One of Germany’s largest cities, Hamburg is a stunning metropolis brimming with beautiful architecture, delicious food, unique sights, and rich culture. German river cruises to Hamburg are always a treat for visitors. They give travelers the chance to dine in world-class restaurants and see incredible art, both modern and historic. Once they wrap up exploring the city, travelers can move onto other wonderful cities and countries for the remainder of their voyages through Europe’s rivers. 

Visiting design-centric Hamburg

The city of Hamburg is a hot spot for all things art and design. It’s creativity is felt around almost every corner of the city. Travelers will get to stop in at museums that house works of art, experimental automobiles, and artifacts from the area’s history. They’ll also see Hamburg’s spectacular architecture scene while walking or touring the city. Here, we’ve listed a few of the best places to visit for voyagers interested in Hamburg’s art and design scene.

• Museum of Arts and Crafts Hamburg. This historic building, in German known as the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe, contains works of art and design from Hamburg’s area that can date back many centuries. There’s much to do and see in the museum, which also has stores and dining available to its visitors.
• PROTOTYP Museum. Automobile innovation and racing have deep roots in Germany. The PROTOTYP Museum showcases several of the country’s greatest experimental autos, making it a must-see attraction for car enthusiasts. 
• Hauptkirche Sankt Michaelis. The Church of Saint Michael, this architectural masterpiece is well known across Germany. It’s a beautiful work on the outside, but the interior is what truly shines. It’s mostly white interior has gold-coloured accents throughout that gleam when daylight shines in through the church’s giant windows. 
• Elbphilharmonie. This massive structure, in English known as the Elbe Philharmonic Hall, is located on its namesake river. It’s one of the greatest concert halls in the entire world. Visitors will have the opportunity to catch one of the outstanding performances that happen there, and have easy access to the Elbphilharmonie since their voyage will port nearby.
• Port of Hamburg. This spot is one of Hamburg’s biggest attractions. It’s a beautiful place not far from the Elbphilharmonie that tourists and residents alike can’t seem to get enough of. The walkable port features pedestrian bridges and is surrounded by Hamburg’s riverside architecture, making it another great place for design lovers -- particularly in its Warehouse District.

Elbe Philharmonic Hall "Elbphilharmonie," Hamburg

Warehouse District in the Port of Hamburg

Saint Michael's Church Exterior

Interior of the Church of St. Michael

Museum of Arts and Crafts, Hamburg

Port of Hamburg's Warehouse District on the Elbe River

Dining in Hamburg, Germany

Hamburg’s arts and design culture extends beyond just paintings, music, and architecture. The culinary arts are enormously important to the city as well. There are nearly 60 Michelin-starred restaurants in the city, each with its own unique twist and a touch of German cuisine. 

For those less interested in fine dining, Hamburg is filled with cafes and coffee shops that make excellent food. The small, neighborhood favorites are always an excellent option for voyagers.

Another great feature of taking a river cruise to Hamburg is the fact that most vessels have restaurants on board. If ever you can't decide on something to eat or just need to take a step back from the hustle and bustle, most vessels offer excellent onboard dining made by trained culinary specialists.

Cruising into Hamburg on the Elbe River

Hamburg is built around the Elbe River, a common trade route for much of Germany. Awe-inspiring places like the Port of Hamburg and the Elbe Philharmonic are located right along its banks, giving travelers remarkable views on all sides. It’s still an essential trade route for Hamburg that’s used to keep much of the city’s commerce flowing. 

River cruises on the Elbe often visit a number of other popular cities. On the Elbe, travelers will cruise to Prague, Wittenberg, and Dresden. The river meets up with Berlin’s Spree River and Prague’s Vltava River at different points on its course, making it an excellent route for those wanting to see a decent bit of Europe.

Hamburg City Hall from the Elbe River

Preparing for Hamburg river voyages

We find that it’s always helpful to know about the place you’ll be visiting beforehand, so you can make the most of your river cruise. River cruises to Hamburg are always a fantastic way to see the city, especially since so much of it revolves around the Elbe. Climates are typically temperate, with rain being fairly common. Visitors should bring an umbrella in case of showers year-round, and warm clothes if they’re traveling in winter. 
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Overall, Hamburg is an incredible city to visit in Germany, and one we always recommend to those who love all forms of the European arts. If you appreciate the arts or even just enjoy urban life, Hamburg is the place to see.