The Port city Hamburg is the second largest city of Germany after Berlin, is rightly called the Gateway to Europe (No offence to Port of Rotterdam and Antwerp 😛 ). The Portland city situated on the banks of famous River Elbe. In addition to being a major logistic hub, Hamburg has become one of the Europe’s most important hub for cultural and commercial activity and offers a variety of sightseeing experience to tourist.
The Port City of Germany: Hamburg
The city is very different to a traditional German city like Berlin. Being a major shipping hub, it host many shipping MNCs in its city with a number of expats working in the city. I absolutely loved the city as it had everything that I generally look for: Great food, Good night life and Enticing History. In this aritcle, I will share without the Top things to do when you are in Hamburg!!!!
Best things to explore in Hamburg
1) Hamburg ~ Gateway to Europe
As mentioned earlier, Hamburg is a major shipping hub. The port of Hamburg infact takes 1/8th of the city and hence it is very hard to miss it. On one side of the river bank, you will find city’s major attractions and on the other side, the sprawling port is situated. Its a treat to watch the huge container vessels sailing when you are take a stroll. Incase you would like to know the history of Hamburg port or how container terminals operate, I would definitely recommend you to take one of the river cruises along the river Elbe.
The Nearest metro station : Landungsbrucken
2) Elbphilharmonie
Standing tall on the Hafencity quater of Hamburg, Elbphilharmonie is one of the most advanced acoustic concert hall in the world. The Architectural design and view deck has made it a famous landmark in Hamburg and hence attracts a lot of tourist. There is also a free viewing deck which has long waiting queues, especially on the weekends. The building has a base is a six-story brick, former cocoa, tea, and tobacco warehouse above which rise an additional twenty stories of curved, shining glass. The buildin also consists of a major hotel, residential apartments and Fine restaurants. A publicly accessible plaza at level eight provides spectacular views of the harbor and the city.
The Nearest metro station: Baumwall
3) Speicherstadt:
The Speicherstadt, a Hamburg landmark, is one of the main attractions in the great harbour. The century-old Speicherstadt, the world’s largest contiguous warehouse complex. In The day and night the red brick buildings and steel bridges are artfully illuminated by 800 spotlights. You can travel the narrow canals in small barges to savour the architectural details if the tide is right. A canal tour with a historic barge like this is an unforgettable experience.
Note: Most tours depart from the landing stages in St. Pauli. Groups can even charter a whole barge.
4) Hamburg City Hall:
The impressive Rathaus (City Hall) is Hamburg’s seat of government. The magnificent architecture situated in the heart of the city, right in the centre of Rathausmarkt, the famous shopping alley of Hamburg. Hamburg’s parliament is free to access from inside and remains open throughout the day from 8 Am to 6PM in evening. The Rathausmarkt in front of the City Hall is a popular venue for fairs, markets and concerts. The arena is well connected to Alter River and some great cafe’s and restaurants. In the night the city hall is illuminated as a beautiful crown of the city.
The Nearest metro station: Rathaus
5) Reeperbhan:
The Entertainment street ( Red light District) of Hamburg, offers everything from theatres, galleries some trendy nightclubs and smoky sailor bars. The Reeperbahn is the same street where the famous band “Beatles” first performed. The surrounding area are packed with nightclubs, bars and restaurants as well as art galleries, cabarets and theatres. Must-sees include the Panoptikum wax figure museum, the Beatles monument, Große Freiheit street and Hans-Albers-Platz. Spielbudenplatz, a large square at the centre of the Reeperbahn, is home to markets, fairs and outdoor concerts. And the district’s red light days aren’t over completely. For a cosy atmosphere and affordable drinks, head to any of the small bars along side streets. In late September, the annual Reeperbahn Festival attracts around 25,000 visitors as the district’s music venues offer top-notch concerts, art exhibitions and a music industry convention ─ all wrapped up into one big event.
The Nearest metro station: St. Pauli
6) Golden Elbe Tunnel:
The St. Pauli Elbtunnel is a protected landmark which is a beautiful and frequently used as short cut from Landungsbrücken to the port area and Steinwerder. The Old Elbe Tunnel opened in September 1911 in the St. Pauli on the bank of Elbe river to connect the teminal side of the hamburg. The tunnel is about 20ft wide (6m) 80ft (24m) beneath the surface and 1,400ft (426m) in length, what was an engineering marvel at that time. There are Elevators to go down, but I actually recommend going down the stairs (going up would be harder) so you can admire the interior of the structure and walk through the tunnel to the otherside. Across the Elbe tunnel the observation platform south of the river is also held in high regard among tourists and locals alike for its magnificent panoramic views of the city.
7) St. Michael Chruch:
The ‘St. Michel’ is Hamburg’s largest church and one of the city’s must-see attractions. Its bell tower offers a breathtaking view over the city. A high speed special elevator’s are design to take you up within seconds. I would highly recommend you to experience the stunning view.
The spot where St. Michael’s Church now stands has seen its share of trouble. A lightning strike and then a catastrophic fire centuries later destroyed the first and second churches that were built on this site. But the city’s Protestants persevered, and in 1912, the construction of the church that we see today was finished. Although heavily damaged during WWII, it has been fully repaired, which you see today standing tall.
Pro Trip: For going up on the bell tower for the city view, a 10 euro ticket can be purchased online or on the spot. Highly recommend to go evenings to see the beautiful sunset.
8) Rickmer Rickmers :
Rickmer Rickmers is a three-masted tall ship with a long and colorful history. Built in 1896, the ship returned to Hamburg in 1983, and after four years of restoration is now a museum focused. Rickmer Rickmers is the most prominent ship to permanently cast anchor in Hamburg. After almost 90 years of sailing the seven seas, the three-masted ship was turned into a museum in 1983. It has sailed under several names and several flags, including those of Germany, the United Kingdom and Portugal. Today, visitors can roam the decks, exploring the crew’s and officers’ quarters, the galley and even the engine room.
Note : More than just a museum attraction, the ship’s on-board restaurant offers fantastic dining options.
9) Fisher Market: Sunday Market
Every Sunday morning, the Hamburg Fish Market by the Elbe attracts thousands of visitors, It is said that on Sunday the party begins at 6 Am in morning in hamburg. Early birds and night owls unite along the shores of the Elbe to barter over fresh fish, regain their spirits over a coffee or beer with some live bands to simply enjoy the lively atmosphere. Fish, fruit, flowers, clothing and souvenirs – you can find almost anything at the Hamburg Fish Market, an institution since 1703. In the Fish Auction hall, the century-old building, the band keeps spirits high with live rock and jazz, attracting party-goers for one last dance after dawn. Some come to feast on an early morning fish sandwich while taking stroll on the bank of Elbe river over beautiful views of the harbour.
Travel the undiscovered Destinations💕
Hamburg, is a secret gem of Germany, not really popular like Berlin, but once you explore you will definitely fall in love with the city.
Click here to know more about Hamburg
If you are planning to go Germany in winters, here is the best winter market of Germany. click on the link The golden market of Dusseldof, Germany.
Leave me a comment if you want me to add your favourites places as well and we can give you shoutout on Instagram.✅
Much love 
