Discover the best sights of Hamburg

Must-see sights in Hamburg

Germany’s second largest city is home to the country’s busiest port. It is this long standing maritime tradition that gives the city its distinctive and cosmopolitan character. From the ships and barges that ply its inland waterways to the unique architecture of HafenCity, Hamburg is a city steeped in maritime tradition.
Most of the major sights in Hamburg can be found within or on the periphery of the former walls of the city. The older part of town is called Altstadt, the history of which can be traced as far back as Saxon times. The new town, Neustadt, was formed some 300 years later.
The city has a good transportation network including four U-bahn and six S-bahn lines. Buses connect these two types of transportation making it easy to visit the most popular attractions in the city. Each station has a Hamburg map which you can consult to orient yourself and find easy connections.
A Hamburg Card will give you unlimited access to public transportation as well as discounts on city and harbour tours as well as select museums and other attractions. Visitors can obtain the card at hotels, tourist and public transportation offices. A tour of Hamburg on one day can be easily arranged by a local travel company or the hotel for visitors who are pressed for time. Car rental companies are present as well in different areas of the city. Another option is to explore the sights of Hamburg by bicycle. This is a great way to get around the city in addition to getting exercise and reducing your carbon footprint.

The major attractions in Hamburg

The legendary Fish Market of Hamburg should not be missed for it is in this 100 year auction hall that almost everything is traded from groceries to household goods. It is definitely worth a visit even if it means you have to wake up early in the morning to join the crowd.
HafenCity is Europe’s largest urban regeneration project. Old warehouses are being gradualy replaced by offices, shops, hotels and housing.
St. Michael’s Church is a 17th century baroque church located in the Neustadt and is one of the city’s most important landmarks. The church tower has an observation platform with magnificent views of the city and the Elbe River. Enjoy a sound and slide show about Hamburg’s history and visit the burial place of the great composer, Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach.
Located to the west of Neustadt, the Landungsbrücken is a long pier connected by a series of bridges. The pier offers a stunning view of the river and serves as a docking station for boats that offer tours of the harbour. Explore the nooks and crannies of the waterways including a trip to the Speicherstadt, the historic warehouse district, and marvel at the 150 year old brick houses that are part of this unique area. It is now one of the most vibrant districts in Hamburg featuring restaurants, shops, cafes and museums. The famed Hamburg Dungeon can also be found here.

Hamburg’s town hall is a neo Renaissance structure which was built in 1897. When parliament is not in session, you can visit some of the 600 rooms as well as the council chamber.
Another interesting attraction that you should not miss when visiting Hamburg is the Airbus factory tour. At the Airbus Finkenwerder you can see how the Airbus A320 and A380 are assembled.
Seven streets meet at the Gänsemarkt which is a triangular square in the centre of Hamburg. During the Middle Ages, it served as a traffic junction. Today, it is home to a major shopping area as well as neo-classical buildings and a statue of the German writer Gotthold Ephraim Lessing by Fritz Schaper. The traditional and popular Christmas market can be found at this location every winter.
Founded in 1893, the state owned Thalia theatre produces important plays as well as experimental productions and, along with the Kunsthalle and the Elbe Philharmonic Hall, is at the heart of Hamburg's cultural life.

Author: Ricardo Carvalho

Guest Relation Manager of NH Collection Hamburg City

In Hamburg we say “Moin”! My name is Ricardo Carvalho and I'm a “Hamburg Jung” (Hamburg boy) with Portuguese roots. I was born here, and I live in and love Hamburg.
In order to share my enthusiasm for the city, I started training as a hotel specialist at the NH Hamburg Altona in 2007, and moved to the NH Collection Hamburg City in 2015.
With the philosophy of the NH Collection brand as well as the special service Guest Relations offers I have found my perfect job! I am always happy to show my guests the most beautiful city in the world and enjoy making their visit to Hamburg as memorable as possible.