Welcome to Hamburg, one of Germany’s bustling port cities and cultural hotspots! Whether you’re a foodie, art lover, history buff, or just looking for some fun, Hamburg has something in store for you. With its mix of stunning architecture, flavorful cuisine, and world-class entertainment, this city is an absolute treat to explore. In this post, we’ll take you on a journey through the best attractions and things to do in Hamburg, so that your visit is nothing short of spectacular. Let’s get started!
The 20 Best Tours with Locals in Hamburg
- Hamburg Private 2 Hour Sailing Trip on Alster River
- Private Guided Tour Hamburg
- Must See Hamburg in a Day
- Hamburg Sightseeing Tour With Scuddy
- The Olivia Jones Original Tour With Cult Icon Fabian
- Hamburg Combined Bus Boat Sightseeing Tour
- Interactive Crime Tour Through Hamburg in German
- Hamburg Insider Tour of the Reeperbahn
- Hamburg 1 Day Hop on Hop Off Harbor Cruise
- Hamburg Original Kiez Tour in German W Eddy Kante
- Hamburg City Cruise on Alster Lake
- Hamburg Exciting Scavenger Hunt for Children in German
- Hamburg S Elbphilharmonie Walking Tour
- Hamburg Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour Family Ticket
- Guided Walking Tour in Hamburg Hafencity Speicherstadt and Elbe Philharmonic Hall
- Hamburg Double Decker Bus Sightseeing Tour
- Essential Hamburg Combo Hop on Hop Off Tour Cruise and Lake Alster
- Hamburg City Exploration Game for Couples by Smartphone
- Hamburg Hop on Hop Off Tour Red Double Decker
- 1 Day Hop on Hop Off Sightseeing Bus Tour in Hamburg
The 20 Best Tours with Locals in Hamburg
1. Hamburg Private 2 Hour Sailing Trip on Alster River
Experience a unique perspective of Hamburg with a private 2-hour sailing trip on the Alster River. Admire fantastic views of the Hanseatic city as you sail through its heart. Under the guidance of an experienced skipper, you’ll have the opportunity to customize the tour to match your interests.
Discover hidden gems such as a pirate treasure atop a church tower, a bridge named after a U.S. president, the White House of Hamburg, a seamen’s church far from the harbor, and a mosque far from the Islamic world. The skipper can also provide water sports entertainment and information as you sail.
The tour includes a private sailing tour and life vests if needed. You also have the option of pick-up and drop-off services. Please note that this tour may not be suitable for everyone.
2. Private Guided Tour Hamburg
Discover the top attractions and famous landmarks of Hamburg on this 3-hour private guided tour. Follow your own personal guide through the lively streets of the city and learn about its rich history. Travel by public bus and ferry to explore sites like the Elbe Philharmonic Hall and Kontorhäuser. Admire the spectacular panoramic views of Hamburg and the Alster River from the top of St Michael’s Church. Immerse yourself in the buzzing atmosphere of districts such as HafenCity, Landungsbrücken, Mönckebergstraße, and Speicherstadt. Delve into the historic Portuguese Quarter for a truly unique experience. Join us on this private tour to discover Hamburg’s hidden gems with your own expert guide.
3. Must See Hamburg in a Day
Discover the best of Hamburg in just one day with this private tour led by a knowledgeable local guide. This personalized itinerary is tailored to your specific interests and covers top attractions like Speicherstadt and Miniatur Wunderland as well as hidden gems only known by locals. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit local markets and sample typical Hamburg foods (at your own expense). With flexible scheduling, hotel meet-up and transportation costs included, this tour provides a convenient and efficient way to explore all that Hamburg has to offer.
4. Hamburg Sightseeing Tour With Scuddy
Experience the most beautiful highlights during the guided Hamburg Sightseeing Tour with Scuddy along the Elbe. Pass along the canals, visit Lohsepark, and see the headless pirate on Störtebeker Ufer, as you drive through Old Elbpark to the old Bismarck and enjoy a great view of the harbor.
