The second largest city in Germany and the eighth largest in the European Union, Hamburg is a must-visit city while exploring the country. Hamburg is known as a port center and in fact, it has the largest port in Germany and the third largest in Europe. In addition, the city has superb architecture, spectacular views, and vibrant neighborhoods, making it the perfect destination for any type of traveler – whether you want to explore city sights, admire architecture, enjoy time by water or have the best nightlife experience.
Hamburg can be explored in just one day, ticking off the most popular spots but I would recommend at least two days to fully taste the city’s charm and all the places without any rush. I have gathered a list of 14 places to visit in Hamburg that are truly worth the time and are also very budget-friendly so let’s dive into it!
Town Hall
Located in the city’s center, Hamburg Town Hall can be the first thing to visit while exploring the city. Built between 1886 and 1897, it is the seat of Hamburg’s government. The massive building is truly magnificent and can be admired from the city’s central square – Rathausmarkt. Having a Neo-Renaissance architectural style, the Town Hall is a glamorous site that adorns the city center and grabs your attention. The Town Hall is also open to visitors every day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and one entrance ticket costs 7 Euros. If you are planning on joining the tours in English, no advanced reservation is needed if it doesn’t exceed a group of 15 people. For more information, check the Town Hall’s official website here: https://www.hamburg.de/rathaus/
St. Nicholas Church
Designed in neo-Gothic style by an English architect George Gilbert Scott and constructed between 1846 and 1874, the St. Nicholas Church at that time was the tallest building in the world with a 147 high church tower. Sadly, during World War II, the church was badly blemished during air raids and only the large spire was left undamaged.
Nowadays what has been left of the church operates as a memorial to the World War II tragic events standing against war and reflecting on today’s life’s issues. For a 6 Euro entrance fee you can visit a museum located in the basement of the former church to learn about its history and the events during the war as well as visit an observation tower at 76 meters height to have amazing views of the city. The church also offers guides that you can find on their official website here as well as more information on the church: https://www.mahnmal-st-nikolai.de/
Elbphilharmonie
One of the best things to do for free in Hamburg is visit the Elbphilharmonie, a concert hall in the HafenCity quarter that overlooks the Elbe River. Opened only in 2017, it is the tallest inhabited building in Hamburg that provides exceptional views of the city and the river. The concert hall has a unique architectural style, resembling a water wave or a boat sail that you can admire from the opposite side, the city’s harbor. The lower part of the building, which is constructed with red bricks, historically was used as a warehouse to store cocoa beans, tea, and other goods. The building’s blend of the old and new creates an interesting vision and is captivating to admire.
The most exciting part of the concert hall is the world’s longest curved elevator that takes you 80 meters up to a viewing terrace, Plaza, where you can savor the panorama of Hamburg for no cost at all! There you will also find a restaurant, souvenir shop, and concert halls that provide remarkable sound. If you would like to attend a concert, you can check the official website here to see the program and other news: https://www.elbphilharmonie.de/en/
Speicherstadt
The world’s largest warehouse complex and one of the best places in Hamburg to visit is the Speicherstadt or City of Warehouses. Built between 1883 and 1927 in Neo-Gothic style, the district is located in the port of Hamburg, just by the Elbphilharmonie. Standing on timber-pile constructions, the district is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site which is one of the most beautiful places in the city. Once a free economic zone during the German Empire period, it faced some damage during World War II that now has been reconstructed.
Some buildings of the district are still used as warehouses but some have turned into museums such as the International Maritimes Museum Hamburg, Hamburg Dungeon where you can have a memorable and eerie trip through the city’s history, Automusuem Prototyp with car prototypes from the past, and even the Miniatur Wunderland where you can find the world’s largest railroad model system. The Speicherstadt is also an amazing place to go for a walk, enjoy the canals, and architecture, and admire the few ships and boats around the area.
Chilehouse
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site not far from the Speicherstadt and the city center is the Chilehouse. Located in the Kontorhaus District, it is a ten-story building that resembles a ship’s bow with a very narrow corner and is truly an impressive site. Finished in 1924, it has a spectacular Brick Expressionism architectural style with sculptural elements on the facade of the building, created by sculptor Richard Kuohl. Originally built for international maritime trade, nowadays it hosts office spaces for a real estate firm, and a department store and you can even rent a workspace yourself. For visitors, a courtyard is open where you can find a couple of cafes to try out Hamburg’s delicious food and outside seating spots that I highly recommend enjoying. The building, even though it’s a short stop on your way to other sights, is totally worth the visit.
