Whether it’s visiting an open-air concert, dropping in on one of the street festivals or just grabbing an ice cream and heading to one of the city’s incredible green spaces, there’s plenty to do in Hamburg in summer That’s why I’ve made my guide on all the best things you should’t miss out on!
- Hamburg in Summer: The best things to do and see
- Enjoy live music at open-air concerts
- Visit the Summer DOM fair
- Relax in a park
- Take a boat ride along the Elbe
- Catch a movie at one of the open-air cinemas
- Go swimming in a lake
- Visit Hamburg’s Elbe beach
- Wander around a market
- Enjoy a drink at a beach club
- Summary
- Related posts
Sat on the Elbe River and home to one of the largest ports in Germany and Europe, Hamburg has a great seaside feel to it despite not being at the coast. A vibrant city with beautiful outdoor spaces and waterside views, the perfect summer vacation! Here are my insider tips on how to make the most of your visit and enjoy summer in Haburg.
Hamburg in Summer: The best things to do and see
What you need to know
- Is Hamburg good in summer? Absolutely! I loved visiting Hamburg in the summer. There are so many amazing green spaces, outdoor activities and places to explore.
- Does Hamburg have a beach? Yes, there is a beach lining the northern banks of the River Elbe.
- What is the weather like in Hamburg in summer? On nice summer days, it’ll typically be around 22-25°C in Hamburg
Enjoy live music at open-air concerts
Make your visit to Hamburg in the summer musical with an open-air concert! There’s always a concert happening in the city and what better way to enjoy it than out in the warm sunshine? Here are just a few of the places offering regular open-air concerts in Hamburg:
- Stadtpark Open Air: One of the most popular locations in the city for outdoor music, Stadtpark Open Air features a wide array of performers and genres to suit everyone’s tastes. Be sure to check the website for the latest lineups.
- Planten un Blomen: The Musikpavllion in Planten un Blomen always has a great series of summer music events lined up. The stage is backdropped beautifully by trees creating a unique experience.
- Festivals: Hamburg hosts a plethora of music festivals during the summer. From the Jazz Open to the Spektrum Hip-Hop Festival, there’s something to suit everyone’s tastes.
Visit the Summer DOM fair
One of my favourite things I did when I was visiting Hamburg in summer was going to the Hamburg DOM. This renowned fun fair offers a plethora of rides, ranging from thrilling rollercoasters and log flumes to classic carousels and dodgems. Held three times a year—over Easter, summer, and winter—it’s a must-visit, especially in the evening. If like me, you’re more of a foodie than a thrill seeker, there’s a huge selection of food trucks with something to suit everyone’s tastes.
Relax in a park
One of the best things to do in Hamburg in summer, especially when the weather’s nice, is to hang out in a park. There are so many great parks, each boasting its own array of exciting things to do. Here’s a rundown of just a few great places you won’t want to miss:
Stadtpark
Stadtpark (City park) is the third largest park in the city and is full of great things to do. For nature enthusiasts, there’s the enchanting rhododendron trail and meticulously curated flower gardens. During summer you can set sail on Stadtpark Lake in a row boat, or even take a dip and go swimming. There’s even a planetarium which has a 60m outdoor viewing platform and captivating space-themed shows.
Planten un Blomen
One of the best-known parks in Hamburg, and for good reason, is Planeten un Blomen (Plants and Flowers). Encompassing over 100 acres, it offers a Japanese garden adorned with ponds and a tea house, alongside a rose garden boasting over 300 varieties. There are plenty of fields, lakes and quieter wooded areas to relax and enjoy a picnic as well as a park and activities for children.
At 10 pm every evening from May to October head over to Parksee Lake to be treated to an incredible free water light show and concert, a must-do activity for visitors in Hamburg in Summer.
Alsterlakes
The Alsterlakes are full of exciting things to do in Hamburg in the Summer. Divided into the inner lake (which flows by Hamburg City Hall) and the outer lake, there’s plenty to explore. The outerlake especially is surrounded by green spaces like Alsterpark which offers great views of the water. In the summer the lake comes alive with kayaks, boats and canoes available to rent.
Take a boat ride along the Elbe
Hamburg is known as being a port city with an incredible nautical history, so what better way to enjoy Hamburg in summer than by exploring it by boat? Here are a few different options to try:
- Hamburg evening tour: See the city illuminated after the dark in this evening tour. Sail through the Speicherstadt UNESCO World Heritage Site and see the Elbphilharmonie reflected in the water as you get a truly unique perspective of the city.
