Hamburg with Kids: What We Did, Loved, Skipped, and Would Totally Do Again
- Amy
- Jul 9
- 16 min read
Updated: Jul 25
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Travelling with kids is a whole different vibe, and honestly, Hamburg was just perfect for that. This wasn’t one of those packed, non-stop sightseeing trips. Instead, we took things slow, followed the kids’ lead, and just enjoyed what felt right in the moment. Some things we absolutely loved, a few we skipped (no regrets!), and others we’d happily do again in a heartbeat. If you’re planning a chilled-out family trip, here’s everything we got up to in Hamburg.
Table of Contents: Hamburg with Kids: What We Did, Loved, Skipped, and Would Totally Do AgainHamburg: More Than A Port City How Many Days to Spend in Hamburg? Day 1: A Leisurely Walking Route of Hamburg
Day 2: U-Boot Museum & Planten un Blomen
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Hamburg: More Than A Port City
Hamburg is located in northern Germany, slightly northeast of Bremen. Dad often visited Hamburg during his time at sea, as it’s one of Europe’s major port cities (Hamburger Hafen). His ship would dock there for several days, giving him the chance to experience the energy and charm of this vibrant city. If dad had been with me, he would’ve had a hundred stories to share from his shipping days here. I could totally imagine him romanticising every corner of this city, coming back after 30 years.
When we were intially planning this trip, I wasn't very kicked about it. I assumed it to be a very industrial, boring city. However, contrary to my impression of this port city, Hamburg amazed me with its lush greenery, great architecture from the renaissance period and vast natural lakes. Unlike Berlin which is the largest city in Germany, Hamburg is a city filled with charm and beauty and slower life, though it’s the second largest city in Germany. Moreover, the famous sandwich 'Hamburger' actually gets its name from this very city, as it associated to the minced beef stake made popular by German immigrants from Hamburg. So, all the more reason to visit this intriguing city.
How many days to spend in Hamburg?
3 full days in Hamburg make for a great getaway, but if you have more time, you can easily stretch it to 4 or 5 days by adding day trips to nearby gems like Lübeck and Bremen. Here's a look at how we spent our time in Hamburg with kids, what we did, what we loved, what we skipped, and what we'd happily do all over again.
When to visit Hamburg?
We visited Hamburg in June, which falls in early summer in Europe. It’s a lovely time to explore the city, with pleasant temperatures typically ranging from the high teens to the low 20s Celsius, rarely exceeding 25°C. June, July and August are considered some of the best months to visit Hamburg, as the weather is generally mild and comfortable. Unlike southern Europe, Hamburg doesn’t usually experience extreme heat, even in August, temperatures rarely rise above 30°C. It remains relatively humid and temperate, rather than arid or dry.
Where to stay in Hamburg?
Hamburg is expensive during peak season
Hamburg is one of Germany’s major cities and does see higher accommodation costs, especially in the summer months (June–August), when demand rises. Late spring to summer (May–August) is peak season due to mild weather and events like the Hamburg DOM fair and the Elbjazz Festival.
If you're looking at well rated places close to the center, it will be €200 per night for a family of four.
This is for high-season stays in mid-range, well-rated apartments or family rooms within ~4–5 km of the center. This is a reasonable ballpark figure for good quality accommodation. Many aren’t rated 4/5 stars but still offer excellent service and comfort. Many travelers stay in neighborhoods like Altona, Eimsbüttel, or St. Georg, which are within this range.
Parking and breakfast not always included
Many city hotels in Germany charge extra for parking (typically €15–30/day), and breakfast may or may not be included.
Budget accommodation for backpackers available in the city center
Hamburg has several affordable hostels and dorm-style options in or near central areas like St. Pauli, Sternschanze, and the Hauptbahnhof (main station) area.
