This article refers to the city of Hamburg. For the island of Neuwerk that is part of the state of Hamburg but not the city see there The Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg (Freie und Hansestadt Hamburg) is Germany's second-largest city and, at the same time, one of Germany's 16 federal states or Bundesländer. Prior to the formation of the modern German state, Hamburg for centuries enjoyed a status as de facto independent city state and regional power and trade hub in the North Sea.
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One of the most important harbours in Europe and the world, Hamburg takes great pride in its mercantile background, which built the city's wealth in the past centuries. From 1241 on, it was a member of the Hanseatic League, a medieval trade alliance across Northern Europe. In the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, millions left Europe on their way to the new world through the Hamburg harbour. Today, the harbour ranks second in Europe and eleventh world-wide. Consequently, one of Hamburg's tag lines is "the Gateway to the World" (derived from the city’s coat of arms, showing a white city wall with a gate and crowned by three towers on a red background).
Hamburg's city centre is not particularly large, and getting around on foot is perfectly doable when visiting attractions in the centre. However, Hamburg as a whole is quite extensive (over 700 km²), and some attractions are in the outlying districts. Fortunately, it has an excellent public transport system, which makes it easy to reach nearly every part of the city, as well as many surrounding areas. Cycling is also a good option for exploring Hamburg, as it's very flat, with decent (although not amazing) bicycle infrastructure. While driving in the city is possible, constant roadworks and expensive parking makes it fairly unattractive and difficult.
Individual listings can be found in Hamburg's district articles The entirety of the city centre is worth walking throughout, as it is jam-packed with varied and truly interesting sights. Those range from the iconic Speicherstadt and Hamburg's five main historic churches, through the upscale area around the Binnenalster artificial lake and the town hall (Rathaus) to the ultra-modern Hafen-City. The centre is where the majority of Hamburg's canals and bridges are, as well as the old quays providing great views across the Elbe. There is also an unusual array of museums to visit. On the Elbphilharmonie Plaza, you can look out over the port of Hamburg.
Individual listings can be found in Hamburg's district articles You can make a trip on the river Elbe with line 72 from Landungsbrücken to Elbphilharmonie, or line 62 via Museumshafen Oevelgönne to Finkenwerder, and line 64 to Teufelsbrück. Bicycles free of charge. Adults one trip €2.10, day card €8.20 (Apr 2026). The public ferries are part of the public transport system, meaning day tickets for buses, subway and interurban trains are valid for the ferries as well.
Individual listings can be found in Hamburg's district articles Original Hamburg dishes are Birnen, Bohnen und Speck (Low Saxon Beren, Bohnen un Speck, green runner beans cooked with pears and bacon), Aalsuppe (Low Saxon Aalsupp/Oolsupp, often mistaken to be German for “eel soup“ (Aal/Ool translated ‘eel’), however the name probably comes from the Low Saxon allens [ʔaˑlns], meaning “all”, “everything and the kitchen sink”, not necessarily eel.
Individual listings can be found in Hamburg's district articles Reeperbahn in St. Pauli is the place to go for late-night, all-out partying. Matter of fact, that corner of the city has the highest concentration of all kinds of places to go out for a drink, from beach clubs along Elbe river to different music clubs, nightclubs and bars. If you want to relax and drink a coffee in some cafes go to Lange Reihe. Many bars, cafes and restaurants all along the street. Although the Lange Reihe is the heart of the gay community, most places are jointly visited by straight and gay people of any age. All places are gay-friendly, and many are gay-owned or gay-run.
Hamburg is a very safe city, and as long as you are aware of your surroundings and use common sense, there are no areas which are dangerous to be in, even at night. Having said that, pickpockets have been known to operate in touristy areas (especially in the area around the Mönckebergstraße, Central Station, and on the Reeperbahn), in buses and trains, but also on crowded escalators and other crowded places, so don't keep your valuables in easily accessible outside pockets. Additionally, some parts of the area just to the east of the main train station (particularly the Steindamm) can be a bit run-down.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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