Jungfernstieg boulevard
The best place to go for a walk in Hamburg is the Jungfernstieg – the main city’s boulevard. Either you crave a stroll in the beautiful Neustadt (new town), also known as one of the inner city districts, or a luxurious shopping experience, Jungfernstieg is the place for that. The beginnings of the boulevard can be traced back to the 13th century but it became a place for leisure strolls only around the 17th century. Interestingly, in 1838, Jungfernstieg became the first asphalted street in Germany. Nowadays, not only can you enjoy the promenade for a stroll or shopping, but for an amazing dining and beverage experience as well as memorable gallery visits.
Alster Lakes
Right by the Jungfernstieg boulevard, which can also be viewed as a terrace, lays the Alster Lakes. There you will find two artificial lakes – the Inner and Outer Alster Lakes that provide a serene experience in the middle of Hamburg. The two lakes are separated by Lombard and Kennedy bridges that are used by cars and rail, allowing to experience two different yet very close to each other areas. While the Inner Alster Lake offers a modern experience with the promenade and its pavilions along the lake where you can enjoy a meal, the Outer Alster Lake allows you to enjoy some greenery along the water and admire the stunning neighborhood’s architecture.
Many enjoy activities by the lakes like bike riding, going for a jog, or enjoying summertime’s warmth but you can also immerse yourself in watersports and hire a canoe, kayak, a boat or give sailing or rowing a try. The lake area is truly beautiful and worth the time while exploring Hamburg and certainly unmissable if visiting the Jungfernstieg boulevard.
Portuguese Quarter
One of my favorite places in Hamburg was the charming Portuguese Quarter. Located in the new city part or Neustadt, the small neighborhood covers a few streets that are filled with many exquisite restaurants and cafes. The neighborhood dates back to the 1960s when Portuguese and Spanish immigrants came to live in the area that is now one of the best places to visit in Hamburg. The atmosphere of the quarter is certainly outstanding and makes you travel in different cultures in just a few streets. Not only does the food make you admire the place but little architectural and design elements that represent the Portuguese, Spanish, and even Italian cultures. While exploring the area, make sure to taste some delicious foods as well as try the traditional Portuguese pastel de nata that we tried in Cafe Sul which was very mouth-watering.
St. Pauli Piers
Located by the river Elbe in a very dynamic area, you will find the largest harbor of Port of Hamburg – St. Pauli Piers. Dating back to 1839 when the first pier was built for steamships, the present ones were rebuilt in the years between 1953 and 1955 after they were destroyed during World War II. The St. Pauli Piers are one of the most scenic spots in Hamburg where you can enjoy a meal or drink by the river overlooking the many ships and boats but also enjoy a journey with a catamaran or a ferry.
Stretching 205 meters long, the site is truly remarkable and worth a visit with the 10 floating piers that are accessible by 10 bridges. If you love seafood, after exploring the piers make sure to visit the Fish Market which is active every Sunday morning and offers a wide variety of fresh produce but mostly, a unique atmosphere and delicious fish.
Old Elbe Tunnel
A site that you shouldn’t miss and that is one of the most unique places in Hamburg, is the Old Elbe Tunnel. Located just by the St. Pauli Piers, the tunnel once operating both for pedestrians and vehicles, stretches 426 meters long below river Elbe, which is truly a fascinating experience. Opened back in 1911, it was a necessity for people working at the once one of the busiest harbors in the world. Now, from 2023, only pedestrians can enter the tunnel that is open 24 hours a day and you can reach it with a lift that takes you straight down to the tunnel. The site is accessible for free which makes it the perfect remarkable experience in Hamburg for any budget traveler.
