A complete guide to the 14 best museums in Hamburg

Whether you want to learn more about Hamburg’s fascinating history or are just looking for fun things to do with kids, the famous museums in Hamburg will deliver. This port city is filled with nautical museum adventures that inspire your imagination and appreciation for the past. The International Maritime Museum gives you an overview of 3,000 years of ocean seafaring, while the floating museum ships of Cap San Diego and Rickmer Rickmers offer a more interactive experience.

From foodie treats to landmarks and monuments, there are plenty of ways to find your muse by visiting the best museums in Hamburg.

Hamburg’s best museums at a glance

Best museum for families: Miniatur Wunderland

Best museum for art: Hamburger Kunsthalle

Best museum for history: Museum für Hamburgische Geschichte

Best museum for maritime enthusiasts: International Maritime Museum

Best museum for contemporary culture: Deichtorhallen Hamburg

1. Cap San Diego

Best for: Maritime enthusiasts

Why should I visit Cap San Diego?

The world’s largest seaworthy museum cargo ship, Cap San Diego is moored in Hamburg’s harbor. Hop aboard a retired but fully functional trading vessel—the last of its kind. Check out the sleeping quarters of the original sailors to see what life was like on the open seas.

How long can I spend at Cap San Diego?

Visitors can spend 1-2 hours exploring the ship.

Insider tip

For an amazing view of Hamburg’s waterfront, climb the masts. You can get as high as 30 meters, giving a true bird’s eye view of the surrounding area.

Address

Überseebrücke, 20459 Hamburg

Opening hours

Monday-Sunday 10:00 AM-6:00 PM

2. Hamburg Dungeon

Best for: History lovers and thrill-seekers

Why should I visit Hamburg Dungeon?

Learn about the darkest chapters of Hamburg’s history with an entry ticket to the Hamburg Dungeon. Take a trip back in time to the great fire of Hamburg, the Black Plague, and the Inquisition.

How long can I spend at Hamburg Dungeon?

Plan to spend about 90 minutes on the guided tour.

Insider tip

Talk to the famous pirate Klaus Störtebeker – or at least his head – after bearing witness to his execution. Older kids will be delighted.

Address

Kehrwieder 2, 20457 Hamburg

Opening hours

Sunday-Friday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM

Saturday 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

3. Rickmer Rickmers

Best for: Maritime history enthusiasts

Why should I visit Rickmer Rickmers?

A historic sailing ship turned museum, Rickmer Rickmers offers a fascinating insight into Hamburg’s maritime heritage. This fully rigged ship, docked at the Landungsbrücken, showcases life at sea and the ship’s storied past, making it a must-see for maritime history buffs.

How long can I spend at Rickmer Rickmers?

Visitors typically spend 1-2 hours exploring the ship.

Insider tip

If you fancy a more immersive adventure, check out the onboard escape rooms. There are multiple options, all with their own puzzles to solve.

Address

Bei den St. Pauli-Landungsbrücken 1a, 20359 Hamburg

Opening hours

Monday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM

4. Emigration Museum

Best for: History lovers and cultural explorers

Why should I visit the Emigration Museum?

Known for its historic role in trading goods, the Hamburg Port is also where the city got its nickname. Tor zur Welt (Gateway to the World) started a new life for many, and you can discover what drove their journey at the Emigration Museum. Find out why they wanted to leave and how one famous ship owner came to their aid.

How long can I spend at the Emigration Museum?

Plan to spend 2-3 hours to fully explore the museum's extensive exhibits.

Insider tip

At this museum, you can use the world’s largest genealogical database to learn more about your own family’s origins.

Address

Veddeler Bogen 2, 20539 Hamburg

Opening hours

Tuesday-Sunday 10:00 AM-6:00 PM

5. Museum Village Volksdorf

Best for: Families and history enthusiasts

Why should I visit Museum Village Volksdorf?

After all the excitement of sea adventuring, take a day to relax in the idyllic countryside. The Museum Village Volksdorf offers reconstructed historical buildings to give an authentic experience of how people lived in the past. It makes for an excellent day trip only 30 minutes away from the city center by road.

How long can I spend at Museum Village Volksdorf?

