Best known for having one of the biggest harbours in Europe, Hamburg is only the second largest city in Germany, after its capital, Berlin. With a magnificent architecture and a wide cultural offer, it is one of the most visited cities, especially during the last part of the year, when the city lights up to amaze the locals and welcome the visitors.
Make the most of the upcoming Black Friday and book the perfect accommodation to enjoy your stay in the city. You can check the deals Barcelo Hotels has for you here: https://www.barcelo.com/en-gb/offers/black-friday/
If you’re planning a trip to Hamburg, keep riding and learn about the must-sees of this great city!
Top-rated spots around the city
Hamburg’s main attraction is definitely the harbour, which is a major transportation centre. Because of the Port of Hamburg, the city has become a commercial hub and the key connection between Germany and the rest of Europe. In addition to this, the port is the reason why the city is a leading cultural centre, making it a highly touristic destination.
Now, the question that really matters is, what can you do while staying in Hamburg? There are plenty of options and, definitely, some spots you cannot miss. Here’s a list of eight musts, but don’t feel restricted to it!
Elbphilharmonie
The locals call it ‘Elphi’, which sounds pretty small for one of the biggest concert halls in the world! The Elbphilharmonie is located in the Grasbrook peninsula and it was originally a warehouse. After its remodelling, the concert hall is now the top of the cake in the port area which has been completely revitalised.
It consists of three concert halls in total and the biggest one can hold more than 2,000 people. It is specifically designed to be acoustically pleasing and it features hundreds of shows a year.
Besides, it has a hotel inside as well as restaurants and some other facilities.
Hamburger Rathaus
If you’re into architecture and history, you must visit the City Hall located at the centre of Hamburg. With a neo-renaissance style, the building has a very particular ceiling and has over six hundred rooms. You’re probably familiar with its greenish ceiling.
Even though it’s the place of work for the government, you can take a guided tour and see them in action.
Museum of Art and Design
This museum was founded in 1874 and it is considered one of the most comprehensive displays of continental and Asian art. Among the best known displays, you’ll find a fine collection of porcelain, a large collection of musical instruments and a display of elements from northern Germany, such as furniture and china together with some silver.
Churches
St James’ Church
Dating back from 1255, this 14th century building is home to mediaeval altars and one of the oldest organs in the country, Arp Schnitger. You can go enjoy recitals and the concert of the church’s choir. The church also holds guided tours and they are available every day.
St Michael’s Church
This church was built with a Baroque style and it dates from the 18th century. Even though it’s not the oldest, it is the most famous church and a trademark of the city. The main attraction there is the 132-metre ascent up the Michael tower. Once you reach the peak of the tower, you’ll enjoy an outstanding view of the city and the port. Make sure to book a date during evening opening to enjoy the city lights.
Jenisch House
If you’re after open and green spaces, you have to visit this house, located in the Klein Flottbek district. With a Neoclassical design, the house holds a museum within and offers a sight of the salons and living areas of the prosperous middle class of the 19th century. Besides, you can also visit the areas that were destined for servants. The terrace has a café which you can also visit.
Wallringpark
Hamburg is full of green spaces, but this one is superb. Consisting of four adjacent parks, Wallringpark offers a miniature railway for you to go through the four parks within. The parks within are Planten und Bloomen, which translates to Plants and Flowers and holds a massive Japanese garden. The Alter Botanical Garten, which translates to ‘The Old Botanical Garden,’ The Klein, which translates to ‘small’ and Grosse, which means ‘large’. These two have a roller-skate rink and playgrounds so they are considered more recreational and the perfect option for visiting with teens or kids.
Ohlsdorf Cemetery
Even though this may seem like a gloomy tour, it’s nothing of the sort. This cemetery is one of the largest in the world. You’ll be able to see historical pieces, memorials and monuments along the pleasant gardens. This cemetery holds a major memorial devoted to victims of the Nazi regime and the World War II.
Use this list as a take-off point and let the city guide you through its culture and history!
