The best of Hamburg 2024
Hamburg, Germany’s second-largest city, is a vibrant metropolis steeped in history and culture. It offers attractions for all kinds of visitors. Whether you’re drawn by its storied past, the arts scene, its musical legacy, modern architecture, or festive traditions, this Northern German city has a surprising amount to offer the discerning tourist.
Historical Overview
Hamburg has been a significant port city since the medieval era, thanks to its strategic location on the River Elbe. It was a member of the Hanseatic League, a powerful trading alliance in Northern Europe, which helped establish its wealth and prominence. Throughout its history, Hamburg has seen moments of prosperity and devastation, including the Great Fire of 1842 and heavy bombings during World War II which destroyed much of the city. Despite these challenges, the city has consistently rebuilt and thrived, evolving into the dynamic urban centre it is today.
The Kampnagel
For contemporary arts and culture, Kampnagel is a must-visit. Once a factory producing cranes, Kampnagel has been transformed into one of Europe’s largest production spaces for the performing arts. It hosts an eclectic mix of theatre, dance, music, and visual arts events, attracting both local and international artists. The venue is known for its innovative programming, often challenging conventional boundaries and exploring new forms of artistic expression.
The annual Sommerfest had just begun during my visit. I saw four new pieces by Lucinda Childs a reknowned New York Choreographer. One dance included her return to the stage herself and she was certainly still very fit for an eighty five year old woman. She was gradually pulling a cable at tension across the stage in slow motion with the back drop of an American Football game commentary. Maybe a metaphor for life as she herself has triumphantly reached the five yard line. One piece included a collaboration with composer Philip Glass known for his minimalist discordant musical style.
Haribo Kimchi and Ace Tee
I saw Haribo Kimchi by Jaha Koo which is an entirely adorable exploration of the issues of displacement, lonliness and racism set in an outdoor snack bar in South Korea. Through original songs and film the story is told while our protagonist cooks a real Korean meal for two lucky members of the audience. This is a funny, touching and original piece about leaving home and then returning with a different perspective.
Hamburg Based rapper Ace Tee performed world premiere Upside Down to the backing track of DJ Lamsi. It was a nightclub style experience where lithe be-wigged dancers performed energetic twerking, writhing and thrashing to thumping tunes. This made for a real party for the lively audience. the Sommerfest continues to the end of August with lots more performances to come – if you are in Hamburg in the summer – don’t miss it!
The Bunker (Der Bunker)
One of Hamburg’s most intriguing historical landmarks is the Flakturm IV, also known simply as “Der Bunker.” Built during World War II as an air raid shelter and anti-aircraft tower, this massive concrete structure was intended to protect thousands of citizens during air raids. Today, it has been repurposed into a mixed-use space housing cultural events, a hotel, clubs, and a roof top garden. I was particularly intrigued by the ‘Evil and Dangerous’ nightclub.
The bunker is a powerful reminder of the city’s wartime past and its capacity for reinvention. Indeed the Stadthofe in the city centre is a repurposed building that was once used by the Nazi SS. Today, the bunker has been greened over with planting which adds to its striking appearance across the skyline and makes it seem slightly less intimidating.
The bunker only opened to the public properly this year and has been named as one of the 100 Top Places to Visit in 2025 by Time Magazine
Reeperbahn
No visit to Hamburg would be complete without a stroll down the Reeperbahn, the city’s infamous nightlife district. Located in the St. Pauli neighborhood, the Reeperbahn has bars, clubs, theatres, and live music venues, making it one of the most famous entertainment streets in Europe. In the 1960s, it gained international fame as the place where The Beatles honed their craft before becoming global superstars. Today, you can visit Beatles-Platz, a square dedicated to the band, or catch a live show at one of the many music venues. It does have a bit of a seedy side but there is also main stream theatre and a positive energy here and it is huge tourist attraction.
The Beatles in Hamburg
The Beatles’ connection to Hamburg is legendary. Between 1960 and 1962, the band played more than 250 nights in clubs along the Reeperbahn. Notably at the Indra Club, the Kaiserkeller, and the Star-Club. These years were formative for the young band, allowing them to refine their sound and stage presence. The city celebrates this history with guided tours and monuments like the Beatles-Platz, where statues of the Fab Four mark their contribution to Hamburg’s musical heritage.
Christmas Markets
During the holiday season, Hamburg transforms into a winter wonderland with its famous Christmas markets. The most renowned is the market in front of the historic Town Hall (Rathaus), where wooden stalls sell traditional crafts, festive foods, and mulled wine (Glühwein). Other notable markets include the Winterwald in Jungfernstieg and the maritime-themed market on Fleetinsel. These markets are not just a shopping destination but a festive experience, complete with lights, decorations, with a celebratory atmosphere.
Elbphilharmonie (Elphi)
The Elbphilharmonie, or “Elphi,” is Hamburg’s newest architectural icon. Opened in 2017, this striking concert hall rises above the Elbe River, combining a historic warehouse with a modern glass structure. The Elphi is renowned for its exceptional acoustics and hosts performances by world-class musicians. Even if you’re not attending a concert, the Plaza, a viewing platform, offers panoramic views of the city and harbour, making it a popular spot for visitors.
Museums of Hamburg
Kunsthalle Hamburg
One of the most prominent museums in the city is the Kunsthalle Hamburg, one of Germany’s largest art museums. The Kunsthalle’s extensive collection spans seven centuries, showcasing works from medieval altarpieces to contemporary art. Highlights include masterpieces by artists such as Caspar David Friedrich, Edvard Munch, and Pablo Picasso. The museum’s architecture, blending historic and modern elements, is itself a work of art.
International Maritime Museum
For those interested in the city’s seafaring heritage, the International Maritime Museum is a must-visit. Housed in a historic warehouse in the HafenCity district, the museum takes visitors through 3,000 years of maritime history. Its exhibits include ship models, naval uniforms, and artefacts from seafaring expeditions. The museum offers a fascinating look at Hamburg’s longstanding connection to the sea and its role as one of Europe’s major ports.
Miniatur Wunderland
Another unique attraction is Miniatur Wunderland, the world’s largest model railway exhibition. Located in the Speicherstadt district, this museum features incredibly detailed miniature replicas of cities, landscapes, and entire regions, including a scale model of Hamburg itself. It’s a captivating experience for visitors of all ages, blending art, engineering, and storytelling.
Museum for Kunst und Gwerbe
I really only had time to visit one large museum so I chose the museum of art and industry – the Museum Fur Kunst Und Gewerbe – which I very much enjoyed. A large beautiful historical building you can wander around with exhibits to surprise and delight.
The Kunst Meiele art pass gets you into five museums for the price of three. This is definitely worth the investment if you are a museum lover.
The best of Hamburg – The Port
On my last day I headed to the port for a fish bun (salmon) and beer on bridge number 10. The port is a hive of activity with vessels of all sorts coming and going. Cargo ships and pleasure cruises traverse the river and the canal network. Trade has given Hamburg its wealth and it is still the beating heart of this dynamic city. Hamburg is a city where history, culture, and modernity converge, offering a rich tapestry of experiences for any traveller. Not so in your face as the capital Berlin but with just as much to explore. Make sure you pick up a Hamburg CARD upon arrival. This offers you up to 50 % discount on the city’s most popular highlights and free travel on buses, trains and harbour ferries .
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