Things to do in Hamburg

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Photo provided by German National Tourist Board
Hamburg showing a bay or harbor
Speicherstadt featuring a bridge and a city
Stadtpark showing a park
Hamburg Dungeon showing signage

Hamburg Attractions

Historical landmarks, vibrant festivities, and spectacular scenery can all be found in Hamburg, Germany. This charming city along the Elbe River has long been regarded as one of Europe’s top travel destinations. Many of the best attractions in Hamburg are easy to find and offer a full day of fun. You can find terrific deals on hotel stays, flights, and Hamburg tours on Expedia.com.

Hamburg boasts several museums filled with beautiful artworks and important historical artifacts. Numerous works of art dating back to the 14th century can be seen inside the Kunsthalle Hamburg. You can also check out the Internationales Maritimes Museum Hamburg to see model ships, vintage sailor uniforms, and other pieces telling the story of the city’s naval history. Miniatur Wunderland has the distinction of being the largest model railway museum in the world.

If you plan on bringing small children along for the journey, you can find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Hamburg. The Tierpark Hagenbeck is the city’s main zoo and features lions, elephants, and other exotic animal species. The Tropen Aquarium is one of the best places to go to see some of the world’s most fascinating sea creatures.

Hamburg’s impressive landmarks rival many of those found in other international cities. While taking Hamburg excursions around the city, you must see the iconic radio telecommunication tower known as the Heinrich-Hertz-Turn. You can also pick up a city map to locate places like Saint Nicolas’ Church, the Flakturm bunkers, and the historic building known as Hanseatisches Oberlandesgericht.

All of the wonderful Hamburg activities are sure to keep you entertained while you visit this alluring city. When you book your discount travel reservations through Expedia.com, you can easily see all of the local tourist spots in Hamburg and still have some money to spare.


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Most popular activities in Hamburg

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What to do in Hamburg

Free Things to Do in Hamburg

Vacationing on a lean budget in Hamburg? Spend time, not cash, on great experiences.

Dialogue in the Dark Exhibition - Wander the halls and study the impressive exhibits at this museum.

Niendorfer Gehege - Make this place your first port of call for a bit of fun during your stay.

Beatles Platz - Architecture lover or not, you'll be awed by this landmark's modern-day design.

Rathausmarket - If you enjoy delving into the past, this is one stop you shouldn't miss.

Reeperbahn - This is a lively place where you can absorb the ambiance and join in on local life.

Inner Alster Lake - Get out of life's fast lane and treat yourself to some time out beside the water.

Dockland - Plan a visit and learn about the significance of this place to the community.

St. Peter's Church - Do a little quiet contemplation and discover a thing or two about this site's religious significance.

Donners Park - You'll be treated to views that'll inspire awe at this natural marvel.

Japanese Garden - Grab your picnic blanket, pick up a snack and find a shady area to relish Mother Nature.

Things to Do in Hamburg with Kids

There are loads of memorable experiences in Hamburg that the whole gang will enjoy. These are some of the top family friendly experiences around.


 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Hamburg? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 


 


Discover the most popular places to visit in Hamburg

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Hamburg

Hamburg City Center which includes a city, heritage architecture and night scenes

Hamburg City Center

4.5/5(215 area reviews)

Imposing Renaissance Revival structures like Hamburg Rathaus and three main churches, St. Jacobi, St. Katharinen, and St. Petri, adorn this district. Explore museums like Hamburg Kunsthalle and enjoy performances at Thalia Theater.

Hamburg City Center
Hamburg City Center which includes a city, heritage architecture and night scenes

Hamburg-Mitte

3.5/5(2 area reviews)

Discover Hamburg-Mitte's bustling urban center, home to the historic Altstadt, Neustadt, and HafenCity districts. Enjoy the green oasis of Planten un Blomen park, and easily navigate with the city's rapid transit system.

Hamburg-Mitte
Japanese Garden showing a river or creek and a garden

Saint Pauli

4/5(35 area reviews)

Experience the lively atmosphere of St. Pauli, Hamburg's entertainment hub, featuring musicals, theaters, bars, and clubs in the "sinful mile." Explore iconic landmarks like Beatles-Platz square and Hans-Albers-Platz near Reeperbahn.

Saint Pauli
St. Catherine\'s Church which includes a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Altstadt Hamburg

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Altstadt Hamburg. Spend some time visiting top spots like Moenckebergstrasse, and catch the metro at Messberg U-Bahn or Meßberg Station to see more of the area.

Altstadt Hamburg
Botanical Gardens which includes an observatory, a garden and a pond

Altona

4.5/5(35 area reviews)

Consider exploring the abundant dining options in Altona. If sightseeing is on the list, Reeperbahn is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Othmarschen S-Bahn or Klein Flottbek S-Bahn to see more of the area.

Altona
Wow. The beauty of spring right in the green space on an intersection on a busy Hamburg street. Discovered while cycling through the city.

Saint Georg

4/5(169 area reviews)

Central location and vibrant nightlife define St. Georg, offering street cafés, shops, and theaters like Deutsches Schauspielhaus and Ohnsorg-Theater. Explore St. Mary's Cathedral and Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, with easy access to public transport.

Saint Georg

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Popular day trips from Hamburg

Frequently asked questions

Is Hamburg worth visiting?
With a blend of markets and history, there are many things to do in Hamburg. When you're here, visit Hagenbeck Zoo, a must-see attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Hamburg?
After you've checked off key attractions like Hagenbeck Zoo and Reeperbahn, spend some time enjoying Hamburg's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Hamburg?
Don't leave without checking out Hagenbeck Zoo, rated the top tourist attraction in Hamburg.
Is three days enough to stay in Hamburg?
Three days in Hamburg is more than enough to enjoy the city's key attractions. Many travelers stay for two days on average. Hagenbeck Zoo, Reeperbahn and Theatre Neue Flora are among the top-rated sights. Like to see more? Hang around a little longer to visit nearby hotspots like Norderstedt.
Is Hamburg a walkable city?
With exciting neighborhoods and top attractions within walking distance of the city center, Hamburg is a great place to discover on foot. Wander between Reeperbahn and Theatre Neue Flora. Then take a stroll through Hamburg-Mitte, located 3 miles from downtown, and Hamburg City Center, which is roughly 0.1 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Hamburg with kids?
What to do in Hamburg for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or outdoor adventurer, there are lots of things to do in Hamburg for adults including Holsten Brewery and Elbe Philharmonic Hall.
Are there free things to do in Hamburg?
From relaxing in parks to strolling around vibrant neighborhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in Hamburg. If you need inspiration, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Reeperbahn is a must for anyone wishing to save on their sightseeing adventures.