It runs from the early hours and winds down by around 9:30am, so an early start is worth it if you want the full atmosphere.
Discover Authentic Hamburg: A Local Travel Guide by Mercure
At Mercure, we believe you shouldn't need a guidebook to feel like you belong somewhere. That's the idea behind Discover Local: since 1973, every Mercure hotel has been built around its neighbourhood, not just dropped into it — from the décor on the walls to the flavours on the menu. Step into any Mercure and our teams are on hand with the kind of tips you won't find in a guidebook: the market stall locals queue for, the bar where nobody speaks English, the walk that skips the crowds. They live here. They know. Discover Local isn't a generic city guide — it's a short, honest list of the restaurants, markets and neighbourhoods our own hotel teams actually recommend to guests, updated as the city changes around us. Below, you'll find our picks for Hamburg, an interactive map to help you find your way, and answers to the questions travellers ask us most. So — where will Discover Local take you?
Our map pins local favourites such as the Old Elbe Tunnel, the Fähre 62 harbour ferry and Planten un Blomen, alongside our Mercure hotels.
Top 5 Things to Do in Hamburg
Speicherstadt
The largest warehouse district in the world, built in red brick between 1883 and the late 1920s and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander the canals between the old spice and carpet warehouses, several of which now hide cafes and small museums.
Fischmarkt
Trading has happened here every Sunday since 1703. Show up early, before the market winds down mid-morning, grab a Fischbrötchen (fish sandwich) and watch the fish auction hall crowd do its thing.
Elbphilharmonie
This concert hall on the Elbe opened in January 2017 and immediately became Hamburg's most photographed building. Even if you don't catch a concert, the public Plaza, 37 metres up, is free to visit and gives you a sweeping view over the harbour.
Reeperbahn
St. Pauli's neon-lit main strip, nicknamed 'the most sinful mile.' By day it's just a street; by night it turns into Hamburg's live music and nightlife engine room.
Miniatur Wunderland
The world's largest model railway exhibition, with entire miniature versions of Scandinavia, Venice and the Alps, plus a working miniature airport. It's a lot more absorbing than it sounds, for adults as much as kids.
Explore Hamburg's Best Local Spots with Our Interactive Map
What's on the map in Hamburg
We've mapped local spots in Hamburg, from under the Elbe to the city's favourite flea market.
Harbour & history
Old Elbe Tunnel (Alter Elbtunnel)
Opened in 1911, the tunnel takes pedestrians and cyclists 24 metres under the river through a 426-metre tiled passage. The green-domed entrance building and early 20th-century details make the crossing an experience in itself.
St. Pauli Landungsbrücken · Historic tunnel · Perfect for history and a walk
Fähre 62 harbour ferry
Line 62 has crossed the Elbe since 1974, from St. Pauli Landungsbrücken to Finkenwerder in about 20 minutes. A cheap harbour cruise – hop off for the Fischmarkt, the Dockland building or the beach at Övelgönne.
Landungsbrücken to Finkenwerder · Public ferry · Made for harbour views
St. Nikolai Memorial
First built in the 12th century and once the world's tallest building, St Nikolai was left in ruins after the 1943 bombing as a memorial. Visit the museum, then take the lift up to 76 metres.
Old Town · Memorial and museum · Great for history and views
Parks & shopping
Planten un Blomen
A 45-hectare park linking the centre and St. Pauli: flower beds, a Japanese garden, a rose garden and lakes. Summer brings open-air concerts and light shows.
City centre to St. Pauli · Park · Perfect for a stroll
Flohschanze flea market
Every Saturday: vintage clothing, furniture, records, books and curiosities. Come early for the best finds.
Sternschanze · Flea market, Saturdays · Made for vintage finds
Kunstkiosk (Kiko)
Opened in 2009 in St. Pauli, Kiko rents space to artists selling handmade pieces – pictures, hats, belts, buttons – and hosts pop-up exhibitions.
St. Pauli · Artists' shop · Ideal for unique souvenirs
Marktstraße
Hamburg's alternative shopping street: owner-run boutiques for fashion, music and design, many doubling as studios.
Karolinenviertel · Shopping street · Perfect for independent design
Die Kleine Konditorei
A traditional bakery since 1964, with four shops around Hamburg. Order a Franzbrötchen, the city's take on the cinnamon bun.
Bakery-café · Great for local pastries
Erika's Eck
For around 40 years, this no-frills spot by the old slaughterhouse has served hearty home cooking – and famously oversized schnitzels. Come late, come hungry.
Schanzenviertel · Restaurant · Made for late-night food
The Chug Club
An award-winning tequila and mezcal bar built around 'chugs' – mini cocktails, so you can try several. Salud!
St. Pauli · Cocktail bar · Perfect for a night out
FAQ
Yes, the public viewing platform at 37 metres is open daily and free, though you may need a timed ticket to access it.
They sit on opposite sides of the city centre, easily connected by a short taxi ride or a longer scenic walk along the harbour.
Yes. The Old Elbe Tunnel, opened in 1911, carries pedestrians and cyclists 24 metres below the river from St. Pauli Landungsbrücken.
Take public ferry line 62 from St. Pauli Landungsbrücken to Finkenwerder: a 20-minute crossing with views of the harbour and skyline.
The Flohschanze in the Sternschanze district opens every Saturday, with vintage clothing, furniture, records and books.
Where to Sleep in Hamburg
These Mercure hotels appear on our map:
- Mercure Hamburg City
- Mercure Hamburg am Volkspark
- Mercure Hamburg Mitte