halls, intricate designs, and the spectacular Alsterarkaden shopping arcades nearby.
Early mornings or late afternoons, when you can take a quiet tour of the building.
Hours: 8 AM to 6 PM
Duration: 2 hours
Location: Rathausmarkt 1, 20095 Hamburg, Germany. Get Directions
Dialoghaus
Dialoghaus is an innovative museum that allows you to experience life as someone with visual and hearing impairments.
As its name suggests, Dialoghaus fosters communication and connection, allowing visitors to explore the outside world from the perspective of people with sensory disabilities.
The exhibition is guided by blind and deaf people, giving you insights into their daily struggles and triumphs. The immersive experience is educational and thought-provoking.
Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM
Duration: 1 hour
Location: Alter Wandrahm 4, 20457 Hamburg, Germany. Get Directions
Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
The Hop-on Hop-off bus is a great way to explore the city’s major attractions while riding in a double-decker bus. Ideal for your first day in Hamburg to get an overview of the city.
It’s an easy, convenient way to get a feel for Hamburg’s top sights at your own pace and decide where you want to spend more time.
You can hop off at any stop to explore further and then hop back on to continue the tour.
Hours: Always open for visitors
Duration: 1 day
Olivia Jones Tour
Olivia Jones Tour is a great way to experience the the vibrant nightlife of St. Pauli. Let local legend and drag queen Olivia Jones and her colleagues show you the best parts of St. Pauli, from its history to its lively nightlife.
The series of guided tours are lively and entertaining, perfect for visiting at late evenings and nights when St. Pauli comes to life.
Hours: 7 PM to 3 AM
Duration: 1:30 hours
Location: Schmuckstraße 9, 20359 Hamburg, Germany. Get Directions
Panoptikum
The oldest wax museum in Germany, Panoptikum, founded in 1879 by Friedrich Hermann Faerber has statues of royals, politicians, actors, and even fictional characters from books and films.
Features over 130 wax figures, including famous personalities like Angela Merkel, Elvis Presley, and Udo Lindenberg.
Open year-round. Visit on weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds and take selfies with lifelike figures of celebrities, historical figures and modern icons.
Hours: 10 AM to 8 PM
Duration: 1 hour
Location: Spielbudenpl. 3, 20359 Hamburg, Germany. Get Directions
PROTOTYP Auto Museum
A paradise for car enthusiasts, the PROTOTYP Auto Museum in Hamburg showcases rare classic cars, racing legends, and innovative automobile designs.
Features prototypes, racing cars, and interactive exhibits that highlight the history of German automotive engineering.
Open throughout the year, but weekdays are less crowded.
Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM (Mondays Closed)
Duration: 2 hours
Location: Shanghaiallee 7, 20457 Hamburg, Germany. Get Directions
Spice Museum Hamburg
The Spice Museum Hamburg, founded in 1991 by Uwe Paap is dedicated to the history of spices, showcasing Hamburg’s role in the global spice trade.
Opened as a small yet primitive spice museum in Richardstrasse Street, it was moved to a warehouse in the Speicherstadt warehouse district – a UNESCO world heritage site – in 1993. Visitors can touch, smell, and taste over 50 different spices, making it an interactive experience.
Open year-round; visiting on a weekday ensures a quieter experience.
Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM ( Mondays Closed)
Duration: 2 hours
Location: Am Sandtorkai 34, 20457 Hamburg, Germany. Get Directions
Streetkart Tour
For an adrenaline-pumping adventure, the Streetkart Tour in Hamburg lets you cruise through the city streets in a high-powered go-kart. It’s an exciting way to experience Hamburg from a different perspective while feeling the thrill of speed.
Street-legal go-karts allow you to drive through real roads, making it a one-of-a-kind experience. The guided tour takes you past Hamburg’s top sights in an adventurous way.
No previous go-kart experience is required, making it accessible to most visitors.
Spring to early autumn (March to October) is ideal, as the weather is more favorable for outdoor driving. Mid-mornings are the best time to avoid traffic and fully enjoy the ride.
Hours: 9 AM to 6 PM
Duration: 2-3 hours
Location: Meeting Point. Get Directions
Speicherstadt
Speicherstadt is the world’s largest warehouse district. This area, full of red-brick buildings, was once home to merchants and warehouses. Today, it’s a UNESCO-listed site full of museums, cafes, and picturesque canals.
You can explore the district from the water, or take a walking tour to learn about its fascinating history. The buildings here are some of the most photographed in Hamburg.
The golden hour gives Speicherstadt a magical glow.
Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM
Duration: 2.5 hours
Location: 20457 Hamburg, Germany. Get Directions
BallinStadt Emigration Museum
BallinStadt Emigration Museum tells the poignant story of millions of Europeans who left Hamburg for the Americas. It’s an emotional and educational journey of emigration through history.
The museum is a good year-round destination where you can trace the routes of emigrants and learn about their hopes and struggles.
Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM (Mondays Closed)
Duration: 1.30 hours
Location: Veddeler Bogen 2, 20539 Hamburg, Germany. Get Directions
Bucerius Kunst Forum
For art lovers, Bucerius Kunst Forum offers an exceptional collection ranging from antique masterpieces to modern works.
The museum hosts temporary exhibitions, offering a fresh experience each time you visit. Visit during an exhibition opening for a glimpse into contemporary art trends such as sculpture, painting, photography, etc.
Hours: 11 AM to 7 PM
Duration: 3 hours
Location: Alter Wall 12, 20457 Hamburg, Germany. Get Directions
Cap San Diego
The Cap San Diego is one of the largest and most preserved museum ships in the world. Once a cargo ship that contributed significantly to global trade and transportation, sailing between Hamburg and South America, it now serves as a floating museum where you can explore life on the high seas.
Explore the crew quarters, cargo holds, and the bridge to get a sense of life at sea.
The ship is open year-round, but visiting in summer offers a chance to enjoy the harbor views.
Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM
Duration: 2-3 hours
Location: Überseebrücke, 20459 Hamburg, Germany. Get Directions
Pulverfass Cabaret
Pulverfass Cabaret offers one of the most extravagant experiences in Hamburg, famous for its entertaining shows featuring live performances, dazzling costumes, and electrifying music by musicians, drag artists, comedians.
Grand Hotel Travestie Show is an entertainment extravaganza you won’t soon forget. Evenings are the best time to enjoy the high-energy shows in this well-known performing arts theater.
Hours: 5 AM to 11:30 PM
Duration: 3 hours
Location: Reeperbahn 147, 20359 Hamburg, Germany. Get Directions
Harry Potter tour
Perfect for Potterheads, Hamburg’s Harry Potter tour takes you to magical spots inspired by J.K. Rowling’s world, with interactive experiences and trivia.
Guides dress as characters, and you can take part in magical activities like potion-making or a sorting ceremony.
Available year-round, but autumn and winter create a more mystical atmosphere.
Hours: 11 AM to 8 PM
Duration: 2 hours
Location: Get Directions
Rickmer Rickmers
The Rickmer Rickmers is a well-preserved, three-masted sailing ship built in 1896, now serves as a museum. The ship’s name is a tribute to Rickmer Clasen Rickmer, a well-known German shipowner. Explore its decks and cabins and learn about life on the high seas during the 19th century.
The ship’s location by the harbor makes it a perfect photography spot. Visit in the early afternoon when the ship isn’t too crowded.
Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM
Duration: 3 hours
Location: Bei den St. Pauli-Landungsbrücken 1a, 20459 Hamburg, Germany. Get Directions
Sex and Crime tour
This Sex and Crime tour delves into Hamburg’s red-light district and its criminal underworld, revealing real-life stories of gangsters, crime lords, and the famous Reeperbahn nightlife.
This tour, led by knowledgeable guides, covers hidden corners of St. Pauli district, notorious clubs, and crime-related landmarks.
Best experienced in the evening or at night for the full ambiance of the red-light district.
Hours: 7 PM to 10 PM
Duration: 2 hours
Location: Reeperbahn, St. Pauli district, Hamburg, Germany. Get Directions
Alster Lakes
A serene escape within the city, perfect for boating, picnics, or simply enjoying nature.
Divided into the Inner Alster (Binnenalster) and Outer Alster (Außenalster), offering scenic views, walking trails, and watersports.
Spring to early autumn (April–September) is ideal for outdoor activities, but winter is magical when the lake freezes.
Hours: 11 AM to 8 PM
Duration: 1 hour
Location: 20148 Eimsbüttel, Germany. Get Directions
Ohlsdorf Cemetery
The largest rural cemetery in the world, known for its peaceful gardens, historical graves, and artistic sculptures.
It covers 391 hectares and serves as a nature park with lakes, old trees, and memorials to famous personalities.
Spring and autumn are ideal for scenic beauty but open year-round.
Hours: 8 AM to 9 PM
Duration: 2.5 hours
Location: Fuhlsbüttler Str. 756, 22337 Hamburg, Germany. Get Directions
Zur Ritze
A legendary bar in the Reeperbahn known for its underground boxing gym, where famous fighters like the Klitschko brothers trained.
This place offers a mix of gritty history and nightlife, with strong ties to the boxing world and Hamburg’s red-light district.
It is best experienced in the evening or late at night for its lively atmosphere.
Hours: 12 AM to 2 AM
Duration: 2 hours
Location: Reeperbahn 140, 20359 Hamburg, Germany. Get Directions
Hamburg Bike Tour
Exploring Hamburg on a bike is one of the best ways to see the city up close. The Hamburg Bike Tour takes you through the city’s iconic landmarks, historic districts, and scenic waterfronts while enjoying the fresh air and flexibility that cycling offers.
Guided tours provide insightful commentary on Hamburg’s history and culture. Routes typically cover highlights like the Speicherstadt, Elbphilharmonie, and St. Michael’s Church.
Spring and summer (April to September) offer the best weather for a bike tour. Morning tours provide cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM
Duration: 3.5 hours
Location: Meeting Point. Get Directions
