Hamburg holidays

With live music venues and neon lights, the famous Reeperbahn district attracts partygoers from across the world for holidays to Hamburg. But there’s so much more to this city of classical composers and grand architecture. Explore the maze of canals by boat and set aside plenty of time to enjoy the thriving art scene. 

Hamburg holiday highlights

Hamburg
Hamburg Marketing GmbH/Julia Schwendner

Inspiring art scene

Whether you love German Romantic paintings, street art or photography, Hamburg will inspire you. Stroll around Gangeviertel, a cultural precinct that blends colourful wall murals with performing art events and chic restaurants. Follow the official Art Route to galleries including the Museum of Arts and Crafts. You’ll find collections by Old Masters at the Hamburger Kunsthalle, one of Germany’s largest art museums.

Nature in the city

Even on short breaks to Hamburg, you’ll walk through beautiful parks on your way to attractions. Join families playing Frisbee at the waterfront Alsterwiese Schwanenwik or see the sunrise from the pier at Alsterpark with fantastic skyline views. Hire pedal or row boats on Stadtparksee or jump in for a swim on summer days.

Nightlife for everyone

The famous red-light district of St. Pauli is the place to be for nightclubs on rowdy weekend breaks to Hamburg. Walk between the neighbourhoods of Karoviertel and Schanzenviertel for live indie music venues and dive bars. Or dance in the footsteps of the Beatles at the Indra Club, where the band played some of their first shows.

Hamburg: Know before you go

Language

German

Currency

Euro (€)

Time zone

UTC+1 (CET) and UTC+2 (CEST)

High season

July – August

Low season

January – February

Find the best time to go to Hamburg

Weather in Hamburg

March – May: Spring weather is unpredictable, with cold and rain interrupted by warm sunshine. Pack layers to enjoy the Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival.

June – August: Summers in Hamburg are mild compared to other European cities. Soak up the sun at the Inner and Outer Alster Lakes. Showers are common, so pack an umbrella.

September – November: The trees in Stadtpark and Planten un Blomen change colours come autumn. Pack for drizzly, overcast skies mixed with sunshine.

December – February: Winters are cold and windy, dropping to an average of 3°C. Snow is rare, but warm clothes are a must. This is a great season to explore the city’s World War II bunkers turned music venues and galleries.

Events in Hamburg

Hamburg Port Anniversary (May): Hundreds of steamships and schooners drop anchor along the Elbe to celebrate one of Europe’s most important ports. Enjoy live music performances, sailing races and the popular ‘tugboat ballet’.

Christmas markets (November to December): If you only visit one festive market, make it the nostalgic Rathausmarkt near the town hall. Keep your eyes peeled for Father Christmas, who soars above the crowds three times a day.

Hamburg DOM (varies): Germany’s biggest fair rolls into town each spring, summer and winter. Ride a rollercoaster, feast on bratwurst and drink a beer — in that order.

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The best neighbourhoods in Hamburg

Neustadt

Neustadt (New Town) is where to stay in Hamburg to enjoy shopping promenades and impressive landmarks such as St. Michael’s Church. Learn about Brahms, Bach and more at the museums clustered in the Hamburg Composers’ Quarter. Or attend a classical concert at Laeiszhalle. Between stops, it’s hard to resist cinnamon-dusted ‘Franzbrotchen’ (pastry) at local gourmet bakeries.

Good for: Landmarks, designer shopping, museums

St. Georg

With hip bars and shops lining Lange Reihe, along with nearby theatres and art galleries, you’re in the centre of the action in St. Georg. University students bring a young, arty vibe to this neighbourhood near Hamburg Central Station. Walk to Altstadt (Old Town) in about 20 minutes. This is the best neighbourhood in Hamburg to enjoy global flavours at Indian and Turkish restaurants.

Good for: International restaurants, shopping, art galleries

St. Pauli

If you’re wondering where to stay in Hamburg for big nights out around the Reeperbahn entertainment district, St. Pauli is the hub for bars and clubs. During the day, visit Beatles-Platz square to see life-size statues of the band. Or grab fish sandwiches at Landungsbrucken piers, where you can hop on a harbour cruise for a sightseeing jaunt. Check the schedule to see FC St. Pauli at Millerntor-Stadion where football fans go wild (in a good way).

Good for: Nightlife, Beatles landmarks, harbour cruises

Things to do in Hamburg

Hamburg
CHRISTIAN BRANDES

Family friendly things to do

At the top of the list of things to do with family in Hamburg is a visit to Miniatur Wunderland and the world’s largest model railway system. It’s very popular, so buy tickets online to book a time to avoid queues. See lifelike models of celebrities at Panoptikum wax museum and head to Rabattz indoor playground during rainy weather.

