Hamburg Hidden gems

Our most recommended Hamburg Hidden gems

Hamburg: 1.5-Hour Harbor and Speicherstadt Day Cruise

Hamburg: 1.5-Hour Harbor and Speicherstadt Day Cruise

See Hamburg’s harbor-side attractions from a unique perspective, float past impressive container ships, and discover the historic Speicherstadt District aboard a 1.5-hour cruise featuring live commentary from a German-speaking guide and an exclusive stop at the iconic Elbphilharmonie. Start your harbor adventure on land as you cross the famous "Überseebrücke" bridge to reach the pier where you will board a traditional Hamburger boat referred to as a Barkasse. Listen as your captain decides on which route the boat will take based on weather conditions, the water tides, or, if for example, a really exciting and interesting container ship or a special boat is visiting the harbor. Set off and glide into the narrow waterways of the largest warehouse district in the world known as Speicherstadt. Take in the stunning architecture of buildings standing on timber-pile foundations and oak logs. Sit back and relax as you go past Hafen City. Explore the open decks and feel the cooling sea breezes as you wait for perfect photo opportunities from the boat’s many vantage points. Cruise past rows of massive container ships as the boat makes its way into St. Pauli’s Pier and the Hamburg Port. Learn the history of the many important landmarks from your German-speaking expert guide. As your trip comes to an end, disembark right in front of the Elbphilharmonie or you can choose to get off back at where the cruise initially took off.

Hamburg: Sex and Crime in St. Pauli Tour for Ages 18+

Hamburg: Sex and Crime in St. Pauli Tour for Ages 18+

Discover Hamburg’s wild side on this sex and crime walking tour in the St. Pauli district. Hear interesting anecdotes and details from your guide about the lives and loves of the red light district as you visit its legendary spots. On your tour visit the “Zur Ritze” bar and learn how it got its name. Head down to the boxing club in the basement, where Mike Tyson and the Klitschko brothers trained. Find out where the famous local boxer disappeared to and why so many celebrities come to this rustic bar. See how women can walk down Herbertstrasse, and learn about the Nutella gang and its rivals, the GMBH gang. Discover who controls St. Pauli, who was the godfather in the neighborhood, and how the legal system works here. Find out if Jack the Ripper or someone similar was in Hamburg, and get entrance to a premier show club at the end of the guided tour.

Hamburg: Line A Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour

Hamburg: Line A Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour

Enjoy a guided tour on the double-decker Line A sightseeing bus in Hamburg. Travel along the Speicherstadt (warehouse city) and harbor city to the shopping areas of the town. Gain valuable insights into the city and its history. Hop aboard with your day ticket that enables you to hop on and hop off at 20 bus stops. See the wonderful villas in Harvestehude, the Outer Alster lake, the city hall, museums, the famous Reeperbahn, and the harbor. Get information in your own language with a GPS steered audio system that offers crystal-clear narration in 11 languages via headsets. Lean back and enjoy the all-around view. In nice weather, the bus goes open top to allow you unobstructed views.

Hamburg: 90-Minute Evening Lights Harbor Cruise

Hamburg: 90-Minute Evening Lights Harbor Cruise

Experience Hamburg's Harbor by the evening light on a traditional barge. Take a romantic round-trip voyage through the Hamburg Harbor and enjoy a cozy atmosphere with the illuminated silhouette of the city as your backdrop. Travel through the historic Speicherstadt (depending on the tide) and along the impressive illuminated container terminals. Hear interesting stories of the harbor's history with live moderation from the captain, while relaxing with a drink. Alternatively, pick one of the special tours that take place only occasionally. Choose the special Queen Mary II cruise to accompany Queen Mary II at the Cruise Terminal and then follow her along the River Elbe. During the boat ride, learn all about the ship from the professional guide. Or, celebrate the Anniversary of Hamburg Harbor onboard a traditional barge. Watch the opening parade to the festival unveil, as the weekend of celebrations will then follow.

