Hamburg, Germany’s second-largest city, also has the distinction of having the world’s third-largest port, a bustling 300-year-old fish market, and one of the most impressive collections of European art in all of Germany. If you thought Hamburg was boring compared to its cousins Frankfurt and Berlin, think again. Take the water and see the top 10 things this port city has to offer.
Get dirty on the Reeperbahn
Direction
Reeperbahn 174 , 20359 Hamburg , GermanyGet directions
Telephone
+49 6309 49950
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The most famous street in the city is the Reeperbahn, the Red Light District of Hamburg, one of the most prominent in Europe. Located within the St. Pauli district, this area is full of neon, erotic theaters, and strip clubs, but don’t panic. The area is mostly safe, and everyone is welcome from Kindergarten to Oma .
The eclectic mix of bars and restaurants along with strip clubs and erotic museums brought the Beatles here, who began their international career in Hamburg in the 1960s. Fans of the Fab Four should visit the Indra Club and the Kaiserkeller as well. like the newly built Beatles Square at the corner of Reeperbahn and Große Freiheit.
Wake up early for the Hamburg fish market
Direction
Fish Market, 22767 Hamburgo, AlemaniaGet directions
Fresh seafood, exotic fruits and nuts, and teas from around the world – the Hamburg Fischmarkt is a must for any foodie or collector. Everything is for sale, from fine china to live animals and spices from around the world.
The 300-year-old open-air market, right next to the historic fish auction hall, is open on Sundays between 5 and 9 a.m., so get up early for the best buys right next to the ship, or forget to go to sleep. Many visitors still go out at night. Hours are uninterrupted as more than 70,000 visitors walk through the many stalls along the Elbe every day.
Board a Russian submarine in the port of Hamburg
Direction
Russian U 434, 22767 Hamburg , GermanyGet directions
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Hamburg is a port city, and its port is the third largest in the world, after London and New York City, so unsurprisingly, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy this city’s 800-year-old harbor. . Take a boat tour, cruise along the shoreline, and enjoy a great seafood dinner at Rive Restaurant, which offers stunning views of the harbor. Do you want to see the port even more closely? Get on a real Russian submarine and experience the history below the surface.
Learn about your family’s history at Ballinstadt
Direction
Veddeler Bogen 2 , 20539 Hamburgo , AlemaniaGet directions
Telephone
+49 40 31979160
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Between 1850 and 1939, more than five million people from all over Europe emigrated from Hamburg to the New World. The “Ballinstadt” museum complex recreates this life-changing journey on historic grounds. You can view the original emigration rooms, and you can even trace your own family’s route by studying the original passenger lists and the world’s most extensive genealogical database.
Explore the historic warehouse district
Adjacent to the port is Hamburg’s historic warehouse district, the largest warehouse complex in the world. The narrow cobbled streets and small waterways are lined with 100-year-old warehouses, which store cocoa, silk, and oriental rugs. Light projections at night create a magical atmosphere on buildings, bridges and canals.
Learn about European art at Hamburger Kunsthalle
Direction
Glockengießerwall , 20095 Hamburg , GermanyGet directions
Telephone
+49 40 428131200
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This trio of architectural gems houses one of the most impressive art collections in all of Germany. Over 700 years of European art history are represented in the Hamburger Kunsthalle, from medieval altars to modern paintings. Highlights here include masterpieces by Rembrandt, Caspar David Friedrich, and Edvard Munch.
Climb the spiral staircase at St. Michaelis Church
Direction
English plank 1, 20459 Hamburgo, AlemaniaGet directions
Telephone
+49 40 376780
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The Baroque Church of St. Michaelis is the characteristic landmark of Hamburg. “Michel”, as the locals call the church, was built in the mid-17th century and is the most famous church in northern Germany. Its white and gold interior accommodates an impressive 3,000 people. Climb to the top in a spiral for panoramic views of the Hamburg cityscape and harbor.
Shop along Alsterarkaden
Direction
Alsterarkaden , 20354 Hamburg , GermanyGet directions
Hamburg is famous for its exclusive shopping, and the elegant Alsterarkaden is one of the most picturesque places for your retail therapy. The historic arcades, inspired by Venetian architecture and lit by wrought iron lamps at night, lead you through the canals to Hamburg’s main square and its richly decorated town hall.
Go to Hafencity, the Hamburg of the future
Direction
Am Sandtorkai 30 , 20457 Hamburg , GermanyGet directions
Telephone
+49 40 36901799
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Visit the future of Hamburg at “Hafencity”, the largest urban construction project in Europe of the 21st century. At 155 hectares, this port city within a city is expected to double the population of central Hamburg with thousands of new waterfront apartments, gleaming skyscrapers, shops, restaurants and a new symphony. The ambitious project will end in 2025, but you can already enjoy Europe’s most visionary architecture here.
Respira hondo en Planten un Blomen
Direction
Marseiller Str. , 20355 Hamburg , GermanyGet directions
Telephone
+49 40 428544723
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You can relax in the green scene of Hamburg, the park «Planten un Blomen». It has a botanical garden and the largest Japanese garden in Europe. During the summer months, visitors can enjoy free water-light concerts, theater performances, and festivals in the park.
