9 things not to miss in Hamburg

Hamburg, a Hanseatic city in Germany and the country's second-largest after Berlin, is renowned for its blend of urban sophistication, natural beauty, and vibrant cultural scene. The city seamlessly combines dynamic urban life with stunning natural landscapes, offering a wide array of hotels, restaurants, theatres, shops, and beaches along the River Elbe. It also boasts green spaces around the Alster lakes, a bustling port, and historical landmarks that showcase its 1,200-year history. Hamburg's maritime heritage and cultural vibrancy come to life through renowned attractions such as the Speicherstadt, the Elbphilharmonie concert hall, and numerous museums. Hamburg is unique, with approximately 2,500 bridges – more than any other European city – and five of the world’s 30 tallest churches. Be sure to check out my list of things not to be missed in Hamburg.

1 City Hall

The City Hall, located behind the Binnenalster in the city centre, is a striking blend of Renaissance, Gothic, and Baroque architecture that resembles a castle. A visit is highly recommended for those with limited time in Hamburg, as it is a significant city landmark. Construction began in 1886, taking 11 years to complete before it was opened in 1897. Its courtyard, featuring the Hygiea Fountain, is a beautiful and harmonious square that attracts many visitors.The official tour of the City Hall includes access to some of its 647 rooms, with highlights such as the ballroom, where the annual Matthiae-Mahl banquet is held, the plenary hall, and the orphan's room.Open daily from 8 am to 6 pm, the City Hall offers English tours at 11.15 am, 1.15 pm, and 3.15 pm. Do not miss the guided tour of the City Hall – it is the only way to see the magnificent interiors of the building. The Rathausmarkt, in front of the City Hall, hosts various events, including fairs, markets, and concerts.

Address: Rathausmarkt 1

2 Church of St Nicholas

The main church of St Nicholas has had a varied history. Originally built as a Gothic basilica in the 14th century, it was destroyed in the Great Fire of Hamburg in 1842. Its replacement, a Gothic Revival church completed in 1874, briefly held the title of the world's tallest building. The church sustained significant damage during World War II, leaving only the impressive tower mostly intact. Today, St Nicholas serves as a memorial honouring those affected by war and tyranny. Standing at 147.3 metres, the church's spire remains one of the tallest structures in the city and provides stunning views from its observation deck.

Address: Willy-Brandt-Straße 60

3 St Catherine's Church                                               

St Catherine's Church, located near the Speicherstadt warehouse district, is the third oldest principal church in the city. Constructed in the 13th century, it originally served as a place of worship for merchants, shipbuilders, and seamen. The base of the church spire, which dates back to the same period, is the oldest stonework in Hamburg. Over the years, the church has been expanded and restored, showcasing a fine example of North German Brick Gothic architecture. The church is further enhanced by a copper-plated Baroque tower featuring the figure of its patron saint, St Catherine.

Address: Katharinenkirchhof 1

4 Elbphilharmonie

If you are looking for a reason to visit Hamburg, attending a concert at the Elbphilharmonie is all the reason you need. The concert hall is located in the historically significant Sandtorhafen docks, where the first warehouse, the Kaiserspeicher, was built in 1875. The architectural contrast between the old warehouse and the modern glass structure of the Elbphilharmonie is striking. The building features a unique entrance reached by an 82-metre-long escalator, creating a glowing tunnel effect with reflective glass sequins. Visitors can enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the city from the plaza between the warehouse and the new structure. The Grand Hall, situated 50 metres above the ground with 2,100 seats, is the focal point of the Elbphilharmonie. The hall's vineyard architecture ensures perfect acoustics, with a special material known as the White Skin developed by acoustics specialist Yasuhisa Toyota. Additionally, the Grand Hall boasts a four-manual organ from the Klais workshop in Bonn. Make sure you book concert tickets well in advance.