Hamburg: Hamburg Dungeon Admission Ticket

Hamburg: Hamburg Dungeon Admission Ticket

Deception or true Wonder? The seasonal special show “The charlatan doctor” takes you a journey back to the 17th century, a time when the shady business of quacks and charlatans thrived at Hamburg’s famous Dom fair. You'll witness the spectacular presentation of a mysterious purple pill - a supposed cure for the ailing common folk. Driven by sheer greed, a ruthless quack does everything to convince the audience of his miraculous healing abilities. But will he truly succeed? Only from 31 March to 04 May at Hamburg Dungeon! The Hamburg Dungeon brings the darkest period's of the city's history to life in an entertaining way. The state-of-the-art special effects and professional actors provide a very special kind of live entertainment. The live actors step into historical roles and take you on a journey through 600 years of Hamburg's murky past in interactive shows. The visitor attraction in the historical Speicherstadt district presents thrilling live shows based on true stories and offers plenty of action on 2 fun rides. Visitors can embark on an unusual journey on the "Elevator of Doom". You can also discover the dark years of the Plague or try to save the pirate Klaus Störtebecker from execution. Among other unfriendly hosts, the torturer welcomes suspicious villagers inside his Chamber of Torment. Defend yourself before the mercy of the inquisition and face the revenge of a restless spirit - with a twinkle in the inquisitor's eyes and the opportunity for lots of fun. At the end of the journey, the lucky survivors will take a seat in Hamburg’s unique freefall tower to escape the depths of the dungeon – good luck…

Hamburg: Insider Tour of the Reeperbahn & St. Pauli

Hamburg: Insider Tour of the Reeperbahn & St. Pauli

Experience Hamburg's Red Light district with Reeperbahn experts on a guided tour of the St Pauli area. Encounter people like Udo Lindenberg’s legendary bodyguard, Eddy Kante, or iconic Red Light bouncers like Fabian Zahrt. Meet drag queens, like Barbie Stupid, or local historian, Doc Eva Decker. Experience a guided walking tour through St. Pauli featuring the perfect mix of information, entertainment, sinful stops and sights, and a crazy sightseeing show. Pass by the world-famous Herbertstraße and the Davidwache police station, or visit a BDSM dungeon or a sex shop. Learn more about the rich LGBTQ+ heritage of the area, and gain an insight into legendary clubs and celebrity hotspots. Depending on the option selected, each tour will have a slightly different focus and route, where you'll be guided by a true local expert.

Hamburg: 2-Hour XXL Port of Hamburg Cruise Tour

Hamburg: 2-Hour XXL Port of Hamburg Cruise Tour

Enjoy the unique maritime flair and colorful crowds at the Port of Hamburg on this daily cruise that loops the docks. Thanks to your guide, learn about the history of the port and the city and take an exciting ride through the locks. Discover this gateway to the world up-close onboard a little ship, equally suited to a fleet. Find out just how huge the Port of Hamburg, the second-largest port in Europe, is. Hardly another city in the world is so tied to its port; Hamburg truly developed because of it. The most important sights and the skyline are inextricably linked to it. Experience the contrast between past and present, commerce and culture, the little fishing town along the Elbe, and the state-of-the-art container complexes. You'll also learn about the sinful stretches and fish market, old cutters, and massive cruise and container ships. Our onboard guide provides live commentary in German. For commentary in other languages, please download the 'Rainer Abicht' app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app offers audio tours of the harbor cruise in six different languages.

Hamburg: Chocoversum Guided Tour with Tastings

Hamburg: Chocoversum Guided Tour with Tastings

Enjoy a guided tour of the Chocoversum in Hamburg and discover the entire process of making delicious chocolate. Taste the chocolate at every stage of its journey and become a chocolate maker as you craft your own bar to take home with you. Meet your guide and follow the cocoa beans on their exciting journey from cultivation to the finished chocolate bar. Sample the exquisite delicacies at every stage of production. Experience how the delicate glaze and the fine taste develop into the end product. Absorbs the sights, smells, and sounds of creating delicious sweet chocolate throughout the entire process. Discover all of the production steps and taste the chocolate at multiple points throughout. As your tour comes to an end, become a chocolatier and try your hand at creating your own delicious chocolate bar to take home with you.

Hamburg: Amphibious River and Land Bus Ticket

Hamburg: Amphibious River and Land Bus Ticket

Hop aboard an innovative amphibious vehicle and prepare to embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Hamburg, seamlessly transitioning from a bus on land to a boat on the water. Navigate the city's historic streets and picturesque waterways and be treated to panoramic views of iconic landmarks such as the Elbphilharmonie, Speicherstadt, and HafenCity district. Become immersed in Hamburg's rich maritime heritage and vibrant urban landscape as you listen to onboard commentary.

Hamburg: Night Watchman's Tour of St. Pauli in German

Hamburg: Night Watchman's Tour of St. Pauli in German

Enjoy a unique city tour with the traditional night watchmen around the largest entertainment and red-light district in Europe. Your German-language guide will meet you at the Landungsbrücken and showcase all that St. Pauli has to offer. Your guide will take on the role and uniform of the original St. Pauli night watchman, who represents the notorious district of Hamburg. He will discover the Große Freiheit ("The Great Freedom”) with you. Satisfy your curiosity and learn all of the local secrets. Hear about what it's like inside the Davidwache Police Department, how the rope-making industry carved out the path the Reeperbahn, Joe Cocker's incident, the mysterious Herbertstraße, and legendary stories involving Paul McCartney.

