Book flights to Hamburg (HAM)

Book your visit to Hamburg

Hamburg is a wonderful surprise. A sparkling harbor introduces you to the city’s maritime legacy, where cargo ships and the occasional tall ship traverse the calm waters. This is a cultural city, where music, art and theatre are celebrated in iconic constructions like the Elbphilharmonie, and historic buildings sit alongside the dazzling skyscrapers of the commercial district.

Go in search of traditional German food in the city’s restaurants or explore the UNESCO Heritage Speicherstadt district. In the evening, the city comes alive to the sound of music. Whether you love a bit of German rock or some classical opera, Hamburg is ready to entertain you. Warm, welcoming, and with an ambience that immediately makes you feel at home, travel to Hamburg to discover a true German gem.

Things to do in Hamburg

At the top of any itinerary should be a visit to Speicherstadt, a UNESCO Heritage Site and a fascinating glimpse into Hamburg’s maritime past. This huge warehouse comes alive at night with a dazzling light show illuminating the red brick buildings and steel bridges.

Young visitors will love the charm of Miniatur Wunderland, a tour around the world in miniature from Patagonia to Antarctica.

Hamburg’s waterfront is iconic, and the floating dock of Landungsbrücken is a must-see. Or take a tour of the city’s imposing town hall, an ornate example of Hanseatic design.

Escape the urban delights of Hamburg in the city’s various parks and green spaces. Alsterpark sits on the northwest shore of the Außenalster lakes and is popular with visitors and locals, especially on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Activities in Hamburg

Famous for its connection to the Beatles, the music scene in Hamburg is still as energetic, with Große Freiheit 36 at the center of entertainment.

For a more cultural experience and to hear the music of Hamburg’s beloved son Brahms, the incredible acoustics of the Elbphilharmonie are home to the Hamburg Symphony.

One of the best ways to get to know the real Hamburg is to explore its cycle paths. Safe, level, and suitable for all ages and abilities, cycle tours take you along the Alster. Or set off and discover the city’s parks and cafés. Hamburg is a truly cycle-focused city.

For photographers, Hamburg is an architectural and visual delight. Old and new sit alongside one another, and the afternoon light lets you capture the city’s ever-changing moods.

Food in Hamburg

One of Hamburg’s culinary surprises is the Portuguese Quarter, where you can take a break from hearty German food and grab a mid-morning galão (espresso with steamed milk) and pastel de nata (a custard tart).

For a very special meal, book a table at the inspiring Literaturhauscafé, where you can try a German specialty, Pflaumenknödel. These sweet soft dumplings filled with plum and smothered in vanilla sauce are a fabulously indulgent treat after a day’s cycling around the city.

Franzbrötchen, a cinnamon pastry, is a Hamburg specialty and ideal for a mid-morning snack. Or grab a tasty Fischbrötchen for lunch – a crusty bread roll filled with delicious, fresh fish such as herring. You’ll find the best versions in the Hamburg Fish Market in the Altonaer Fischmarkt down by the docks.

Shopping in Hamburg

Alsterarkaden is a charming waterfront parade of exclusive shops and boutiques, some excellent Arabic food at Saliba, and some of the most opulent interiors in the city.

Gänsemarkt is a cluster of malls and parades around a public square, creating a relaxed shopping experience filled with stores and independent boutiques. For some trendy European fashion shopping, stop off at Gerhofstrasse.

Hamburg’s markets are a chance for some serious bargain hunting, and they don’t get much better than the Flohschanze flea market every Saturday for all things vintage, retro and chic.

While the Europa Passage may give you that quintessential mall experience, the Hamburger Hof is a far more authentic Hanseatic shopping arcade with a charming mix of independent stores and excellent eateries too.