What are the top sights to see in Hamburg? I’ve lived in Hamburg for about 18 years, so this is a very tough one. But if you want to see Hamburg in just one day, these are my recommendations.
The Harbour
First and foremost, there is the harbour. It is, Europe’s second largest container harbour, right after Rotterdam. In 2023 alone 77 million tons were moved in and out of the harbour. Hence, you definitely have to go on one of the harbour boat trips starting from the subway station U/S Landungsbrücken and explore the city by boat.
There are different tours available, some go into the Speicherstadt as well, some cover just the container area. I’d say pick whatever you feel like and what the tide allows.
Although German only, here is an overview of all harbour boat trips
The cheap alternative is to use your HVV ticket (the ticket for public transport) and catch the ferry to Finkenwerder. You won’t go deeply into the container part of the harbour and won’t get any information. But it is a lot cheaper and you do get to see a part of the harbour as well. You might even get off at Neumühlen and watch the ships pass, while enjoying lunch in one of the restaurants close by.
The old Elbe-tunnel /
Der alte Elbtunnel
While you are at the harbour, take a stroll to the right, leaving the water to your left. After passing the parking lot for all busses and taxis, you’ll find a lift that takes you down through the old part of the tunnel connecting both sides of the city. As of 3rd June 2019 it is closed for cars until further notice, unfortunately.
For pedestrians and cyclists however, it is definitely worth the walk. When you get out of the tunnel, you can enjoy Hamburg and its landmark, the Michel from the other side of the water.
The Sankt Michaelis church or simply “Michel”
If you ask people for direction to the Sankt Michaelis church you might not get a helpful answer at all. If you ask for the “Michel” instead, this is more likely to lead to the goal.
Have a look inside and take the elevator or stairs up to the top to have a look around and see the harbour, the red-light district St. Pauli and other churches, the townhall and sights close by.
Every day at 10am and 9pm there is a person playing chorals on a trumpet in all 4 directions. Not only a the top, but also at the very bottom the Michel has intesting things to offer. In the cellar there is the Krypta, which has an exhibition about the 1000-year-old history of Hamburg.
Opening hours: Nov.-April: 10:00 am to 06:00 pm, May- October 09:00am-08:00pm
www.st-michaelis.de
„Krameramtsstuben“ (not a must see, but it is right in front of you anyway)
If you got up early for your sightseeing trip, you will be starving by now.
Now you saw the town hall from top, you should make a 10 minute detour and walk through the „Krameramtsstuben“. This part of the city is right below the Michel and used to be residences for grocer’s widows. It is tiny, but you’ll find a very good traditional restaurant. The restaurant also offers midnight dinner events with sparkling wine served at the top of the St. Michaelis church for midnight.
Either have lunch here or continue to the town hall. Around the corner from the town hall, find a place called Daniel Wischer at große Johannisstraße 3 (or alternatively a few minutes further at Steinstrasse 15a). “Daniel Wischer” has been serving fish specialties for over 100 years; it’s definitely worth a try.
Hamburg’s Town hall / Hamburger Rathaus
Now make your way back to the town hall and have a tour through it.
The entrance fee is about 4€ and definitely worth it, as this is our castle. The Hammerburg unfortunately no longer exists. However, this is where the name Hamburg originates from, literally translates into „Castle Hammer“. There are guided tours in German every half hour. For tours in English and French, tours are available upon request.
For more info call +49 (0)40 428 31 2064 (from 09:00am-5:00pm).
After all these new impressions and being on the move all day long, you might be exhausted. So how about a nice coffee, while enjoying the water again?
There is the café / restaurant / cocktail bar ALEX right at the Jungernstieg, just a 5 minute walk away from the town hall. Leave the town hall behind you and continue slightly to the left. You’ll find a big lake, the Alster (the inner part of it to be exact). Cross the street and find it right in front of you. In summer this is a great place to sit, because you can see the big fountain in the middle of the lake. In winter you’ll find a lovely decorated Christmas tree instead.
Coming to the lesser known, a bit less fancy and cheaper advice:
Enter the Vodaphone store on your left and move one floor up. There is a nice little café called “Café mit freundlichen Grüßen” with a great view over the lake Alster.
Now I’d say you have seen the most important sights in one day without missing the big shots. Let me know what you think.