Shopping

Shopping in Hamburg is as much about admiring the scenery as it is about filling your suitcase with souvenirs. Boutiques with marble facades line the grand Colonnaden pedestrian street. Buy jewellery and designer fashion while admiring Art Nouveau frescoes at the waterfront Jungfernstieg promenade. The tree-lined Monckebergstrasse keeps you shopping for hours. Local vintage fans love Saturday’s Flohschanze flea market. 

Take in the culture

See intricate ship models and experience a cockpit simulator at the International Maritime Museum. Or make your own chocolate bars at Chocoversum by Hachez. You’ll find fascinating museums in Hamburg to suit everyone, including the little ones at KL!CK Children’s Museum. Get a Hamburg CARD for discounts and easy access. You can also use it for public transport. 

Nightlife

Nightlife in Hamburg starts with cocktails and spectacular views at Skyline Bar 20up. Then, make the rounds to live music venues such as Mojo and the underground Golden Pudel Club. Or time your trip with the annual Reeperbahn Festival in September to make the most of the famous party district. 

Places to eat

Find restaurants in Hamburg in renowned foodie neighbourhoods. They include multicultural St. Georg, Altstadt and Ottensen for narrow alleys filled with charming cafes. Elegant Altona on the river Elbe is home to the Fischmarkt (visit on Sunday mornings to see lively bartering for fresh fish at the market stalls). To splurge on Michelin-starred cuisine, reserve a table at Christoph Ruffer’s Haerlin.

Free things to do

You can’t go wrong with one of the best free things to do in Hamburg — strolling around Altstadt (Old Town). See the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Speicherstadt, the largest complex of warehouses in the world. At night, lights from narrow, 17th-century townhouses reflect on the canal in Deichstrasse. Get off the tourist trail and cycle over the bridge to nature trails in Kaltehofe (bring binoculars for birdwatching).

Plan your holiday to Hamburg

Budget

Have a cheap holiday in Hamburg by exploring lush parkland and quirky architecture. Start your day with a cappuccino for under four euros (€). Find a meal at an inexpensive restaurant for about €18, or fuel up at an ‘imbiss’, a traditional snack bar serving spicy currywurst. A local beer costs around €5, while a short taxi trip is about €15.

Day trips from Hamburg

Visit Schloss Schwerin, one of Germany’s grandest castles. Just 90 minutes away, it’s known for its lakeside views, opulent throne room and Baroque gardens. Or try the medieval city of Lübeck, 40 minutes north by train. Learn how it came to dominate European trade routes. And don’t miss its famed marzipan.

Getting around Hamburg

Hamburg is very walkable. But it’s also fun to see the city from the back of a bicycle. Public transport covers all the bases, from buses and subways to a light rail network and harbour ferries. For peak savings, get access via a Hamburg CARD. Or buy tickets at HVV machines or on the HVV app. You’ll also have no trouble finding taxis or rideshare services in the city.

FAQs about Hamburg holidays

Weekend breaks to Hamburg are popular for enjoying the nightlife and seeing the top attractions. But you’ll need a week to make the most of museums, galleries and a variety of neighbourhoods.
With tons of things to do in Hamburg, this lively city knows how to keep the fun rolling. Kick off your sightseeing at must-see attractions like Miniatur Wunderland and Elbphilharmonie Hamburg.
January delivers the coolest conditions for a Hamburg holiday. Book your trip sometime then and you'll experience lows of -5ºC (23ºF).
The euro (EUR) is the official currency. From tipping to shopping at local markets, having a small amount of cash during your trip to Hamburg is wise.
The warmest month in Hamburg is August, which sees highs of 26ºC (79ºF).
The airline you prefer, your departure point, and the timing of your trip all influence the cost of a city break in Hamburg. Prices for Hamburg flights and hotels can differ greatly, but booking early and keeping your travel dates flexible can help you land savings.
German is the language you're most likely to hear. Learn some local greetings or phrases during your city break in Hamburg and you'll easily fit in.
Hamburg is considered a safe city with excellent tourist facilities and energetic nightlife districts monitored by local authorities. As with all big cities, petty crime can occur, so keep an eye on your belongings during your holiday in Hamburg.
With around 8 cm of rainfall, August is the rainiest month. If you're taking your Hamburg holiday then, it's a good idea to have a few indoor activities in mind. Enjoy a meal at one of the city's top dining spots, chill at a cosy cafe, or treat yourself to a shopping spree.
Though you’ll pay more for high season hotels, the warm weather from May to September might be worth it for holidays in Hamburg. If you don’t mind the cold, enjoy roasted chestnuts, Christmas displays and ice skating rinks during winter.

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