Germany’s second-largest city, Hamburg offers an incredible blend of history and modernity. Its maritime history and busy port give the city so much personality. Visiting Hamburg doesn’t have to break the bank, there’s plenty to keep you busy on a budget. From markets to piers and even a funfair, here are some of my favourite free things to do in Hamburg.
I like to keep my spending to a minimum when I’m away, luckily that was easy to do in Hamburg. There’s so much you can do, filling a day without spending a penny is easily done. Here are my best trvel tips to help you out!
The best free things to do in Hamburg: Activities and attractions
What you need to know
- Is Hamburg expensive to visit? It doesn’t have to be! There are plenty of free things to do in Hamburg to fill your days.
- Is Hamburg worth visiting? Absolutely! Hamburg is one of my favourite spots in Germany. It’s a big city rich in history, filled with incredible architecture and so many amazing things to do.
- What is Hamburg best known for? Hamburg is renowned for being a port city steeped in maritime heritage. It has one of the world’s largest ports and features a bustling harbour that’s buzzing with activity.
Hamburg CARD
While not free to purchase, it’s worth mentioning the Hamburg CARD. This is a tourist card that, once purchased, allows free access across all trains, buses and harbour ferries on the HVV network. It offers great flexibility with the option to purchase a single day ticket or multiple day tickets. Not only does it offer free transport, but also up to 50% off entry fees at over 150 attractions, musicals and tours. This is a great investment if you’re looking to visit lots of Hamburg’s top sites and makes getting around simple and easy.
Discover the city on a free walking tour
If it’s your first time in the city, a walking tour is one of the best free things to do in Hamburg. It’s an excellent way to familiarize yourself with the city’s layout while immersing yourself in its rich history. Here are a few great city tours to choise from:
- Hamburg Free Tour: Explore Hamburg’s iconic landmarks while delving into the city’s history on this tour. Take a stroll through the Altstadt (Old Town) and uncover Hamburg’s wartime experiences during World War II.
- The Original Local Free Tour: Hamburg Historic Centre: Embark on a comprehensive walking tour of Hamburg’s key attractions. Discover how the city weathered the Great Fire and endured the ravages of war, gaining insight into its historical narrative along the way.
Wander around a market
I love any kind of market, so for me, finding all of the best markets in the city was one of the best free things to do in Hamburg. There are so many, with such a wide variety to choose from. From fish to antiques and traditional fruit and veg markets, there’s something to suit everyone’s tastes.
Hamburg Fish Market
The Hamburg Fish Market stands out as the city’s most celebrated market, attracting thousands of people each Sunday. While seafood takes centre stage, there’s also a diverse selection of fresh produce on offer. The market comes alive with sellers shouting out their offers and you’ll be hard-pressed not to find a tasty snack in this legendary hall.
Goldbekmarkt
The Goldbekmarkt is a great pick if you’re looking for a traditional market experience. Nestled alongside a canal and sheltered by a canopy of trees, Goldbekmarkt has a picture-perfect setting. You’ll find every kind of fresh produce you could ask for here. Be sure to visit with an appetite, ready to indulge in as much of this market as you can!
Isemarkt
My top pick among Hamburg’s markets is the Isemarkt. Sat beneath the U3 transport line bridge, this market spans a kilometre, boasting approximately 200 stalls teeming with an abundance of goods, from fresh flowers to baked treats, fruits, vegetables, and even freshly made pasta. A bonus is its unique setting gives it excellent shelter from rain, making it a great all-weather market!
See Hamburg Rataus – Hamburg Town hall
One of the most impressive structures in the city, it’s hard to miss Hamburg Town hall. Opened in 1897 the structure has become an iconic landmark in the city, with many events happening out on the square infront of it. Make sure to head inside and through to the courtyard to see the Hygieia fountain!
Go window shopping on Jungfernstieg
Overlooking the scenic Alster Lake sits Jungfernstieg promenade, Hamburg’s premier destination for luxury shopping. I’m a sucker for looking at fancy things so for me this was one of the best free things to do in Hamburg. With an array of upscale boutiques and the renowned Alsterhaus department store, there’s plenty to indulge in. Once you’ve had your fill of shopping, cross the road for a stroll along the lakeside.
Take in the view from the Elbphilharmonie
A world-renowned concert hall and the home of incredible live music, a visit to the instantly recognisable Elbphilharmonie is certainly one the best free things to do in Hamburg. This architectural masterpiece, nestled along the River Elbe, captivates with both its exterior and interior design. Tickets to the viewing plaza are free, so head on up for incredible 360 views of Hamburg from 37 meters up. However, for those, like me, who aren’t a fan of escalators be sure to take the lift – at over 80m long they’re the longest in Europe!
