Things to do in Hamburg

Hamburg is a city bursting with character, and has played a vital role in Germany's development over the centuries as its most important and bustling port.



Modern Hamburg is a cosmopolitan city that's extremely welcoming to visitors, and there are plenty of special events and activities taking place throughout the year to make your stay even more enjoyable. Some of these centre on the city's busy harbour along the River Elbe, which can be considered an essential port of call in its own right.



For a more intimate trip around the harbour, you could consider taking one of the short cruises available, which highlight important vessels as well as those belonging to the rich and famous - like Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich.



Heading away from the port into Hamburg city centre, the sights can be equally inspiring. The Speicherstadt is one of Hamburg's most impressive buildings, constructed in a neo-gothic design, while modern buildings like HafenCity bring things right up to the present. Some of the oldest buildings in Hamburg are residential, and can be seen by visiting the Deichstrasse area in the old town (Altstadt).

Hamburg's enviable location by the sea also means it's an excellent place to enjoy seafood, and you'll find plenty of fresh options in the city's harbour-side restaurants. If you're keen to cook your own meals during a self catering stay at your hotel Hamburg Airport or elsewhere in the city, the best catches can be found at the local Fischmarkt fish market on Sunday morning, which is also a great place to mix with the locals.



For shopping, you'll also have lots of options to choose from depending on your tastes and budget. In particular, there are plenty of retail options in the Golden Triangle, home to the giant Alster Arcade.



Another facet of Hamburg that can be interesting to explore is the continuing popularity of Beatlemania. The Fab Four were regular performers in the Reeperbahn area during the early 1960s, and you can find an illuminating account of the group's early years at the Beatlemania Museum, spanning four floors of unique memorabilia and interactive exhibits.



Then again, if you’re not much of a music fan or if you're visiting Hamburg with kids, then it could be an idea to take a trip to Miniatur Wunderland, the largest model railway operating in the world. The railway attracts plenty of visitors every year, and is of interest to both children and adults alike.



Isla Campbell writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.