Hamburg’s Most Beautiful Places – Tips and Sights

Hamburg is often called the most beautiful city in the world. At least, that’s what many locals claim. Of course, beauty is subjective, but Hamburg’s attractions truly are impressive, and the city has a lot to offer visitors. From the famous Reeperbahn to the harbor and the Elbe River, Hamburg really is the gateway to the world. We’d like to show you some of Hamburg’s most beautiful spots.

A Weekend in Hamburg – Sights and Things to Do

We grew up just southeast of Hamburg and have spent a lot of time in the Hanseatic city. We even both worked there for many years. For us, Hamburg was never really about the tourist attractions. It was simply the city where you go to party, shop, and meet friends.

But as almost-locals, it’s also interesting to explore the tourist side of Hamburg’s attractions. That’s why we’ve put together 13 fun and exciting tips for Hamburg’s most beautiful places. This way, you definitely won’t get bored during a weekend in Hamburg (and it’s also great for long weekends).

Accommodation in Hamburg – Our Hotel Tip

Located in the Speicherstadt, the AMERON Hamburg Hotel offers a perfect starting point to explore Hamburg’s attractions. You can easily walk to the Alster, HafenCity, the Landungsbrücken, or the city center. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, TV, safe, free Wi-Fi, and more. A good breakfast in the morning will energize you for the day.

Find more hotels here (also in other districts of Hamburg, such as St. Pauli).

1. Speicherstadt

Located in the Port of Hamburg and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015, the Speicherstadt is on the must-see list for many visitors to Hamburg. The district consists of historic warehouse complexes built between 1883 and 1927.

Since 2008, the Speicherstadt has been part of the HafenCity (see next point) and stretches over 1.5 kilometers with several canals leading into the Elbe River. The brick architecture of the warehouses and the bridges crossing the canals are popular photo spots.

Today, some of the warehouses are still in use, while others have been converted into offices and tourist attractions such as the Miniatur Wunderland, Hamburg Dungeon, or the Dialogue in the Dark exhibition.

A walk through Hamburg’s Speicherstadt is well worth it and a must for any weekend exploring Hamburg’s best places. You can also take an evening lights cruise through the Port of Hamburg, which includes the Speicherstadt as part of the route.

2. Elbphilharmonie and HafenCity

It took ten years to complete, but since January 2017, the Elbphilharmonie, or simply the Elphi, has been open. It’s one of Hamburg’s newest landmarks and is located in HafenCity.

The glass facade, resembling waves or sails, is particularly striking and can be seen from many points around the harbor. Inside, you’ll find a concert hall, hotel, restaurant, and even apartments. You can also visit the Elphi Plaza observation deck with a ticket for just €2. Note: It can get quite busy on weekends.

While you’re in HafenCity, you should definitely visit the Elbphilharmonie. The Speicherstadt (see point 1) is also part of this area, along with the cruise ship terminal, many canals, a university, and the headquarters of the Spiegel publishing group. The mix of modern and historical architecture is what makes HafenCity so special.

A stroll along the canals toward the Port of Hamburg, with a detour through the Speicherstadt, is definitely one of the top things to do in Hamburg.

3. Landungsbrücken

The St. Pauli Landungsbrücken are historic piers originally built in 1839. The current version, made up of floating pontoons, dates back to 1907 and can be accessed via several pedestrian bridges. You’ll find souvenir shops, restaurants, snack stands, and various ticket booths for harbor tours and boat cruises.

There are also a few bars here with great views of the harbor, as well as the Hard Rock Café. A popular photo spot of the Landungsbrücken can be found from the Stintfang. Another great view (like in our photo) is from the opposite side of the Elbe River. We’ll tell you how to get there in point 4.

Tip: If you have a day pass for public transport from HVV during your weekend in Hamburg, you can take advantage of almost free harbor tours. Some ferry lines operate just like buses and trains, one of the most popular is Line 62 to Finkenwerder. Keep in mind that it can get very crowded with tourists, especially on weekends.

4. Old Elbe Tunnel

The Old Elbe Tunnel borders the Landungsbrücken and has connected the St. Pauli district with the Elbe Island of Steinwerder since 1911. Stretching 426 meters beneath the Elbe River, it once served as a transportation route. Today, it’s mostly used by pedestrians and cyclists. As a visitor, you can walk through the Old Elbe Tunnel for free during your weekend in Hamburg.