This 2-hour tour, available for €49, starts at Honkgongstraße 6 where the meeting point is. The meeting time is 15 minutes before the beginning of the tour. The route has several important viewpoints, and the tour operates in groups of 3 to 9 people. Tour times are included in a short briefing.
The minimum age for this tour is 15 in Class B (cars), and a driver’s license must be carried. Participants should have physical and mental health with a body weight of up to 120 kg. On the tour, there is a helmet obligation, and suitable helmets are available to all guests and included in the tour price.
5. The Olivia Jones Original Tour With Cult Icon Fabian
Experience the unique atmosphere of Hamburg’s red light district on a guided tour with local expert Fabian Zahrt. This tour offers an incredible insight into the world of pimps and barkers, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at an S&M studio with a St. Pauli insider. You’ll also visit the famous Olivia Jones Bar and party with the Olivia Jones family. The tour includes a shot at the bar and an opportunity to view the S&M studio. Please note that this tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Join us for a fascinating and eye-opening tour of the red light district of Hamburg.
6. Hamburg Combined Bus Boat Sightseeing Tour
Experience the highlights of Hamburg from a double-decker bus on Line A with this combined bus boat sightseeing tour. Enjoy onboard narration by an audio guide system available in 11 languages as you hop on and hop off the bus tour for one day. Create your own sightseeing tour by stopping wherever you want and hopping back on later. You can also choose between two water programs: a 1-hour harbor cruise at St. Pauli piers 1+4 or a 1-hour Alster tour at Jungfernstieg jetty. The tour includes a one-day ticket for the sightseeing bus tour, a choice of one out of two water activities, food, and beverages. Don’t miss the chance to see the best highlights of Hamburg in a unique and flexible way with this combined bus boat sightseeing tour.
7. Interactive Crime Tour Through Hamburg in German
Discover the criminal history of Hamburg on an interactive improvised crime tour that takes you through the city center. This thrilling experience will lead you to both famous landmarks and secret places and make you feel like an undercover investigator.
As you journey through the city, you will hear spine-chilling stories about the most dramatic criminal cases in Hamburg’s past. Immerse yourself in the captivating history of the city and solve your very own criminal case, all the while discovering the most attractive sights of Hamburg.
You will explore remote areas of the city, passing secret buildings and streets as well as the famous landmarks. The tour culminates with a visit to the beautiful Planten un Bloomen park, where you can relax and reflect on the fascinating stories you have learned.
Don’t miss this opportunity to uncover the hidden criminal history of Hamburg and gain newfound knowledge of the city’s past.
8. Hamburg Insider Tour of the Reeperbahn
Experience Hamburg’s Red Light district like a true insider with top-rated experts, celebrities, and Reeperbahn VIPs. This tour takes you on an unforgettable journey, full of entertainment and information, through St. Pauli’s world of “Sex, Drags & Rock’n’Roll.” Discover the secrets of the famous spotlights, red lights, and blue lights while getting incredible insights from Fabian Zahrt, a legendary bouncer, and other iconic red light experts. You’ll meet Drag Queens like Barbie Stupid or get to know local historians such as Doc Eva Decker. Then, continue the tour in one of Olivia Jones’ hottest clubs and celeb hotspots.
Experience Germany’s most popular neighborhood tour and gain access to places like the world-famous Herbertstraße and the Davidwache police station before visiting a BDSM dungeon. Don’t miss out on this perfect mix of information, entertainment, and sinful stops – book your insider tour of the Reeperbahn now!
9. Hamburg 1 Day Hop on Hop Off Harbor Cruise
Discover the highlights of Hamburg with a 1-day hop-on hop-off harbor cruise. Experience the maritime culture of the city as you explore the Port of Hamburg, Speicherstadt and HafenCity by barge in just 90 minutes. From the water, gaze at the harbor cranes and cruise ships, and learn interesting information about the Port of Hamburg.