Visitors can easily spend 2-4 hours exploring the expansive grounds

Insider tip

This museum village includes a small farm with horses, sheep, and chickens. Don’t miss the traditional bakery, where you can taste freshly baked bread and other traditional Hamburg dishes.

Address

Im Alten Dorfe 46 – 48, 22359 Hamburg

Opening hours

Tuesday-Sunday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM

6. Bucerius Kunst Forum

Best for: Art lovers and culture enthusiasts

Why should I visit Bucerius Kunst Forum?

For a more thought-provoking experience, the Bucerius Kunst Forum is one of the best art museums in Hamburg. With four different exhibitions staged throughout the year — always including paintings, prints, drawings, and photographs — there is always something new and exciting to see. Events traditionally focus on one of the current exhibition themes.

How long can I spend at Bucerius Kunst Forum?

Plan to spend 1-2 hours exploring the current exhibition.

Insider tip

An on-site bookshop offers an excellent opportunity to pick up a special souvenir you won’t find elsewhere.

Address

Alter Wall 12, 20457 Hamburg

Opening hours

Saturday-Wednesday 11:00 AM-7:00 PM

Thursday 11:00 AM-9:00 PM

Friday 12:00 PM-6:00 PM

7. L'apotheque

Best for: History buffs and curious minds

Why should I visit L’apotheque?

The St. Pauli district is mostly known for the Reeperbahn, Hamburg’s famous red light district, but is also home to many museums. Visit L’apotheque, a unique museum dedicated to the fascinating history of pharmacy and medicine, and the only museum in Germany where you can find historical sex toys, and view NFT art at the Erotic Art Museum.

How long can I spend at L’apotheque?

Visitors typically spend 1-2 hours exploring the museum.

Insider tip

Taste the special gin at L’apotheque and visit a secret bunker exhibition in the EAM that showcases the artworks of Fiete Frahm.

Address

Clemens-Schultz-Straße, 20359 Hamburg

Opening hours

Tuesday–Sunday 10:00 AM–5:00 PM

8. International Maritime Museum

Best for: Maritime enthusiasts and history lovers

Why should I visit the International Maritime Museum?

Get a ticket to the International Maritime Museum to learn more about 3,000 years of global sea travel. An entire floor is dedicated to the latest marine biology research, curated in collaboration with leading scientific institutions. From Viking dragon boats and historical sea charts to footage of the deep sea captured by robots, exploring these galleries is a fun thing to do in the city.

How long can I spend at the International Maritime Museum?

Plan to spend 2-3 hours exploring the vast exhibits.

Insider tip

There’s a model of Queen Mary II on display, made completely out of LEGOs. Using more than 1 million individual bricks, it’s a must-see for kids.

Address

Koreastraße 1, 20457 Hamburg

Opening hours

Monday-Sunday 10:00 AM-6:00 PM

9. DESY

Best for: Science enthusiasts and curious minds

Why should I visit DESY?

A world-renowned research center in Hamburg, DESY (Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron) specializes in particle physics and accelerator technology, one of the world-leading particle physics research institutions at DESY. No prior knowledge of physics is needed; the experts will show you around the particle accelerators and experiments. This is part of Germany’s largest scientific community, where you’ll learn how small things make big bangs.

How long can I spend at DESY?

Tours typically last 2-3 hours, offering insights into the facility’s operations and research. Booking in advance is essential, as tours are available by appointment only.

Insider tip

The Petra III storage ring is one of the brightest X-ray light sources in the world. Take a closer look at one of the now-inactive particle detectors used for groundbreaking research.

Address

Notkestraße 85, 22607 Hamburg

10. Museum of Nature

Best for: Nature lovers and families

Why should I visit the Museum of Nature?

The Museum of Nature is actually 3 different museums in one. The fields of zoology, mineralogy, and geology are each explored in separate buildings, all only a few minutes walk away from each other. Take a deep dive into science with more than 10 million items on display.

How long can I spend at the Museum of Nature?

Visitors typically spend 2-3 hours exploring the exhibits.

Insider tip

Check out the giant whale skeleton and narwhal skull, then seek out the iron meteorite. With an impressive mass of 424 kg, it's roughly the weight of a horse.

