Top 6 things to do in Hamburg

Are you planning a trip to Germany very soon, but don’t know where to go yet? Let’s put aside the very touristy cities such as Berlin and Munich for a moment. This time, opt for “the Belle of the North”, which is none other than the city of Hamburg in the north of the country. Germany’s largest port, this cultural metropolis on the waterfront boasts a maritime heritage, greenery and a history that we’ll be taking a closer look at by presenting some of its typical monuments. In this ranking, discover the reasons that will convince you that visiting Hamburg is a great initiative! Do you want to enrich your general culture and enjoy what the city has to offer? Do some sport? Eat well? Navaway is there for you!

What to do in Hamburg

1. Visit the Port

Category: €€/Cultural/Insolite

Description: This isn’t just any port – it’s one of the most important in Europe and is particularly huge. It is a high point for the city of Hamburg, as it acts as a notorious gateway to German-speaking countries, Scandinavia and the whole of Eastern Europe, which has few maritime outlets. It’s well worth a visit, and many travellers have dubbed this unusual place “the Port of the World”, because in a way it is the centre of it all, and it is from here that much of Germany’s commerce stems. The best time to visit is in the evening, when the sun’s bright rays gently caress the boats, creating an absolutely breathtaking sight. Of course, we recommend you visit by boat: by sailing directly on the water, you can get close enough to the liners and the huge container ships in transit. I can’t tell you how small you’ll feel…

2. Stroll through the city centre and enjoy a Rollmops

Category: €€/Cultural/Gastronomic

Description: We’ve already told you about the harbour on the North Sea, so what would you say to heading into town to eat a delicious dish straight out of this same gigantic body of water? Rollmops is a typical Hamburg dish. It’s fun to look at, and similar to a large sushi, except that the fish replaces the rice and acts as a ‘casing’ for the food. There’s nothing better than marinated white herring! During the day, you can visit the city centre with your family, and indulge in a few hours’ well-deserved shopping. After all, you’ve got to treat yourself and bring back some souvenirs of your stay that you can treasure for a lifetime. On your journey, be sure to stop off at the Altstadt, the historic centre full of old churches from all eras, whose charm is what makes Hamburg famous the world over.

3. opt for a mountain bike tour

Category: €€/Cultural/Sporting

Description: Holidays are great! And sport too! A mountain bike tour would be perfect to help you discover the city. Not only does it not pollute, but you’ll be able to enjoy a sporting activity as a family, while taking in the sights and landscapes that are all too easy to see by car. The mountain bike is easy to use, a real pleasure, and not very tiring (it’s not like going on a mountain trail, with lots of climbs, rest assured). You’ll be able to enjoy the fresh breeze of the city, while pulling out your camera whenever you come across a nugget to capture on film. There are several routes in Hamburg, all of which take you past a host of important squares, historic sites and fabulous attractions (some of which are impossible to cross by car). With reasonable prices, let yourself be tempted by a fun bike ride.

4. Saint-Michel Church

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: The church nicknamed “Der Michel” is one of the city’s five Lutheran churches, a real jewel. It is the largest church in the whole of Hamburg, containing no fewer than 2,500 seats! When you step inside, you’ll immediately be struck by the electric atmosphere that emanates from this very special, Baroque-inspired place: inside, you can admire a sumptuous white décor, where sunlight streams in to illuminate the huge rooms. With a 27-metre-high central section and a 132-metre-high tower, you’ll have to climb the 453 steps to the top. Believe us, the breathtaking view over the city of Hamburg is well worth the effort, but don’t forget to bring a few litres of water! Where can you find St Michael’s Church? Go to the “Englische Planke” street. It is open from May to June every day from 9am to 8pm, and from November to April from 10am to 6pm. Sunday opening times are from 12.30pm to 8pm all year round.

5. The Botanical Park

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: Let Mother Nature have her way! If you didn’t already know, Hamburg is known as “Germany’s largest garden”. So it’s a bit like entering an open-air museum: everywhere you look you’ll find greenery; pretty shrubs; tall trees to shelter under in the rainy season; colourful flowers that open up and reveal themselves to the world when spring comes… A magnificent sight. If there’s one place in the city where nature reigns supreme, it’s the botanical park at Ohnhorststrasse 18. Covering almost 25 hectares, it is the perfect blend of city and nature. Families love to spend an afternoon in this world of shimmering, soothing colours: there’s no more comforting activity than strolling through the narrow streets of this huge area, while wandering along the canals and gardens. During a short break, take the time to sit on a bench, or stop on a bridge over a splendid lake, to better contemplate the spectacle before you.

6. The Emigration Museum

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: What the Germans call “BallinStadt” is without doubt THE museum to stop at if you’re ever in Hamburg. Why should you? Its history dates back to the 19th century, when it was primarily an emigration station. Today, the establishment is open to the public, and is located at “Veddeler Bogen”. This is your chance to find out how and why people left Europe in the hope of a better life. With an exhibition area of more than 2,500 m², the exhibition tells the story of four periods of emigration and immigration. Open from 10am to 4.30pm from November to February, and from 10am to 6pm from March to October, we advise you to go in the morning, as it’s less crowded. If you’re a history buff and want to better understand why the world became what it is today, there’s no doubt you’ve come to the right place!