10 Things to Do in Hamburg on a Small Budget

Public transport isn’t just an easy way to get around town; it’s a way to see dozens of interesting and unique sites all over town in just one loop. Not only is this an inexpensive way to get around, being cheaper than a car hire, but you can hop on the U3 circle line, the oldest Metro line in Hamburg, and take a 40-minute round trip with 23 stops.

Most of the route is above ground and offers outstanding views of the harbour, canals, the Speicherstadt, many historic residential neighbourhoods and workers’ districts. A free online audio guide of the trip turns it into a free tour and one of the city’s biggest hidden gems.

Hamburg free tours allow you to explore the entire city centre either self-guided or with a knowledgeable and experienced guide who can tell you all about the history of the region. You’ll find many opportunities to take these tours, whether it’s walking the city, riding the Metro or hopping on a ferry along the shore. The walking tours begin at City Hall in the historic city centre and travel along the harbour and through the St. Pauli District and many other regions.

You can even take a ghost tour to see the haunted areas of the city. Whichever tour you take, a knowledgeable guide will be available with trivia and secret history that will thrill and fascinate.

Alter Elbtunnel is a landmark and historic tunnel that allows you to explore the underground of Hamburg and hundreds of years of mysterious history. This tunnel is almost 24 metres underground and goes under the Elbe River. It traverses nearly 500 metres and was completed in 1911. It’s still used today as a pedestrian and cycling tunnel as well as for the occasional motor vehicle. It is considered a pedestrian-friendly tunnel, however, and it’s free to walk. As you traverse it, you’ll see some sea-themed public street art on the walls.

The tunnel starts in the city centre. When you come out the other side, you’ll catch a gorgeous view of the river and the Hamburg skyline.

St Michael’s Church is a historic church dating back many centuries that offers a viewpoint to see the city from high above with miles of panoramic views. The bell tower of the church rises 130 metres above the ground. You can take the steps to the top, or if you’d rather not get your heart pumping, you can take an elevator. The top offers brilliant panoramic views of the entire city including the river and port, with spectacular opportunities for Instagram photos.

The church is a historic site and is free to explore. It is, however, a functioning church, so be respectful if services are ongoing. It’s 5 minutes west of the city centre.

The Port of Hamburg Tour on the 62 Ferry Route allows you to hop on a celebrated ferry to travel along the shoreline and see the city in a new way. One of the biggest reasons to take this particular trip is that unlike many ferry tours in other cities, this one costs the same as a ride on the bus or Metro. It’s just one public transport ticket.

Of the many ferry tours here, line 62 is popular for good reason: It offers a picturesque round trip to the Elbe’s southern shore and back with scenic stops along the way at several famed points of interest including the Oevelgönne museum harbour and the Dockland office building.

Blankenese offers a recreational area where you can relax on a stretch of sand and clear waters or go exploring among the bones of a shipwreck. This wreck is the remains of a Finnish schooner from 1926 that caught fire in the Kiel Canal and was pulled to safety on the beach. Even if you’re not into snorkelling, at low tide you can walk all the way up to the shipwreck without even getting wet. It’s like a haunting skeleton sitting lonely on the landscape.

You can also go wading and swimming, or just catch some rays on the beach for a relaxing day out. The shipwreck and beach are only about 30 minutes west of the city centre.

Planten un Blomen is an urban park with vast green space and colourful, elegantly tended botanic gardens where you can relax, escape the hustle and bustle, and recharge. Here you will find hectares of lovely green space and tended, themed botanical gardens. The highlights include a rose garden, exotic gardens in greenhouses, ponds and lakes, playgrounds and even an authentic Japanese garden. The park also hosts regular concerts and performances, all free to attend.

The gardens also are filled with places to just sit and relax. Every night the fountain is lit with coloured lights synced to a special show. This oasis is in the heart of the city centre.

Hamburg’s Warehouse District is part of the historic city centre offering shops, restaurants and bars as well as historic buildings and scenic architecture dating back a century. This district is an atmospheric, walkable region with canals and Instagrammable architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is a spot where a lot of carpet, tea, coffee, cocoa and spice production is accomplished. That also means it’s full of fantastic cafes, among the best of which is the Speicherstadt Kaffeerösterei, where they roast their own dark, strong blend.

A trip here is like a trip into the past as you stroll among century-old buildings and relax with a strong cup of coffee to watch the world go by.

Reeperbahn is a district in the city centre that serves as the heart and soul of Hamburg’s nightlife scene with nightclubs, bars, pubs and entertainment. This neighbourhood is also the city’s red light district and has a notorious reputation for its adult entertainment. It also, however, offers an eclectic mix of bars and restaurants that draw visitors from all walks of life.

You’ll find people frequenting the erotic museums as well as museum-goers and young travellers just looking for a nightclub. In fact, this is where the Beatles jump-started their international career in the 60s. Whatever your style of nightlife, you’ll find it here, from quiet cocktail lounges to dive bars, erotica and beyond.

The St. Pauli Fish Market is a traditional market that showcases dozens of vendors selling fresh produce, speciality foods, fresh-caught seafood right off the boat and other items. This Sunday market draws over 70,000 people every week, and the one thing you should expect is sensory overload. It runs all year long, opening between 5 and 7 am. In addition to the vendor stalls, you’ll get live music and entertainment, and you can find prepared food and beer to enjoy while you walk the stalls.

The market is also historic; it’s been running since 1703 and is just a stone’s throw from the nightlife district, so many folks come here after the party to welcome the morning.