With the hop-on hop-off ticket, you only pay once and can enjoy the day with any number of stops to explore individual attractions onshore. Discover BallinStadt, the Hafenmuseum Hamburg, the new Elbarkaden with the exhibition “The Flood,” the International Maritime Museum, and the traditional fish market.
The barge calls at the St. Pauli Landing Bridges Bridge 10 and the major tourist attractions daily, giving you the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in Hamburg’s rich maritime history and culture. Book your 1-day hop-on hop-off harbor cruise now and discover the hidden gems of Hamburg’s harbor.
10. Hamburg Original Kiez Tour in German W Eddy Kante
Discover the heart of Hamburg’s St. Pauli district with the Original Kiez Tour in German with Eddy Kante. As a bodyguard of Udo Lindenberg, Kante provides a unique perspective on life in St. Pauli, from the famous landmarks to the lesser-known hideaways. Learn about the history of biker gangs and how the neighborhood has evolved, as you stroll through the lively streets. The tour includes a stop at the Olivia Jones Bar, where you can enjoy a complimentary liqueur. Please note that the tour involves a lot of walking and is not suitable for those with mobility impairments. Experience Hamburg like a local with the Original Kiez Tour in German, and uncover the secrets of this iconic neighborhood!
11. Hamburg City Cruise on Alster Lake
Discover the stunning panorama of Hamburg and its famous Alster Lake with this relaxing 60-minute sightseeing cruise. Sail past the Alster Fountain and under the Lombards bridge to the Outer Alster, where you’ll see beautiful residential areas and landmarks such as Hotel Atlantic, Blue Mosque, U.S. Consulate General, and Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten.
As you cruise along, enjoy live commentary in German or use the provided audio guide to learn about Hamburg’s history and the biodiversity of the lakeside area, home to many water birds and rare plants. You’ll also see the city’s iconic church spires and bridges.
This tour includes headphones for the audio guide and a selection of food and drinks. Book your Hamburg City Cruise on Alster Lake today for an unforgettable experience of this stunning German city.
12. Hamburg Exciting Scavenger Hunt for Children in German
Discover the most famous sights of the Port of Hamburg in a unique way with a fun Scavenger Hunt tour. Your children will enjoy an interactive stroll through Hamburg as you combine sightseeing with an exciting game. Starting at Kornhausbrücke in Speicherstadt (Warehouse City), continue on to Fleetschlösschen and the monument of the famous pirate Störtebeker. The Magellan Terraces at the traditional ship harbor will greet you with a task and offer the perfect opportunity to take a break. You can pause the tour at any time to take photos or spend longer at a certain place. And the journey doesn’t end there, as you continue to Kehrwieder and the museum ships San Diego and Rickmer Rickmers. Enjoy a family-friendly and engaging sightseeing activity with your loved ones as you explore the sights of Hamburg Port.
13. Hamburg S Elbphilharmonie Walking Tour
Discover Hamburg’s latest landmark on a fascinating walking tour of the Elbphilharmonie. Join your professional guide as you explore this stunning new building in the HafenCity quarter, and learn all about its past, present, and future. Admire the building’s impressive façade as you walk around it, and discover the area’s new and exciting architecture. Enjoy breathtaking views of the harbor from the Elbphilharmonie Plaza, via the longest curved escalator in Europe. Delve into the history of Hamburg and hear all about the building’s unique acoustics as your guide shares interesting anecdotes. This tour includes entry to the plaza and a visit to the concert halls, as well as a knowledgeable guide to answer any questions you may have. Embark on an adventure to discover one of the city’s most impressive modern landmarks.
14. Hamburg Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour Family Ticket
Take a hop-on hop-off bus tour of Hamburg with your family and explore the city’s most fascinating highlights. With the family ticket, two adults and three children aged 6 to 14 can travel all day long, getting off and on again at any of the 15 stops. Enjoy the informative commentary from your live guide, depending on the bus, while you relax on the double-decker bus with a convertible roof.