Reeperbahn street
The famous Hamburg street, Reeperbahn, is the place for memorable nightlife where you can enjoy different bars, clubs, restaurants, and even strip clubs and adult shops. Located in the St. Pauli district, the street, and surrounding ones for years now are known as being the place to have a great time and, being the city’s red light district, it offers quite the freedom. Aside from nightlife, the area is very unique with mesmerizing displays, lights, and culture, it’s worth it to just walk around and take it all in. For any music lover, I highly recommend visiting the Beatles monument that represents the time in the 1960s before the group became well-known and played in local clubs around Reeperbahn. The area might not be for everyone but I highly recommend visiting just to have a completely different experience than the rest of the city offers.
Sternschanze neighborhood
Another of Hamburg’s famous areas with a vibrant nightlife, bar, and cafe scene, is the Sternschanze also known as Schanzenviertel neighborhood. Where the Reeperbahn area might be loud and bright, the Sternschanze streets are still very colorful but with a slightly more artistic and relaxed atmosphere. Located in the city center, the streets are filled with eye-catching street art, welcoming cafes, and intriguing restaurants and bars. In the past years, the area was mostly a working-class neighborhood that now has faced many renovations and become a popular area for locals as well as tourists. Aside from the lively bars and cafes, you can also browse through different boutiques, record shops, and vintage stores to find unique pieces for affordable prices. Sternschanze was one of my favorite places in Hamburg and that truly is worth the visit, either to find an amazing coffee or admire the vividly colorful streets.
Planten un Blomen (Plants and Flowers) park
In Hamburg, there are quite a few green zones where you can enjoy some fresh air, quiet time, and greenery but Planten un Blomen park is one of the best ones to visit. I was taken aback by the beauty of different plants and trees, the lakes that sit in the middle of the rich flora, and the calming atmosphere that encircles the whole area. If you have more time, you can also find the Old Botanical Garden of Hamburg there and explore the multiple greenhouses. The park is the perfect stop after exploring the tireless Jungernstieg boulevard, which is located just a short walking distance away.
Japanese Garden
While wandering through the Planten un Blomen grounds, an unmissable stop in the park is the Japanese Garden. Considered one of the largest Japanese gardens in Europe and designed by architect Yoshikuni Araki in 1988, the park offers quite the beauty of different plants, exquisite garden settings, a lake full of colorful fishes, and even hosts a traditional Japanese tea house overlooking the greenery. Not only that, but in warmer months you can also enjoy events hosted in the gardens such as calligraphy courses, traditional tea ceremonies, and even drum classes. If there’s one place you shouldn’t miss while exploring Hamburg, this is it.
Cafes that I enjoyed
Hamburg hosts countless amazing restaurants and cafes that you can spend days of exploring and savoring but if you are looking for a few recommendations on where to find good coffee or food in Hamburg, here are two that I enjoyed a lot.
Cafe Sul, located in the Portuguese Quarter, offers traditional Portuguese pastries and some foods, along with great coffee. Here’s where I actually tasted my first pastel de nata and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The atmosphere of the place also stood out to me as a very charming place to spend some time and rest from the city exploring either in the cozy inside sitting area or, if the weather is nice, on the outside benches.
Another cafe that I very much enjoyed was Cafe Rolo, sandwiched between the Reeperbahn and Sternschanze areas. The atmosphere of this cafe was like visiting a friend or family member where there’s no rush, the coffee tastes amazing and the food is fresh and tasty with sandwiches and filled croissants made just in front of you.
Final thoughts
I visited Hamburg for the first time in September 2023 and before that, I didn’t have any expectations of the city, the only thing I knew about it was that it’s a huge port center. But after my visit and exploring all the 14 places in Hamburg listed above, I can wholeheartedly say that I truly enjoyed it – the contrasting neighborhoods, beautiful architecture, the refreshing port area, and the multiple cultural blend throughout the city. Not to mention that I was so surprised by how much you can do there without spending a lot of money if none at all. I rarely feel the need to return to places after I have explored them but Hamburg is one of those cities that I would gladly visit and relish the unique energy once again.
If you are planning a trip to Germany, make sure to check out my other blog posts about what places to visit in Berlin, and Dresden and what to know about vanlife there.
Latest blog posts
- 8 Things to know about vanlife in the Netherlands
- Places to visit in Amsterdam on a budget-friendly trip
- Places to visit in Utrecht on a one-day budget-friendly trip
