Hamburg: Speicherstadt, Elbphilharmonie Plaza & Boat Cruise

Hamburg , Germany

Hamburg: Speicherstadt, Elbphilharmonie Plaza & Boat Cruise

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(13 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Begin your tour by exploring the Speicherstadt, the world’s largest industrial warehouse complex. Walk through the historic cobblestone streets and uncover tales of the spice, carpet, and tea trade. Enjoy a coffee tasting along the way.

Next, head to the Elbphilharmonic Plaza for breathtaking views of Hamburg’s modern container harbor, the largest in Germany. Experience the German gateway to the world from the water on a 1 to 2-hour boat cruise.

Throughout the tour, gain a complete overview of the evolution of Hamburg’s trading history, from German unification in 1871 to the modern-day invention of container ships.

Available options

Hamburg: Speicherstadt, Elbphilharmonie Plaza & Boat Cruise

What's included

Harbour boat cruise (1h) – Sunset Option Available

Licensed Guide

Visit to the Elbphilharmonic Plaza

A local coffee in a third generation coffee roaster

Detailed itinerary

The Chilehaus in Hamburg, built in 1924, is a striking example of Brick Expressionism. Its sharp, ship-like form symbolizes Hamburg’s trade connections, especially with Chile. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an architectural icon of the city.

Stop 2

The Wasserschloss in Hamburg’s Speicherstadt is a former warehouse surrounded by canals. Built around 1905, it now houses a tea shop and restaurant, offering one of the most picturesque and iconic views in the historic warehouse district.

Stop 3

The Fleetschlösschen in Hamburg’s Speicherstadt is a charming red-brick house built in 1885 as a customs and control station. Today, it’s a cozy café and restaurant, popular for its canal-side setting and historic atmosphere.

The Kaffeeburg in Hamburg’s Speicherstadt, once a warehouse for coffee beans, now blends history with hospitality. Its warm brick architecture and inviting café make it perfect for our quick coffee stop while exploring the district.

Discover more about the patron saint of the Speicherstadt and a tale of treachery and pirates gold.

Stop 6

Uncover the Speicherstadt's reputation as the center of oriental carpet trade, its history and tradition in the cobbled streets.

Stop 7

The Kesselhaus in Hamburg’s Speicherstadt, originally a steam-powered boiler house, now impresses with its red-brick architecture and industrial charm. Visitors can admire its historic machinery and unique design while exploring the warehouse district.

Stop 8

The Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, opened in 2017, is a modern architectural marvel. Its wave-like glass structure sits atop a historic warehouse, housing concert halls with world-class acoustics and offering panoramic views of the Elbe River.

Catch your 1-h harbour cruise to explore the largest German port by Barkasse – a traditional shallow decked vessel perfect for accessing the modern and historical Hamburg harbour. Harbour cruises depart once every 20 minutes. Sunset option available from 6pm (depends on tidal level).

What's not included

Meals

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.9

13 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

Please look for the red umbrellas outside the Chocoversum museum. The nearest subway station is the U1 Messberg. Please allow 15-minutes for checkin.

Important notes

Please bring your digital or printed ticket with you for checkin 15-minutes before the tour starts.

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.