City trip Hamburg
Hamburg is a city that has a lot to offer visitors. With its mix of culture, history, music, cuisine and nature, it is a versatile destination that is suitable for both short city breaks and longer stays.
The city between the Baltic Sea and the North Sea lies on the Elbe. The independent federal state was once the starting point for many people who wanted to explore the world. Goods from all over the world arrived in the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg and the port is still one of the main attractions for tourists today.
Hamburg is a city with a rich history and culture. The impressive City Hall, a magnificent example of the neo-Renaissance style, offers guided tours that give an insight into the history of the city and its politics. The Speicherstadt, the largest contiguous warehouse complex in the world, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see for history and architecture lovers.
Hamburg’s museum landscape is diverse and offers something for every taste. The Kunsthalle Hamburg houses an important collection of European art from the Middle Ages to the present day. The International Maritime Museum offers interesting insights into the maritime history of the city and the world. The Miniatur Wunderland, the world’s largest model railway layout, also fascinates visitors with its detailed replicas of famous cities and landscapes.
Hamburg is also known as a city of music. The Elbphilharmonie, an architectural masterpiece, offers world-class concerts and is also an impressive landmark. The city also has a long tradition of musicals, which make for entertaining evenings.
The gastronomic scene in Hamburg is diverse and of high quality. From traditional North German dishes such as Labskaus and Pannfisch to international cuisine in upscale restaurants – there is something for everyone here. A visit to the fish market during a city trip to Hamburg on an early Sunday morning offers fresh seafood and an authentic market experience.
City trip to Hamburg – excursion tips
A harbour tour in Hamburg can be very expensive. But there is a cheap alternative to explore the waters of Hamburg.
People of Hamburg are proud of their “Michel”, one of their most popular landmarks. Michel is short for St Michael’s Church. It is one of the most important baroque churches in northern Germany.
There is no such thing as bad weather. Only inappropriate clothing. So, despite it spitting with rain, we put on our most comfortable shoes, got the umbrellas out and embarked on an expedition through Hamburg. Mostly on foot with the occasional metro or train journey.
There has been a huge bunker in St. Pauli for many years and the tourists pay no attention to it. As soon as the bunker in Feldstraße is extensively renovated, visitors queue up at the entrance and want to visit this exciting attraction.
No matter how short the trip to Hamburg is, a stroll on the Reeperbahn, Hamburg most popular area for amusements of different kinds, is a must. We agreed in advance that we didn’t want to hop from club to club but stay put in Olivias Show Club.
Book your experience in Hamburg
Accommodation tips
We got some very confused (but friendly!) looks when we, a group of nine ladies and their bags, wanted to check in at the desk of the Quality Hotel Ambassador Hamburg at 8 in the morning.
Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten
TORTUE HAMBURG
The Westin Hamburg
Hotel Volksschule
Clipper Boardinghouse – Hamburg-Michel
Travel information about Hamburg
Arrival
By plane
In the north of Hamburg, in the district of Fuhsbüttel, is the international airport Hamburg-Airport Helmut Schmidt. You can reach it from the city center by S-Bahn or night bus.
By train
There are several long-distance train stations in Hamburg, which form the central hub for long-distance and local traffic in northern Germany:
- Hamburg Central Station
- Hamburg-Dammtor train station
- Hamburg-Altona
- Hamburg-Harburg train station
- Hamburg-Bergedorf train station
All of the city’s S-Bahn and U-Bahn lines intersect at the main station.
By bus
The city’s central bus station is located directly at the main train station. It is served by national and international long-distance bus lines.
By car
Hamburg is easily accessible from all directions via the A 1, A 7, A 23 and A 24 freeways.
By bicycle
There are three major signposted cycle paths leading to Hamburg:
- Elbe Cycle Path
- Hamburg-Rügen long-distance cycle path
- Leine-Heide Cycle Path
By ship
Hamburg’s Havel is one of the largest ports in the world. There is lively shipping traffic here all year round.
Numerous cruise shipping companies call at the port regularly. Mostly they are on routes in the Baltic Sea region and the Norwegian fjords. Those looking for an alternative to cruise ships can travel by cargo ship from the Port of Hamburg.
In addition, there are regional ship connections from the port to Cuxhaven and Helgoland. During the summer months, there is also a regular ship connection between Stadersand and Altona.
If you want to go to Hamburg with your pleasure boat, you should be aware that there is a lot of shipping traffic with large cargo ships. There are special moorings for sports boats in Wedel, Blankenese, Finkenwerder, Harburg and in the City-Sportboothafen.
On the way in Hamburg
By local public transport
In the inner city area of Hamburg there is a dense network of public transport. There are 112 bus lines, suburban trains and subways in the city.
Hamburg has a total of 3 S-Bahn lines that meet at the main station. The 4 subway lines in Hamburg also meet at the main station. In some areas, the Hamburg subway runs above ground, where it is also known as the elevated railroad.
The current fares and ticket options can be found here.
Tickets are available from ticket machines in all stations and at the harbor ferry stations. There are also advance ticket offices at many subway and S-Bahn stations, and tickets can also be purchased online.
With the harbor ferries
There are 6 harbor ferries in Hamburg that can be used with normal public transport tickets.
By bike
In the city center, there are partly well-developed bike paths, which are distinguished by red stones or other visual markings. The signposting of the bicycle routes is not so good. Bicycles are not allowed in some public parks.
By taxi
There is a wide range of taxi companies operating throughout the city.
By car
Traffic, as in many big cities, is quite dense and hectic, especially during rush hours. Many one-way streets often make orientation not easy.
Parking
Metered parking and parking garages are available in sufficient quantity. It is also possible to pay by cell phone at the parking machines. The prices depend on the location, the more central the more expensive.
Free parking spaces are rarely available in the city center.
In Hamburg and in the surrounding area, some Park&Ride parking spaces are offered. Some of the offers are subject to a fee. For example, the parking lot at the U2 station Hackenbecks Tierpark offers a free option.
Best time to visit
Spring (March to May)
Spring in Hamburg is a pleasant time to visit as temperatures gradually rise. Average temperatures range from 5°C in March to 15°C in May. There are around 10 to 12 rainy days per month, which means that you should expect occasional rain.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is the most popular time to visit Hamburg. Temperatures are pleasantly warm and average around 20°C to 22°C. The warmest months are June, July and August, with temperatures rarely rising above 25°C. There are around 13 to 18 rainy days per month, but also many sunny days that are perfect for outdoor activities.
Fall (September to November)
Autumn in Hamburg is mild, but it can be windy and rainy. Average temperatures drop from around 15°C in September to 5°C in November. There are around 10 to 12 rainy days per month and the city can often be foggy. Nevertheless, there are also longer dry periods with bright blue skies.
Winter (December to February)
The winter months in Hamburg are cold and damp. Average temperatures are just above freezing, often below 3°C. There are around 10 to 12 rainy days per month, and there can also be stormy weather episodes.