Despite being a relatively small city, Hamburg has many things to see and do. Its port and its dealings with foreign nations make it a cosmopolitan place, and the city itself is home to many famous landmarks.
One of the best sights to see in the area is Speicherstadt, an old 19th-century warehouse district that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These brick buildings once stored tobacco, coffee, dried fruit and spices.
St Michael’s Church
St Michael’s Church, colloquially known as Michel, is one of Hamburg’s five Lutheran main churches (Hauptkirchen). This church is a landmark of the city and is considered to be one of the finest Hanseatic Protestant baroque churches.
This iconic church is 132 meters high and has an observation deck that offers breathtaking views of the city and harbor. It also houses the biggest clock bell in Germany.
It has been rebuilt many times throughout its sehenswürdigkeiten hamburg history as it was damaged in several wars. Nevertheless, this beautiful baroque church still stands today and is worth a visit for its stunning interior and music program.
The church tower and crypt contain over 2,000 graves, including composers Johann Mattheson and Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach. The crypt contains well-preserved coffin carts from the 18th and 19th centuries.
City Hall
Hamburg’s City Hall is one of the most iconic buildings in the city. Designed by Martin Haller, the building is a must-see for architecture buffs.
The city’s parliament, senate and mayor have their offices here. It was built between 1886 and 1897 after the old town hall burned down during a fire in 1842.
Visitors can join a guided tour or visit exhibitions housed inside the eclectic, neo-renaissance building. Comprising more than 600 rooms, a lavish Great Hall and Emperor’s Hall, and a commemorative fountain, the City Hall is still used by local government bodies today.
You can easily see this and many other sights on a self-guided audio tour. It’s a hassle-free way to explore and you can listen to it on any device. It’s also available in multiple languages.
Speicherstadt
If you’re a lover of maritime history, you’ll want to add Hamburg’s Speicherstadt district to your itinerary. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the world’s largest warehouse complex and boasts a collection of quirky museums, renouned restaurants, and more.
Developed on a 1.1km-long group of narrow islands in the Elbe River between 1885 and 1927 (partially rebuilt after World War II), Speicherstadt is one of the world’s largest unified historic port warehouse complexes. Together with the adjacent Kontorhaus district, this combination of warehouse and office scheme represents an outstanding example of a densely built central urban area associated with a port city.
The massive red-brick warehouses in Speicherstadt are criss-crossed with unique designs in contrasting black or tan brick and feature turrets and windows that add to their aesthetic charm. They’re also connected by narrow streets and bridges over canals that give this warehouse district its own soul.
Cap San Diego
Praised for its elegant silhouette, Cap San Diego is one of Germany’s last bulk carriers. Built in 1961, she is still sailing and moored at the Uberseebrucke.
The Cap San Diego is not only a museum ship, she also hosts corporate and private events and cultural activities. Its salons in hatch 4 are ideal for meetings and parties.
Visiting an historic maritime vessel like the Cap San Diego in Hamburg is a very special experience. It’s not only fun to walk around and learn more about its history, but it is also a great way to immerse yourself in the ambiance of Hamburg harbour.
The Cap San Diego is moored in the heart of Hamburg’s harbour district and can be reached by public transport from Baumwall (U3), Landungsbrucken Station or St. Michael’s Church.
