Hamburg
Popular Hamburg Hotels
Hamburg Stadtführer
Hamburg, officially known as the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, is the second-largest city in Germany and the 8th-largest in the European Union, with a population exceeding 1.9 million. Hamburg is the port city located at the northern tip of the Jutland Peninsula.
Hamburg is a hub for major media, commercial, logistical, and industrial firms, hosting companies like Airbus, Lufthansa, and Unilever. It is also renowned for its high quality of living, ranking 19th cities in the world. The city is a significant center for science, research, and education. Hamburg is a prominent international destination, attracting tourists with its vibrant cultural scene, picturesque landscapes, and historical charm.
Things To Know Before Going To Hamburg
- Hamburg is a large city, so public transportation like trains, buses, and ferries are recommended for getting around efficiently.
- Consider purchasing a Hamburg CARD which provides free public transportation and discounts on over 150 attractions.
- If you plan to explore the outskirts of Hamburg, renting a car can be convenient.
- Rainy days are common, so pack an umbrella or rain jacket.
Where To Stay In Hamburg?
Here is a quick table of which areas in Hamburg are great for tourists:
District | Best For | Best Attractions | Average Trip Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Altstadt (Old Town) | History & Culture | Town Hall, St. Michael's Church, Speicherstadt warehouse district | High |
St. Pauli | Nightlife & Entertainment | Reeperbahn (red light district), Fish Market, Beatles-Platz | Moderate |
Schanzenviertel | Trendy & Alternative | Independent shops, cafes, street art | Moderate |
HafenCity | Modern Architecture & Waterfront | Elbphilharmonie concert hall, HafenCity University, Speicherstadt | High |
Eimsbüttel | Families & Relaxation | Outer Alster Lake, Loki Schmidt's Garden, entspannte (relaxed) atmosphere | Moderate |
Best Hotels In Hamburg
Here is a table of top Hamburg hotels:
Hotel | District | Affordability | Why To Stay There? |
---|---|---|---|
Pierdrei Hotel HafenCity | HafenCity | Moderate | Modern design, rooftop terrace views, close to attractions |
Hotel Louis C. Jacob | Elbchaussee | High | Luxurious, waterfront location, Michelin-starred restaurant |
Fraser Suites Hamburg | City Center | Moderate | Spacious suites, central location, good for families |
Schanzenstern (Schanzenviertel) | Schanzenviertel | Moderate | Trendy and stylish, close to nightlife and shops |
The Westin Hamburg | City Center | High | Elegant and historic, excellent service, central location |
Looking for more? Here are all the hotels in Hamburg for you to discover!
Places To Visit In Hamburg
Here are some of the top places to visit in Hamburg:
- Miniatur Wunderland: Explore the world's largest model railway, featuring intricate details and miniature scenes from various countries and eras.
- Elbphilharmonie: Marvel at the stunning modern concert hall, known for its world-class acoustics and breathtaking views of the city.
- St. Pauli Piers (Landungsbrücken): Stroll along the historic piers, enjoy the lively atmosphere, and take in the views of the Elbe River and the port.
- Hamburg Townhall: Admire the impressive neo-Renaissance architecture of the city's town hall and learn about Hamburg's rich history.
- Planten un Blomen: Escape the bustling city and immerse yourself in the tranquil gardens, featuring a variety of plants, water features, and event spaces.
- Speicherstadt: Explore the historic warehouse district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at the picturesque canals and brick buildings.
- International Maritime Museum: Dive into the world of maritime history and learn about Hamburg's seafaring past through interactive exhibits and displays.
- Hamburger Kunsthalle: Visit one of Germany's most important art museums, showcasing a vast collection of European art from the Middle Ages to the present day.
Is Hamburg Safe?
Hamburg is generally considered a safe city for tourists, but like any major city, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- be a precaution about pickpocketing and bag snatching in crowded areas.
- Some areas like Reeperbahn can feel less safe at night.
- Don’t carry excessive valuables, and trust your gut feeling.
Is Hamburg Expensive To Visit?
Here is a cost breakdown to help you plan:
- Budget traveler: €55-€90 per day (hostels, street food, public transport)
- Moderate traveler: €100-€150 per day (mid-range hotels, casual restaurants, some attractions)
- Luxury traveler: €200+ per day (high-end hotels, fine dining, taxis)
Currency of Hamburg, Germany
The currency of Hamburg is the Euro. Germany adopted the Euro in 2002. Replacing the Deutsche Mark.
Languages Spoken In Hamburg, Germany
The primary language spoken in Hamburg is German. However, Hamburg has a diverse population, and a variety of languages spoken like Turkish, Polish, Russian, and Farsi.
How Many Days Are Enough To Visit Hamburg?
3 days is the perfect amount of time to visit Hamburg and see the city’s top attractions. This allows you to explore the main sights, do activities, and have some free time to wander on your own.
What To Do In Hamburg
Here are some ideas for things to do in Hamburg:
- Explore the historic Altstadt (Old Town)
- Take a boat tour of the harbor
- Visit the Miniature Wunderland
- Go for a walk around Planten un Blomen
- See a concert at the Elbphilharmonie
- Have a drink in the Reeperbahn
- Try some fish
- Take a day trip to Lubeck
- Visit the Hagenbeck Zoo
- Walk or cycle through this historic tunnel under the Elbe River
Best Time To Visit Hamburg
The best time to visit Hamburg is during the soldier seasons (Spring and Autumn) when the weather is pleasant, the crowds are smaller and the prices are lower.
What To Pack For Your Hamburg Trip?
Hamburg has a maritime climate, which means it can be rainy and windy at any time of year. The summers are mild and the winters are cold. Here is a guide on what to pack for your Hamburg trip:
- Pack layers ( a rain jacket is essential)
- Bring comfortable walking shoes
- Pack some dressier clothes for nights out
- A swimsuit
- Umbrella
- Convertor plug
- Comfortable backpack
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Toiletries
- Medications
- First-aid kit
- Copies of important documents
What To Eat in Hamburg?
- Fischbrötchen: This iconic Hamburg street food is a must-try for any visitor.
- Labskaus: This hearty dish is a sailor's favorite, and for good reason.
- Finkenwerder Scholle: This traditional dish features a pan-fried plaice (a flatfish) served with fried potatoes and a side salad.
- Rote Grütze: No meal is complete without dessert, and Rote Grütze is a perfect choice in Hamburg.
- Franzbrötchen: These delicious pastries are a Hamburg specialty.
Hamburg Nightlife
Hamburg’s nightlife is legendary, with something to offer everyone. Here is a rundown of the city’s top districts:
- Reeperbahn: The infamous Reeperbahn is Hamburg's red-light district, but it's also a vibrant nightlife area with a mix of bars, clubs, live music venues, and adult entertainment.
- Schanzenviertel: This trendy district is known for its alternative scene and lively bars.
- St. Pauli: St. Pauli is another lively district that's home to a number of bars, clubs, and live music venues.
- HafenCity: Hamburg's newest district, HafenCity, is also home to a growing number of bars and clubs.