Hamburg is Germany's maritime gateway, with warehouse canals, the stunning Elbphilharmonie concert hall, seafood and a lively nightlife strip. It's greener and more relaxed than its reputation suggests.
Good to know
- Get the HVV day card for all transport including the harbor ferry.
- Book Elbphilharmonie concert tickets early; the Plaza viewing deck is free.
- Fish rolls (Fischbrotchen) are the local quick bite.
Eat this
Places the planner can use
Mark places as a must or something to skip. The itinerary is built only from this list; ★ marks the destination’s highlights.
Public viewing deck on a glass concert hall, with views of the harbor.
World's largest warehouse district, with brick canals and museums like Miniatur Wunderland.
See container ships and the port from the water.
Hamburg's signature fish sandwiches of pickled herring, shrimp or salmon, eaten at a harbor stall.
The world's largest model railway, with miniature airports, cities and landscapes; book tickets ahead.
Famous entertainment street where the Beatles played.
Early Sunday market of fish, produce and live music.
Rent a canoe or take a ferry on the central lake.
Hamburg's baroque landmark, with a tower viewing platform.
One of Germany's major art museums, from Old Masters to contemporary work, in a grand red-brick building.
Hillside fishing village on the Elbe with steep stair lanes, white villas and views of passing ships.