Design your own itinerary and make multiple stops to learn more about the city’s exciting history in the Speicherstadt or browse the shops along Jungfernstieg. Take a break from your tour by visiting the famous Reeperbahn or climb the beloved St. Michaelis Church to get a spectacular view of the city. With this family ticket, there’s no limit to what you can experience in Hamburg.
The tour starts at Kirchenallee/Main St and continues through the most popular attractions of the city. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore Hamburg with your family in the most comfortable and convenient way.
15. Guided Walking Tour in Hamburg Hafencity Speicherstadt and Elbe Philharmonic Hall
Discover the historic city of Hamburg on this 2-hour guided walking tour through popular districts and top attractions. Your professional guide will shed light on Hamburg’s colorful history as you explore Speicherstadt, the world’s largest warehouse district, and the bustling harbor. Learn about Hamburg’s massive urban regeneration in the waterside HafenCity district, and admire huge feats of architecture such as Consolation Bridge (Trostbrücke), St Nicholas’ Church, and the Elbe Philharmonic Hall. This tour includes transportation to and from the attractions and is a great way to experience some of the best landmarks in Hamburg.
16. Hamburg Double Decker Bus Sightseeing Tour
Begin your guided sightseeing tour of Hamburg on board a wonderful yellow and red double-decker bus. Drive around the vast Alster Lakes over the Jungfernstieg and to the town hall on this hop-on-hop-off tour. With 15 stops, you will have the chance to pause at each location continuing on with a later bus if you wish.
See many tourist attractions including St. Michel Church, the court of justice district, the Elbphilharmonie, and the Hafencity. Visit the fish market, St. Pauli Piers and the beloved St. Georg district. Your expert guide will provide interesting facts and useful tips along the way. Weather permitting, the roof of the bus will be opened for fantastic city views.
Your bus ticket allows you to explore Hamburg’s hotspots at your own pace. Stop at many tourist attractions, learn all about the city from your expert guide, and have a memorable experience in Hamburg.
17. Essential Hamburg Combo Hop on Hop Off Tour Cruise and Lake Alster
Enhance your Hamburg experience with a comprehensive hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour by land and water! Discover the city’s top attractions, including the famous Reeperbahn red-light district, harbor city, and St Michael Church, on board a comfortable double-decker bus. With 28 stops to choose from, you can get close-up views of the sights and hop off to explore at your own pace. What’s more, your ticket includes two relaxing 60-minute boat trips through Hamburg’s historic harbor and Lake Alster, providing even more opportunities to enjoy the city’s beauty. With a choice to do everything in one day or spread the fun over three consecutive days, you have plenty of time to make unforgettable memories. Your ticket also comes with an audio guide commentary on the bus available in 11 languages, and live German commentary on the boat tours (English via Audio Guide App), making your experience all the more informative and enjoyable. Don’t miss out on the most convenient and comprehensive way to see Hamburg!
18. Hamburg City Exploration Game for Couples by Smartphone
Explore Hamburg in a uniquely enjoyable way with your significant other on an interactive smartphone game that helps you learn more about each other. Solve exciting challenges, answer tricky and funny questions about your relationship, and earn points to unlock clues to your next destination. This self-guided tour and game are based on an app and includes a live tour guide for bonus content. Step away from the real world and create new memories while forming a deeper bond with your partner and the city.
19. Hamburg Hop on Hop Off Tour Red Double Decker
Discover the vibrant and historic Hamburg with the Hamburg Hop on Hop Off Tour Red Double Decker. This single-day pass lets you relax for the full loop of the tour or design an itinerary with 29 possible stops like St. Michael Church, St. Pauli Fish Market, and the renowned Reeperbahn red-light district. You can hop on and off the open-top double-decker bus as many times as you like and enjoy unobstructed views from the open-air viewing deck (weather permitting). Onboard commentary is available in English and German. You can also upgrade your ticket with a harbor cruise to get the most comprehensive way of seeing the city. The ticket includes 11 languages Audio Guide commentary on the bus, Sightseeing Tour Hop on Hop off – Dayticket, restroom on board, and gratuities. You may start this tour at any of the stops listed and disembark at any of the available stops.