Since 2003, the Old Elbe Tunnel has been under monument protection and has even become one of Hamburg’s popular attractions. To enter the tunnel, you can either take the elevator or the stairs. We highly recommend a visit.

Once you arrive in Steinwerder on the opposite side of the Elbe, you’ll find a small kiosk by the water offering drinks and a fantastic view of the Landungsbrücken, St. Pauli, and HafenCity. It’s well worth the visit, not only for the experience but also for the great photo opportunities.

5. Fish Market

Another highlight among Hamburg’s attractions is the Fish Market, held every Sunday right in front of the Fish Auction Hall. Dating back to 1703, the market attracts thousands of visitors each Sunday. It starts at 5.00 AM during the summer and 7.00 AM in winter, ending around 9.30 AM. So it’s definitely an activity for early risers on the weekend.

You can buy all kinds of things there, not just fish, as the name might suggest. Still, you should definitely try one of the delicious fish sandwiches when visiting Hamburg’s Fish Market. You’ll also find fruit, clothing, and even plants for sale.

You can also take a look inside the Fish Auction Hall, where a brunch with live music takes place every Sunday. Whether you’re an early bird or just wrapping up your night on the Reeperbahn, visiting the Fish Market is a must for your Hamburg weekend itinerary.

6. Michel

The “Michel,” as the main church, St. Michaelis, is affectionately called by locals, is another of Hamburg’s major landmarks and definitely one of the city’s most beautiful sites. Throughout the church’s 400-year history, it has faced many challenges. It had to be completely rebuilt twice after being destroyed by fires in 1647 and 1750.

The current version of the Michel dates back to 1912 and was built in the Baroque style. Its 132-meter-high tower stands out and can be seen from many parts of the city and even from the harbor. You can climb the tower for an entrance fee of €6. It’s open daily from 9.00 AM to 8.00 PM.

St. Michael’s Church is dedicated to the Archangel Michael, as the name suggests. Services are still held there regularly, and visitors are welcome to attend. A visit is definitely a must if you’re spending a weekend in Hamburg.

7. Planten un Blomen

Planten un Blomen, which means “plants and flowers” in Low German, is a large park. Essentially the botanical garden of Hamburg. The first tree was planted here back in 1821, and the park is completely free for visitors to enjoy.

There’s a lot to explore in Planten un Blomen, such as the rose garden, the Japanese garden with its tea house, the music pavilion, the tropical greenhouses, and much more. A true highlight is the water and light concerts that take place from May to September. Classical music combined with colorful water fountains makes for a perfect end to the day (10.00 PM) while exploring Hamburg’s most beautiful spots.

There are also playgrounds for children, beautiful views of the TV tower (see next point), theater performances, and free concerts. A visit to Planten un Blomen is always worthwhile. It’s an oasis of calm in the midst of the city’s hustle and bustle.

8. TV Tower

The TV tower is another of Hamburg’s landmarks and is officially named the Heinrich Hertz Tower. Locals often call it the Tele-Michel, in reference to the Michel (see point 6). At 279 meters tall, it’s the highest building in Hamburg and can be seen from many parts of the city.

Although the Tele-Michel is one of Hamburg’s most iconic landmarks, it’s currently closed to the public and only used for radio and television broadcasting. However, starting in 2026, the revolving observation platform at 130 meters is set to reopen, giving Hamburg another major attraction.

9. Reeperbahn (Kiez)

A must-do on the weekend! The Reeperbahn is located in the St. Pauli district and is probably Germany’s most famous entertainment district. It’s closely associated with the red-light scene, which remains an integral part of the area. The Reeperbahn stretches for nearly one kilometer and is packed with shops, pubs, bars, and nightclubs.

Some of the most well-known spots include the Große Freiheit (Great Freedom) with its many bars, strip clubs, and concert venues, the Hans-Albers-Platz, the Herbertstraße, and the iconic pub Zur Ritze. You can also find several musicals on the “Kiez,” as the Reeperbahn is often called.

While there’s plenty to do on weekdays, the Reeperbahn truly comes alive on weekends when hundreds of thousands of visitors from near and far flood the streets to party the night away. If you’d like to learn more about the Reeperbahn and its red-light district, a St. Pauli night tour is highly recommended for curious travelers.

