Dive into the vibrant heart of Northern Germany – Hamburg. This city, just a five-hour drive away, radiates a certain charm that makes it a true must-visit destination.
As Germany’s second-largest city, Hamburg is not only a bustling trading port but also a melting pot of culture, history, and contemporary trends. From vintage boutiques and art galleries to peaceful parks and dynamic nightclubs – Hamburg offers something for everyone.
Hamburg is a city that invites exploration – not hurriedly, but at the leisurely pace of a walker or cyclist. As you stroll through the streets or cycle along the harbor boulevards, you breathe in the true character of the city. And to enrich your experience, there’s nothing better than the company of an expert guide who leads you through the ins and outs of the city. After all, they not only know the way but can also tell you the stories and anecdotes that make Hamburg so special.
That’s why we present our Hamburg Highlights Bike Tour. Our local guides will take you on an adventure through the city, revealing hidden gems and famous landmarks. Prepare to be surprised by this unmistakable city full of stories. So hop on your bike, we have an exciting ride ahead!
In this article, we also offer you handy tips about what else you can do in Hamburg. So read on, we have plenty to discover!
Our tips for things to do in Hamburg
- Take a look at the warehouse district
- Meet your idol
- Step aboard the museum ship
- Visit St. Nikolaikirche
- Explore the city by bike
- Taste the atmosphere of the fish market
- Venture into the dark history
- Admire Dockland
Take a look at the warehouse district
This area is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and therefore shouldn’t be missed from our things to do in Hamburg list. Speicherstadt, the warehouse district, truly symbolizes the city, as Hamburg is a genuine port city. Speicherstadt is located on the Elbe River, which gives this area extra atmosphere. Here you’ll find the most magnificent warehouses that were fortunately spared during World War II.
A lot of coffee was traded here in the past, so if you’re a coffee lover, it’s worth visiting the Coffee Museum.
Panoptikum – meet your idol
The Panoptikum Wax Museum houses an impressive collection of wax figures of famous personalities, historical figures, and cultural icons. From political leaders to movie stars and musicians, you’ll be amazed by the accuracy and realistic details of these figures. It’s as if the characters have come to life!
Have you always been curious about what it would be like to stand face to face with your favorite celebrities? The Panoptikum gives you the chance to meet your idols, albeit in wax form. From Hollywood stars to sports legends and musical greats, you can take a selfie with figures of some of the world’s most beloved personalities. It’s a unique experience you won’t soon forget!
Nobody likes waiting in long lines, especially not during a vacation. With skip-the-line tickets for the Panoptikum, you can bypass the queues and get direct access to the museum. This gives you more time to enjoy the fascinating collection and allows you to make the most of your stay in Hamburg.
Tickets: Buy online
Step aboard the museum ship
The Museum Ship Rickmer Rickmers is a historic sailing ship that served as a cargo and training vessel in the 19th and 20th centuries. The ship was built in 1896 and has a rich history behind it. Today it has been transformed into a museum that offers visitors the opportunity to take a look at life aboard a real sailing ship from that era. It’s a unique chance to experience a piece of living maritime history.
Step aboard the Museum Ship Rickmer Rickmers and explore the various decks and compartments. Admire the beautiful wooden construction, experience the authentic atmosphere of the ship, and learn more about the different aspects of life at sea. From the deck to the engine room and the crew’s quarters, every part of the ship tells a story.
If you’ve always been fascinated by maritime traditions and skills, you’ll certainly enjoy the Museum Ship Rickmer Rickmers. The museum regularly organizes events, exhibitions, and workshops where you can learn more about navigation, knot tying, sailing, and other maritime crafts. It’s a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich nautical culture.
With skip-the-line tickets, you can skip the queues and get direct access to the Museum Ship Rickmer Rickmers. This saves you valuable time and ensures you can fully enjoy your visit!
Tickets: Buy online
Visit St. Nikolaikirche
St. Nikolaikirche was once the tallest church in the world. This landmark was built in the 12th century and was originally made of wood. 20 years later, the wood was replaced with stone. In 1842, the church burned down completely and was then rebuilt with a tower reaching 147 meters high. Unfortunately, the church was largely destroyed during Operation Gomorrah in World War II.
Fortunately, the tower remained intact and you can now visit it by taking a glass elevator up to 76 meters, where you’ll enjoy a magnificent view over the city. The rest of the destroyed church now stands as a memorial to World War II, and you can visit the museum where you’ll learn a lot about the impact of the war on Hamburg.
Explore the city by bike
The best way to explore a city, in our opinion, is by bike. Our English-speaking guide will take you on this wonderful 3 to 3.5-hour Hamburg bike tour.
Discover the must-see highlights of the city at the start of your day, so you’ll have plenty of time left to revisit your favorite sights. It’s a pleasant city to cycle through with many bike paths, making it an enjoyable and safe bike ride.
During the tour, we make plenty of stops where the guide shares more information and there’s time to take photos. You can ask the local guide anything, and they’ll also give you the best tips for the rest of your stay in the city.
Experience the atmosphere of the fish market
Are you in Hamburg for the whole weekend? Then you absolutely must check out the fish market on Sunday. Thousands of tourists flock here annually, but this isn’t a market you’d typically visit on a city break, which is why it’s on our list of things to do in Hamburg. This market is all about atmosphere, with beer-drinking Germans enjoying the food (some even after a night out). You can enjoy the fresh food and drinks and soak up the atmosphere.
Dare to explore the dark history
The Hamburg Dungeon offers a unique mix of history and entertainment. It’s not a typical museum, but rather an interactive experience where you’re immersed in Hamburg’s dark history. You’ll meet notorious characters, myths, and legends that have shaped the city.
You’ll also be transported to different periods in the city’s history, such as the Middle Ages, the plague epidemic, and the infamous pirate era. You’ll come face to face with terrifying characters and situations while learning more about the dark secrets Hamburg has to offer.
With skip-the-line tickets, you don’t have to wait in line and can get direct access to the Hamburg Dungeon. This means you’ll have more time to enjoy the attractions and exciting shows.
Tickets: Buy online
Admire Dockland
A real eye-catcher of the city is Dockland. This building has won multiple awards. You can climb the 136 steps, after which you’ll have a stunning view over the Elbe River and Hamburg’s skyline. A tip is to visit Dockland at sunset, when the sky is at its most beautiful!
