Hamburg Down Town: Historic City Center with city hall (walking)

Hamburg , Germany

Hamburg Down Town: Historic City Center with city hall (walking)

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About this experience

Join a 2-hour walking tour in the Hanseatic city of Hamburg that leads you from the main shopping street Mönckebergstraße with its impressive Red brick office buildings along historic sites to the town hall. Enjoy to take a look at the Nikolai canal and peak into some entrances of the old office buildings along the way.

Available options

Hamburg Down Town: Historic City Center with city hall (walking)

What's included

Licensed, experienced, and entertaining guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The city hall is a unique building in the middle of our centre. Neo-Renaissance style impressive fassade. The building inhabits the citizenship and the government of the federal estate of Hamburg. One of the few buildings that survived WWII. We are going to have a closer look to the fassade and then - if possible - walk into the impressive entrance hall and yard behind the city hall. The history of the city can already be explained by the decoration of the fassade and also the art inside the Hall. Discover the humor of the citizens on this place.

Our tour starts at Mönckebergstrasse 1. One of the first representative streets of the beginning of the 20th century. Inaugurated in 1911 after a cholera epidemic and a reorganization of streets and office buildings. Today our shopping street no. 1. Have a closer look to the fassades. They are all different and represent the richness of this (former) trader city and their merchants.

Stop 3

We will visit the memorial of the victims of WWII. If you would like to learn more about this time in Hamburg you can visit the museum after the tour. The Church was inaugurated in 1874 and counted to the highest steeples in the world at that time. The church itself was destroyed but the steeple was left as a point of orientation. Every full hour you can hear the Carillion with 36 bells playing a short song.

Stop 4

This quarter with mostly office buildings from 1912 - 1924 is the addition to the warehouse district. Admire its dark brick architecture. Very modern at this time with some of the biggest office buildings in Germany begining of the 20th century. If you book this tour during the week I hope that we can show you one of the first elevators (they never stop - you jump in and out). The most famous building is the Chilehouse. Unique and a symbol for Brick-Expressionism.

Famous Arp Schnittger organ, a lot of history around this church

What's not included

Transportation to/from attractions

Food and drinks

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN FR ES

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

The guide will wait in front of SATURN.

Important notes

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

About Hamburg

Hamburg is Germany's second-largest city and a major port hub with a rich maritime history. Known for its vibrant cultural scene, picturesque canals, and iconic Reeperbahn entertainment district, it offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern energy.

Top Attractions

Elbphilharmonie

An iconic concert hall and architectural marvel with stunning views of the city and the Elbe River.

Architecture 1-2 hours Free to enter the plaza, concerts vary in price

Miniatur Wunderland

The world's largest model railway exhibition, featuring intricate landscapes and miniature cities.

Museum 2-3 hours €21 (adults), €11 (children)

Speicherstadt

A historic warehouse district with red-brick buildings, canals, and bridges, now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Historical 1-2 hours Free to explore, museums have entry fees

Reeperbahn

Hamburg's famous entertainment district, known for its nightlife, theaters, and the Red Light District.

Entertainment Evening and night Varies by venue

Planten un Blomen

A beautiful public park with gardens, water features, and seasonal events.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Finkenwerder Scholle

A local delicacy of buttered and fried plaice, often served with potatoes and vegetables.

Main Course Contains fish and dairy

Franzbrötchen

A sweet, cinnamon-filled pastry similar to a croissant.

Breakfast/Snack Contains wheat and dairy

Rote Grütze

A berry dessert made with red currants, raspberries, and strawberries, served with cream or vanilla sauce.

Dessert Contains dairy and may contain gelatin

Hamburger Aalsuppe

A traditional eel soup made with vegetables, potatoes, and spices.

Soup Contains fish and may contain gluten

Popular Activities

Hiking in Lüneburg Heath Cycling along the Elbe River Boat tours on the Alster and Elbe Walking along the Alster Lake Relaxing at Elbstrand beach Visiting spas and wellness centers Visiting museums and historic sites Attending concerts and theater performances

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather, long daylight hours, and numerous festivals. The city is lively with outdoor events and water-based activities.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: German
Widely spoken: English, French, Spanish
English: Widely spoken, especially in tourist areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

CET (GMT+1), CEST (GMT+2 during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Hamburg is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any major city, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe visit.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing services to avoid overcharging.
• Be cautious when approached by strangers, particularly in the Reeperbahn area.

Getting there

By air

Hamburg Airport • 8.5 km from city center

By train

Hamburg Hauptbahnhof

By bus

ZOB Hamburg (Central Bus Station)

Getting around

Public transport

Efficient and frequent, the U-Bahn is the backbone of Hamburg's public transport system.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Mytaxi, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Altstadt (Old Town) Neustadt (New Town) St. Pauli HafenCity

Day trips

Blankenese

10 km from Hamburg • Half day to full day

A charming suburb known for its historic houses, scenic views, and the famous Elbstrand beach.

Lübeck

65 km from Hamburg • Full day

A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its medieval architecture, marzipan, and historic city center.

Lüneburg Heath

50 km from Hamburg • Full day

A vast area of heathland, forests, and meadows, known for its natural beauty and hiking trails.

Festivals

Hamburg Maritime Festival • May (annual) Reeperbahn Festival • September (annual) Christmas Markets • November to December (annual)

Pro tips

Visit the Elbphilharmonie's plaza for free and enjoy the stunning views of the city and the Elbe River.
Explore the historic Speicherstadt warehouse district and its canals, especially at sunset.
Try local specialties like Finkenwerder Scholle and Franzbrötchen at traditional restaurants.
Take a boat tour on the Alster and Elbe rivers to see the city from a different perspective.
Visit the Miniatur Wunderland early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.