Is Hamburg worth visiting? Is Hamburg safe? And everything else you need to know

Are you planning a trip to Germany and wondering ‘is Hamburg worth visiting? Well this post is for you. We go through all the important questions like ‘is Hamburg safe’ and ‘what is there to do in Hamburg’ to help you decide if you should go.

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Before we answer the question ‘Is Hamburg worth visiting’ here is some background

Hamburg is located in the Northern Part of Germany, and has earned the nickname “Tor zur Welt” or in English Gateway to the World. Part of this reason is because it is a major port city. But you might be interested to know that despite it being the 3rd biggest port in Europe it isn’t actually located on the sea front at all. In fact a ship needs to travel around 109 kilometres along the River Elbe to get to Hamburg.

Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany, and parts of the city are UNESCO World Heritage sites. It also has more bridges than any other city in the world. This is because of the large amount of canals that snake their way through the city.

Is Hamburg expensive?

Hamburg isn’t hugely expensive particularly in comparison to other large cities, which is good news if you are travelling on a budget. It’s also not cheap either, but if you try you can do things on a budget. In our experience you can plan the perfect luxury holiday in Hamburg just as easily as you can plan a cheap trip.

Accommodation in the city ranges between €80 – €150 per night. This is for mid range accommodation located in the city centre. Of course you can find cheaper or more expensive accommodation depending on your budget. Make sure you book your accommodation well in advance to get the best deals.

In terms of budgeting you can probably get away with spending around €50 per person per day (not including accommodation) if you are wanting to do things cheaply. For a mid range holiday that includes, tours, transport, a few drinks, and dinner out each night, we would recommend budgeting about €100 per person per day.

Do I need cash in Hamburg?

If is worth having some cash on you when visiting Hamburg, like many other German cities including Berlin we found that while most places accept card some places don’t. Smaller bars and shops tend to ask for cash only so you are as well to have some on you.

What language do they speak in Hamburg?

German is the official language spoken in Hamburg, although you will probably find a few slang words and differences in dialect to other places in Germany. The vast majority of people in the city do speak English though. We got around find just speaking English as luckily for us most Germans are bilingual.

Is Hamburg easy to get to?

Hamburg is relatively easy to get to. There are many budget airlines that fly directly to the city from other European locations. Ryanair, and Easyjet, regularly fly into the city for example.

The good news is once you are at the airport is it really quick and easy to get into the city centre. You just need to purchase a ticket, and hop on the S-Bahn. It runs every 10 minutes and will get you to Hamburg Central Station in 25 minutes. From here you can change for your onward journey.

Taxis are readily available at the airport too, and they usually take about 25 minutes to get you into the centre of Hamburg. On average this will cost you about €50.

How long should I spend in Hamburg?

If you are planning a trip to Hamburg we would recommend spending a minimum of 3 days in Hamburg. That being said you probably won’t need more than 5 days in total to explore the city. Somewhere between 3 – 5 days will give you enough time to see the main sights, enjoy the food, sip some cocktails, and do a bit of shopping too.

Is Hamburg safe?

In our experience we found Hamburg to be pretty safe. Like any busy European city there are areas to avoid, and you should always take precautions, but as a whole tourists don’t have that many issues here.

Petty theft and pickpocketing is quite common, especially around the Reeperbahn. That’s definitely not a reason to avoid it though, just have your wits about you. Speaking of the Reeperbahn, it can feel sketchy at times, but we never felt unsafe here. In the day it is generally quiet, and you might see a bit of homelessness, and in the evenings it is crowded with tourists and locals alike.

Is Hamburg worth visiting compared to other German cities?

If you are wondering is Hamburg worth visiting in comparison to other German cities, we would definitely say yes. It might not have as many major tourist attractions as say Berlin, but it has a more relaxed vibe. There is a lot to see, and as a whole it’s a really fun city to visit.

It’s also worth noting that if you are expecting a ‘traditional’ German experience with lederhosen’s and giant steins of beer, Hamburg isn’t for you. This kind of experience is more in Barvaria, whereas Hamburg is more modern with a multicultural vibe. If you do want a traditional experience though here is a guide to Munich that might help you.

If you are deciding between Hamburg and Berlin here is a helpful guide.

Is Hamburg worth visiting compared to other European cities?

Hamburg is very much worth visiting compared to other European cities, but that obviously depends on what you want from your holiday. For instance it’s not like Paris, Rome, or even Berlin, with tons of tourist attractions. And while it is a port city, it’s not like Lisbon or Barcelona when it comes to beaches and outdoor dining.

That being said it has it’s own selling points. It’s a great place for a relaxed, short city break. It’s a friendly city, and pretty chilled out as a whole, which is great if that is the kind of break you are after.

Can I use public transport in Hamburg?

A lot of the key sights in Hamburg are walkable which is good news, but chances are you will probably need to use the public transport at some point during your trip. The public transport system in Hamburg is really efficient and so easy to use too.

