Best tours of Hamburg

Situated on the Elbe River and in constant development since its foundation in the Middle Ages, Hamburg is one of the most visited cities in Europe. In addition to its fame as a maritime destination and thriving port, in recent years it has added a wide range of excursions and a broad cultural offer, which you can discover on tours led by expert local guides. Below, I will tell you about the most convenient options.

Some of the best things to do in Hamburg include taking an erotic tour of the city's red light district, discovering the multi-sensory exhibition Dialogue in the Dark, joining a bicycle tour along the canals, seeing the Elbe Philharmonic, which is one of the most acoustically pleasing concert halls in the world, and discovering the Blankenese fishermen's district.

If you want to discover Hamburg in depth, then the Red Light District is a must. On these erotic tours you can dive into the rich history that surrounds this iconic place, which is considered one of the most popular and liberal in the world. In this district full of contrasts, an expert local guide will take you through the narrow, picturesque streets and share with you the details of this place located between St. Pauli and Reeperbahn.

Reeperbahn, which rises up alongside the avenue of the same name, is known as the Mile of Sin and marks the pulse of these experiences. There you can discover the city's nightlife, as well as a wide variety of adult entertainment options. You will discover the cultural evolution of this area from its humble beginnings to become the epicentre of entertainment and artistic expression.

During the tour, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the red light district, exploring its alleyways and discovering its best kept secrets. You will learn about the nightlife, the music, the street art and the legendary figures who have left their mark on this unique place. Erotic tours of Hamburg are experiences that combine history, culture and mystery in one of Europe's most exciting cities.

You can reach the red light district by public transport and also on the Hamburg sightseeing bus. Generally, you can choose between daytime and night-time excursion options.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 39 euros per person.
• Duration: about 3 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get to see one of the main sites of the city and learn about the codes of the red light district, accompanied by an expert local guide who will entertain you.
• Disadvantages of these tours: you won't have much free time to discover Reeperbahn and its surroundings on your own.

If you are someone who enjoys delving into unexplored worlds of sensation, you won't want to miss the Dialogue in the Dark guided exhibition tour. This unique multi-sensory experience will plunge you into total darkness to sharpen your senses and invite you to experience firsthand everyday life without the sense of sight, challenging your perceptions and taking you on a direct journey into your alternative potential.

Guided by experts in the dark, you will explore carefully designed spaces and scenarios that will transport you into the everydayness of life without sight. From walking through parks to browsing markets, every step will connect you with your other senses, which you will feel at the surface. This permanent exhibition seeks not only to entertain, but also to educate and foster empathy for those living with visual impairments.

As you go blind, the Dialogue in the Dark exhibition will challenge you to surrender to your instincts and experience the world in a completely different way. This guided tour is not only a sensory adventure, but also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of inclusion and diversity and a perfect alternative to discover your possibilities.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 27 euros per person.
• Duration: about 1 hour.
• Advantages of these tours: you will be able to enter the exhibition without queuing, which will save you time during the experience.
• Disadvantages of these tours: although the guide will assist with the experience, he/she will do so at an intense pace and will not allow you to manage your own time, something you should take into account before choosing between the guided and unguided options.

One of the best ways to discover Hamburg's urban layout is to take a bicycle tour. The city has an extensive network of cycle paths that will take you past some of the city's architectural gems, usually starting with Hamburg's St. Nicholas Church in the heart of the Old Town.

On these tours you can also discover the banks of the River Elbe, marvel at the architecture of Hamburg's City Hall, a Gothic masterpiece that reflects the city's historical grandeur, and cycle past the Philharmonic Hall. You can also explore the charm of the city's canals and bridges up close from your bike , giving you a unique perspective of this popular destination.

Some of these tours will give you the opportunity to stop and explore some of the city's landmarks at your own pace, such as the bustling Market Square and the famous Speicherstadt, the city's warehouse. Expert local guides will provide you with fascinating insights into local history and culture, and you can even tour some of Hamburg's best museums. Are you ready to pedal? Here we go!

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 37 euros per person.
• Duration: about 3.5 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you can discover the city's best attractions from a different perspective and at your own pace, including stops and tours along the way.
• Disadvantages of these tours: although available all year round, these tours are often not recommended in winter when temperatures drop substantially.

