Hamburg City Breaks

A guide to Hamburg

Hamburg will suit those looking for a lively destination with lots to see and do, as this hugely enjoyable city has everything from superb museums, world-class galleries, and outstanding restaurants to a legendary nightlife and a lively multicultural atmosphere. Fine Baroque and Renaissance buildings are dotted among striking contemporary architecture, and there are wonderful parks, picturesque lakes, a fascinating harbour and a canal system to rival Venice to explore.

Historic sights and family-friendly attractions

Sightseeing highlights include the Rathaus marketplace, the beautiful Deichstrasse, and fascinating neighbourhoods like St Georg and Schanzenviertel, and visitors tend to gravitate towards the Speicherstadt harbour district and its turreted 19th century warehouses. The famous Altona Fish Market is the place to be on a Sunday morning, and popular attractions are leisurely cruises on Hamburg’s extensive network of waterways. Hamburg offers an exceptionally wide choice of family holiday attractions that includes a Russian submarine, a terrific planetarium, a vast model railway and the chilling Hamburg Dungeon. The Art Museum is one of the best galleries in Germany, and the eclectic collection of museums includes the Spice Museum and the Museum of Erotic Art.

Rousing good-time atmosphere

Hamburg is a manageable city ideally suited for a lively weekend break, and the nightlife includes the legendary Reeperbahn: an immensely entertaining neighbourhood with live music venues, casinos, cabaret, nightclubs and outrageous sex shows. Historic buildings are beautifully lit and nightlife districts are buzzing with neon lights and late-night revellers. Pavement cafes and outdoor restaurants are great fun in the summer, and the seasonal markets and a charming festive scene make Christmas visits a highlight.