9 Reasons to Visit Hamburg for an Unforgettable Week

Last Updated on August 21, 2022 by Nina Ahmedow

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​If you want to travel to Germany, consider Hamburg instead of Berlin. Why Hamburg, you may ask? As someone who has lived in Germany’s second-largest for several years, I have to say that it’s much prettier and more interesting with its unique maritime charm. It’s a beautiful city that is shaped by the river Elbe and the Alster lake – and who doesn’t love water?

In my previous post about Hamburg, I talked about the six best things to do in the city, but this time I want to write a more extensive post as I feel that Hamburg is way too underrated and there are so many more things to do and see. So continue reading for tips on what else you can do in Germany’s second-largest city, as well as day trips to plan when you visit Hamburg.

​Why Hamburg Is the Perfect German City

I’m not going to lie: You can see most things in Hamburg in three days. But that would only be scratching the surface of what this harbor city has to offer.

First of all, Hamburg is the biggest city in the north of Germany and can easily be your base for exploring other cities in the region, such as Lübeck, Bremen, and Flensburg, or the islands of the North and Baltic Seas.

Secondly, Hamburg has a rich history. The city was declared a Free City all the way back in 1189 and joined the Hanseatic League in 1321. Ever since that time, it has been an important trade city due to its indirect access to the sea (via the river Elbe). And today, the metropolitan region of Hamburg is the wealthiest region in Europe. There is a lot to learn about maritime history in Hamburg which you cannot discover anywhere else.

Third, it’s a lot less hectic than other big cities in Germany. Northerners have a reputation for being cold and distant, but that only means things will be quiet and you’ll have a lot of time to explore the city and its surroundings.

So let’s get into my tips for when you visit Hamburg. Here are some of my suggestions on what to see and do in Germany’s second-largest city.

Things to Do and Sights to See in Hamburg

Head to the Speicherstadt and the City Center for a Walk

​There’s no doubt that there are plenty of amazing sights to see in Hamburg. Downtown Hamburg, in particular, is worth a long walk. The best-known landmark of Hamburg is probably the Speicherstadt, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s an old warehouse district with excellent views and photo ops.

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To take the most stunning shots in the Speicherstadt, you simply have to position yourself on one of the bridges and wait for the best light.

The gorgeous red-brick buildings provide some much-needed color in this often cloudy and rainy city and can add a reddish tint even to the water.

While you are in the city center, don’t forget to visit Hamburg’s five main churches. These Lutheran churches can easily be spotted and are some of the most recognizable sights to see in Hamburg.

Take an Alster Boat Trip

​I have to preface this by admitting that I dislike being on boats. However, Hamburg’s waterways are essential to the city, and taking one of the many cruises is the best way to learn more about the city’s character. The Alster itself is definitely one of the top sights to see in Hamburg.

The small cruise boats are also popular with locals and for events because they offer a nice way of escaping the city without physically having to leave the center. They all depart at Jungfernstieg, but make sure you decide on which exact trip you want to take as there are different routes.

​Want to save time and money? How about joining the classic tour (“Alsterrundfahrt”)? It will allow you to get the best panoramic views of the city. You may also want to take the “Fleetfahrt” which passes through the Speicherstadt. After having walked through the Speicherstadt already, this will allow you to see it from a different and unique perspective. This cruise will also pass by the modern HafenCity district and Hamburg’s newest attraction, the Elbphilharmonie, one of the most iconic landmarks in Germany.

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​Visit the Schanzenviertel

Although gentrification is an important subject here, I think this neighborhood is a must when you visit Hamburg. With its many bars, cafés, restaurants, and unique boutiques it’s a popular area for young people. However, it is most famous as the heart of the leftist movement.

The architecture of the Schanzenviertel is particularly beautiful with many neoclassical buildings. The most well-known building, however, is the Rote Flora, a squatted house and former theater. And while it may not make any mainstream list of sights to see in Hamburg, it’s well worth a visit if you’re interested in the left-wing movement.

Unfortunately, as the popularity of the Schanzenviertel has gone up so have the prices in bars while service has gone down. However, you can still have a good time here and enjoy the multicultural atmosphere of the neighborhood.

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​To enjoy the area at its best check it out on a weekend night when young people head to the bars (or the streets if the weather is good).

Marvel at the City’s Architecture

Despite extensive bombing during the Second World War, some of Hamburg’s traditional buildings are still intact. In recent years, the addition of modern structures has created a unique mix of new and historic architecture in the city.

​As a merchant city, Hamburg doesn’t have any palaces. However, the men who made their money off of trade still wanted to have this reflected in beautiful houses. The most famous building in Hamburg is the City Hall. You can enter if you wish and even join a guided tour.