The best option is to purchase the Hamburg Card. The cheapest option is a one day ticket for a single person which costs €11.90, up to 5 days for €46.90. This card will include all your public transport costs including getting you to and from the airport. All you need to do is carry the card with you and present it when asked.

The card will cover you for the bus, ferry the S-Bahn (suburban train) and the U-Bahn (city subway). You will probably end up using the U-Bahn the most when getting around the city.

What is there to do in Hamburg?

Wondering is Hamburg worth visiting for the attractions alone? Here are some of the top things to see in Hamburg to help you decide.

Visit St Michael’s Church 

St Michael’s is one of our highlights when visiting Hamburg. The main reason is because the views are just incredible. It’s also one of the most famous churches in Hamburg.

To get to the top you do need to climb the 400 plus steps to the viewing platform, but there is a lift as well in case you were wondering.

If you want to book online in advance then you can do that here.

Do a Harbour Boat Tour

I don’t think you can visit Hamburg without doing a harbour boat tour. There are several companies offering tours around the harbour, so you have a lot to choose from.

It’s a great opportunity to learn about the history of the city, and sip a cold beer whilst doing so.

Miniatur Wunderland

Whether you are travelling solo, in a couple, or as as family you should try and visit Miniatur Wunderland. It’s home to the world’s largest railway exhibition, and there are several intricate displays to checkout.

Rathaus

The Rathaus is a must visit building in Hamburg. It’s the Town Hall Building located in the centre of the city, and it is well worth a visit. You can have a look inside at the lobby, or even visit a restaurant in the basement.

It’s also the perfect backdrop in December for the Christmas Markets.

St Pauli Fischmarkt

St Pauli Fischmarkt isn’t just a place full of fresh fish. I mean it has that, but it is so much more. It’s a cute little market where you can buy clothes, fruit and veg, and much more. It opens on Sunday morning, and once you are done shopping head to the fish auction hall where you can grab some brunch and live music performances.

Elbphilharmonie

The Elbphilharmonie, which opened in 2017 is a concert hall that fits 2100 spectators inside. It’s one of the most acoustically advanced venues ever built, and is home to the Elbphilharmonie Orchestra.

The building itself is really cool, and looks a bit like the sails on a ship. There is an observation deck at the top, as well as a cafe, both of which are open to the public.

International Maritime Museum

If you are a fan of all things maritime related this museum is for you. The International Maritime Museum is a private collection of model ships, construction plans, uniforms, and maritime art. The museums has over 40,000 artefacts and over a million photographs.

It was born from one man’s passion for all things nautical, and is a popular tourist attraction today. It’s also located in Kaispeicher B, which is the oldest warehouse in the Speicherstadt.

Kunsthalle Hamburg

The Hamburger Kunsthalle is one of the largest art museums in Germany. It’s well worth a visit if you are into your art.

You could probably spend a full day here just looking at all the art which includes pieces by Rembrandt, Rubens, and even Picasso and Andy Warhol.

Poggenmuhlen Bridge

This is one of the most photographed bridges in Hamburg, and is especially popular in the evening during golden hour.

Chocoversum (chocolate museum) 

The chocoversum is a must for anyone who loves chocolate. You get to learn all about the chocolate journey from cocoa bean to chocolate bar. But the most important bit is that you can do some tastings along the way.

You also get the opportunity to decorate your own chocolate bar. If you are planning on doing this tour just check with the English versions are on as most are in German.

The Old Elbe Tunnel

This was by far one of the coolest tunnels we have seen. Opened in 1911, this was actually the first river tunnel in mainland Europe. You can get the lift down and check it out.

Reeperbahn and St Pauli

I know that your first thoughts on spending time in St Pauli or the Reeperbahn might be negative. After all it is marketed as the incredibly seedy part of town. There is a lot more to it though.

It’s great for nightlife and many locals visit for fun nights out. There are also cool bars and restaurants so it’s very much worth a visit.

Explore the beach (kind of)

If you get on the ferry from Landungsbruken to Finkenwerder (Line 62) you can hop off at Ovelgonne and head to the beach.

On a warm day you will find kids building sandcastles and dipping their toes in the water, with cranes and tugboats in the background. There are also some lovely bars and cafes there which makes it all the more appealing on a summer’s day.

It’s a great place to walk around and explore or just sit and take in the view. I should also add that the houses here are just incredible.

Is Hamburg worth visiting for solo travellers?

Hamburg is generally a safe city, particularly if you are sticking to the tourist areas. For that reason it’s a great place for solo travel.

There are lots of things to see and do, and if you are wanting some company you can also do group tours. There are lots of cool tours in Hamburg like food tours, and cycling tours. Basically you won’t be bored if you visit the city solo.

Is Hamburg worth visiting for couples?

Hamburg has some excellent nightlife, great restaurants, and tons of cool activities you can do as a couple. It’s also incredibly scenic with so many beautiful sunset spots.

