Hamburg walking tour & city guide
A great port city of canals, warehouses and music.
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Hamburg is Germany's gateway to the world, a wealthy port city on the Elbe River with more bridges than Venice and Amsterdam combined. Red-brick warehouses, elegant lakes, a striking concert hall and the lively St Pauli district give it a character all its own.
The harbor and the Speicherstadt
The Speicherstadt is the largest warehouse district in the world, a UNESCO-listed maze of neo-gothic red-brick buildings standing on oak piles along canals. It is especially beautiful when lit up in the evening, and it houses Miniatur Wunderland, the world's largest model railway.
Next to it, the new HafenCity district is crowned by the Elbphilharmonie, a concert hall with a glass wave-shaped top built on an old warehouse. Its public Plaza, 37 meters up, offers free panoramic views of the harbor. Harbor boat tours leave from the Landungsbrücken piers.
The Alster and the old town
In the center, the Inner and Outer Alster lakes are surrounded by elegant buildings, parks and boathouses. The grand neo-Renaissance City Hall stands nearby, and the city's main shopping streets run between the lake and the town hall.
St Pauli, by the port, is famous for the Reeperbahn nightlife street and for being where the Beatles played their early concerts. On Sunday mornings, the historic Fish Market by the river draws early risers and night owls alike.
Visiting tips
Hamburg's weather changes quickly, so bring a rain jacket. Public ferries on the Elbe are part of the city transport network and offer a cheap harbor tour. Book the Elbphilharmonie Plaza or a concert in advance at busy times.
Top sights in Hamburg
- 1
Speicherstadt
Red-brick warehouses along canals.
- 2
Elbphilharmonie
A landmark concert hall with a public viewing plaza.
- 3
Miniatur Wunderland
The world's largest model railway.
- 4
Hamburg City Hall
A grand building in the city center.
- 5
Alster lakes
Lakes for strolls, sailing and cafés.
- 6
Landungsbrücken and the harbor
Piers for harbor cruises and ferries.
Food markets & where to eat in Hamburg
Fischmarkt
The famous Sunday morning fish market by the Elbe.
Landungsbrücken
Fish sandwich stands by the piers.
Schanzenviertel
A lively area of cafés, bars and international food.
Isemarkt
A long market under an elevated railway line.
Food to try in Hamburg
Fischbrötchen
A bread roll filled with herring or other fish.
Franzbrötchen
A cinnamon pastry, Hamburg's favorite.
Labskaus
A sailors' dish of corned beef, potato and beetroot.
Aalsuppe
Hamburg's traditional sweet and sour soup.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Hamburg
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in HamburgCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Hamburg.
- eSIM for GermanyStay online from the moment you land.
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