Day 1: Leisure walking route of Hamburg
Before I begin, I'd like to suggest various ways to exploring the city:
Book here if you want to see Hamburg at its most beautiful from the water. This scenic day cruise was one of our favorite ways to explore the city. You’ll board at St. Pauli Landungsbrücken and enjoy HafenCity scenery as part of the tour.The closest major attraction to St. Pauli Landungsbrücken is the Old Elbe Tunnel, a historic tunnel from 1911 located just steps from the pier.
The hop-on hop-off bus is the easiest way to see all of Hamburg’s highlights without the hassle. Book here. You can catch the Line A hop‑on hop‑off bus again at St. Pauli Landungsbrücken (stops 1–2) or at the Hauptbahnhof (Main Train Station).
You can choose to walk, like we did. If you’re with kids, you can take it slow and go at your own pace. Also, a stroller makes things easier and for infants, a baby carrier is definitely the way to go.
Coffee & Cakes at Schmidtchen Barmbek (bakery)
Our accommodation was in the north part of Hamburg, right in the heart of the Barmbek‑Süd district, in residential neighborhood of Friedrichsberger Straße (5 kms away from the city center). Right across from our apartment was this charming little café and bakery. It’s a hideout in the green and quiet part of Hamburg with limited breakfast options. They serve the tastiest cakes with great coffees and the staff is young, super sweet, and speak both German and English. Since the sun was out, we settled into a spot in their small garden and simply took it all in. They are known for their solid brunch spread, with quiches, rolls, and hearty breakfast dishes. I highly recommend their Apple Rosemary Tarte and Latte Macchiato. In short, "Guter Kaffee, Leckeres auf dem Teller und sehr freundlicher Service!"
Elbphilharmonie Plaza (Panoramic Viewing Platform)
From Friedrichsberger Straße, we drove towards Elbphilharmonie Plaza. The Elbphilharmonie Plaza is basically a concert hall which has the wavy glass top, the old styled brick warehouse at the base and sandwiched between these two is the viewing deck which offers a circular walkway with 360° views over HafenCity, Speicherstadt, the Elbe, and the city skyline. To reach it, you ride up a cool curved escalator called the “Tube.” There are cafés, a souvenir shop, and even restrooms up there.
It’s open daily from 10 AM to midnight (last entry at 11:30 PM). Entry is free, but you can reserve tickets in advance for €2–3 to skip the line. If you’re attending a concert, access to the Plaza is included from two hours before the show.
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We admired the building’s striking facade but decided to keep walking, as the viewing deck didn’t really excite us.
Speicherstadt (Historic Warehouse District)
From the Elbphilharmonie, we walked across Brooksbrücke, the beautiful arched bridge that leads straight into Speicherstadt, the world’s largest warehouse district and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There's a spot where you can look straight through the canal framed by two red-brick warehouses, perfect for that postcard shot. These buildings date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While some parts were damaged during World War II, much of the district survived, and restoration was done with care to maintain the original charm.
Deichstraße (Historic canal-side merchant street)
I crossed the bridge over the Nikolaifleet, right at the southern end of the Binnenhafen (inner port), and headed toward Deichstraße. My friend told me this spot is ultra Instagram-worthy, and she was totally right! Deichstraße is lined with beautifully restored 17th–19th-century timber-framed merchant houses, the only ones in the neighborhood that survived the Great Fire of 1842. It really captures old Hamburg’s charm.
For the iconic shot, I stood on the Hohe Brücke. From there, you get the full view, those picturesque facades along Deichstraße reflecting in the canal. Also, if you're hungry, don't miss the chance to stop by Fischrestaurant Deichgraf, one of the most popular seafood spots on this historic street.
