Hamburg And Happiness Go Hand In Hand

In this article, I’ll take you to one of the coolest cities on earth, Hamburg. This is the second-largest city in Germany after the capital of Berlin. Tucked at the head of the long funnel-shaped estuary of River Elbe, this city is also claimed as “The gateway to the world”. The city interlinks Germany with the sea and numerous other islands. Its legacy in international trade is on top-notch right from the medieval age. This important cultural and commercial centre slowly turned into a tourist hub due to its aesthetic architecture and gifted scenery. With local music, seaward-facing architecture and the multicultural eateries, there are several must-visit places in Hamburg on your trip to Germany.

#1 Port of Hamburg and Speicherstadt

The Port of Hamburg also known as the Hamburger Hafen or HafenCity is a 100 km tidal harbour. It encompasses the most-visited tourist attractions of the city. Walk across the lovely pedestrian trails that will take you to the tall brick buildings lined up that once sold tobacco, coffee, dried fruits and spices. It was then designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2015. 

Köhlbrandbrücke is another significant landmark of the port which comprises a 3.9 Kilometer bridge that spans the harbour. Elbphilharmonie, the city’s most iconic cultural venue is a new addition to the waterfront area. Witness the Pirates of the Caribbean style vintage ships in the Traditionsschiffhafen/Sandtorhafen harbour lines. With several historic and iconic significance, the Port is one of the must-visit places in Hamburg.

Quick Tip!

Take a boat ride from Landungsbruecken and explore the best of Port of Hamburg.

#2 Miniatur Wunderland

Boasting as the world’s largest model railway, Miniatur Wunderland has 15,400 meters of track and 1040 trains. This place is more than a toy train layout. Hands down, this place is one of the best places to visit in the Warehouse District. You can easily spend half a day here especially when you are travelling with kids. Being a busy attraction with visitors arriving from around the world, you can reserve your tickets online to avoid long queues. Do not miss trying out the welcoming restaurants and kids cafeterias. 

Location: Kehrwieder 2-4/Block D, 20457 Hamburg

#3 Elbphilharmonie

Elbphilharmonie, nicknamed as Elphi is the gem of the revitalized Port of Hamburg. It is located at the point of the Grasbrook Peninsula in Hamburg. This place is currently booming as the city’s major landmark that has the concert hall. Initially, its base consisted of old six-storey-tall cocoa, tea and tobacco warehouse built of red brick. Currently, it houses 3 large concert halls with plates specially designed to tune sound waves. The building also comprises of exotic hotels, residential apartments and other features including parking. Its rich program of opera and excellent acoustics make Elbphilharmonie a must-visit place for all the classical music fans.

Location: Platz der Deutschen Einheit 1, 20457 Hamburg

#4 Hamburger Kunsthalle

Hamburger Kunsthalle, known as Hamburg Art Hall, is one of the spectacular art galleries of Germany. You will be spellbound by the numerous artworks by the artists of the 14th century and Dutch masters of the 16th century. The fine collections of German and French paintings are something beyond perfection. The gallery also offers tours and fun programs for children. While exploring the Hamburger Kunsthalle, do not miss visiting the Deichtorhallen gallery that showcases ancient Europe with its contemporary art and photographs.

Location: Glockengießerwall 1, D-20095 Hamburg

#5 Hamburger Rathaus (City Hall) and Mönckebergstraße

The iconic city hall is located at the centre of Hamburg’s Rathausmarkt. This beautifully decorated building adjacent to the Stock Exchange has 647 rooms which will be opened to the public during the Long Night of Museums event. Experience the Hamburg richness with the intricate architecture and painted ceilings of the museum. Also, visit the St. Peter’s Church which is a cathedral example of brick Hansa architecture highlighted by the 133-meter high bell tower. 

Location: Rathausmarkt 1, 20095 Hamburg

#6 St. Michael’s Church

Out of the various churches in Hamburg, the most famous and beautiful one is the St. Michael’s Church. This Baroque-style building has a 132-meter-high tower known as “Michel”. Enjoy the panoramic views of the city from this tower which is accessible by stairs and elevators. Make sure to look at the fascinating bronze statue of Archangel Michael killing the devil at the entrance. 

Location: Englische Planke 1, 20459 Hamburg

#7 Rickmer Rickmers and Cap San Diego

Rickmer Rickmers is a three-masted tall ship located along the river at Landungsbruecken. This ship returned to Hamburg in 1983 and underwent years of restoration. Currently, this ship is serving as a museum that focuses on the role of merchant marine in the 19th century. 

The MS Cap San Diego is another cargo ship of the 19th century. The ship offers complete access to visitors to explore the entire ship. You can explore the ship from the bridge to the engine rooms. The vessel also offers overnight stay to its visitors.

Location: Bei den St. Pauli-Landungsbrücken 1a, 20359 Hamburg

#8 International Maritime Museum

Explore and dive deep into the maritime history of Hamburg by visiting the International Maritime Museum. This massive red-brick heritage building in the HafenCity area displays a 3000-year history of the connection between man and the sea. You can witness the rare dugout boat which is hollowed out of a tree trunk thousands of years ago. Enrol yourself in the variety of tours and workshops available, end your day in the little bistro here called “Catch of the Day.” The International Maritime Museum is by far one of the must-visit places in Hamburg.

Location: Koreastraße 1, 20457 Hamburg

#9 Alster Lakes

Visit the Inner Alster and Outer Alster, two artificial lakes connected to the rivers Alster and Elbe. Hamburg’s most picturesque city squares and historic avenues are waiting for your cameras to shoot them. This place is blessed with the elegant Jungfernstieg route with its welcoming cafes and Bllindamm with its enormous shopping centre. Try your hand out in sailing, kayaking and skating in Alster Lakes.

#10 Museum of Art and Design

Located near the train station, the Museum of Art and Design is one of the most-visited attractions in Hamburg. It has an extensive display of German, European, and Asian applied art. Make your day productive by booking a guided tour and end the tour by visiting the restaurant and bookshop that are located on the premises. Hence the Museum of art and design is one of the must-visit places in Hamburg for the art enthusiasts.

Address: Steintorplatz 1, D-20099 Hamburg

You can also visit famous places such as Ohlsdorf Cemetery, Planten un Blomen and Wallringpark, Altona & The Altonaer Museum and the Tierpark Hagenbeck in Hamburg. The richest city of Germany welcomes you with wide arms to enjoy the richness of its ports, architecture, music and food. With bursting with classy cocktail bars, dance-all-night clubs, it is almost impossible to come to Hamburg and not have a really good time. Head to the Pickyourtrail website and start planning your trip to Germany.