Discovery Tour Hamburg

To get a first impression of Hamburg, the gateway to the world, the best way to start your discovery tour is with a city tour on the red double-decker buses.

These start their journey at the main railway station and at the Landungsbrücken and pass the most important sights of the city: Alster, City Hall, Speicherstadt, HafenCity and Reeperbahn. You can also buy a combination ticket directly at the bus and use it not only to use the red double-decker buses all day, but also to take a harbour tour.

So swap the bus at the Landungsbrücken for one of Hamburg's famous launches and get a whiff of harbour air. Let the wind blow around your nose on the Elbe while your expert captain tells you all about the port, ships and cargo.

From fresh fish and fruit to tropical plants and clothing, a wide variety of goods are traded at the Hamburg fish market. The main attraction is the market screamers. Allegedly, the loudly shouting traders can be heard as far as the Reeperbahn and it is not unusual for a piece of fruit to fly through the air. Usually a fish is added on top or an extra piece of sausage is advertised until a buyer is found for the goods. Many go home with heavy bags full of fish and fruit, but even without the intention of finding bargains, a visit to Hamburg's iconic fish market is worthwhile. For example, for a breakfast of fish rolls, a morning view over the Elbe or simply to experience the spectacle of the market.

• Summer season April to October: every Sunday 05:00 to 9:30 a.m.
• Winter season November to March: every Sunday 07:00 to 09:30 a.m.

Hamburg's Speicherstadt is one of the most popular sights of the Elbe metropolis and was declared a World Heritage Site in 2015. The largest connected warehouse complex in the world was built as early as 1883 as a section of the Port of Hamburg. Today, Hamburg's Speicherstadt is a listed building and, as a landmark of the Hanseatic city, a popular destination for holidaymakers.

Red bricks glow in the sunlight, neo-Gothic brick gables and façades are reflected in the water of the small canals and canals over which numerous bridges pass. Even today, the scent of the big wide world seems to hover over the old warehouses. Built on ancient oak piles, the six- to seven-storey brick buildings once served as duty-free storage facilities for coffee, cocoa, tobacco, tea and high-quality general cargo. The old Speicherstadt can be explored from both land and water. Let yourself be enchanted by this more than hundred-year-old district and get to know one of Hamburg's most popular destinations!

The world's largest model railway consists of 15 kilometres of track on more than 1,500 square metres of exhibition space, which is constantly being expanded. Around 1,040 digital trains run on the rail network, controlled by 50 computers.

These dimensions not only inspire model railway fans, but also amaze adults and children alike!

In the Hamburg Dungeon in the Speicherstadt, you will experience a 90-minute journey through Hamburg's history that will teach you interesting facts about the city's past as well as provide you with eerily beautiful entertainment. In 11 shows, you will experience the dark side of the Hanseatic city.

Two rides, modern multivision effects and costumed actors take you on a journey through 600 years of Hamburg history.

What would a short holiday in Hamburg be without a visit to the famous St. Michael's Church in Hamburg? The church of St. Michaelis is one of the most beautiful baroque churches in northern Germany. Its tower with its copper dome is one of the city's most important landmarks. If you don't mind climbing the 452 steps to the 82-metre high viewing platform, you will be rewarded with a magnificent view of the Hamburg skyline.

The base of Hamburg's newest landmark is formed by the historic Kaispeicher A warehouse, above which the crystalline, curved new building rises. From the main entrance, Europe's longest escalator, the "Tube", leads 82 metres up to the 6th floor of the Kaispeicher. Once here, probably the most beautiful window to the Elbe awaits you: a huge panoramic pane opens up the wonderful view over the Landungsbrücken and the harbour. The entrance to the Störtebeker restaurant is on the same level.

On the 8th floor between the Kaispeicher and the glass superstructure is the so-called Plaza. At a height of 37 metres, the visitor is offered a circular walkway on the outer edge of the building, which provides a unique view of the city and the harbour on all sides. The stairways to the concert halls, the Elbphilharmonie Shop and the Deck & Deli are also located on the central platform.

The Reeperbahn is the hub of Hamburg's nightlife in the St. Pauli district. Because as Hans Albers sang: "On the Reeperbahn at half past twelve at night, whether you've got a girl or not, you'll have a good time, because that's what you'll find, on the Reeperbahn at half past twelve at night".

Hamburg's most famous district, St. Pauli, is also worth a detour! Discover this fascinating and colourful district, which has much more to offer besides the Reeperbahn as an amusement mile with numerous theatres, pubs, bars and trendy restaurants. Well-known places like Hans-Albers-Platz and Große Freiheit alternate with historical sideshows in small side streets where the past of the working-class quarter can still be traced today.

By the way: a guided tour can bring you closer to all facets of the dazzling neighbourhood life in an exciting mix of culture and history!