Did you know? Hamburg has loved seafood for centuries because it’s a big port city on the Elbe River. One popular local dish is Finkenwerder Scholle, that’s a tasty flat fish fried with crispy bacon and onions. It’s named after Finkenwerder, a small fishing village that’s now part of Hamburg. |
Hamburg City Hall (Rathaus)
From there, it’s just a 12-minute walk to Hamburg’s City Hall (Rathaus). We skipped it this time, but if you’re into grand architecture, it’s totally worth the stroll. The building dates back to the late 19th century and looks straight out of a royal movie set. Right in front of it is Rathausmarkt, a lively square that often hosts markets, open-air events, and festivals. If you're around on a weekday, you might catch the weekly farmers’ market there, usually held Monday to Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM.
HafenCity (Harbor City)
Our last stop for the day was HafenCity, which was a a modern urban development blending with the port city's maritime heritage. It was a 25 minute walk with the kids in tow, but usually takes just about 15 minutes to get there. To go here, we walked across the historic Alsterfleet canal via Reesendammbrücke. Then we turned left into Neuer Wall, a charming shopping street. Neuer Wall is Hamburg’s premier luxury shopping street, home to top international brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Montblanc, alongside upscale German labels like Jil Sander and Joop! But wait until you get to HafenCity, because here you’ll find the International Maritime Museum which showcases 3,000 years of maritime history with model ships, naval artifacts, and rare maps in a historic warehouse! I'd rather watch paint dry on a cargo ship than walk down a luxury shopping street. There is also the futuristic residential skyscraper Marco Polo Tower, and the Unilever House (home to Unilever's German HQ and public café).
Dinner at Do Quan - Barmbek
Back at Barmbek, where our apartment was situated, we decided to go to a restaurant close by. Little did we know that the restaurant we were gunning for was this popular Vietnamese restaurant, where reservations are always difficult to get hold off! It’s packed on weekdays so you can imagine the weekends. The vibe inside is earthy and spacious, with cane lamps casting a warm, inviting glow. The menu leans heavily into Asian flavors, especially Vietnamese, and everything we tried was spot on. We went for the prawn stir fry, green papaya salad, chicken simmered in spiced coconut milk, and some comforting udon noodles, washed down with the most refreshing lime, mint, and passion fruit cocktail.
On our walk back, we swung by a nearby supermarket called REWE (they’re everywhere in Hamburg!) to stock up on breakfast bits and a few drinks for the next day. After some great conversations and full hearts, we called it a night.
Day 2: U-Boot Museum Hamburg, Planten un Blomen
U-Boot Museum Hamburg
A visit to the submarine museum in Hamburg is an absolute must. Docked right at the harbor is the mighty U-434, a massive Tango-class submarine, still half-submerged in the water and open to the public. This Soviet diesel-electric sub, coated with anti-sonar tech, was once used for espionage missions off the coast of the USA from the 1970s onward. After it was decommissioned in 2005, it found a new home here at the U-Boat Museum in Hamburg.
When I walked in, I felt like I was in a movie. The submarine is divided into sections: torpedo room, engine room, officers’ quarters, command center… and each one is more fascinating than the last. Reading about how torpedoes were launched and operated gave me goosebumps. But what really blew my mind? Imagining tall submarine officers trying to squeeze themselves into these unbelievably cramped cabins, with barely any room to stretch or stand upright. Moving from one section to another means crawling through tight round openings just big enough to fit a human body.
Inside the submarine, it’s super tight and narrow, so if you’re claustrophobic, this probably isn’t for you. Also, wheelchair access isn’t possible due to the cramped spaces and ladders.
Tickets: Adults – €9, Kids – €6, Seniors – €7 and Family (2 adults + up to 3 kids) – €22 Timings: Monday - Saturday: 09:00 a.m. - 08:00 p.m; Sunday: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm Quick heads-up: You can buy tickets right at the counter or online, whichever works best for you. Just know that the guided tour is only in German, no audio guide available, which would’ve been a nice touch. The guided tour costs an extra €5. |
Lunch at L'Osteria Hamburg Fischmarkt
We walked from the U-Boot Museum, passing the old red-brick Fischauktionshalle, that’s the historic Fish Auction Hall from 1895, built like a Roman basilica, bombed in WWII and later restored in the '80s. Along the way, there were some really cool old buildings that gave the walk a nice vintage feel. Then we spotted a flight of stairs, and climbing up brought us to this wide, open view of the harbour. Right at the top was L’Osteria, bright, buzzing, and super welcoming. We grabbed a spot at one of the big outdoor tables overlooking the water, shared one of their massive pizzas, with some pasta and Erdinger on the side. The food was great, but more importantly, it was just easy and stress-free with the kids.
