Hamburg recommended hotels, tours and activitiesLooking for eco-friendly hotels, tours and urban adventures in Hamburg? Here are some of our favorite places and experiences for a perfect city trip to Hamburg in northern Germany.

Hamburg and sustainability

Hamburg is one of a select group of cities in Europe which have been celebrated as European Green Capital – in 2012. It is a big city with strong industries, but despite this downtown Hamburg has a very calm, walkable feel about it. It is also very flat, which makes it perfect for being explored by bicycle. And you can rent those everywhere.

Parks are another strength of Hamburg. Right in the center there is Planten un Blomen, a huge park area which includes themed gardens and the old botanical garden. And what’s not walkable can easily be reached by public transport.


Eco-friendly Hamburg hotels

Below a few Hamburg hotels which are a good option for the environmentally conscious, discerning city traveler:

Scandic Hamburg Emporio

Scandic Hamburg Emporio hotel

Scandic Hamburg Emporio – where Nordic meets Art. A great hotel smack in the center, next to Planten un Blomen park. Read our interview with the hotel manager, Steffen Seichter, for a glimpse behind the scenes of the flagship Hamburg hotel by the Scandic brand.

More about the hotel here – or compare reviews and rates on Booking.com.


Superbude

Highly rated by guests, the Superbude hostels in Hamburg St. Pauli and St. Georg open the doors to lively scenes and the real Hamburg. Meet travelers, explorers and the makers from the neighborhood.


Junges Hotel Hamburg

Junges Hotel Hamburg is located directly in the heart of the city, offering all the comforts and amenities of a modern 3-star superior hotel.

Compare reviews and rates of Junges Hotel here


Hotel Wedina

The privately owned Hotel Wedina in St. Georg is a good option if you are looking for a place with an artsy atmosphere and with healthy, regional ingredients for breakfast. The hotel has been the go-to place for writers in particular.

Compare reviews and rates of Hotel Wedina here


What to do in Hamburg

Hamburg is a very cycle-friendly city and renting a bicycle is a great idea for exploring Germany’s northern metropolis (at least on a fine day). Below a few tips what to do in Hamburg.

Tip: Buy a Hamburg Card for free use of public transport and reduced access to museums and attractions.

Town Hall and St Michaelis Church

Both are must visits when in Hamburg. Climb the church tower (or take the lift) for a great 360 degree view over Hamburg!


Visit HafenCity and Elbphilharmonie

Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie (“Elphie”) has become the city’s landmark – and there is a viewing platform which you can access for free (go to the ticket counter and they’ll give you a free ticket). The view over the harbor is well worth it, as are the interactive displays showing details about architecture and for getting a glimpse inside the concert hall.

HafenCity is a massive areal with a lot of new developments in the making. Sustainability is one core pillar of the entire urban (re)development and you’ll find Hamburg at a leading edge when it comes to climate-friendly and energy-smart infrastructure.


Rent a bike

Hamburg is very flat so, my tip is either to walk or bike the city and explore its beauty on two wheels.


Taste local food

The fish dishes offered at the harbor, and local breweries like Astra and Ratsherrn are really worth a visit.


Walk around the Alster lake

Perfect after a long night in St. Pauli, to recover and cure a potential hangover…


Wilhelmsburger Inselpark

100 hectares of nature in the south of Hamburg, opened in 2013.


Need travel insurance?

Still need travel insurance for your upcoming trip to Hamburg? World Nomads is our favorite travel insurance. Here’s why.


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Hamburg Destination Guide: Eco-Friendly Hotels, Tours and Urban Adventures
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