Places of Interest in Hamburg
Hamburg is a port city brimming with culture and a melting pot of diverse influences. Its historic canals and vibrant cultural life make it one of Germany’s most beloved cities.
Its Speicherstadt warehouse district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an essential stop for sightseeing. The impressive Elbphilharmonie concert hall is another must-see.
1. Miniatur Wunderland
The world’s largest model railway and miniature airport, Miniatur Wunderland is a must-see attraction when visiting Hamburg. Spread across several stories sehenswürdigkeiten hamburg in an old warehouse building, it’s a wonder to behold and one of the German city’s most popular tourist attractions.
The miniature worlds in Miniatur Wunderland are meticulously recreated to the smallest detail. From blades of grass to tiny buildings, everything is perfectly life-like and a real treat for the eyes.
2. Elbphilharmonie
Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron, the Elbphilharmonie is an architectural wonder that resembles waves, a reflection of Hamburg’s maritime character and long history as a port town.
Built on a former warehouse, the building has reshaped the city’s skyline. The Elbphilharmonie is one of Europe’s most exciting new architectural creations.
3. Altona Lakes
Altona Lakes is a popular place to visit in Hamburg and is one of the prettiest areas in the city centre. It connects the Elbe and Alster rivers, and is filled with pretty squares and walking areas to explore.
The area is home to many historic buildings and smart residential suburbs. It also offers beaches on the banks of the Elbe.
4. St. Pauli Art Museum
There’s no doubt that Hamburg’s art scene is one of its most dynamic. Whether you’re looking for world-famous modern collections or intimate independent galleries, there’s plenty to keep you busy in the city’s red brick streets and canals.
The museum has old masters like Rembrandt, Rubens and Lucas Cranach the Younger as well as 19th-century masterpieces by Caspar David Friedrich, Max Liebermann, Paul Klee and Franz Marc. Then there’s contemporary art by Francis Bacon, Tracey Emin and Joseph Beuys.
5. Hamburg Museum
If you love art, you should head to the Hamburg Museum. It’s one of the biggest museums in Germany, and features an impressive collection of European art dating back 700 years.
The museum also has a chocolate museum for those who love chocolate. Visitors can learn how to make chocolate in a workshop, and take home their creations!
6. Altona Historical District
The Altona Historical District, located west of the city center, was a small independent town in the 16th century. It was a fisherman’s village, and it competed with Hamburg in trade and commerce.
The area has since then become home to a diverse population. This includes a Jewish community that has been in existence since 1611, when Count Ernest of Schaumburg and Holstein-Pinneberg invited Ashkenazic Jews to settle there.
7. Elbphilharmonie
If you’re a music fan or architecture buff, the Elbphilharmonie is one of the most impressive places to visit in Hamburg. The building was constructed on top of a former warehouse for cocoa, tea and tobacco and is now an acoustically enchanting monument to design and music.
The Elbphilharmonie is a world-class concert hall that features three concert halls, 15 floors of 45 apartments, a Westin hotel, the longest escalator in Europe and a public viewing Plaza with a 360deg panoramic view of Hamburg. It’s not to be missed on a trip to this new waterside quarter called HafenCity.
8. Port of Hamburg Museum
The Port of Hamburg Museum is a great place to see how the city has developed. The museum offers exhibitions about the city’s history, including 14th-century pirates, Jewish life, and the Great Fire of 1842.
The museum also features several historic ships that tell the story of Hamburg’s maritime history. Some of these boats are open to visitors for tours and round trips.
9. Maritime Museum
Located in the Speicherstadt (Hamburg’s historical warehouse district) is the Maritime Museum, an impressive ship-themed attraction that hosts the world’s largest private collection of maritime treasures. It’s a must for fans of model ships, U-boats, and military history.
The museum has a large collection of ship models, paintings, uniforms, and construction plans. It’s divided into nine exhibition decks devoted to different topics.