Address

Bundesstraße 52, 20146 Hamburg

Opening hours

Tuesday–Sunday 10:00 AM–5:00 PM

11. Dialogue in the Dark®

Best for: Unique experiences and empathy-building

Why should I visit Dialogue in the Dark®?

Want to step out of your comfort zone? With a guided tour at the Dialogue in the Dark Exhibition, you'll find out how to navigate the world without your sight. With a visually impaired guide to lead you, this truly is a perspective-altering experience.

How long can I spend at Dialogue in the Dark®?

The experience typically lasts 60-90 minutes. It's essential to book tickets in advance due to limited group sizes.

Insider tip

You'll be given a cane to use as part of the tour and stop off at the Dark Bar for a drink without light. How well will you adapt to the environment?

Address

Alter Wandrahm 5, 20457 Hamburg

Opening hours

Wednesday–Sunday 11:00 AM–6:00 PM

12. Chocoversum

Best for: Chocolate lovers and families

Why should I visit Chocoversum?

A chocolate lover's paradise, Chocoversum in Hamburg offers an interactive journey through the world of chocolate making. If you have a sweet tooth, then this museum will be an utter treat. Go on a guided tour to watch the entire production chain from raw beans to the final bar. The on-site shop only offers products that contain cocoa, including beauty care and — believe it or not — mustard.

How long can I spend at Chocoversum?

Plan to spend about 90 minutes on the guided tour.

Insider tip

Couples will find chocolate making to be a romantic activity in Hamburg. You taste the chocolate at every step of the production process, then use what you've learned to make a personalized bar to take home.

Address

Meßberg 1, 20095 Hamburg

Opening hours

Monday–Sunday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM

13. Dialogue in Silence®

Best for: Unique experiences and communication enthusiasts

Why should I visit Dialogue in Silence®?

It is easy to take the spoken word for granted. On a guided tour of the Dialogue in Silence® Exhibition, you learn about the limits and potential of non-verbal communication. While wearing noise-canceling headphones, you will have to "speak" using your hands and "hear" by using your eyes.

How long can I spend at Dialogue in Silence®?

The experience usually lasts about 60-90 minutes.

Insider tip

With the help of an interpreter, the exhibition includes an opportunity to ask hearing-impaired guides questions about their experiences.

Address

Alter Wandrahm 4, 20457 Hamburg

Opening hours

Wednesday–Sunday 11:00 AM–6:00 PM

15. Panik City Udo Lindenberg

Best for: Music fans and multimedia enthusiasts

Why should I visit Panik City Udo Lindenberg?

Rock your heart out with famous German singer Udo Lindenberg in the Panik City Udo Lindenberg Multimedia Experience. Augmented and virtual reality technology gives you an interactive, immersive tour through the superstar's life. Learn about his influence on German rock and his political engagement through song lyrics.

How long can I spend at Panik City?

The guided tour lasts about 90 minutes.

Insider tip

Step onto a virtual reality stage to experience Udo Lindenberg up close. You can also record and take home a video of you singing with the musical icon.

Address

Spielbudenplatz 21-22 im Klubhaus, 20359 Hamburg

Opening hours

Tuesday–Sunday 11:00 AM–8:00 PM

FAQs

What are the must-visit museums in Hamburg?

The must-visit museums in Hamburg tend to focus on the city's historical connection with the sea. Top picks are the International Maritime Museum and the museum ships of Cap San Diego and Rickmer Rickmers.

Are there any free museums in Hamburg?

Free museums in Hamburg include the Museum of Nature, covering zoology as well as mineralogy and geology, and the museum village of Volksdorf.

Are there any museums in Hamburg that are suitable for children and families?

Many of the museums in Hamburg are suitable for children and families. The permanently anchored museum ships are always a delight for swashbuckling youngsters, while the Chocoversum is a delicious treat for the whole family.

For which museums in Hamburg are guided tours recommended?

A guided tour is recommended for the exhibitions of Dialogue and Dark. The Dark tour, in particular, requires a guide to safely lead you as it's undertaken in the complete absence of light.

Are there any museum passes or discount cards available for visiting multiple museums in Hamburg?

The Hamburg City Card is perfect if you want a discount card for visiting multiple museums. As well as up to 50% discounts on all eligible attractions, it offers free public transport for 1-5 days.