20. 1 Day Hop on Hop Off Sightseeing Bus Tour in Hamburg
Explore the best of Hamburg with a 1-day hop on hop off sightseeing bus tour. With 14 stops, you can visit the most famous sights at your leisure. With commentary in multiple languages, sit back and enjoy the views of the Alster River as you pass by the Hamburg Rathaus and St. Michael’s Church. Travel in comfort as you journey along the Hafenstraße, home to the renowned fish market, and see the St. Pauli Landing Stages. Take in the scenic views of the Elbe River waterfront, including the Hafencity and the new Elbphilharmonie. Book your tour and experience Hamburg in a unique way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hamburg
Hamburg, Germany is a beautiful city on the Elbe River known for its stunning architecture, bustling nightlife, and cultural landmarks. As a popular tourist destination, many visitors have questions about what to see, where to go, and how to get around. In this blog post, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most frequently asked questions about Hamburg to help you plan your trip.1. What are the top tourist attractions in Hamburg?
Hamburg has many popular attractions that are worth visiting. Some of the top ones include:
- The Elbphilharmonie concert hall
- The Miniatur Wunderland miniature model exhibition
- The St. Michaelis Church
- The Hamburger Kunsthalle art museum
- The Hamburg Fish Market (open on Sundays)
2. How can I get around Hamburg?
Hamburg has an excellent public transportation system that includes buses, trains, and ferries. You can purchase a Hamburg Card, which provides unlimited access to public transportation as well as discounts on attractions, restaurants, and shops. Taxis are also readily available, but they can be expensive.
3. What is the best time of year to visit Hamburg?
The best time to visit Hamburg is from May to September when the weather is warm and the daylight hours are long. The city has many outdoor festivals and events during this time, including the Hamburger Dom fair, Altonale street festival, and the Hamburg Cruise Days.
4. Where can I find the best nightlife in Hamburg?
Hamburg is known for its vibrant nightlife scene that includes bars, nightclubs, and live music venues. Some of the best areas for nightlife include St. Pauli, Schanzenviertel, and the Reeperbahn. You can also take a nocturnal harbor tour to experience the city’s illuminated skyline from the water.
5. What is the food like in Hamburg?
Hamburg has a diverse culinary scene that includes traditional German cuisine as well as international options. Some of the must-try dishes in Hamburg include a Fischbrötchen (fish sandwich), Labskaus (a corned beef and mashed potato dish), and Rote Grütze (a red berry pudding). The city also has many bakeries and cafes where you can enjoy coffee and pastries.
6. Is tipping expected in Hamburg?
Tipping is not required in Hamburg, but it is customary to round up the bill at restaurants and cafes. In bars, it is common to leave small change or round up to the nearest Euro. You can also tip taxi drivers a few Euros.
7. What is the currency used in Hamburg?
Hamburg is part of Germany, and the currency used is the Euro (EUR). Most places accept credit and debit cards, but it’s always a good idea to carry some cash.
8. Can I visit Hamburg for a day trip?
Hamburg is a great city to visit for a day trip if you’re in the area. You can take a train from other German cities like Berlin or Bremen and explore the city’s top attractions in a few hours. However, if you have more time, we recommend staying at least two to three days to fully experience all that Hamburg has to offer.