Indulge in Local Foods

I have an entire post dedicated to the incredible vegan options in Hamburg. One specialty that I can’t praise enough is the “Franzbrötchen,” a cinnamon pastry you can’t find south of the region. You definitely have to try it.

Explore St. Pauli at Day and at Night

While I mentioned in the past that there are much better areas for going out, I still think most tourists want to visit Hamburg’s red-light district. It’s perhaps one of the most popular sights to see in Hamburg for tourists. I would recommend you check out some of the cafés and boutiques during the day and then head to the center of the red light district at night again if you want to see it for yourself.

For me, this area is too noisy and crowded on weekend nights, but I do think most people would find it interesting enough to at least pass through once, especially if they’re from more conservative cities.

See the Port

​The port is undoubtedly one of the most important sights to see in Hamburg because it made the city what it is today. The city’s wealth was built entirely on trade, and it’s still a significant aspect of everyday life in Hamburg. Seeing the area around Landungsbrücken will give you a nice feel of the city. So don’t skip Hamburg’s port area.

Explore the Center of Hamburg’s LGBTQI Scene

​​St. Georg isn’t an absolute must, but it can be very interesting for tourists. There are several cafés and restaurants, and it’s a very multicultural part of the city. But if you want to learn more about Hamburg’s vibrant LGBTQI scene then St. Georg should be one of your first stops in the city.

​​Day Trips from Hamburg

​Once you feel like you have covered most of the sights to see in Hamburg there are countless places in the region that you can visit next. I’m only going to list three, but don’t hesitate to ask me for more recommendations in the comments.

Lübeck

The old town of Lübeck is so well-preserved that it became a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s only a one-hour train ride from Hamburg which makes it perfect for a day trip. Walking through the medieval city is an absolute joy and will allow you to see the churches, city gates, old hospital, as well as the houses of two German literature Nobel prize laureates, one of whom was from Lübeck while the other one died there. You may even want to go to the beach if the weather is good since the Baltic Sea is no more than a 20-minute bus ride from the city center.

Bremen

Bremen is the second-largest city in Northern Germany and particularly famous for the Town Musicians of Bremen, one of the Grimm fairy tales. There is a statue of them next to the City Hall.

Bremen is only one hour by train from Hamburg and absolutely worth a visit: The City Hall and Roland statue are a UNESCO World Heritage site, there are various museums, and the city center is small enough for a nice stroll.

Sylt

​The fact that Sylt is the most expensive German island shouldn’t keep you from visiting this beautiful spot in the North Sea. Given that the train ride takes 3.5 hours you should leave early to be able to spend more time on the beaches which are the main attraction of Sylt. Of course, it would be best to plan a trip to Sylt on a day with beautiful weather. While it may not be warm enough to go for a swim, the cliffs and dunes are remarkable and worth seeing on a day trip to Sylt.

Where to Stay When You Visit Hamburg

I have a whole blog post about the best areas to stay when you visit Hamburg. Whether you prefer an Airbnb, a hostel, or a hotel, is up to you, of course. But as an advocate of responsible travel I’d suggest you look into the type of accommodation you choose with more detail.

While I enjoy the comfort of staying at an Airbnb, there are, of course, people who misuse the platform. A lot has been written about the problems associated with rent increases linked to the popularity of Airbnb. But you can avoid that by booking a real person’s apartment while they are not at home instead of booking a place owned by a company that rents out several Airbnbs.

With hotels and hostels it can often be easier to verify their social and environmental standards.

​Keep in mind that Hamburg is quite an expensive city, and it’s best to book your accommodation as soon as you know you’re going to visit. Otherwise, there will be fewer places to choose from, and at a higher price point.

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​To Sum Things Up: You Have to Visit Hamburg Now

After having lived in Hamburg for several years, I wholeheartedly recommend a trip to Germany’s second-largest city. While I don’t agree with the locals who regularly refer to Hamburg as “the most beautiful city in the world,” I have to admit that it is quite pretty, especially if you are lucky in terms of the weather. It’s a much more relaxed city than conservative Munich or noisy Berlin and is very classy.

If you’re interested in a different aspect of German history, visit Hamburg which is known as Germany’s Gateway to the World. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to know more about the north of Germany which is heavily influenced by its Scandinavian past and doesn’t have anything to do with Oktoberfest Bavaria and divided Berlin. And there are more than enough sights to see in Hamburg and beyond to last you a whole week.

Why the hesitation? Start planning your trip to Germany’s second-largest city now!

​Have you ever been to Hamburg? What do you think about my recommendations for sights to see in Hamburg? And if you haven’t been yet, would you visit Hamburg?