10 tips for a city trip to Hamburg
Tips for a city break to Hamburg
1. The Speicherstadt district
A visit to the Speicherstadt district is one of the best things to do in Hamburg. The district lies on the banks of the River Elbe. The best sights here are the warehouses and brick buildings from the 19th century. Besides being extremely photogenic, the district is also historically interesting, which earned it a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Take a stroll through the streets or view the structures from the river.
2. The port of Hamburg
The port of Hamburg is one of Europe's biggest ports. Work is carried out day and night, so, there is always something going on. Take a guided tour during the day or late at night to learn all about the workings of the port. Take a look at the workshops and watch huge ships entering and leaving the busy port.
3. Sankt Pauli and the Reeperbahn
Sankt Pauli is the place for those who like to party, with vibrant clubs and pubs with live music. You will also find the red-light district Reeperbahn, which is the place to be for street performances and theatre shows at the Hamburg Dungeon. You can enjoy delicious food in Sankt Pauli's restaurants, which offer traditional Hamburg dishes as well as international menus.
4. Bridges over two rivers
Hamburg´s highlights include the bridges over the Elbe and Alster rivers. From the bridges, you have good views of the rivers and city districts. They are themselves very photogenic. There are more than 2,500 bridges to see. The most famous and one of the city's most beautiful bridges is the Köhlbrandbrücke. The Ellerntorsbrücke is an old pedestrian bridge and is beautifully situated among old buildings.
5. Hamburger Rathaus
The Hamburger Rathaus is one of the most famous buildings in the city. This city hall resembles a palace, with unusual, centuries-old architecture. Inside its walls, you will find historical objects such as old documents of Charlemagne, who was crowned emperor here more than a thousand years ago.
Address: Rathausmarkt 1
6. Elbphilharmonie
The Elbphilharmonie concert hall is one of the city's cultural and musical hotspots. The modern concert hall is located high above the banks of the Elbe. You therefore have a breathtaking view of Hamburg through its windows. World-famous artists perform in two large halls and the many smaller ones. The local Hamburg Philharmonic Orchestra also plays there regularly. If you do not want to attend a concert but still want to enjoy the view, you can visit one of its restaurants.
Address: Platz d. Deutschen Einheit 4
7. Hamburg Zoo
More than 1,800 animals live in Tierpark Hagenbeck. It is one of Europe's largest zoos. Spot the big five in the safari section or take a boat trip on the lake to see sea lions, sharks and stingrays up close. It takes about 20 minutes by public transport from Hamburg Hbf, Hamburg's main train station to get there.
Address: Lokstedter Grenzstraße 2
8. Hamburg's city park
Want to unwind in natural surroundings? Then visit a city park in Hamburg. The city's most famous green oasis is the Planten und Blomen park, which covers an area of 47 hectares. More than three thousand plants and trees from all continents can be found in this botanical garden. The garden is divided into themes, including a tropical and a local/German part. Stroll along the nature trails or picnic on one of the many benches.
Address: Marseiller Promenade
9. Eppendorf in Hamburg
The Eppendorf district is known for unique architecture and that it has a relatively large amount of greenery. It is great to go shopping there and picnic in its parks. You will also find a maritime museum and the Zoological Museum of the local university.
10. Miniatur Wunderland
Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg is the largest model railway in the world. Here, you can see miniature versions of famous sites from around the world, including cities, mountains, and historical scenes. This unique venue is located in the centre of Hamburg and is enjoyable for both model building enthusiasts and families.
Address: Kehrwieder 2/Block D
Take the train to Hamburg
You can reach Hamburg Hauptbahnhof from Amsterdam Central Station in 5.15 hours with ICE. With just one transfer on the way, you can walk leisurely into the city centre after arrival. Public transport in the city is well organised, so you can easily reach your favourite sight.
The lowest one-way price is € 33. For all trains: the sooner you book, the lower the price!
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