Northern Europe · Germany
Hamburg Travel Guide
Hamburg is Germany's gateway to the sea — grand Hanseatic port with spectacular warehouse districts, world-class opera, the Reeperbahn, and more bridges than Venice, Amsterdam, and London combined.
How Do You Get from the Ship to the City?
From HafenCity, walk 10 min to Speicherstadt. From Altona, S-Bahn 10 min. Public transport is excellent.
What Can You See in 6 Hours?
Speicherstadt — UNESCO red-brick warehouses. Miniatur Wunderland, Spice Museum.
Elbphilharmonie — Stunning concert hall. Free viewing platform with harbour panorama.
Rathaus — Ornate City Hall and Jungfernstieg boulevard along Inner Alster Lake.
St Pauli — Reeperbahn nightlife strip. The Beatles played here before fame.
Where Should You Eat?
Fischbrotchen: Fish roll with pickled herring and remoulade. 4-6 euro from harbour stalls.
Labskaus: Pink hash of corned beef, beetroot, potatoes, topped with egg and herring.
Franzbrichen: Cinnamon pastry unique to Hamburg.
Is Hamburg Worth Exploring Independently?
Port terminals are close to attractions. Public transport excellent. No excursion needed.
Useful Local Phrases
Guten Tag
Good day
(GOO-ten tahk)
Danke schon
Thank you
(DAHN-kuh shurn)
Die Rechnung, bitte
The bill, please
(dee REKH-noong, BIT-teh)
Local Tips
- •Elbphilharmonie free viewing platform — book online or queue at entrance.
- •Speicherstadt warehouse district is UNESCO. Miniatur Wunderland inside is the world's largest model railway.
- •Sunday fish market at Altona is legendary — arrive before 9am.
- •Day ticket about 8 euro for all transport.