Hamburg is a major city with a laid-back feel. Car rental at Hamburg Airport is just the beginning – this city truly lives up to its nickname as the “gateway to the world”.
The German powerhouse has plenty of personality, and there is breathtaking scenery on the doorstep too.
Maritime attractions
Hamburg is a city that has been shaped by a long marriage between trade and the River Elbe. This means there are many related attractions.
In fact, the beautiful Speicherstadt neighbourhood is a picturesque destination in itself. The world’s largest warehouse district with wooden foundations, its history is well preserved in iconic Gothic Revival red.
The International Maritime Museum can also be found here, housing a huge collection of model ships and seafaring exhibitions.
Musical marvels
Hamburg has been a musical city since the 17th century, when Europe’s first public opera house opened here.
Hamburg State Opera is the company that keeps the magic alive to this day. Head to Gänsemarkt near the retail district and the charming Old Town to experience the show for yourself.
Prefer 20th-century sounds? You may be surprised to learn that The Beatles played their definitive early shows in Hamburg, so there are several attractions dedicated to the world’s most successful pop band. Beatles-Platz is the centre of the action, built to look like a vinyl record. From here, you can take a tour of all the key venues.
Culinary delights
Hamburg is the city that is said to have given the world the Hamburger, so you can expect to find plenty of delicious and satisfying dishes amid the bright city lights.
Hamburg fiercely protects its age-old recipes and foodie traditions, but with an array of international food traditions also now taking hold, there is something for every palette.
Fischbrotchen is the go-to for seafood lovers; a fishy take on the classic hamburger served with pickled herring. For breakfast, try a French roll. These buttery, cinnamon-infused bites are synonymous with Hamburg.
Explore museum mile
Hamburg has many exciting museums. Kunsthalle is one of the best for art lovers, since it has exhibitions spanning seven centuries and every continent.
The Museum of Hamburg History, meanwhile, is a great place to learn about the past, from the region’s culture to its industrial development. You should also make time to see Miniatur Wunderland, the world’s largest model railway. It is truly captivating to behold for kids and adults alike.
Alternatively, try something a little different at the Museum fur Kunst und Gewerbe Hamburg. This stunning art venue houses everything from Japanese prints to Art Nouveau furniture.
Escape to the country
Northern Germany is exceptionally beautiful, so it makes sense to see some of the breath-taking scenery in this part of the world. The Broberger Niederung is around 30 minutes’ drive from Hamburg’s centre, and is one of many exquisite nature reserves in the local area.
There are also several out-of-town attractions well worth seeing, like the fun-filled Heide Park Resort to the south. This thrilling amusement park is the perfect accompaniment to family vacations.
Whatever your plans, renting a car from Hamburg Airport is a great way to start your trip, and see all that this fantastic area has to offer.