Top 10 Things To Do And See In Hamburg, Germany
Hamburg a bustling port city in Northern Germany dotted with boats and sprinkled with quaint cafes and restaurants. Boasting one of the biggest and busiest ports in Europe, Hamburg has been culturally and historically significant for hundreds of years, a dynamic center of trade, economy and commerce. The astonishing architecture, encompassing parklands and array of unique museums here elevate it as an exciting place to spend a day exploring. Want to browse a colorful market, sail on the river or try some tasty, traditional chocolate? Here’s our list of the 10 best things to do and see in Hamburg, Germany.
Chilehaus
Designed by German architect Fritz Höger and constructed between 1922 and 1924, Chilehaus, or the Chile House, is a ten-story office building in Hamburg, and an exceptional example of a type of architecture known as Brick Expressionism. It’s a building famed for its roof, which is strongly reminiscent of a ship’s prow, and has structures which meet at a very sharp angle at the top. The best view of the building is from the East, and because of the accentuated vertical elements of the venue, as well as the curved outer walls, despite its large size the building exudes a certain sense of lightness. Along with the Speicherstadt and Kontorhaus District of Hamburg, the Chilehaus was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015.
2. Fish Market
Market
Fish Market
The Fish Market of Hamburg is a traditional, bustling Sunday morning market. Come here to purchase an array of seafood, fresh fruit, flowers, clothes and much more. The market begins early, with a 5am start, and even if you aren’t a morning person, the live, energetic music played in the auction hall is sure to put a spring in your step whatever the time of day. And whilst here, take a moment to look up at the sky; an early visit here is a great opportunity to watch the sun rise spectacularly over the river Norderelbe.
Opening hours: Sun 5am-9:30am (Apr to Oct), Sun 7am-9:30am (Nov to Mar)
St. Pauli Fischmarkt 2, Hamburg, Germany
Fish Market Hamburg © Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH / Shutterstock
3. Hamburg Dom
Amusement Park, Park
Hamburg Dom
Hamburg Dom is a fair and festival boasting a rich and varied history, recorded as being first held in 1329, and attracting over 10 million thrill-seekers and ride-lovers every year. The fair is held 3 times a year, and is named either the Winter, Summer or Spring Dom according to the season. Each fair lasts for around a month, making it the longest and biggest fair in Northern Germany. Visitors will have a fun time playing at the game booths and riding the gigantic, looping roller coasters here. For a great end to the perfect night catch the kaleidoscopic firework show every Friday at 10:30pm.
Opening hours: Mon-Thur 3pm-11pm, Fri-Sat 3pm-12:30 am, Sun 2pm-11pm (check the exact opening dates on their website here)
Heiligengeistfeld, Hamburg, Germany, +49 40 428 651 660
Amusement park dom in hamburg © Bluecrayola / Shutterstock
Elbe Beach
Elbe Beach is a picturesque stretch of sand in Hamburg, surrounded by clear water and grand mansions, and boasting fantastic views of the harbor. Coming alive during the summer months, the area thrives with visitors from the end of May, and hosts numerous fun activities including volleyball matches and leisurely cruises. Many popular bars and restaurants dot the banks of the beach, offering guests the chance to kick back with a cocktail whilst soaking in the fabulous views of the bay.
4. Lake Alster
Lake Alster
Lake Alster is an 160-hectare lake in the heart of Hamburg, a haven for sailors, rowers and swimmers. A calm and clean flow of water, you can often find many graceful swans gliding happily here. Buzzing with life in the summer, with enthusiastic Frisbee fans playing games on the grassy riverbanks, in winter it becomes a picture of winter beauty, with the river charmingly freezing over and offering a pretty, glassy area on which to skate.
Aussen-Alster, Hamburg, Germany
Lake Alster © Canadastock / Shutterstock
5. Reeperbahn
Reeperbahn
Reeperbahn is Hamburg’s rambunctious red-light district and the center of the city’s nightlife. In German the area is sometimes described as die sündigste Meile, (the most sinful mile), and it is here where most of the nightclubs, bars and brothels are located. Historically a hotspot for sailors due to its close proximity to the port, The Beatles are known to have played the lively streets here before they became famous. With a number of first-rate restaurants and theaters here too, this is a top choice for an energetic night out full of music, movement and unique fun.
Reeperbahn area is Hamburg’s famous red light district and entertainment area © Tupungato / Shutterstock
The Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe
The Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe Hamburg (MKG) is the Museum of Art and Industry, a building founded in 1874 and modeled on the design of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. It offers an enthralling combination of history, culture, art and design, and exhibits various collections laden with engaging visual art and intricately molded sculptures. The work here is sourced from many different time periods, and features Ancient art as well as astonishing Baroque pieces. There is a brilliant collection here of historic keyboard instruments, featuring harpsichords, spinets, clavichords and square pianos, and the porcelain exhibition is unmissable, featuring most major 17th and 18th century manufacturers of the material.
Steintorplatz, 20099 Hamburg, Germany, +49 40 428134 880
Hamburger Kunsthalle
Hamburger Kunsthalle is Hamburg’s main art museum, first founded in 1850 as an esteemed art hall. The Kunsthalle’s permanent collections focus on North German painting of the 14th century, and paintings by Dutch, Flemish and Italian artists of the 16th and 17th centuries. It is comprised of three buildings dating from 1869,1921 and 1997, of which the first was designed by Fritz Schumacher, famous also for the Chilehaus. A few examples of notable paintings here are Wanderer above the Sea of Fog by Caspar David Friedrich, and Madonna by Edvard Munch.
6. Chocoversum
Bar
Chocoversum
Who hasn’t dreamed of becoming Charlie and visiting Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory? Situated near the warehouse district of Speicherstadt, Chocoversum makes this dream a reality. A choco extravaganza, a trip here takes visitors on a tour of the factory, enlightens them about the art of making chocolate, and, best of all, offers an array of tasty chocolate treats throughout the day. You can even create your own custom-made bar of chocolate here to take home.
Opening hours: 10am-6pm daily
Meßberg 1, Hamburg, Germany, +49 40 4191 2300
© powell’sPoint / Shutterstock
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