Known as a major port city in Northern Germany, Hamburg is one of my

Visiting Hamburg, Germany
If you are planning to spend a few days in the city of Hamburg, Germany – you´ll definitely not regret it. There are so many unique things about this city – a vibrant old warehouse district, the biggest port in Germany, the mind-blowing Miniatur Wunderland, and even one of the coolest tea shops I´ve ever been to…
Have you ever heard that Hamburg has 2,300 bridges – more than Amsterdam, London, and Venice combined? The city is full of picturesque locations, so check out this Hamburg photography guide in order not to miss any of the best photo spots!
Additionally, if traveling over the winter holidays you can kill two birds with one shot and enjoy the European Christmas (as German Christmas markets are my favorites, alongside Switzerland, and the French Region of Alsace).
Although, the last time I visited Hamburg in January it was honestly so cold. It´s either the fact that Hamburg is a port city and humidity makes one feel colder, or it´s just me living in warm Spain for way too long.
One way or another, Hamburg is such a picture-perfect city full of unique landmarks, that everyone should visit at least once in a lifetime.
My 5 Top places in Hamburg, Germany
1. Speicherstadt
Every trip to Hamburg must begin at Speicherstadt, the largest warehouse district in the world, built from 1883 to 1927. Nowadays it is also an ultimate business
Speicherstadt is known for its moody industrial architecture. Very much like Lisbon in Portugal, the abandoned docks of Hamburg were turned into one of the trendiest shopping and residential areas over the last few decades.
No wonder, the splendid Speicherstadt is one of the ultimate inspo-locations for world-famous designers, like Karl Lagerfeld (who shoot here his 30th anniversary Chanel collection for the iconic Vogue).



2. Miniatur-Wunderland
One of the top places in Hamburg that would love to visit again with my kids is the world’s largest model railway exhibition Miniatur-Wunderland.
To be honest, I initially expected something like Mini-Europe in Brussels, but the Germans took the details to a whole new level. The exposition of Miniatur-Wunderland houses countries, regions, and even large objects, like airports or stadiums. Most of them are interconnected.
Also read: Spain in Winter – Best Places to Visit
But what´s also quite impressive is their light control system. While you walk around Miniatur-Wunderland the day is followed by the night. So, the objects and the people act accordingly, and everything looks so real till the last detail.



3. The Port of Hamburg
Hamburg night lights are so beautiful. In the evening, you can enjoy a Night Harbor Cruise to see more of the Port area and learn about its history (via audioguide). If traveling with your partner, this experience can totally make it to your list of the most romantic travel plans.
Also read: Romantic Spain -10 Ideas for your perfect couples holiday
Even a simple visit to the largest port in Germany, the second biggest in Europe (after Rotterdam) is a must. In the summer months, this area is full of nice cafes and bars. Alternatively, you can also take ferry 62 (like the locals do on a daily basis) to cross the river Elbe.

4. Hamburg-Altstadt / The Old City
As happens with the most of large European cities – Hamburg literally has it all: unique museums, picturesque churches, trendy restaurants and bars, shopping
Also read: The Best Lunch & Breakfast Places in Berlin
Take a walk through the Old City Center of Hamburg to experience the heart of the city. Don´t miss Hamburg´s Town Hall – the largest town hall in all of Germany. I´ll leave for you the list of landmarks and museums at the end of this post.


5. Wasserschloss Tea Shop
As a tea lover, I really loved the Wasserschloss Tea Shop. It is definitely not the cheapest tea shop, but they have amazing quality and a great variety of teas from all across the globe. You can enjoy hot drinks at their cafe.
I bet that by the time you´ll be reading this post Hamburg will have lots of other new cool tea&coffee locations, but back in 2017, that´s what I enjoyed so much.
Also read: Cozy Lifestyle Inspiration from Denmark – Hygge Quotes and Tips
Nevertheless, every tea I bought at Wasserschloss store was simply perfect. So, every time someone from my friends or family travels to Hamburg, I still ask for a new tea

