The Old Elbe Tunnel connects the Landungsbrücken with the harbour area in Steinwerder, seasonal water light concerts take place on the lake in Planten un Blomen park, and brick architecture meets canals in the Speicherstadt. If you’re looking for hotels in Hamburg, it helps to decide early: should your stay focus mainly on the harbour, culture, water activities or green spaces? The places below offer different reasons to visit.
Elbe and harbour
Pedestrians and cyclists can pass through the Old Elbe Tunnel free of charge around the clock. It is closed on New Year’s Eve. Numerous harbour tour boats depart from the St. Pauli Landungsbrücken. A trip on HADAG ferry 62 follows the Elbe and is included with a regular HVV ticket. Check the current route before travelling, as transport services may change. Hamburg’s fish market offers fresh fish sandwiches right on the banks of the Elbe.
Riverside paths, water sports and parkland
The Outer Alster invites you to walk along all its shores; its paths are popular with joggers. Stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing and pedal boating are popular activities on the Alster. Riverside paths and various ways to exercise on the water therefore cater to different interests.
Planten un Blomen is a 45-hectare park with flower beds, expansive lawns, streams, small lakes and themed gardens. From May to September, water light concerts take place on the park lake every evening. If you plan to attend one of these concerts, check the latest dates before travelling. The park combines a varied landscape with a seasonal evening programme.
Architecture, views and music
Hamburg’s Speicherstadt and Kontorhaus District, including the Chilehaus, were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2015. Brick architecture, canals and bridges define the character of the Speicherstadt; its attractions also include museums, cafés and restaurants. This gives you the chance to admire the architectural ensemble and visit a museum or enjoy a meal.
Two viewpoints offer different perspectives on Hamburg: the Elbphilharmonie Plaza is 37 metres above the ground and offers views of the Elbe, harbour, Speicherstadt and HafenCity. The 132-metre-high tower of St. Michael’s Church offers 360-degree panoramic views of the harbour, Speicherstadt and Hamburg city centre. The Elbphilharmonie also has a concert programme to suit a range of musical tastes.
The admission conditions for visiting St. Michael’s Church also vary depending on what you want to see: entry to the church is free; you need paid admission tickets for the tower and crypt. Check the current ticket conditions before your visit.
Ohlsdorf Nature Reserve
Ohlsdorf Cemetery is a nature reserve with mature trees, rhododendrons, ponds and waterways. It provides a habitat for species that have become rare, such as hedgehogs, eagle owls and bats, as well as grey herons and roe deer. Ohlsdorf complements the parkland of Planten un Blomen with another perspective on Hamburg’s green spaces and wildlife habitats.
More destinations
Discover more destinations: Neuwerk Island, Niendorf, Blankenese, Duvenstedt, Eppendorf, Wohldorf-Ohlstedt, Kirchwerder.
Back to the main travel guide: Hamburg.
