Should You Visit Hamburg?

Are you thinking about visiting Hamburg, Germany? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.


Is Hamburg worth visiting?

Yes, it's worth visiting this port city for one to three days because of the many great activities. Hamburg is located in northern Germany. It's a port city that sits on the Elbe River and it's filled with canals and lots of green space. On a nice day you can enjoy relaxing or getting out on the water on Inner Alster Lake. The city is filled with cafes, nice architecture, and beautiful boulevards. Hamburg is loved by visitors for many reasons, and is routinely on national "best of" lists, including U.S. News Best Places to Visit in Germany.

The Speicherstadt in Hamburg, Germany The Speicherstadt in Hamburg, Germany

Reasons to Visit Hamburg

Music
The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.

Museums
The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.

Nightlife
The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.

Shopping
The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.

Food
The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).




Is Hamburg worth visiting in the Summer?

Summer is the high season for travel in Hamburg, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is quite popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect crowds to be large, and prices to be a bit higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during summer with average temperatures around 17°C (62°F).

You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable port city, especially in the nice weather. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to spend time at the museums and grab some drinks at a bar.


Summer Weather in Hamburg
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
July 17°C (62°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
August 17°C (62°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
September 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)

Is Hamburg worth visiting in the Autumn?

This is the shoulder season for travel in Hamburg. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.

The weather in Hamburg can be quite cold during autumn, and averages around 10°C (50°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. During this season it's fun to experience the beautiful scenery, the museums and landmarks, and the live music.


Autumn Weather in Hamburg
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
October 10°C (50°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
November 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
December 2°C (35°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)

Is Hamburg worth visiting in the Winter?

The weather in Hamburg can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 0°C (33°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

The low season for travel in Hamburg is during the winter. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.

You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. This is a great time of year to wander through the museums, dine out at amazing restaurants, and enjoy the evening activities. Also, you can listen to some live music.


Winter Weather in Hamburg
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
January 0°C (33°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
February 1°C (34°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
March 4°C (39°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)

Is Hamburg worth visiting in the Spring?

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Hamburg. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.

The weather in Hamburg can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 8°C (46°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, browse through museums, and admire the wonderful scenery. Also, you can check out the live music scene and the nightlife.


Spring Weather in Hamburg
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
April 8°C (46°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
June 15°C (60°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)

Related

What is Hamburg most famous for?

Hamburg is most famous for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space. The port city is very popular for its music. Also, it's known for museums, nightlife, and shopping. Many people love the food, too. It is often described as energetic, cultural, vibrant, and historic.

What is the most famous sight in Hamburg?

The most popular sight in Hamburg is St. Michael's Church. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Hamburg on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for St. Michael's Church and other attractions here.

How touristy is Hamburg? Is it a popular port city to visit?

Hamburg is a popular port city for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

  • "Highlights of Hamburg" Biketour: $39
  • Hamburg Craft Beer Tasting Tour in German: $50
  • "Around the Elbphilharmonie" - city tour with a large harbor tour: $43
  • Speicherstadt & HafenCity Erlebnistour: $25
  • Reeperbahn Tour In St. Pauli: $24
  • Hamburg Half Day Walking Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private: $162
  • Hamburg Craft Beer Tasting Tour in English: $50
  • Private Hamburg Peppercorn Tour: $98

How long should I spend in Hamburg?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Hamburg is one to three days. Since Hamburg has a variety of activities such as music, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Hamburg? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Hamburg?.