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 Local Hamburg: What to Do Around Mercure Hamburg
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?
Hamburg in 5 picks
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.
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.
Where to sleep
See Mercure hotels in Hamburg, all within reach of these picks.