Address: Platz d. Deutschen Einheit 4

5 Main station

Hamburg's main station is the busiest passenger railway station in Germany, with over 550,000 travellers passing through daily. It is also the second most frequented passenger railway station in Europe, after Paris-Nord. Opened in 1906, the station serves as a key transport hub and an impressive architectural landmark. The platform hall is 73 metres wide and spans 12 platforms, with two clock towers standing 45 metres tall on either side. The building's design is reminiscent of the Galerie des Machines in Paris, constructed for the Exposition Universelle in 1889. Despite its historical significance, the station has recently been renovated to better serve the needs of modern travellers. The reconstruction includes making all station facades, old and new, visible and connecting different areas with new additions. This transformation has also created a greener, more sustainable urban space for visitors to enjoy.

6 Kunsthalle art museum

Established in 1817 by the Hamburg Kunstverein, the Hamburg Kunsthalle is housed in three impressive buildings and holds one of Germany's most significant art collections, which covers the period from the Middle Ages to the present day. The museum, completed in 1869 and subsequently expanded twice, is one of the largest in Germany in terms of exhibition space. Its permanent collection showcases art from eight centuries and is considered one of the country's most significant public art collections. The Kunsthalle offers visitors a comprehensive journey through European art history, featuring highlights such as medieval altars by Master Bertram and Master Francke, Dutch paintings from the 17th century, including works by Rembrandt, German Romanticism, Impressionism, classic Modernism, and contemporary international art. In addition to its permanent collection, the Kunsthalle presents 20 themed exhibitions annually.

Address: Glockengießerwall 5

7 Boat tour around the city harbour

A boat tour of Hamburg Harbour is highly recommended, with the evening tour being my absolute favourite. It offers the chance to enjoy the harbour's beauty at night, with stunning views of the city's landmarks and fascinating stories about its maritime history, provided by an audio guide in the language of your choice and live commentary in German. The gentle cruise along the Elbe allows passengers to admire the city’s illuminated sights, creating a special atmosphere. The knowledgeable captains share details about Hamburg’s landmarks and history, enhancing the enjoyment of the journey. The Louisiana Star, a popular event ship in Hamburg, offers a unique and opulent atmosphere with its Southern Dixie charm. The ship can accommodate up to 500 people. As the Port of Hamburg is an open seaport, navigation through the historic Speicherstadt canals is not always possible due to the tides.

8 St Michael's Church

St Michael's Church in Hamburg is the city's largest church and a well-known landmark. Its most notable feature is the 132-metre-tall copper spire, which once served as a guide for ships on the River Elbe. This is the third church built on the same site, with the first two being destroyed by lightning and fire. The current building was heavily damaged during World War II but reopened in 1952. Within the church, visitors can see the white marble font and collection box from the previous church, along with a bronze statue of the church's patron saint, the archangel Michael. The church also features four organs, a crypt, and an observation tower offering panoramic views of Hamburg.

Address: Engl. Planke 1

9 Krameramtsstuben restaurant

Located next to St Michael's Church, also known as Michel, Krayenkamp Street is home to some of the oldest surviving residential buildings in central Hamburg, dating back to the 17th century. These timber-framed houses were once owned by a guild of grocers who traded in spices, silk, and hardware. The guild's coat of arms, featuring a scale, can still be seen on some of the buildings. The upper floors of the houses were allocated to the widows of deceased guild members as part of an early pension system. As compensation for not being allowed to continue their husbands' businesses, the widows received these homes, along with a modest income and fuel deliveries. The Krameramtsstuben have been preserved as heritage buildings since 1933 and survived the bombings of WWII. Today, the buildings house shops, galleries, and the Krameramtsstuben restaurant, known for its cosy atmosphere and traditional German and Hamburg cuisine. The restaurant has retained its historic charm while incorporating modern influences into its dishes, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors.

Opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday, from 12.00 pm till 11.00 pm.

Address: Krayenkamp 10

Where to stay

Steigenberger Hotel Hamburg                               

The Steigenberger Hotel Hamburg, located in the city centre, features traditional Hanseatic architecture and offers a view of the Alsterfleet. Nearby shopping arcades provide a leisurely shopping experience, while popular attractions such as the historic City Hall, the inner city, Speicherstadt, and HafenCity are within walking distance. This five-star hotel boasts 235 luxurious rooms and suites, each equipped with modern amenities like air conditioning, a mini-fridge, a coffee machine, a flat-screen TV, a desk, and a safe to ensure guests' comfort.

Address: Heiligengeistbrücke 4

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Author: Anita Sane

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