The enchanting Old Town & New Town
Like in most European cities, most of Hamburg’s sights and hidden attractions can be found inside its historic centre which is located in the Old Town (Altstadt) as well as the New Town (Neustadt). Often referred to as the heart of Hamburg, visitors can explore everything on foot here which makes for a perfect Saturday stroll. So put away your metro ticket and stroll from one incredible spot to the next to really take in the incomparable Hanseatic charm.
Strolling through the historic centre
Start your stroll at the Rathausmarkt, gazing at the city hall and the Alster Lakes. Head eastwards towards the Alsterarkaden, keeping straight until you reach the Gänsemarkt for some great shops and boutiques. Now you can either turn right and walk towards the Alster Lakes and the Jungfernstieg for more shopping and lake views or turn left to walk towards St. Pauli or the Hafencity.
THE MAIN SQUARE
In the heart of Hamburg, visitors find the Rathausmarkt, the central square in the Altstadt quarter. It is lined by gorgeous trees and is the spot for many big events and markets. After a huge fire in 1842, the market place was re-designed and Venice’s famous St. Mark’s Square was the design model as it also borders the water on one side. In summer, the Rathausmarkt is a popular hangout space in the middle of the city that is the perfect starting point to explore more of Hamburg.
The king of the square is the Hamburg Rathaus, the City Hall where Hamburg’s parliament, senate and mayor all have their seats. On every tourist’s todo list, you can usually find the city hall as its impressive façade is quite a sight. However, before it became the icon it is today, it took quite a lot of effort to build it. After construction started in 1886, 4,000 wooden poles had to be inserted into the Alster Lake’s muddy shores to support the building’s weight which would later measure 133 metres wide, 70 metres deep and 112 metres tall.
Facing East from the city hall, visitors can see the beautiful white Alsterarkaden which adorn the waterfront at the Jungfernstieg promenade with a somewhat Mediterranean charm. Designed by Alexis de Chateauneuf who was inspired by his travels to Italy, the Venetian touch becomes visible immediately. It is the perfect place for an afternoon stroll, luxury shopping opportunities and an elegant cup of coffee. Take a closer look and you might see the Mellin Passage – Hamburg’s oldest shopping arcade. If you love rare literature, antiques and art, this one’s for you. A beautiful surprise is hidden inside the arcade too: colourful Art Nouveau frescoes and stained-glass that likely comes from the 19th century.
ART LOVERS UNITE
Of course, Hamburg has a lot on offer for culture fans too. One example can be found close to the City Hall: The Bucerius Kunst Forum. The private art museum hosts around 4 alternating temporary exhibitions each year, often showcasing some of the world’s finest art. Visitors can look forward to 4 exhibition floors with around 100 different art works. The small overall space makes it also an ideal place for a family outing. And even better: it doesn’t matter whether you’re an art connoisseur or a newcomer, the forum manages to prepare an exciting entry to its exhibition for all visitors.
Alter Wall 12. Tickets for adults cost 9€ and children from 0-17 get in for free.
CHURCHES
Last but not least, what would be a city trip without at least passing a church or cathedral? Luckily, there are quite a few around that all have their very own, distinctive story. Let’s take the St. Nikolai Memorial, for example. The ruins of this church that was bombed by Allied forces in 1943, now house a WWII memorial and museum. Through interactive image, video and audio displays, visitors can learn more about the impacts of wars and the historical context of the church. And if you’re not afraid of heights, a glass elevator can take you up the church’s spire (the world’s fifth highest church steeple, may we add) where you can enjoy amazing views over the port, the Alster Lakes and the city centre.
Willy-Brandt-Straße 60. Adult: 5€, teens (15-17) and children (3-14): 3€.
The St. Michael’s Church which is lovingly called the ‘Michel’ by locals, is probably the most famous of Hamburg’s churches. It is a landmark of the city and is considered one of the finest Hanseatic Protestant baroque churches in the world.
Englische Planke 1. Adult: 6€, teens (15-17): 5€ and children (3-14): 4€.