Whether you are in Hamburg on business or for pleasure, you need to make sure that you get the most out of your visit. There are plenty of things to do in Hamburg that will keep you entertained. From its maritime history to its parks and bakeries, there is something for everyone in Hamburg.
Hamburg's maritime history
Located on the Elbe River, Hamburg is one of the most important ports in Germany and Europe. With a history of over 800 years, the port is a vital part of the city's economy.
The International Maritime Museum of Hamburg is a great way to learn about the city's maritime history. The museum presents a comprehensive look at seafaring history, from ancient times to present day. The exhibit features precious ship models and artefacts from around the world. Among the most notable exhibits are a replica of Sir Ernest Shackleton's lifeboat and a 3,000-year-old dugout found in the Elbe River.
Another must-see attraction in Hamburg is the Old Elbtunnel, a pedestrian tunnel that connects two shores of the river Elbe. The tunnel is 24 meters deep under the river and was constructed originally for dock workers to help navigate the rocky waters.
The Kontorhausviertel and Speicherstadt, Hamburg's former warehouse district, are now UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Speicherstadt is made up of red-brick warehouses. The Kontorhausviertel includes the Chilehaus, the largest warehouse complex in the world.
The best way to see the city is by taking a cruise. These boats sail through the locks and ship docks and provide informative commentary. There are several boat tours available, from a one-hour excursion to a nighttime tour that provides cool views of the city.
There are many other things to do in Hamburg. The city boasts a thriving arts scene and has been a popular hangout for the German people. There are many restaurants offering traditional and contemporary cuisines along the water's edge.
Hamburg's senate and parliament - Hamburg Town Hall
During your time in Hamburg, you can take a guided tour of the Hamburg Town Hall. The tour is relatively inexpensive, and includes a fascinating history lesson. There are many interesting features of the building, and it's worth a visit.
The building was built between 1886 and 1897. It contains 647 rooms, and is a large and imposing structure. It has a copper roof and an ornate facade. It has a beautiful clock.
The area around the town hall is filled with historic buildings. It is a popular shopping and dining area. The inner part of the shopping district has several department stores, as well as small shops. There are also two of the largest malls in the city.
You can also check out the Bucerius Art Forum. This venue has changing exhibitions. There are also a variety of restaurants and cafes in the area. There is a public viewing platform to offer a 360 degree view of the city.
Another recognizable landmark in Hamburg is the Elbphilharmonie. This building is surrounded by water on three sides and was constructed to resemble a large sail. It is located on a former cocoa brick warehouse and has curved windows. You can see the building from anywhere in the harbor. It has a gift shop and a bar.
The Hamburg government is divided into a legislative, an executive, and a judicial branch. The legislative branch is called the Senat der Freien und Hansestadt Hamburg. The senate is comprised of 12 members. They are appointed by the First Mayor.
Hamburg's scuddy/segway system
Whether you want to visit Hamburg's famous landmarks or enjoy a relaxing day at the beach, a trip on the scuddy/segway can be an easy and enjoyable way to explore the city. You can cover a wider area than a walk-around and have a fun, hands-on experience.
A scuddy/segway is a type of electric vehicle which you can ride. The manufacturer, Electric Vehicles International (EVI), has been working on the project for two years.
The scuddy/segway comes in three models. You can rent one for an hour, or purchase a day ticket, or a 24-hour pass. You can also hire a private guide. You can even customize your tour to include UNESCO-listed landmarks and other local haunts.
The Panoptikum is a wax figure exhibition in Germany, featuring life-size waxworks from movies and pop stars. It's an interesting experience and a must-see for those visiting Hamburg.
The Speicherstadt is the world's largest contiguous warehouse complex, constructed between 1883 and 1927. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its 17 buildings provide nearly 300,000 square meters of storage space.
The Elbphilharmonie is a concert hall set on a former cocoa brick warehouse. It is surrounded on three sides by water from the harbor, which gives it a maritime feel. You can get a great view of the Elbphilharmonie from the inside, as well. You can learn a lot of cool facts about the building on a guided tour.
Hamburg's parks and bakeries
Whether you are planning a vacation or a business trip to Hamburg, you'll want to see the city's most popular attractions. However, a day can't possibly cover all of the sights, so be sure to plan a few days.
First, check out the iconic Elbphilharmonie. This concert hall, which is surrounded by water, is a major landmark in Hamburg. The building's white-tiled spires and curved windows create a stunning effect. You can take a tour of the building, which is available in both English and German. It is also accessible by ferry from Landungsbrucken.
Then, explore the port. The area has a history as a primary port on the Elbe River. Today, it is a model for waterfront revitalization. You can take a tour to learn about its past. The port has an abundance of cargo ships and huge machinery.
If you're interested in contemporary art, you'll want to check out the Museum Hamburg. It features works by both German and French artists of the 19th and 20th centuries. You can even take an audio guided tour.
For a more leisurely stroll, head to the Speicherstadt, a historic district filled with canals and 100-year-old brick warehouses. You can find cafes, restaurants, and shops throughout the area.
If you're hungry, stop by the nearby Man Wah, which serves authentic Chinese cuisine. You can also try the renowned Franzbrotchen and other local delicacies.
Hamburg Card
Whether you're a first-time visitor to Hamburg or a seasoned traveler, you'll find many things to see and do in this German port city. Using the free Hamburg CARD app can help you plan a day of sightseeing and save money at the same time.
The Hamburg CARD offers discounted admission to over 150 attractions, including the most popular museums, theaters and tours in the city. Using the app, you can see the discounts you qualify for and book tickets in advance. It's also worth noting that you can download the app for free from the Apple and Google play stores.
The Hamburg Card is a good option for visitors who don't want to use public transportation. Using the app, you can skip long queues and access exclusive discounts. It can also be purchased in person or online.
The Hamburg CARD includes free public transportation, free admission to over 100 attractions, discounts at 150 restaurants, tours, musical tickets, go karting, shopping and more. It's also worth noting that it's non-refundable, so you won't lose any money if you decide to go on a different tour.
In addition to the discounts mentioned above, the Hamburg Card will also provide you with unlimited public transportation within the greater Hamburg area. There are two options: a single ticket or a two-day pass.
A single ticket covers one adult and up to three children under 15 years of age. However, some special tickets do not include a discount for the Hamburg Card.
Hamburg City Pass
Using the Hamburg City Pass is an easy way to see the sights and save money. It offers free admission to some of the most popular museums and attractions in Hamburg and includes free public transportation. It is valid throughout the city.
Depending on your interests and time frame, there are plenty of ways to explore the nuances of Hamburg. You could take a boat tour, go for a hike, or try out some local delicacies. However, if you're looking to get a true taste of the Hamburg, the best thing to do is to take a guided tour.
You can take a guided tour of the Hamburg Town Hall. The neoclassical building is a popular tourist spot. It is situated near the Binnenalster, a manmade lake. There are lofty staterooms and interesting stories to be told.
If you have a little more time, you can also try out the city's public bike system. You can hire bikes at over 120 locations across the city. It's a great option if you're a biking buff or if you're spending more than a day in Hamburg.
The "hvv" app is a useful tool for getting around Hamburg. It's a smartphone-based program that will show you where to take public transport, how to get discounts, and what the best sightseeing spots are. You can buy a ticket from a vending machine in the station or online.
