Top 6 things to do and visit in Hamburg, Germany
Discover Hamburg’s top attractions in just one day, from the iconic Elbphilharmonie and the historic Speicherstadt to the vibrant St. Pauli district and the world-renowned Miniatur Wunderland. Stroll along scenic waterfronts, enjoy the city’s rich culture, and savor its delicious cuisine. This guide will help you experience the best of Hamburg, whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for more.
Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany and a major port city in northern Europe. The architecture and buildings are beautiful as you walk around the city.
Here are my top six places to visit in Hamburg. This is a guide starting from St Pauli Piers and ending at the Speicherstadt warehouse district. You’ll be able to see all the main attractions in one day.
1. St Pauli Piers (try Fischbrötchen)
Walk along St Pauli Piers to overlook the ports and I recommend you try the Fischbrötchen while you’re at it. This is a popular dish in Hamburg and a must-try! They are affordably priced from €4.50 per sandwich. There are many places to try it but I tried the classic Fischbrötchen at Bruckle based on the positive reviews.
I loved that the bread was warm in contrast to the fish being slightly cold and packed with onion inside. This made it taste so refreshing and very enjoyable. If you’re looking for something a little more cooked, the fried fish with the bread was just as good. Fischbrötchen is a must-try when you’re visiting Hamburg.
More information on St Pauli Piers
- Entry: Free (optional to try the Fischbrötchen but highly recommend)
- Address: Bei den St. Pauli-Landungsbrücken 8, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
- Opening Hours: 24 hours
2. Alter Elbtunnel
Closeby, you have Alter Elbtunnel which is a historic tunnel in Hamburg, Germany. It opened in 1911 and originally was built to connect the St Pauli district with the shipyards and industrial areas on the southern banks of the Elbe River. Designed to reduce the need for ferry crossings and improve transportation efficiency for workers.
It now serves as a tourist attraction and a reminder of Hamburg’s industrial heritage. Alter Elbtunnel makes for a nice photo spot with all the lights in the tunnel.
Entry points are located at the St. Pauli Landungsbrücken and the Elbe’s southern bank.
More information on Alter Elbtunnel
- Entry: Free
- Address: Bei den St. Pauli-Landungsbrücken, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
- Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 5:30AM – 8PM / Sat-Sun: 10AM – 6PM
3. Stintfang (observation deck of the city)
Stintfang is a lookout point and is considered an observation deck of the city. You’ll have the best views of Hamburg’s iconic port, the Elbe River, and the bustling activity at the Landungsbrücken piers. It is easily accessible via the Landungsbrücken U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations.
More information on Stintfang
- Entry: Free
- Address: Bei den St. Pauli-Landungsbrücken 3, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
- Opening Hours: 24 hours
4. Elbphilharmonie Plaza
The Elbphilharmonie Plaza features the world’s longest curved escalator, stretching approximately 80 meters. Its unique design and excellent lighting make it a fantastic photo spot. From the Plaza, you can also enjoy stunning 360-degree views of the city of Hamburg.
As part of the Elbphilharmonie concert hall, the Plaza serves as a gateway to one of the world’s most acoustically advanced music venues, symbolizing Hamburg’s cultural and artistic aspirations.
Visiting the Elbphilharmonie Plaza is free for spontaneous visits, but you still need to secure a time slot at the box office. For those who prefer to plan ahead, time slots can be booked online for €3 per person. Alternatively, you can try your luck on the day and hope for spare time slots to be available for free entry. When I visited, I didn’t prebook and was fortunate enough to gain free access.
There’s even a guided tour in Elbphilharmonie Plaza if you’re interested in exploring the place more.
More information on Elbphilharmonie plaza
- Entry: Free (if available, remaining tickets for spontaneous on-site visits), Otherwise, it is €3 per ticket.
- Address: Platz d. Deutschen Einheit 2, 20457 Hamburg, Germany
- Opening Hours: 7 Days (10AM – 11:30PM)
5. Miniatur Wunderland
Miniatur Wunderland holds the title of the world’s largest model railway exhibition. It is divided into several meticulously detailed regions and themes, including:
- Hamburg: A miniature version of the host city, including landmarks like the Elbphilharmonie and the harbor.
- Switzerland: Features the Alps with running trains and stunning landscapes.
- Italy: Showcases landmarks like the Colosseum, the Vatican, and Venice.
- Scandinavia: Includes snowy mountains, and functioning ships navigating real water.
- America: Depicts iconic locations like Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, and Mount Rushmore.
- Airport Knuffingen: A model airport with planes that taxi, take off, and land realistically.
You can engage with the exhibit through interactive buttons located in certain sections, triggering events like moving vehicles or lighting effects.
The entire exhibit transitions between day and night approximately every 15 minutes, with thousands of tiny lights illuminating cities, streets, and buildings during the “nighttime,” creating a magical atmosphere.
Miniatur Wunderland includes family-friendly amenities like a café, rest areas, and accessible pathways, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone.
While it typically takes around 2-3 hours to explore the entire exhibition, you’re welcome to pace your visit and spend more time marveling at the intricate details.
Tickets can be bought in person at the desk or to avoid waiting in line, you can purchase the tickets online.
More information on Miniatur Wunderland
- Entry: Adult €20.00 / Child €12.50
- Address: Kehrwieder 2/Block D, 20457 Hamburg, Germany
- Opening Hours: Tue-Sat: 7AM – 1AM / Mon: 8:30PM – 8PM / Sun: 7:30AM – 10PM
6. Speicherstadt Warehouse District
The Speicherstadt warehouse district in Hamburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the city’s most iconic and historic areas. Built between 1883 and 1927, it was once the largest warehouse complex in the world, playing a vital role in Hamburg’s history as a major port city.
The district is renowned for its striking red-brick Neo-Gothic architecture, with ornate facades, turrets, and bridges connecting the buildings. Canals weave through the warehouses, earning it the nickname “Venice of the North.”
For a picture-perfect view, head to Poggenmühlenbrücke, one of the most photographed spots in the district. From here, you can capture the iconic scene of the canals converging in the middle, framed by the historic warehouses. This location is especially stunning during sunrise, sunset, or when the district is illuminated at night.
Whether you’re drawn by its history, architecture, or scenic charm, Speicherstadt is a must-visit destination that beautifully blends Hamburg’s past with its present.
More information on Speicherstadt warehouse district
- Entry: Free
- Address: Speicherstadt warehouse district
- Opening Hours: 24 hours
Whether you’re strolling along the scenic waterfront, exploring vibrant neighborhoods like St. Pauli, or indulging in the city’s famous cuisine, Hamburg invites you to discover its unique spirit. These top places are just the beginning—there’s always more to see, taste, and experience in this beautiful city.
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