10 of the Best Things to Do in Hamburg

Germany's second city is a port at heart. Hamburg is built around water – the Elbe river, the Alster lakes and more bridges than Venice and Amsterdam combined – and it mixes red-brick warehouses, world-class music, a famous nightlife district and green parks. It's a great city break for couples and families alike. These are ten of the best things to do, plus tips on getting around and where to stay.

The harbour and the Speicherstadt

1. Explore the Speicherstadt and HafenCity

The Speicherstadt is the world's largest warehouse district, built on oak piles from the 1880s and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its neo-Gothic red-brick buildings, canals and bridges are especially beautiful at dusk when they're lit up. Next door, HafenCity is one of Europe's largest urban regeneration projects, with modern architecture, waterfront promenades and the Maritime Museum.

2. Visit the Elbphilharmonie Plaza

Opened in 2017, the Elbphilharmonie concert hall sits on top of an old warehouse like a glass wave. Even without a concert ticket, you can visit the Plaza, a public viewing terrace 37 metres up with views over the harbour and city (free tickets are available on the day, or book online for a small fee). Concerts sell out quickly, so book well ahead if you want to hear the famous acoustics.

3. Take a harbour boat trip

The cheapest way to see the port is on public ferry line 62 from Landungsbrücken to Finkenwerder, included in a normal transport ticket. For more commentary, a "Hafenrundfahrt" (harbour tour) takes you past container ships, docks and the Speicherstadt canals. Kids love it.

Museums and attractions

4. Miniatur Wunderland

The world's largest model railway is Hamburg's most popular attraction, and for good reason – kilometres of track run through miniature versions of Hamburg, Scandinavia, the Alps, Italy, America and more, complete with a working airport. It's in the Speicherstadt and fascinating for all ages. Book a timed ticket online, especially at weekends and in school holidays.

5. Museum Mile and the Kunsthalle

Hamburg's "Museum Mile" runs from the Kunsthalle – one of Germany's biggest art museums, with works from Old Masters to contemporary art – to the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe (arts and crafts) and the Deichtorhallen, which host photography and contemporary art. The International Maritime Museum in HafenCity is a good choice for ship lovers.

6. Planten un Blomen and the Alster

The Planten un Blomen park has gardens, a Japanese tea house, playgrounds and, in summer, evening water-light concerts. Walk or cycle around the Outer Alster lake (about 7 km), hire a pedalo or canoe, or take an Alster steamer. The Inner Alster, surrounded by grand buildings, is the heart of the city centre near the Rathaus (city hall).

Markets, food and nightlife

7. The Sunday Fish Market (Fischmarkt)

Every Sunday morning from very early until about 9:30am, the Altona Fischmarkt sells fish, fruit, flowers and souvenirs, with market criers shouting their offers. Inside the historic Fish Auction Hall there's live music and breakfast. Come early – and try a Fischbrötchen (fish sandwich), Hamburg's classic snack.

8. St Pauli and the Reeperbahn

St Pauli is Hamburg's most famous district: the Reeperbahn is lined with clubs, bars, music venues and theatres, and the Beatles played here in the early 1960s (look for Beatles-Platz). It's lively and fun in the evening, but parts are adult-oriented, so families may prefer to visit by day. Nearby, the Sternschanze ("Schanze") neighbourhood has cafés, bars and a flea market (the Flohschanze) on Saturdays.

9. Taste Hamburg

Try Franzbrötchen (a cinnamon pastry), Labskaus (a sailors' dish of corned beef, potato and beetroot), fresh fish at the harbour, and a coffee in the Speicherstadt's coffee roasteries. The Ottensen district and the waterfront around Övelgönne are great for relaxed lunches.

Beyond the centre

10. Övelgönne, Blankenese and the Elbe beaches

Take ferry line 62 to Övelgönne, where a sandy Elbe beach faces the giant container cranes – watching the ships pass from a beach bar is a quintessential Hamburg experience. Continue to Blankenese, a former fishing village on the hillside with steep staircases and captains' houses. Families might also enjoy the Hagenbeck Zoo, one of Germany's oldest and largest.

Practical tips

• Getting there: Hamburg Airport is linked to the city centre by S-Bahn in about 25 minutes. The main station has fast trains to Berlin, Copenhagen and the rest of Germany.
• Getting around: U-Bahn, S-Bahn, buses and harbour ferries use the same tickets. The Hamburg Card adds discounts.
• Where to stay: HafenCity and the Speicherstadt are central and modern; St Georg near the main station is convenient; Altona and Ottensen are relaxed and local; St Pauli and the Schanze are best for nightlife.
• Weather: Hamburg is often rainy and windy, so pack layers and a waterproof jacket year-round. The Christmas markets in December are a highlight.