Planten un Blomen
From there, we drove to the Planten un Blomen park, which basically means “Plants and Flowers”. It is a stunning park in the heart of Hamburg, created in 1936. It features the largest Japanese garden in Europe. Actually June is the perfect time to visit the park, since the lillies are in full bloom and so are the roses in the rose garden, but our intention of visiting was to get the kids some outdoor play. For families, the Kleine and Grosse Wallanlagen parks offer plenty of fun. There’s a roller-skating rink, playgrounds, and even ice-skating in the winter. Kids can enjoy swings, sand and water play, slides, and a café serving coffee, juice, fries, and classic German hot dogs. After some much enjoyable water play, we decided to take a stroll. A short walk led us to a beautiful lake with a large central fountain and open lawns, great for relaxing. Nearby, the Alter Botanischer Garten (Old Botanical Garden) showcases rare tropical plants inside lush, warm greenhouses, a must-visit for plant lovers.
In the summer, evenings come alive with a magical fountain show, colorful lights dance in sync with the music in Planten un Blomen. The Japanese garden is especially photogenic, with the towering Heinrich Hertz Tower in the background providing a picture-perfect backdrop.
Timings: January–March & October–December: 7 AM–8 PM; April & October: 7 AM–10 PM; May–September: 7 AM–11 PM. There is parking right outside the entrane on the street. There’s limited street parking near St. Petersburger Straße and Jungiusstraße |
Day 3: Day Trip to Lübeck
Just an hour from Hamburg, Lübeck is like a fairytale town, with its old brick buildings, pretty canals, and laid-back vibe. We spent the whole day walking around and soaking it all in. We started at the famous Holstentor gate, wandered past the stunning Town Hall, and explored the lively Breite Straße full of cute shops. Lunch was a highlight, some of the best Flammkuchen we’ve ever had at a cozy little place run by a father and son. After that, we walked by the big cathedral, grabbed marzipan ice cream at the famous Café Niederegger, and ended the day with a quiet stroll along the river. Our legs were tired, but our hearts were full, it was a day we’ll definitely remember.
Want to read the full detailed blog post on our day trip to Lübeck? Head to this blog post -
Day 4: Miniatur Wunderland & Hamburg Dungeon
Hearty brunch at Café Kofje
We started our day with a hearty brunch at Café Kofje. This is where we officially sealed the deal on falling in love with Hamburg! The brunch at Café Kofje was nothing short of fabulous. Everything was amazing! Generous portions, minimalistic interiors, and delightful flavours or maybe we were just famished! From perfectly cooked eggs, waffles, avacado toast, muesli to fluffy pancakes and rich coffee (so rich that my friend was served a bucket full of cappuccino), everything hit the spot. It was one of those meals that made us pause, smile, and say, "Okay, Hamburg, you’ve got us!”
Address: Walddörferstraße 12, 22041 Hamburg, Germany
Miniatur Wunderland
We saved the most‑anticipated part of our trip for last: Miniatur Wunderland. It was originally intended just to keep the kids entertained, and even though it was slotted on our very last day, no one was grumbling, not even the kids, because the rest of the trip had already been so packed with fun.
The catch was getting tickets at the last minute. We could only find a slot at 5:45 pm. Fortunately, it’s open until 1 AM, so you can stay as long as you like (we wrapped up in around three hours).
