Hamburg is an interesting and fun place to visit, made the more so by its many attractions and its status as a world class harbor and trading city. The "greenest" city in Germany, Hamburg has more parks than any other city in the country and is built around a large network of canals and lakes. Theatre and music lovers can take their pick from over 40 theatres and concert halls and there are plenty of things to do year round. Here is a list of a few things you might not want to miss in Hamburg.
1. Cruise the Elbe, the Alster or the Canals of Hamburg
Definitely take a cruise! Tour the harbor, the canals, or the Alster. Take a harbor cruise or cruise down lovely canals through historic districts or tour the Alster to see some of Hamburg's mansions and the lovely Alster Park.For a romantic evening try one of the night cruises. Take a party cruise with your friends or use your HVV card to take your kids to the beach in Finkenwerder or to see the Alster. You can rent your own boat on the Alster which is great fun for a day out.
2. Take a Walking Tour of Hamburg
I am a great fan of walking cities. Hamburg is especially good for this, in a few short miles, you can take in Hamburg's major sites and get some good shopping and eating in along the way.Make sure to check out the Hans Hummel Parade (much like the Cow Parade)-kids particularly love the whimsical figures. Walking in Hamburg is easy and most areas are very safe. The beauty of the city is that it not only seems to be surrounded by water but it is cosmopolitan, historic and very intimate.
3. Go Shopping in Hamburg
Shopping in Hamburg is a lovely experience, from the many shopping arcades to large department stores and designer shops. If you want to experience everyday Hamburg shopping, check out the stores and shops along Monckebergstrasse. If you are flush, stroll along Neuer Wall and visit the designer shops, the Alster-Arkaden, Alte Post and Hanseverteil arcades.Depending upon the time of year, the Christmas and open air markets offer wonderful gifts and handicrafts. Bring your credit cards!
4. Visit the Hamburg Fish Market for a Sunday Morning Party
The Hamburg Fish Market (Fischmarkt) is Hamburg's Sunday morning party, you can buy things from souvenirs to clothing as well as join in with the partyers that are finishing their Saturday night. Plan on getting there at 5 am or shortly after in the summer and 7 am in the winter. Four hours after opening, the market closes so don't bother going if you oversleep.There is a great breakfast buffet and music in the Fish Market Hall and you can buy a big bag of smoked fish to picnic on later.
5. Visit the Hamburger Kunsthalle (Art Museum)
Considered the most important art museum in Germany, the Hamburg Art Museum is particularly a must for modern and contemporary art lovers. The museum has a large collection of art dating from 1400 to today and is especially well-known for its modern and contemporary art collections.You can view works of the Old Masters as well as famous works by Klee, Kandinsky and Andy Warhohl. It is rather expensive in comparison to other German art museums but is well worth a visit.
6. Visit Hamburg's Zoo - The Lovely Hagenbeck Tierpark
Hamburg's zoo,one of the best in Europe is home to around 2,500 animals. It is a great destination for a family outing. The park has a great history as well - it was an exporter for zoo animals throughout the 1800s.One of the first zoos in the world to create "natural environments" for the animals, Hagenbeck Tierpark remains one of the most beautiful and animal friendly zoos in the world.
Pack a picnic or eat at one of the park restaurants and enjoy a day in a historic first class zoo.
7. Visit the Historic Hamburg Speicherstadt and Enjoy its Museums and Attractions
A boat tour through the Speicherstadt is well worth taking, especially on a Saturday night and the various museums in the area appeal to a wide variety of interests.(br] Check out these museums and attractions:Speicherstadtmuseum
Spicy's GewuerzMuseum (Spice Museum)
The Hamburg Dungeon -rather macabre indoor amusement park
Miniatur-Wunderland, said to house the world's largest model train exhibit
Dialogue in the Dark world renowned exhibit provides insights into being blind
8. The Reeperbahn - Hamburg's Famous Red Light District
St. Pauli and the Reeperbahn are favorite tourist destinations, open 24 hours a day and dotted with cabarets, bars, nightclubs, casinos and sex shops. The Reeperbahn hosts great entertainment, from Grosse Freiheit where the Beatles first played to fantastic cabarets and a great nightlife scene. People watching here is fun but it is a seedy area that definitely looks better after dark.9. Planten un Blomen - The Beautiful Botanical Gardens of Hamburg
Planten un Blomen is a journey into another time and place. Visit the largest Japanese Garden in Europe or go in the evening for illuminated fountain shows and concerts.Located just outside of the City Center and next to the Dammtor Train Station, the Hamburg Botanical Gardens are beautiful, free, and appeal equally to people of all ages. Pack a small picnic and spend a few hours or a day wandering through the gardens.
10. The Stadtpark Hamburg - The Hamburg State Park
The Hamburg State Park (Stadtpark), a few minutes outside of the city center consists of over 300 acres and offers a wide variety of recreational activities as well as lovely sculptures, walking paths, lake and canals.Visit the Hamburg Planetarium which is built in an old water tower, has some of the most modern technology in the world and is widely considered a must-see for stargazers.
The park offers concerts and special events throughout the year and makes for a great relaxing outing.