Relax in a park
One thing I loved about Hamburg is that, despite its size, it didn’t have that overwhelming vibe typical of big cities. There are plenty of tranquil spots scattered throughout, providing a break from the hustle and bustle. One of my favourite free things to do in Hamburg was to explore its parks. Here are some recommendations.
Stadtpark
The open fields of Hamburgs Stadtpark attract thousands of visitors on warm sunny days. The city’s third largest park, it spans 150 hectares, providing ample room for sunbathing, barbecues, and leisurely picnics. Alongside numerous cafes, the park has an outdoor pool and lake where you can rent canoes and pedal boats to head out onto the water!
Planten un Blomen
One of Hamburg’s most popular parks, and with good cause, Planten un Blomen offers a plethora of attractions. From its enchanting Japanese garden to the diverse array of over 250 rose varieties in the rose garden, not to mention the Apothekergarten featuring medicinal herbs and plants, there’s something for everyone. Be sure to visit in the evenings of the summer months for an incredible water light show!
Alsterpark
If you’re looking to relax, a trip to Alsterpark is surely one of the best free things to do in Hamburg. The park offers the perfect view over the Alster Lakes, especially beautiful in the sunset. Boasting sandy beaches, abundant wildlife, and various boat rental opportunities, it’s no wonder Alsterpark is so popular with the locals and tourists alike.
Walk through the Old Elbe Tunnel
One of the most well-known free things to do in Hamburg, walking through the Old Elbe Tunnel is a unique experience. Sat 24 meters below the surface of the Elbe River, the tunnel was originally built to help those crossing the river get to the other side more efficiently. Today, it’s a popular tourist destination, offering great harbour views once you reach the southern banks of the river.
See the boats at Landungsbrücken
A vibrant spot in the city, the maritime essence of Hamburg is thriving at Landungsbrücken (Landing bridges). Bustling with boat and ferry arrivals and departures, the area is always buzzing with energy. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes and gift shops along the piers, or, like me, you can just take a seat and watch the boats come and go. This is one of the best free things to do in Hamburg if you want to experience its nautical side!
Go and see the Chilehaus – Chile House
Hamburg is full of interesting architecture, with the Chilehaus standing out as one of its most distinctive structures. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its pointed end, reminiscent of a ship’s bow. Today, it serves as a hub for offices and retail spaces, adding a touch of history to Hamburg’s urban landscape.
Visit one of the city churches
Another one of my favourite free things to do in Hamburg was track down all of its incredible churches. Beyond their role as places of worship, each church narrates a unique chapter of the city’s history. With Hamburg boasting over 100 churches, here are just a few must-sees:
St. Nikolai’s Church
Once the tallest building in the world, now just the tallest spire in Hamburg, St. Nikolai’s Church is full of history. Although only ruins remain after the church was the victim of air raids, there’s still plenty to see. A World War II museum is housed in its crypt and you can head on up to the 76m high viewing platform for great views of Hamburg.
St. Michael’s Church
The largest church in Hamburg and renowned as one of the most beautiful in Northern Germany, St Michael’s is another must-see. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views from 106m high on the observation platform. Visit after the sun goes down for an unforgettable evening looking out on Hamburg’s illuminated skyline while serenaded by classical music.
St. Peter’s Church
Situated just a short distance from Hamburg City Hall, St. Peter’s, the city’s oldest church, boasts the tallest viewing platform in Hamburg, at an impressive 123m high. Step inside to be greeted with beautiful paintings and intricate stained glass artwork, offering a glimpse into Hamburg’s rich cultural heritage.
Explore the Speicherstadt Warehouse District
Translating to ‘Warehouse city’, the Speicherstadt is a historic warehouse district and UNESCO World Heritage Site within Hamburg. With its distinctive red-brick architecture and intricate canal system, the Speicherstadt offers countless photo opportunities, establishing itself as a tourist hotspot. This historic site provides a captivating glimpse into Hamburg’s rich trading and maritime heritage, now housing popular tourist attractions like Miniatur Wunderland and the International Maritime Museum. Exploring the Speicerstadt should definitely be on your list of free things to do in Hamburg!
Stop by the Hamburg DOM
During summer, winter, or Easter in Hamburg, a visit to the DOM is a must. Hosting over 200 attractions ranging from ghost trains to rollercoasters and a log flume, this exhilarating fun fair transforms a part of the city three times a year. While rides require payment, entry to the site is free, offering an exciting atmosphere that’s worth experiencing even if you’re not planning on riding anything. For me this was one of the best free things to do in Hamburg, I visited every day while I was in the city!
Summary
There are plenty of great free things to do in Hamburg if you’re visiting on a budget. Whether you want to explore the city’s history or relax in a park, there’s something for everyone.
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