Are you traveling and want to know what to do in Hamburg, Germany? So, prepare your travel itinerary to enjoy one of the most visited cities by tourists in the world! And it is not for less, the place has a vital importance and symbolism, not only for Germany, but for all of Europe.
Hamburg is one of the commercial and tourist hearts of Northern Europe, a cosmopolitan city and the standard for any urban project. The industrially strong city has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, and each time it has risen more prosperous and modern.
To help you enjoy every moment of this transformative trip, we have selected some tourist spots that are very worth checking out to have the best possible experience in the city. Check them out!
After all, what is the best travel itinerary in Hamburg?
Hamburg, like most European countries, is a region with a very classic and ancient culture, but that meets with several modern aspects of the city. There, it is possible to leave an old and charming fishing village and go straight to a gigantic theater with futuristic architecture. This is a detail that attracts many tourists every year.
To take advantage of the city's versatility, we have selected 9 must-see destinations for your travel itinerary! Keep reading and come check them out:
1. Take a boat or ferry trip around the Port of Hamburg
Life on the water plays a very important part in Hamburg's culture. The city has the second largest port in Europe and is crossed by the river Elbe. It is worth mentioning that water-related activities, such as fishing, have a great impact on the whole organization of the city.
With this, it is not difficult to assume that many itineraries have a great relationship with the port life of the city. The boats and ferries are indispensable activities for tourists, because besides being very beautiful, they have a huge symbolism.
So if you're heading to the city, you need to take a boat down the Elbe to see Hamburg's great ports up close!
2. Be enchanted by Övelgönne
As previously mentioned, river life is very important for Hamburg, so our next destination is also related to water life! Övelgönne is a very charming fishing village with the little houses preserved to this day.
Besides the village, the place also has a small artificial beach, Elb-beach. Oh, it is worth mentioning that the region also has many restaurants with a traditional cuisine that is surprising. In fact, your meals can be taken on restaurant boats that are moored on the local beach strip. Seriously, amazing, isn't it?
Heading to Hamburg? Then take a look at our international travel checklist so you don't forget anything!
3. Delve into rock history with the Beatles Tour
Although many people don't know it, the journey of Paul McCartney, John Lennon and George Harrison had a very important stop in Hamburg. At the time, the newly formed Beatles (still without Ringo Starr) began to build experience and reputation in the German city.
This tour consists of a visit to a number of locations that were super important to the formation of the Fab-Four's career before their explosion into the music world. The tour gives you a new perspective on the band and rock history in general. Go for it, it's a must for all fans of the band!
4. Get to know the Warehouse/ Speicherstadt region
The Warehouse region, also known as Speicherstadt, is a district of the city that was built on wooden foundations in the 19th century. This is another stop that tells the story of Hamburg and its relationship with the Elbe.
The site houses a series of warehouses that once stored items that would be transported. Currently, the region is occupied by other commercial branches, but with the architecture preserved. This tour is essential to understand more about the greatness of the city, port life and the history of the region.
Oh, it is worth mentioning the beautiful bridges in the Warehouse area - perfect for taking lots of pictures! A curiosity is that Hamburg has a surprising number of bridges, even more than Venice itself.
5. Visit the Miniatur Wunderland
Hamburg is a city rich in culture and, therefore, has several tourist attractions that attract thousands of people every year. One of these places is the Miniatur Wunderland, one of the most popular routes and always crowded with tourists.
It is a miniature museum that portrays countries such as the United States, Germany, Switzerland and many others. The miniatures of the cities are charming and it is impossible not to be impressed by the delicacy and attention to detail of this mini world.
Also check out our content with tips on what to do in Germany. Go there!
6. Stop by the Fish Market
The Fish Market is a fair that takes place every Sunday in Hamburg and attracts many tourists. The place has been open since 1703 and is a mandatory stop for everyone who wants to know more about the local cuisine. In addition, around the fish market there are several small markets nearby - great for buying souvenirs.
7. Visit the Internationales Maritimes Museum
The International Maritime Museum (Internationales Maritimes Museum) is another must-see place for those who want to understand more about the maritime evolution of humanity, as well as the history of navigation. The site tells more than three thousand years of history of the seas and the navy through pieces, miniatures, maps and other modern resources.
8. Elbphilharmonie Concert Hall
This is, for sure, one of the most charming places in Hamburg. The building combines the old and the modern, as the lower part - an old warehouse in the region - was built in 1875, while the upper part is recent and has a super contemporary look with an all-glass facade.
Besides just strolling around to see the surrounding area, you can visit the large concert halls of the building. Believe me, this was one of my favorite places and it's a must-see!
9. Pass by the Rathausmarkt
The Rathausmarkt is the central square of the city where several markets and typical food stalls take place. In addition, it is where the city hall is located (called Rathaus in German). Incredibly, this building is even bigger than Buckingham Palace in the United Kingdom.
You can visit the building with a guided tour, or just observe the city hall from afar. My recommendation is to at least visit the outside of the building, but if you have the opportunity, get to know as much of this historic place as possible!
What's the best way to get to know all the places in the city?
Hamburg is a large city, the second most populous in Germany, and receives a large volume of tourists. Despite having a great public transport system, road and sea, they are always crowded with passengers, as they are part of the tourist routes (especially the boats and ferries).
Because of this, the journey from one point to another can be quite lengthy for those who want to get around more quickly. The European road system is by far the most sophisticated and the structure of the city streets is impeccable. Oh, and it's worth mentioning that, because it has a large number of bridges, car access is super viable.
Therefore, renting a car in Europe is a great opportunity to enjoy your trip without having to depend on tour guides and packages hired by agencies. You can put together your own itinerary with peace of mind, deciding which places to go and how much time you will spend at each point.
To enjoy the best of the city with autonomy and safety, the Happy Tours offers a practical car rental service. Visit our page to search for the best car for your needs and take the opportunity to access our blog. Here, you will find several texts with important information and tips for your trip. See you next time!
