13 brilliant things to do in Hamburg

Don’t be put off by the name – ‘Fischmarkt’ is not just a market for fish. There is lots of fresh fish and seafood there if you so desire, but you’ll also find long, bustling tables full of people drinking and snacking, tons of independent shops selling clothing and jewellery, flower stalls, bric-à-brac, fruit and veg – the list goes on. Fischmarkt has been a central hub in Hamburg since around 1703 and is only open on Sunday mornings. It’s busy, but you’ll likely want to spend hours there taking it all in. You can get brunch in the auction hall next door and sometimes watch live jazz bands. 

Don’t expect nature here; these boat tours are more about seeing what makes Germany’s largest port tick. With 9,000 ship calls per year, almost 300 berths, and 27 miles of wharf for seagoing vessels, the Port of Hamburg is a bustling sea superhighway. On a barge tour like the Maritime Circle line, you’ll get closer to all the container ship action. Alternatively, you could flee the constraints of land with a floating techno party on the Love Boat. If speed is your thing, try RIB Piraten, the only speedboat operator allowed inside Hamburg Harbour. On the last stretch of this tour, you’ll reach top speeds on a rigid inflatable boat that skims the waves at 60 miles an hour.

A dystopian figure against Hamburg’s skyline, the newly-named Hamburg Bunker is a left-over relic from the Second World War which, after years of renovations, has been unveiled as the city’s new cultural hotspot. It’s an exciting development for those who live here, as this gigantic, 40-metre, concrete structure had loomed over the creative quarter without use for decades. But, thanks to an impressive refurbishment, the space is home to a rock climbing hall, hotel, cafe, bar, restaurant and viewpoint - which can be accessed free of charge via the 355 steps which circle the building’s exterior. Don’t be afraid of the climb: take it at a leisurely pace and see some of the city’s best views, from St Pauli football stadium to ornate churches, the Elbe river and the sea beyond.

Don’t miss: Pop in for a coffee at Constant Grind – which also has killer views – or make a reservation for suave bar La Sala with live music performances every night. 

Whether you have kids or are just a big kid yourself, Miniatur Wunderland is a must-visit. Teeny-tiny narratives unfold all over this miniature world, so keep an eye out for what’s going on. Allow at least three hours to see the whole thing – and don’t get too frustrated by the crowds of onlookers hustling for prime position. Miniatur Wunderland is home to the largest model railway in the world (at 50,000 feet), which runs through various model areas, including Hamburg, the United States, Scandinavia, Knuffingen Airport and Venice. Book in advance to skip the queues; if it’s not too busy, you can bring your dog along.

One thing to know about Hambergiens? They love their markets. This city has a historic feel, and people do their shopping the ol’ fashioned way. The Isemarkt is particularly charming thanks to its location in the idyllic Eppendorf (affectionately nicknamed ‘little Notting Hill’), tucked underneath an elevated railway. Yes, you’ll find stalls of organic fruit and vegetables, but there’s also homemade jams served from the back of pick-up trucks, a mushroom grower who lays out 50 varieties like rare jewels, and family-run vineyards sharing up-and-coming German wines. Established in 1949, some are life-long regulars who can be spotted bearing a wicker basket, the true sign of an authentic market-goer.

Don’t miss: The perfect souvenir. It’s not just food here: find hand-carved wooden toys, appliqued blankets and buckets of colourful flowers. 

Hamburg’s food scene is buzzing, but sometimes it’s all about indulging in a classic. Bobby Reich is a traditional German restaurant which sits on the edge of the Alster lake, about half way up, as part of a boating club. But the food isn’t really the top reason to visit here. This deck is the spot in summer, where you’re surrounded by fairytale-style houses (with actual turrets), and deck chairs to sip cold beer in. But the retro indoor dining space is equally as vibey in winter, with dark wood, low-hanging pendants and terracotta flooring and some appropriately cosy food. This is also a prime spot to start a perfect walk along the whole lake. 

Don’t miss: In the summer months, grab a bottle of local beer and hire your own boat right here to paddle around the Alster. 

A place of pilgrimage for both creative types and the boating community, Entenwerder1 is a sun-splashed café that looks directly onto the Elbe River in the Rothenburgsort district. From picnic-style seating outside, you can watch the boats go by – or stop, as a docking point makes this an aquatic destination for hungry locals. Communal-style indoor seating is in two buildings; a boldly coloured wall installation in one and the perforated steel façade on the other make both architecturally appealing. We recommend the fish cakes and the fresh, homemade baked goods. 

Oddly enough – with the obvious exception of Portugal – Hamburg is one of few places in the world where you can really live as the Portuguese do. Spanish and Portuguese immigrants have settled in the area around Ditmar-Koel-Strasse in the Neustadt district since the ’60s and ’70s, and this scenic area is where the club kids go after a night out for a galão (espresso with steamed milk) and pastel de nata (a custard tart). Close to the harbour, it’s also where to head to satisfy a craving for fresh seafood. Try a bowl of steamed mussels from one of the dozens of restaurants offering the best Mediterranean food in the city.

Literaturhauscafé is located in a beautiful old building that dates back to 1839, but it wasn’t always this way. It previously served as a dance school and a home for girls, but it was left to deteriorate for years. Thankfully, in 1985 an anonymous philanthropist funded its restoration, and now glittering chandeliers hang from intricately stuccoed ceilings above rows of gleaming white tablecloths. Literaturhauscafé may not be the cheapest meal, but it’s perfect for a special occasion or if you want to treat yourself. Their menu consists of fresh, seasonal, and regional dishes. 

This live music club, which proudly calls itself ‘Hamburg’s loudest sauna’, has been drawing a wide array of bands and musicians since 1974 – making it one of the city’s oldest and most beloved music institutions. The venue was built as a furniture store after the Second World War and was later transformed into a student restaurant with cheap food and the occasional concert. Slowly, the concerts took over. The 40 years of Das Logo’s existence have not been easy; dire financial straits have led to near-closure several times over the years. However, the band plays on, with local and international talent continuing to deliver extraordinary nights out. The 450-capacity club often sells out – so book in advance.