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Hamburg, the second-largest city in Germany, has endured a lot. Despite fires and damage sustained during WWII Hamburg is an international hub of cultural and commercial significance, and has also become a major tourist destination. Whether you’re exploring the Port of Hamburg, visiting the world’s largest model railway, or joining the legendary Reeperbahn nightlife, you’ll find plenty of memorable destinations to occupy your time.

Hamburger Hafen

The Hamburger Hafen is the Port of Hamburg, proudly referred to as the Gateway to Germany. The country’s largest port, it’s also a great place to relax and sightsee. You’re bound to notice the Köhlbrandbrücke, the beautiful bridge spanning the harbor, and a venture along the waterfront will also reveal the flussschifferkirche—a floating boat church! One of the newest additions to the port is the Elbphilharmonie, a beautiful building that houses three concert halls, a hotel, apartments, and restaurants.

Jungfernstieg

On the banks of the Binnenalster you’ll find Jungfernstieg, a popular and picturesque promenade. This promenade is a great place to relax, but it also connects the Inner Alster to many surrounding shopping areas and attractions. The lakeside terrace is home to the Alsterpavillion café, which offers magnificent waterfront views on your way to the surrounding shops and galleries. You’ll find plenty to do around the Jungfernstieg, whether you’re interested in shopping or just lounging around.

Miniatur Wunderland

Miniatur Wunderland is the world’s largest model railway, and one of Hamburg’s biggest attractions. Currently consisting of over 15,000 meters of track and covering nearly 1,500 square meters, it only continues to grow! There are currently nine sections: Harz/Central Germany, the fictional Knuffingen and Knuffingen Airport, Austria, Hamburg, the US, Scandinavia, and Italy. Additional sections, however, are being constructed and planned, and should be completed by 2026. With over 1,300 trains, 400,000 human figurines, and boats with real water and planes that really fly, Miniatur Wunderland is an impressive attraction you shouldn’t miss.

St. Michael’s Church

One of Hamburg’s most recognizable landmarks, St. Michael’s Church is the most famous church in the city. Unlike most of the other churches in Hamburg, St. Michael’s was purposely built Protestant, and stands as one of best examples of Hanseatic Protestant baroque architecture. Its 132-meter tower offers incredible views of the city, and the impressive bronze statue over the entrance is worth noting as well.

Friedhop Ohlsdorf

It may be a bit more somber than other attractions, but Friedhof Ohlsdorf (Ohlsdorf Cemetary) is the world’s largest rural cemetery. There are more than 1.5 million burials in its 966 acres, as well as beautiful gardens that accompany its 17 kilometers of streets. Be sure to check out the Hamburg Commonwealth War Graces Commission Cemetery, where hundreds of allied POWs and others who died in battles on German soil are buried.

Planten un Blomen

This park is much more enjoyable than its name is creative (Planten un Blomen means Plants and Flowers). Established in 1821 and comprising 116 acres of beautiful gardens, it’s a great place for a picnic and afternoon stroll. If you visit during warmer months make sure you stop by at night, when you can witness the famed water-light concerts.

Speicherstadt

The Speicherstadt is Hamburg’s warehouse district, and remains the world’s largest contiguous warehouse complex. The buildings sit atop large oak logs and span an area of 260,000 square meters, and can be viewed especially well from small barges during a canal tour. These red brick buildings and steel bridges are particularly captivating at night, when they are illuminated by 800 spotlights. The Speicherstadt is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and great for architecture lovers and those looking to snap a cool photo.

Hamburger Kunsthalle

Hamburger Kunsthalle is one of the largest and most prestigious museums in Germany, covering seven centuries of European art. The museum is made up of three connected buildings, filled with an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures by everyone from 14th century German artists to Andy Warhol. There are also international contemporary art collections and exhibitions, with an average of 20 special exhibitions per year.

Fishmarkt

If you’re in Hamburg for the weekend you can’t skip the legendary Fishmarkt. It’s essentially a gigantic auction that happens bright and early every Sunday morning. It’s named the Fish Market because a fish auction is one of the primary attractions—yes, you read that right. Even if you’re not looking to buy fish, there are plenty of other goods. You can also eat fresh bratwurst and listen to live music. Whatever you do, don’t skip the opportunity to see one of the most unique offerings in Hamburg.

Reeperbahn

If you’re looking for nightlife, the Reeperbahn is the place to go. Hamburg’s number one entertainment district is full of bars and clubs, but also some, err, less savory sites. The atmosphere is certainly memorable, and if you’re looking to dance or grab a late-night drink then Reeperbahn will probably be where you end up.

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This article was last updated on September 21, 2022

Jim Bozzelli
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