10. City Hall

At the end of Hamburg’s famous shopping street, the Mönckebergstraße, you’ll find the Rathausmarkt. Built in the Neo-Renaissance style between 1886 and 1897, Hamburg’s City Hall is one of the city’s top landmarks. Its 112-meter-high tower is visible from afar and is a true architectural highlight.

The City Hall is one of Hamburg’s most famous attractions. While it’s already impressive from the outside, you can also visit the courtyard and the interior free of charge. It’s open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10.00 AM and closes at 6.00 PM or 5.00 PM, depending on the day.

Today, Hamburg’s City Hall still serves as the seat of the Senate of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg as well as the city’s parliament. A short stop here between the Mönckebergstraße, Jungfernstieg, and Binnenalster fits perfectly into your sightseeing route. These three areas are ideal for a half-day walk to experience some of Hamburg’s most beautiful places.

11. Alster

The Alster is a tributary of the Elbe River that originates in Schleswig-Holstein and divides within Hamburg into the Outer Alster and the Inner Alster. The Outer Alster is especially popular among locals and visitors alike for peaceful walks along the water. You’ll find many parks and green spaces here. Perfect for relaxing and enjoying a bit of nature in the heart of the city. In summer, canoeing and stand-up paddling are also popular activities on the Alster.

The Inner Alster is located right in downtown Hamburg, at Jungfernstieg, just a few minutes’ walk from City Hall and the Mönckebergstraße. In the middle stands the 60-meter-high Alster Fountain, and along the shore, you’ll find several bars and restaurants. You can even take boat tours from here to explore the area from the water.

By the way, when winters get particularly cold, the Alster Ice Festival takes place here, allowing visitors to walk across the frozen Alster. However, this last happened in 2012, as the ice hasn’t reached the required thickness of over 20 centimeters since then.

12. Elbe Beach

The Elbe Beach is especially popular during summer. If you don’t have time for a trip to the Baltic or North Sea but still want to feel sand between your toes, head over to the Elbe Beach.

You can grill, relax, and even go swimming here (as long as you’re careful with the currents) or simply watch the massive container ships and the occasional cruise ship pass by. Located in Övelgönne, the Elbe Beach is one of Hamburg’s top highlights and among the city’s most beautiful spots.

13. City Park

Hamburg’s City Park may not be the largest green space in the city, but it’s certainly one of the most popular. Located in the Winterhude district, it was opened back in 1914. Especially during the summer, the park draws crowds of visitors, as it offers plenty to see and do.

There are several listed architectural and art monuments, such as the Sierichsche Forsthaus, which you can discover while walking along the park’s trails. Or you can simply relax on the lawns and enjoy a barbecue. Another highlight is the open-air stage, which hosts concerts by major international artists throughout the summer.

You shouldn’t miss the Planetarium, another of Hamburg’s landmarks located in the park. It’s housed inside a former water tower that was converted for use as a planetarium in 1930. Inside, you’ll find exhibitions, shows, and a popular observation deck on the roof. For details about prices and opening hours, visit the official website.

Hamburg: Tours and Tickets

At GetYourGuide you will find many more exciting tours for Hamburg and its surroundings. You can get to know Hamburg in a completely different way and get lots of insider tips from locals.

How to Get to Hamburg

You can reach Hamburg in many different ways. One of them would be to fly by plane to Helmut-Schmidt-Airport. The route network is extensive, and you can fly to Hamburg from many cities around the world (including within Germany). You can find tickets and times at Skyscanner.

From there, there’s a direct connection with the S-Bahn to the main train station, which brings us to the second option – the train. Hamburg is excellently connected to the ICE and Intercity network and offers four stations for long-distance trains. Besides the main station, these are Dammtor, Harburg, and Altona.

The third option would be the long-distance bus, such as Flixbus, which you can take directly to Hamburg’s bus station from many German and European cities. It’s located just a few meters from the main train station, making it easy to get to your accommodation afterward. You can find tickets for trains and buses at Omio.

The last option, of course, is your own car. The A1 highway leads to Hamburg from the west, the A24 from the east from Berlin, and the A7 from the south. This way, you can travel to Hamburg individually and remain mobile within the Hanseatic city.

Have you visited Hamburg yet? Do you have any tips on the sights to see in Hamburg’s most beautiful places that we absolutely must include? We look forward to your feedback.

Photos: Photo 13 (Elbe Beach): iwonag/shutterstock.com – Photo 14 (City Park): Mariano Villafane/shutterstock.com