Hamburg is one of Europe's cultural capitals and a large part of that legacy rests in the Elbe Philharmonic, a concert hall that will take you on a musical and architectural journey through guided tours. The building's structure, which crowns the riverbank, is one of the city's most recognisable icons, perfectly fusing traditional harbour warehouse elements with avant-garde architectural design.

However, the Elbe Philharmonic is not only a visual gem, it also houses one of the best concert halls in the world, known for its exceptional acoustics and its wide view from every corner. There are several ways of getting to know this place, the main one being by attending a concert, although with the guided tour you can discover the secrets of this space and live both a visual and auditory experience.

Furthermore, from the top of the Elbe Philharmonic you will be able to enjoy some of the best panoramic views of the city's skyline. The building's strategic location will give you the opportunity to explore the unique harbour skyline from a different perspective, capturing the dynamic and diverse essence of the city. If you plan to visit Hamburg over Christmas you can discover themed performances at the Philharmonie.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 19 euros per person.
• Duration: about 1 hour.
• Advantages of these tours: you will be able to enter the building without queuing and you will also learn the secrets of the structure thanks to the assistance of a local guide.
• Disadvantages of these tours: you will have to check the Philharmonic's calendar, as on concert days the guided tours are often modified or cancelled.

Hamburg is essentially a port and fishing town, so one of the best ways to get to know its idiosyncrasy is to discover its history in Blankenese, one of the oldest and most traditional districts of this destination, built on the banks of the Elbe. This district also boasts unique architecture that will take you back to the founding times, giving you a glimpse of riverside life.

During your tour of the district you can explore the narrow cobbled streets and picturesque corners of Blankenese, discovering the intimate connection between this district and Hamburg's maritime development. As you stroll along the harbour and admire the traditional fishermen's houses, you will appreciate the cultural heritage that has left an indelible mark on the city's identity.

What's more, this tour will take you beyond the surface, revealing the fascinating stories behind every street and building. From the old shipyards to the iconic lighthouses, every corner of Blankenese tells a story of the maritime influence on Hamburg's evolution. Its proximity to the harbour also allows you to combine this experience with some of the city's best cruise tours.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 16 euros per person.
• Duration: about 2 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will get to know one of the most popular places in the city and you will be able to discover the fishermen's heritage of the city, formed around the harbour and the river Elbe.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: they are intense and physically demanding tours due to the terrain, not recommended for people with reduced mobility.

If you're someone who prefers to get to know a city from its culinary side, then this option could be ideal for you, as you can enjoy a unique gastronomic experience exploring Hamburg through the authentic flavours of the vibrant St. Pauli district.

Known for its rich history and welcoming atmosphere, St. Pauli is one of the city's most traditional districts and offers a feast for foodies. Accompanied by an expert local guide, you'll discover the culinary secrets that make this area an epicentre of the local food scene.

The tour will take you through the lively streets of St. Pauli, where you'll have the opportunity to sample a variety of local delicacies. From classic fresh fish and seafood from the harbour to succulent German meat dishes, every bite will immerse you in the authentic cuisine of the city. Try bratwurst sausages, a symbol of German gastronomy, and Hanseatic meatballs, a local speciality you won't want to miss.

As you venture through the charming local markets and restaurants, you'll also have the chance to enjoy an authentic hamburger, prepared according to the region's age-old recipe. And if you plan to visit Hamburg at Christmas time, you can also sample seasonal sweets and the delicious glühwein, a spiced mulled wine that is part of every German's festive table.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 44 euros per person.
• Duration: about 3 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get to know St. Pauli, one of the most popular sites in the city, from a different approach.
• Disadvantages of these tours: you will have little time to see the sites on your own, so you will have to follow the pace of the tour.

If you want to discover one of the places that bring out the spirit of Hamburg, you can't miss a tour of the Reeperbahn district. Originally a part of St. Pauli, the Reeperbahn is one of the epicentres of the city's nightlife and one of the city's traditional districts, where you can discover historic buildings such as St. Michael's Church.

On these excursions, which usually begin in the late afternoon, you can stroll through the cobbled streets of the district and visit the Red Light District, which was originally a place frequented by sailors and dock workers and is now considered one of the cultural hubs of the city. You can also visit the Indra concert hall, where the Beatles took their first musical steps in Hamburg.

