Hamburg architecture

The Hanseatic city inspires with its unique architecture and is therefore not just a destination for a classic city trip, but also for architecture fans. Read on to find out which impressive buildings you should not miss out on during your trip to Hamburg.

Discover the Hanseatic architecture

Over the years, numerous buildings have been constructed in the center of the free Hanseatic city, which have had a lasting impact on the current cityscape. We will introduce you to some of the most important buildings and areas below.

Warehouse district

The historic Speicherstadt is one of the best areas in Hamburg. However, it's not just the red warehouses on the canal that cause a stir here and are so typical of Hamburg. The nearby Hafencity, the HCU (University of Hamburg for Bachelor's and Master's degree courses) and the Elbphilharmonie concert hall, which was only completed at the end of 2016, also shape the city's architectural heritage today. The view from the almost 110-metre-high Elphi over the port of Hamburg and the Elbe alone is an unforgettable experience for every visitor to Hamburg. However, if the bird's eye view is not enough to get an impression of Hamburg, you should stroll along the waterfront towards the Landungsbrücken. There you can take a harbor cruise almost around the clock and admire Hamburg's architecture from the Elbe before continuing into the city center to worthwhile buildings such as the Michel, the Chilehaus or the Vattenfall building.

Krameramtsstuben

Not far from the Chilehaus are the Krameramtsstuben, the city's oldest closed estate of terraced houses. The quaint half-timbered houses, which were initially built in 1620 as retirement homes for Hamburg widows and have been a listed building since 1933, are now home to one of Hamburg's many museums, several small stores and public galleries. It is therefore well worth a trip here to take some unique photos or to browse for the perfect souvenir from Hamburg in one of the stores.

Marco Polo Tower

Right in Hafencity, not far from the confusing Elbphilharmonie concert hall, the Marco Polo Tower also causes quite a stir. The snow-white tower, which is 55 meters high, looks like a spiral thanks to its slightly staggered floors. What looks like an oversized sculpture, especially from the outside, conceals absolute luxury and is considered one of Hamburg's most expensive properties.

St. Michael's Church

The Michel dominates Hamburg's cityscape like hardly any other building and should therefore not be missed on your tour of the city. Whether inside this beautiful baroque church or on the dizzying 106-metre-high platform - the Michel is a delight! Learn more about the fascinating history of this sight during your visit or simply enjoy the breathtaking view over the rooftops of the city from the tower. By booking a comfortable family hotel near the Michel, you can also explore the Hanseatic city in a fun way.

Dockland

Dockland in Altona impresses with both its architecture and the fantastic view over the Elbe and the harbor. The modern office building, which is reminiscent of a ship at anchor, rises a full 40 meters above the water. So it's no wonder that the huge roof terrace is one of the most popular destinations on any sightseeing tour. What's more, you can jump straight onto one of the harbor ferries from here and sail back into the city, towards Blankenese or even to Finkenwerder.

Dancing towers

In keeping with the lively ambience on Hamburg's popular entertainment mile, the Dancing Towers at the beginning of the Reeperbahn add architectural verve. The two angled building sections, which house offices as well as numerous restaurants and a radio station, actually look as if they are dancing together in the dark under the stars. They were designed by the architects BRT - Bothe, Richter, Teherani.

Vattenfall building

The Vattenfall building, probably the largest administrative building in Hamburg, has been towering over the rooftops of Hamburg North with its twelve storeys since 1969. However, the four slightly offset high-rise buildings appear extremely modern and have been a listed building since 2013 due to their architectural significance for the city. It is therefore worth a visit here even if you are only in Hamburg for a short time and can only make a short detour from the airport to City North.

Experience the sights of Hamburg

In addition to the buildings mentioned above, you will find something to marvel at on almost every corner during a visit to the Hanseatic city. Hamburg Central Station alone is considered an architectural masterpiece. But architecture enthusiasts will also get their money's worth in Wandsbek, Blankenese or Harburg. Would you like to experience the many sights of the Hanseatic city up close? Then book a suitable hotel in Hamburg now and look forward to an unforgettable trip. Whether you're looking for a single, double or shared room, you're guaranteed to find the right accommodation for your trip with us. As in all B&B HOTELS in Germany, a fully equipped, private bathroom, free Wi-Fi, a comprehensive breakfast buffet (optional) and many other services ensure every imaginable comfort. By booking one of our modern hotels, we not only guarantee you excellent value for money, but are also happy to help and advise you at any time! Whether you need help with your booking, planning an excursion or finding worthwhile local activities, we will be happy to provide you with the relevant insider tips.