- Hamburg two-hour tour: Learn all about Hamburg’s maritime history on this port tour as you visit sites such as St Pauli, HafenCity and the Elbtunnel.
Catch a movie at one of the open-air cinemas
If you’re a film lover visiting an open-air cinema is a must-do if you’re in Hamburg in summer! There are so many to choose from in all kinds of settings, here are two great picks if you’re staying centrally in the city:
- Binnenalster Filmfest: Conveniently located in the city centre, this open-air cinema is set up with a floating screen on the Alster Lake. Bring some snacks and grab a prime spot to enjoy some great films here!
- Freiluftkino Rathausmarket: Watching a movie under the night sky against the backdrop of Hamburg’s incredible town hall is a magical experience. And the best part? It’s free!
Go swimming in a lake
Hamburg is a city full of green spaces making it a great destination for outdoor swimming. Don’t worry, most of these spots are official swimming places with lifeguards and proper facilities in place. The perfect way to cool off when staying in Hamburg in summer, here are a few of the top outdoor swimming spots in the city:
Naturbad Stadtparksee
With diving boards and waterslides, this is a great pick for those looking for some excitement. Conveniently situated in the heart of the city within Stadtpark, the pool has great facilities including showers and lockers. Although the pool is separated from the actual lake by a wall, you’ll still be swimming in the same water which is naturally filtered from the Alster lake.
Naturbad Kiwittsmoor
Another great pick for outdoor swimming is Naturbad Kiwittsmoor. Ideal for those seeking more than just swimming, there’s also beach volleyball, minigolf and table tennis as well as plenty of open field space to sunbathe in. The pool is fed naturally by groundwater and is overseen by a lifeguard to ensure your safety.
Visit Hamburg’s Elbe beach
Yes, Hamburg does have its own beach despite not being on the coast. Stretching along the northern bank of the Elbe River, kilometres of sandy shoreline offers the ideal spot to unwind during a visit to Hamburg in Summer. Whether you’re enjoying a picnic, watching boats sail by, or even taking a dip in the water, it’s a perfect escape within the city.
Wander around a market
Exploring markets and doing some shopping on a sunny day is one of my favourite activities. There’s more to Hamburg’s market scene than just its famous fish market. From vintage treasures to delicious food, whatever you’re looking for, there’s someone selling it. Here are a few of my favourites:
Flea markets
- Flohschanze: The Flohschanze market, a Saturday staple for nearly 20 years, is beloved by locals. You’ll find everything on sale here, my favourite was the endless selection of rings to browse through.
- Goldbekhaus: Goldbekhaus fleamarket is great because it has both indoor and outdoor sections, ideal for any weather. There’s plenty on sale here, especially if you’re looking for women’s clothing!
Food markets
- Isemarkt: My absolute favourite food market is Isemarkt. Stretching nearly a kilometre beneath an elevated train line, it offers a truly unique experience. If you’re in Hamburg in summer you have to check this out!
- Marktzeit: Offering a huge variety of food from all kinds of cuisines, Markzeit is the perfect place for a tasty treat. Moreover, if you’re into crafting, the market features a great handicraft section to explore too!
Enjoy a drink at a beach club
Proving you don’t need to be by the coast to relish a sandy beach and ocean views, visiting a beach club is one of the best things to do in Hamburg in summer. Most are situated along the Elbe River with great waterfront views. With a bit of imagination, you can easily pretend you’re seaside! Here are a few great picks:
- StrandPauli: Grab a drink and sit out by the harbour at StrandPauli (Beach Pauli) named after the city’s legendary clubbing district, St Pauli. Pull up a deckchair, enjoy some BBQ and take in the river Elbe as the sun sets for the perfect summer evening.
- Dock 3 – Beach Club Hamburg: Relax with the sand between your toes and incredible views of the Elbe at Dock 3. Its quirky beach decor and a great selection of food and drink make this a must-visit on a sunny day!
Summary
I loved visiting Hamburg in Summer and recommend it to anyone. There’s always something fun happening and plenty of ways to enjoy the Hamburg summer flair. Whether you’re into music festivals or relaxing in the gardens, there’s something to suit everyone’s tastes here!