During these tours of the Reeperbahn you will also get to know the urban and street art that characterises the city. You'll also have free time to browse the vintage and clothing shops that abound in this district.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 24 euros per person.
• Duration: about 2 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will be able to combine these sunset tours with a night tour of the Reeperbahn area.
• Disadvantages of these tours: although you will see St. Michael's Church from the outside, the tour does not include a visit to the interior of the religious building.

Hamburg is a multifaceted city and while it offers a wealth of sightseeing experiences, you may find that many of them do not meet your expectations. In that case, you can opt for a private tour, where you can not only create your own itinerary, but also choose the duration and theme of the tour.

In addition, during these excursions you will be assisted by an expert local guide who will give you recommendations on the best times and places to visit. With this information you will be able to live much more exclusive experiences and avoid the crowds of visitors.

Whether you want to discover the city's harbour and industrial landscape or the romantic architecture that characterises the old town, these tours will allow you to visit Hamburg at your own pace and without depending on other tourists. The tour also includes the International Maritime Museum and other exhibitions that form part of the city's best museums.

Interesting details

• Price: from 51 euros per person.
• Duration: between 2 and 6 hours, depending on the chosen itinerary.
• Advantages of these tours: you can explore the city at your own pace and decide the itinerary, plus you can escape the crowds.
• Disadvantages of these tours: they tend to be expensive options and entrance fees to museums and attractions are not included in the price.

If you want a different experience in the city or are planning to visit Hamburg with children, you can join a treasure hunt game tour, a private activity that will embark you on a mission with a clear objective: to unravel the mystery and find the hidden treasure.

The tour will take you through iconic sites such as the modern HafenCity and St. Michael's Church. Every corner of the city is a potential clue, and your cunning will be put to the test as you follow directions, solve puzzles and soak up Hamburg's unique atmosphere.

In this treasure hunt game you will not only test your sleuthing skills, but also enjoy a privileged view of the city's iconic landmarks. As you solve riddles, you'll explore secret nooks and crannies and enter a unique experience that combines the thrill of the game with the architectural beauty of the city in an unforgettable experience.

Interesting details

• Price: from 21 euros per person.
• Duration: around 2 and a half hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will be able to live an alternative experience and discover the city at the same time.
• Disadvantages of these tours: it is a group experience, so if you plan to travel alone or as a couple, you will have to join other visitors.

You can book a tour in Hamburg in advance online or you can book it once you are in the city. Please note that if you plan to visit the city in the summer or during the high season, the tours may sell out, so in that case I advise you to book in advance to secure your place.

If you book in advance, you can also save money, as the rates are dynamic, so last minute bookings may have an increase on the initial price.

The answer depends on the experience you choose, but in general you will be able to discover the main attractions of the city and also take part in traditional activities, such as discovering the Elbe Philharmonic or touring the historic buildings of the old town, such as St. Nicholas Church, St. Peter's Church or the Hamburg Town Hall.

You can also discover the local gastronomy while exploring the eclectic St. Pauli district or take part in an activity for the whole family, such as cycling tours along the city's cycle path circuit or the multi-sensory experience of Dialogue in the Dark, one of Hamburg's most popular permanent exhibitions.

If you plan to visit the city during the summer or during the high season months I advise you to book your excursions in advance, which will not only save you time but also money, as well as securing your place in the experiences. At the same time, many of these tours usually include skip-the-line entry, so you'll be sure to experience the buildings or monuments in a relaxed and leisurely manner.

If you plan to visit Hamburg in winter, you may not need to book in advance, as the number of tourists decreases significantly, although it is advisable to bring a warm coat, as the cold can be bitterly cold, reaching temperatures below freezing. Snowfalls are also very common during the winter season.

There are many sites that you could certainly discover on your own and at your own pace, but a tour, while it will take away your autonomy, will allow you to discover each of the attractions in depth and not miss any of the details thanks to the assistance of an expert local guide.

Also, bear in mind that German can be a difficult language, so getting to restaurants and bars with the help of an interpreter could make things easier for you. In any case, a guided tour will help you make the most of your time in the city, especially if you are planning a stay of just a few days.