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Hamburg at night: 10 epic adventures after dark
Hamburg at night: 10 epic adventures after dark

After sundown, picturesque Hamburg comes to life with light shows, concerts, and bustling bars for your perfect romantic or summer evening. Whether you’re going headlong into the drag scene in St. Pauli or catching a cabaret at Pulverfass, there are plenty of parties to pack. While Hamburg’s drinking and dining scene continues into the wee hours of the morning, there are secluded places to escape. Experience the illuminated harbor shimmering over the water on a night cruise, or seek solace and angel sculptures in the peaceful Ohlsdorf cemetery. Here are our favorite 10 fun things to do in Hamburg at night.

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7 charming ways to celebrate Christmas in Hamburg
7 charming ways to celebrate Christmas in Hamburg

Hamburg, one of the largest cities in Northern Germany, is full of experiences and great things to do at any time of the year. But during the holidays, especially the few weeks around Christmas and New Year, Hamburg's charm doubles as lights twinkle, Christmas markets open, snow flutters, and the scent of roasted almonds and mulled wine fill the city. From the children's programming inside the fairytale ships to a weekly parade that circles the bustling markets, Hamburg at Christmastime is sure to delight the entire family.

Everything you need to know about Christmas in Hamburg

Best holiday market: Historic Christmas market at City Hall

Average temperature: 37 F (3 C)

Key holiday days: Most shops, restaurants, and bakeries will shut down on December 25 and 26, but the city is active and open throughout the holiday season

Best free festive activity: Fairytale ships free youth programming

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Best way to get around Hamburg: Helpful tips and tricks
Best way to get around Hamburg: Helpful tips and tricks

Hamburg's efficient and well-connected transport system makes getting around straightforward. The city offers various options, including trains, buses, ferries, and bike rentals, ensuring flexibility for locals and visitors. Public transportation in Hamburg, operated by HVV, integrates U-Bahn, S-Bahn, buses, and ferries under a single ticketing system, making it easy to switch between modes. For added convenience, ride-sharing apps and hourly car rentals are widely available. Whether exploring on foot, by bike, or via public transit, understanding how to get around Hamburg can help you make the most of this city's culture and history.

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First time in Hamburg: Everything you need to know
First time in Hamburg: Everything you need to know

Once a gateway for merchants and now a dynamic hub for creatives and musicians, Hamburg has earned its reputation as Germany’s coolest port city. Whether you’re into world-class museums, waterfront views, or incredible food, your first time in Hamburg promises to be a memorable experience.

Discover cutting-edge architecture in HafenCity, check out top attractions like St. Michael’s Church, or dance into the morning hours along the Reeperbahn. From must-see sights to insider tips, this first-timer’s guide covers the essential things to know about Hamburg — and why it’s becoming one of Europe’s most exciting destinations.

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Frequently asked questions about Hamburg Hidden gems

What are other things to do than Hidden gems that are worth visiting in Hamburg?

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What people are saying about Hamburg

Overall rating

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6
4.6 out of 5 stars
(153 reviews)
5 out of 5 stars

Loved the chocolate stops! This was a great tour - I always wondered how chocolate went from a cacao bean to the bar in the candy shop and after this tour I know! Not only that but I know what it TASTES like at every step. This was overall very good tour. And also very honest. They mentioned the unfair trading practices and it was done in an open yet objective way. Really appreciated the honesty. Plus it doesn’t get better than making your own chocolate bar! Although I would’ve appreciated a few examples as my creation was not very tasty. 5/5 stars. Great tour, great chocolate. *Much better than a chocolate tour I went on in Brussels.* If that doesn’t say it all.

5 out of 5 stars

Everything was very interesting and presented in a way that even laypeople could understand. I found the startled visitors who were busy solving the escape room puzzle to be annoying and who sometimes pushed their way in and loudly discussed their problems solving it. The pack-like behavior in groups was also somewhat annoying in places due to the lack of space. Overall, however, I have great respect for the organizers, who are working with enthusiasm and passion to preserve the ship and make it accessible for future generations!

5 out of 5 stars

Amazing tour with Julia! Was entertaining and fun to learn about Hamburg and the Reeperbahn. Awesome that stops for Drinks and Snacks were included. It was a fun night!

5 out of 5 stars

I was there with my children. It was fun to explore the ship. The information boards were also informative. You could also learn the story behind the ship.

5 out of 5 stars

Highly recommend! The walking tour with Dean was a perfect way to learn interesting facts about Hamburg, we visited key sights and got some extra tips.