You can book an evening cruise, enjoy some fine dining, or just head to your hotel spa for some papering. Whatever you want to do as a couple Hamburg has you covered.

And don’t forget the Christmas Markets if you are visiting in December. They are the perfect romantic escape in the depths of winter.

Is Hamburg worth visiting for families?

Hamburg is also a really good city to visit for families. There are so many activities you can enjoy like visiting the museums, going on a boat tour, or just hanging out in one of the beautiful city parks.

One of the best museums for kids has to be Miniatur Wunderland. It’s a favourite for kids and adults alike. You also have the Chocolate Museum which is recommended for kids 6 and over.

Is Hamburg worth visiting for foodies?

Hamburg is a great place for foodies particularly if you are a fan of seafood. Hamburg has had a long history of being a port city, and with it has brought culinary influences from around the world.

You might have this idea of Hamburg and Germany being all sausages and pretzels, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Hamburg has a multicultural flavour to it. One of the highlights in the Portuguese quarter where you can find tasty European bites. You also have some of the more upmarket seafoood restaurants like Parlament or Fischereihafen.

Is Hamburg worth visiting for the nightlife?

Hamburg has some of the best nightlife in Europe. And there is honestly a little something for everyone. If you are looking for a wild night out St Pauli is one of the best areas. Yes there are some sleazy elements with sex shops and erotic bars, but there are also some cocktails bars, jazz bars, and Irish bars to enjoy.

The nearby area of Sternschanze is another great place to go with cocktail bars, and trendy cafes. So whatever you are into you are sure to find it in Hamburg.

Is Hamburg worth visiting for nature lovers?

Hamburg is one of the greenest cities in Europe, and the city itself has a number of parks and natural spaces to enjoy. If you are wanting to experience nature a little bit more you can visit places like the Hamburg Botanical Gardens as part of the University of Hamburg.

If you decide the venture out of Hamburg you will find places like Klövensteen Forest which is a must if you are looking for a bit of a break from the city.

Is Hamburg worth visiting for culture lovers?

Hamburg is one of the best places in Germany when it comes to culture, music, and art. For starters the Elbphilharmonie concert hall has really put Hamburg firmly on the map for music and culture in Europe. It has over 50 museums, 45 theatres, and about 100 music venues and clubs. So it’s definitely a must for culture lovers.

Is Hamburg worth visiting in the summer?

Summer in Hamburg is one of the best times of year to visit. The weather is mild ranging between 13 – 25 degrees Celsius. Although in our experience there are some days that get to 30 degrees Celsius. The sun is out, the days are long, and there are lots of awesome outdoor activities and festivals to enjoy.

Take advantage of sipping drinks by the harbour, or visiting the makeshift beaches.

Obviously with good weather come the tourists, so you need to make sure you book your accommodation in advance to get the best deals. You should also book tours in advance as otherwise you will find yourself queuing.

Is Hamburg worth visiting in the winter?

Hamburg is one of those places that you can visit at any time of year, winter included. Temperatures average at 0 – 5 degrees Celsius, although can often go below freezing.

In December the Christmas Markets are in full swing and are really worth exploring. It becomes a proper winter wonderland with ice skating and mulled wine.

In January and February, temperatures are cold and can be rainy, but there are so many museums that you can visit if it does get too much.

Should I purchase the Hamburg Card?

Personally we think the Hamburg Card is actually quite good Value. Starting at €11.90 for a single person for a day, it goes up to €46.90 for a single person for 5 days.

If you are travelling as a two then get the group pass which costs €19.90 for one day, and goes up to €82.90 for 5 days.

For more information you can visit the Hamburg Tourism website.

It’s also worth it if you are planning on visiting museums, or doing boat or bus tours as you can get up to 50% off in some instances.

What to pack when visiting Hamburg?

Here are some ideas for packing for your trip to Hamburg.

• Bring an umbrella or raincoat as the weather can be unpredictable
• Comfortable shoes are a must
• Bring swimwear in the summer
• And a decent coat in the winter
• Casual clothes are generally fine unless you are going to super fancy places.

What should I know before visiting Hamburg?

Still wondering is Hamburg worth visiting? Well here are some tips for you if you do decide to go.

• Get a Hamburg Card – it’s actually worth it
• Do carry some cash on you because some places still will ask that you pay with it
• Use the ferries and explore the beautiful neighbourhoods
• Don’t fear the Reeperbahn, particularly at night. It’s popular even with locals.

So Is Hamburg worth visiting?

Ok so in answer to the question is Hamburg worth visiting, we think that yes Hamburg is worth a visit. It kind of feels like one of the more underrated cities in Germany. I know people tend to flock to Berlin, but Hamburg has just as much to do, and honestly is way more welcoming.

If you are after a fun city break that has some great food, incredible nightlife, and amazing atmosphere Hamburg is the place for you.

We hope that you found this guide useful, and if so make sure you pin it for later.

Happy Travels!