The Taste Trekker

Greetings, fellow travelers! My husband and I recently embarked on a Northern European cruise, with our first port of call in the enchanting city of Hamburg. With just 12 hours to explore, we eagerly set out to discover the charm of this Northern German gem.

Before our adventure began, I meticulously planned a route highlighting Hamburg’s must-see attractions, delectable eateries, and prime photo spots. Join us as we share our journey through this captivating city and uncover the treasures we discovered along the way.

Hamburger Rathaus:

Our journey begins at the magnificent Hamburg Town Hall, situated in the heart of the city at Rathausmarkt, a historic market square. This architectural marvel was rebuilt over 11 years after the original structure was destroyed in a devastating fire in 1842. The facade of the building is adorned with 20 statues of past emperors, adding a touch of grandeur to its impressive design. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour of this iconic landmark for approximately €5, offering a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Hamburg.

You can visit the website here.

Trostbrücke:

Our next stop was the charming Trostbrücke Bridge. While the bridge itself may not be particularly remarkable, its decorations certainly are. Adorning the bridge are models of Bishop Ansgar, who founded the cathedral in the old part of the city, and Count Adolf III Von Schauenburg, who established the merchant’s district, Neustädter. As you gaze upwards, you’ll also spot two ship sculptures and a statue perched atop the gables of nearby buildings, adding a touch of artistry to the surroundings.

St. Nikolai Memorial:

Our third stop on our Hamburg adventure was the St. Nikolai Memorial. This historic church has experienced multiple rebuilds throughout its lifetime and was notably the tallest building in the world from 1874 to 1876. Unfortunately, during World War II, the church suffered extensive damage from bombings, leaving only the crypt and the tower intact. In 2005, an elevator was installed in the tower, allowing visitors to ascend to the top and enjoy panoramic views of the city. While we appreciated the vantage point during our visit, the views were somewhat obscured by the metal fences surrounding the tower’s summit.

You can visit the website here.

Nord Coast Coffee Roastery:

Our first coffee stop was on the renowned street of Deichstraße, at the cozy Nord Coast Coffee Roastery. This charming two-story coffee shop freshly grinds its coffee and offers a diverse menu featuring all the usual coffee favorites, from Americanos to Lattes, as well as an array of freshly prepared food options. During our visit, we sought refuge from the brisk -5°C weather with a steaming hot drink. We were a group of six exploring Hamburg, and one of our companions proclaimed it to be one of the best coffees they had ever tasted!

You can visit their website here.

Speicherstadt:

Speicherstadt, the world’s largest warehouse district, is a marvel of engineering and architecture. The district’s striking buildings stand on timber-pile foundations, creating a unique and picturesque landscape. In recognition of its historical and cultural significance, Speicherstadt was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.

This bustling district offers an array of attractions for visitors. Among its many offerings are numerous hotels, cafes, and restaurants, each providing a delightful spot to rest and refuel. One of the district’s most popular attractions is Miniatur Wunderland, an extraordinary indoor miniature exhibit that captivates visitors of all ages with its intricate and detailed models of various landscapes, cities, and landmarks from around the world.

As you wander through Speicherstadt, you’ll be enchanted by the blend of old-world charm and modern amenities, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Hamburg.

You can visit the website here.

The Elbphilharmonie:

This iconic concert venue, known as the Elbphilharmonie, is the tallest building in Hamburg and a must-visit attraction. The main draw is its stunning viewing platform, which you can access for free, or for €4 if you wish to skip the queue. To reach the platform, you’ll ascend the world’s first curved escalator, and once at the top, you’ll be greeted by a cafe, restaurant, gift shop, and breathtaking views of the city and dock area.

During our visit, we decided to indulge in some delicious Franzbrötchen from the cafe. My husband opted for the pistachio, my mum chose the traditional cinnamon, and I couldn’t resist the chocolate. Each one was absolutely delightful!

You can visit their website here.

Jan-Fedder Promenade:

After leaving the Elbphilharmonie, we crossed the nearby bridge and strolled along the Jan-Fedder Promenade. This picturesque walkway offers splendid views of Hamburg’s bustling port, along with an array of tourist boats and ships docked along the harbor front. Among the sights, you’ll spot a few old American paddle steamers and two fascinating maritime museums housed within the ships Cap San Diego and Rickmer Rickmers.

As you continue your walk, you’ll eventually come across the lively Hard Rock Cafe and the historic Elbe Tunnel. Although we chose not to explore the tunnel this time, it’s certainly worth a visit for those with more time on their hands.

You can visit the website for Cap San Diego here, and Rickmer Rickmers here.

Stade Millerntor:

Whenever I travel, I make it a point to visit a local football stadium if possible. While Hamburg is home to the renowned Hamburg SV, the stadium is located outside the main city area and would have required public transport, which wasn’t ideal for our group of six. Instead, we opted to visit the other football club in the city, St. Pauli, which is just a 15-minute walk from the port and harbor area.

St. Pauli is celebrated for its strong support of the LGBT community and offers guided tours of its stadium. Additionally, there’s a club store on-site for fans to grab some merchandise. Notably, there is another significant Hamburg landmark near the stadium, which we’ll mention next.

Want to do a stadium tour or watch a match, click here to go to their website.

Hamburg Bunker:

The Hamburg Bunker, a former Nazi WWII anti-aircraft bunker, dominates the St. Pauli skyline. In 2024, the bunker underwent a transformation, with the top being converted into a garden and other parts repurposed for various business ventures. Now, the bunker boasts a hotel, cafe, shop, and a sports/concert hall. The greenery atop the bunker provides a welcome habitat for birds and insects during Hamburg’s summer months.

Visitors can explore the bunker for free, with stairs wrapping around the building’s exterior. For those unable to use the stairs, an elevator is available—simply follow the signs for the hotel.

You can view the bunkers website here.

Honourable Mentions That We Didn’t Get to Visit:

Miniatur Wunderland: As mentioned earlier, Miniatur Wunderland is an indoor model railway exhibit like no other. Spanning multiple rooms and themes, this enormous attraction showcases miniature landscapes from Germany, Austria, the USA, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, and more. The museum even features a fully functioning miniature airport. Due to its immense popularity among tourists, it is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance. You can visit their site here.

Chocoversum: The Chocoversum is an interactive museum that takes visitors through the fascinating process of chocolate making. Here, you can even craft your own chocolate bars. The museum offers tours in both German and English and is conveniently located just outside the Speicherstadt district. It’s a must-visit for chocolate lovers! You can visit their site here.

Tierpark Hagenbeck: Tierpark Hagenbeck is Hamburg’s beloved zoo, situated on the outskirts of the city. Accessible by public transport, the zoo is home to over 500 species, including Asian elephants, polar bears, Pacific walruses, Siberian tigers, and many more. In addition to the zoo, there is a tropical aquarium on-site, which requires a separate ticket, though combo tickets are available for those who wish to explore both attractions. You can visit their site here.

And there you have it, our top recommendations for exploring the vibrant city of Hamburg! Have you had the pleasure of visiting this fascinating city before? Did we miss any must-see spots or hidden gems? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your experiences and suggestions in the comments below, or reach out to us via our contact page, and we’ll be sure to get back to you. Let’s keep the conversation going!