Hamburg Walking Tour: Old Town, Speicherstadt & HafenCity
An introduction to Hamburg’s history and culture: the Hanseatic League, the Great Fire and WWII. We walk the city center, Speicherstadt and HafenCity – Rathaus, Alster Lake, Deichstraße, St. Nikolai Church and the Elbphilharmonie – from historic canals to the modern waterfront.
Basic Information
Total time
2h 15m
Language
English (check the calendar for availability)
Price
Our “Pay What You Wish” tours don’t have a fixed price — you decide how much the experience was worth. At the end of the tour, please make a fair contribution that reflects your satisfaction and appreciation for your guide’s work. Most guests give between €10 and €50 per person.
Meeting point
Lessing Monument, Gänsemarkt Nearest public transport: Gänsemarkt metro station; Finanzbehörde metro station
Ending point
The breathtaking Elbphilharmonie, one of the most impressive concert halls in the world that has become Hamburg’s new icon. With its futuristic design and panoramic views over the city, it’s the perfect place to end our journey through Hamburg’s past and present.
Additional info
☂︎ This tour is organised by Walkative Hamburg guides. Look for the guide with the yellow umbrella.
❗Our tours run in all weather conditions. High or low temperatures, rain, or snow are never a reason for us to cancel. We’re always here for you! The only reasons for cancellation are extreme weather conditions (such as heavy storms), a guide’s sudden illness, or if there are fewer than 5 registered participants. In such cases, we will always notify you using the contact information you provided when booking the tour.Booking rules
Booking is obligatory. Our “Pay What You Wish” tours are meant for individual travellers and small groups. Large groups (8 or more people) cannot join these tours, as they significantly affect the experience for others and the guide. For school trips, organised tours, or groups of friends, please book our paid option (18€ per person) or arrange a Private Tour. For more information or to schedule a group visit, please contact us directly.
About the tour
A city shaped by water, trade, and resilience, Hamburg is a place like no other. With its grand harbor, historic canals, and striking architecture, it has long been a meeting point for merchants, travelers, and dreamers. From the red-brick warehouses of the UNESCO-listed Speicherstadtred, to the shimmering glass of the Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg seamlessly blends history with modernity. But there’s more to it than just impressive buildings—this city has some incredible stories to tell. Join our Hamburg walking tour and discover them all!
A City Built on Trade, Fire, and Rebirth
Founded over 1,200 years ago, Hamburg grew from a small medieval settlement, quickly becoming one of Europe’s most important trade hubs. As a key member of the Hanseatic League, the city prospered, attracting merchants and wealth from all over the world. But its history has also been marked by destruction and resilience. The Great Fire of 1842 left much of the city in ruins, only for it to rise again stronger than before. The devastation of World War II reshaped Hamburg once more and today, it stands as a vibrant metropolis, where historic canals meet modern skyscrapers, and centuries-old churches stand alongside vibrant cultural venues.
The Best of Hamburg
Hamburg is a city of contrasts—where medieval trade routes meet cutting-edge architecture, and historical resilience blends with modern creativity. This tour offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and fun, making it ideal for first-time visitors as well as those who visited the city before. Whether you’re interested in architecture, wartime history, or just looking for things to do in Hamburg, this tour has you covered!
Highlights
- 1
Rathaus (Town Hall)
A grand symbol of Hamburg’s independence and stunning example of Neo-Renaissance architecture.
- 2
Alster Lake
The heart of the city’s scenic beauty, a favorite spot for locals and visitors.
- 3
Deichstraße Street
Hamburg’s oldest surviving street, home to stories of the merchants who shaped the city.
- 4
Speicherstadt District
A UNESCO-listed site and the world’s largest warehouse district built over canals.
- 5
St. Nikolai Church
The haunting ruins of a church, now serving as a powerful war memorial.
- 6
HafenCity District
A modern waterfront district built on historic docks, showcasing the city's sleek transformation.
7Elbphilharmonie
The city’s breathtaking and futuristic concert hall, now a new icon of Hamburg.
Map
Lessing Monument, Gänsemarkt Nearest public transport: Gänsemarkt metro station; Finanzbehörde metro station
Our customers said about us
Hamburg
5.0Will Airey
Best free tour - thank you Savvy!
I've done many free tours and Savvy was by far and away the best tour guide I've had! We did the Old Town tour and the Harbour tour and Savvy did not disappoint. His knowledge and enthusiasm for Hamburg shone through and it was very infectious! I would highly recommend a tour with him!
Hamburg
5.0Anthony Wills
All you need to know about Hamburg!
Saavy was excellent! He was passionate about his sharing of Hamburg. He knows his stuff. Highly recommend!
Hamburg
5.0Deborah Werenko
Historic District and Red Light
Savvy was excellent. He kept the tour interesting and moving along at a good pace.
Hamburg
5.0Priel
Perfect tour and family friendly
Savvy was super friendly, knowledgable and interesting, 2-hours went by fast, even for my 10-year old daughters, highly recommended!
Hamburg
5.0Laura Landivar
Amazing! Definitely recommend, Savvy is a great guide, will give you a lot of information combined with fun facts! You are so entertained that time flies!!
