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
Hamburg

HafenCity

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

HafenCity
Wow. The beauty of spring right in the green space on an intersection on a busy Hamburg street. Discovered while cycling through the city.

Saint Georg

4/5(169 area reviews)

Central location and vibrant nightlife define St. Georg, offering street cafés, shops, and theaters like Deutsches Schauspielhaus and Ohnsorg-Theater. Explore St. Mary's Cathedral and Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, with easy access to public transport.

Saint Georg
Reichshof Hotel Hamburg
Reichshof Hotel Hamburg
Kirchenallee 34-36, Hamburg
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥21,138 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
¥21,138
¥22,617 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
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! (1,170 reviews)
"The hotel has been beautifully refurbished. The staff is super attentive and the food (breakfast and restaurant) are excellent quality"

Reviewed on Jun 17, 2025

Reichshof Hotel Hamburg
Hamburg Marriott Hotel
Hamburg Marriott Hotel
ABC Strasse 52, Hamburg, HH
The price is ¥26,422 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
¥26,422
¥28,272 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Hamburg. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"I dont like it that they do not have a fridge."

Reviewed on Jun 4, 2025

Hamburg Marriott Hotel
Ruby Lotti Hotel Hamburg
Ruby Lotti Hotel Hamburg
Düsternstraße 1-3, Hamburg
The price is ¥15,401 per night from Jun 22 to Jun 23
¥15,401
¥16,479 total
Jun 22 - Jun 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Hamburg. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"A nice themed hotel in the city centre"

Reviewed on May 19, 2025

Ruby Lotti 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! (1,138 reviews)
"Excellent customer service from de Reception personnel. Very clean, great breakfast buffet, great location, spacious and comfortable. Just need to improve the wifi services at the rooms. Terrible reception."

Reviewed on Jun 5, 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! (916 reviews)
"More than we expected!"

Reviewed on Jun 18, 2025

Clipper Boardinghouse – Hamburg-Michel
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 helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,558 reviews)
"Vi var fire veninder på tur til Hamburg. Hotellet ligger perfekt for sightseeing, morgenmaden er fin, og vi er alle enige om, at næste gang vi skal til Hamburg, skal vi bo her igen."

Reviewed on Jun 4, 2025

Citadines Michel 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Hamburg

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
221
5 - Excellent 55%
4 - Good
143
4 - Good 36%
3 - Okay
32
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I would have liked to see it!!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Very beautiful city just to walk around and experience.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Beautiful city

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Once you figure out public transportation, you are fine!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Cities near Hamburg