9. What are some free things to do in Hamburg?
Hamburg has many free attractions and activities that you can enjoy without breaking the bank. Some of these include:
- Walking along the Elbe River promenade
- Visiting the St. Nikolai Memorial
- Exploring the Alter Elbtunnel
- Browsing the fish stalls at the Hamburg Fish Market
- Relaxing in Planten un Blomen park
10. Can I take a boat tour of Hamburg?
Yes, there are many boat tours available in Hamburg that allow you to see the city from the water. You can take a harbor tour, a canal tour, or a dinner cruise, depending on your preferences. These tours provide an excellent opportunity to see Hamburg’s skyline, historic landmarks, and bustling port.
How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Hamburg
Hamburg is a beautiful northern German city, perfect for any type of traveler who wants to experience a real taste of Germany. The city is famous for its attractions, such as the Elbphilharmonie concert hall, the Miniatur Wunderland, and the St. Michaelis Church. In this guide, we will share with you some of the best things to do and see as a tourist in Hamburg.1. Visit the St. Michaelis Church
The St. Michaelis Church is a prominent landmark in Hamburg that attracts millions of tourists each year. The Baroque-style architecture of the church, its beautiful altar, and its impressive tower make it a must-visit destination. You can climb up the tower to enjoy a stunning view of the city or attend a classical music concert held in the church.2. Explore the Miniatur Wunderland
The Miniatur Wunderland is the world’s largest model railway exhibit, and it’s a great place to visit with family and friends. The exhibit features incredibly detailed miniature versions of Hamburg, the Alps, Las Vegas, and even an airport. You can spend hours admiring the intricate detail that went into building these miniature masterpieces.3. Walk Along the Jungfernstieg Promenade
The Jungfernstieg Promenade is a beautiful tree-lined street that’s perfect for a leisurely stroll, window-shopping, or a romantic evening out. The promenade runs along the Alster lake, which is a lovely spot for a picnic or a boat ride during the summer months.4. Visit the Elbphilharmonie
The Elbphilharmonie concert hall is a modern landmark in Hamburg and an excellent destination for music enthusiasts. The hall hosts numerous classical and popular music concerts throughout the year, and its design is a unique blend of modern architecture and traditional port warehouse aesthetics.5. Try Some Local Cuisine
Hamburg has a unique food scene that’s worth exploring. You must try the famous fish sandwich, made with fresh fish, onions, and a sauce made with pickles and mayonnaise. Alternatively, you can visit one of the numerous restaurants in the Schanzenviertel borough, which is known for its multicultural cuisine offerings.6. Join a Harbor Boat Tour
Taking a boat tour of Hamburg Harbor is an excellent way to experience the city’s maritime history and see its architecture from a different perspective. The tours range from an hour to several hours, and you can also book a guided tour to learn more about the harbor’s history and current operations.7. Check out the Speicherstadt and HafenCity
The Speicherstadt and HafenCity are two adjacent boroughs that form the world’s largest warehouse district. The Speicherstadt is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with century-old buildings, and HafenCity is the largest inner-city development project in Europe, with numerous modern buildings and attractions.8. Visit the Hamburg Rathaus
The Hamburg Rathaus is the city’s town hall, an imposing neo-renaissance building located in the city center. The building is over 100 years old, and its impressive facade features detailed sculptures and carvings. You can join a guided tour of the Rathaus to learn more about its history and see its beautiful interior.9. Explore the Kunsthalle Hamburg art museum
The Kunsthalle Hamburg art museum is home to one of the most significant art collections in Germany, with more than 700 years of art history represented in its vast collection. The museum features numerous exhibitions and a beautiful collection of paintings, sculptures, and photographs that any art enthusiast will appreciate.10. Shop at the Fischmarkt
The Hamburg Fischmarkt is a bustling market that sells fresh seafood, produce, and other goods. You can visit the market early in the morning and enjoy a snack of fresh fish and local beer while watching the city come alive.In conclusion, Hamburg is a beautiful city with numerous attractions that any traveler will enjoy. Whether you’re interested in maritime history, modern architecture, or art, you’ll find something to enjoy in Hamburg. So, pack your bags and head to Hamburg for an unforgettable vacation!Table of Contents