It’s a four‑level exhibition featuring miniature cities, landscapes, and iconic sights. What we enjoyed the most was watching planes actually taxi and take off in Hamburg airport, the day turn into night every 15 minutes (especially in those beautiful Italian villages), and spotting details like couples fighting in an apartment or orcas attacking seals on ice floes. You’ll find scenes from Italy’s Amalfi Coast, the Grand Canyon, Rio’s favelas, the Colosseum, Monaco’s Formula 1 track, and even a snowy Switzerland. It's a lot like Madurodam, but instead of showcasing only the Netherlands, it spans dozens of countries, so way more detailed and way more global.… And yes, there's a café inside where you can grab currywurst with fries, burgers, pasta, coffee, and soft drinks.
Opening hours: Daily: typically 9:30 AM–6:00 PM, but on weekends, school holidays & Tuesdays/public holidays opens as early as 8:00 AM and stays open later until midnight 1 AM.
Ticket Prices: Adults: €20, Kids under 16: €12.50, children under 1 m get in for free .
Booking: Visit their website to reserve a specific time slot. If it’s sold out online, you can still call them at +49 40 300 6800 or email info@miniatur-wunderland.de . |
Hamburg Dungeon
Kiu was super excited to check it out. It’s just a 10-minute walk from Miniatur Wunderland and dives into the dark history of Hamburg with actors, special effects, and plenty of jump-scares. But turns out kids under 10 aren’t allowed inside anyway, so that ruled it out for us straight away. Even if Kiu had made the age cut, we weren’t sure if a walk through ghostly torture chambers was the best way to end the day. Plus, after four hours of being wowed by tiny worlds, we were full of wonder (and honestly, pretty hungry). So we all happily voted for butter naan and dal over ghosts and creepy stuff!
Address: Hamburg Dungeon, Kehrwieder 2, 20457 Hamburg, Germany Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tickets: Standard adult ticket: €28 (pre-booking required, no walk-ins); Hamburg CARD holders: approx. €21.34; Combo tickets available (e.g., with harbor cruise, Reeperbahn tour, Hard Rock Café) Age Restrictions: Minimum age: 10 years; Ages 10–14 must be accompanied by an adult; Not suitable for young children or the faint-hearted English tours available on weekends and public holidays (minimum 4 people) Otherwise, tours are conducted in German Duration: Approximately 90 minutes |
Dinner at Goa HafenCity Indisches Restaurant
I must say, Hamburg really dishes out some fantastic Indian food. Goa HafenCity Indisches Restaurant, just a short walk from the Hamburg Dungeon, is an absolute must-try. For starters, their menu is super interesting, creative, but still comfortingly familiar. We went for the mango mojito, chai martini, tikki chaat, butter garlic naan, and dal tadka, and honestly, everything was packed with flavour. It was just the comfort food we needed after a long day out!
More To Do...
There are so many more places that would be perfect for an adults-only trip, like the Reeperbahn, Elbphilharmonie concerts, and even some of the whisky-tasting spots in Speicherstadt. The Reeperbahn is basically Hamburg’s wild child, full of nightlife, bars, and a lot of, let’s just say, grown-up entertainment. The Elbphilharmonie, while stunning from the outside and fun to visit, has these incredible classical concerts that are best enjoyed in complete silence, not exactly ideal with kids in tow. And then Speicherstadt has these hidden little gems where you can sip on aged whisky and chat for hours, something I’d have loved to do if it weren’t for snack breaks and bathroom runs! But since we were travelling with the kids, we stuck to a more kid-friendly itinerary, and honestly, no regrets.
Final Thoughts
Short and sweet! That pretty much sums up my trip to Hamburg. My friends are now seriously thinking about ditching Berlin and moving to Hamburg! Would I recommend visiting? Absolutely. A lot of international flights stop here anyway, so if you’re passing through, definitely spend a day or two in Hamburg and let me know if you discover anything I missed!
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I heard Hamburg is an awesome place to visit for a few days. Thanks for this blog, i will save it😊