More places to visit in Hamburg
- Kunsthalle Hamburg ( one of the top art galleries in Germany )
- International Maritime Museum ( maritime and nautical exhibits )
- The Hamburg Museum ( interesting expositions related to the history of Hamburg )
- Kaffeemuseum (a museum dedicated to coffee)
- Ohlsdorf Cemetery ( the largest rural cemetery in the world )
- Altona District ( a picturesque neighborhood with a few interesting sights and museums )
- Wallringpark ( especially gorgeous in the Autumn months )
- Heinrich Hertz Telecommunications Tower ( this 124-meter-high building will be reopened to the public in 2023 )
- Elbphilharmonie ( Hamburg Opera House )
- Deichtorhallen Hamburg ( one of Europe’s largest art spaces for modern art and photography lovers)
- Gewürzmuseum (a museum of spices )
- Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe ( Museum for Arts and Crafts )
- Hamburg Zoo ( while I avoid visiting zoos myself, as I´ve told you in my Tenerife and Jardin del Papagayo posts, locals claim that the Hamburg Zoo is one of a few zoos in the world that doesn’t use cages )
- Street Art ( while Hamburg can´t compete with Berlin or Lisbon in terms of countless murals, you can still find a few unique art pieces around Große Elbstraße; don´t miss the feminist art project FrauenFreiluftGalerie )
- Non-touristy Hamburg ( for a more local vibe check the areas of Karolinenviertel and Sternschanze or Reeperbahn, the famous red-light and party district of St Pauli, at night)
Day trips from Hamburg
If you have a few days for your Hamburg city break and want to escape the bustling city life, take a day trip to explore more of the surrounding regions. You can set your eyes on Willkomm-Hoft, Schloss Ahrensburg, Lüneburg, Bremen, Schwerin. Personally, I really recommend Lubeck, as it is definitely one of the most picturesque small towns in Germany.
For more Hamburg travel tips and alternative itineraries check my Pinterest board Germany Travel.
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This post is linked up with The Weekly Postcard and Feet Do Travel
A nice introduction to this city. Helps to have friends who live there host you and show you around! Love the details on some of the old world building facades and roofs. Pinned. #TheWeekendPostcard
Thank you, Deborah!
I’ve been to Hamburg a few times and I loved it. Hamburg is my second favorite German city.
#TheWeeklyPostcard
Thanks for stopping by, Sandra!
Ooh the night harbor cruise does sound like fun, will keep that in mind for next time. I did really enjoy Hamburg but I think my favorite German city is Berlin. My mom’s family is from there and I love the mix of modern and old architecture
I´m also so in love with Berlin! I lived there a while for my German course & exam – can´t get enough of this city!
Hamburg is one German city I haven’t made it to yet, but it is on my list for 2018! Thanks for sharing the top 5 with me! Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard!
Can´t believe you still have a German city left in your travel bucket list [lol] – you´ve been to soooo many of them!
It has been few years since I was last time in Hamburg. You have choose interesting 5 places to visit and I love your misty photos. Pinned for later. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thanks, Tomas!
I’ve never been to Hamburg but I’ve heard they have wonderful Christmas markets. Your pictures of the city enveloped in the fog are lovely. I’d love to check it out sometime – Nuremberg has been my favorite German city so far! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thanks Sara! Nuremberg is also great, especially over Christmas!
I have heard wonders about Hamburg! It is like it is becoming one of Germany’s hippiest cities. I can wait to visit Northern Germany (from where my family is). Last year, we went to the southern part of the country so, a visit to the north is due. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Oh, Ruth! I had no idea your family was from Northern Germany, I loved it over there! Hope you´ll get to visit Hamburg soon, as well!
We’ve never been to Hamburg, but would love to! That Miniatur-Wunderland looks A-mazing! Such detail and craftsmanship. Would love to see that. And we always love European old-town areas. Thanks for the tips on what to see – now we just need to get there! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thanks, Rob and Ann! Miniatur-Wunderland is incredible …
Your pictures are beautiful! Makes us want to visit. We recently made some friends from Hamburg and they told us to make a trip there. I definitely would love to go! Your comment about not seeing the sun reminded me of them because while in Thailand, all they wanted to do was lay out in the sun! Now I understand why! Needed that sun. I on the other hand, enjoy beautiful days like the ones you got for your trip. 🙂
Thanks, Edith! All my friends from Germany are also like that while visiting me here in Spain [lol] And whenever I travel there I understand them … you start appreciating the good weather! [lol]
Beautiful photos and thank you for the tips!
xx Elisa
http://www.francinesplaceblog.com
DIY & LIFESTYLE BLOG
Thanks Elisa!
Hamburg looks amazing, so many beautiful sights! I do need to visit this wonderful cityxx
http://www.elegantduchess.com/2018/02/05/jord-watch-the-perfect-valentine-gift/
Thanks for stopping by!
I’ve totally fallen in love with this beautiful city! So many sights to see, I have rented a bicycle to explore the city. My shots are similar to yours 🙂
xx Simone
Little Glittery Box
Thanks, Simone! Such a great city indeed!
Your photos are lovely. I have not been to Hamburg but would love to visit someday. I’ve been to Munich multiple times and loved it there. I really want to explore more of Germany. #feetdotravel
I’ve never been to Hamburg but you’ve given me some wonderful reasons to go. Plenty to see and do. It’s a pity about the weather while you were there, but really, January in Germany couldn’t have been any better. LOL>. Thanks for all the info, I’ve pinned this to remind me later.