12 Unique and Unusual Things to Do in Hamburg – Germany

While Hamburg might be known for its bustling port, striking architecture, and legendary nightlife of the Reeperbahn, it’s also a city that rewards those who look beyond the obvious. Beyond the usual touristy attractions lies a city full of quirky and unexpected experiences.

I recently took a quick three-night trip to Hamburg, flying from my home city of Norwich, determined to uncover as much as possible. While I also checked out many of the must-sees and dos, my main focus was getting off the beaten track to find unique and unusual things to do in Hamburg. Staying in Winterhude, a quieter neighbourhood away from the main tourist areas, gave me the perfect base to do just that.

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Unusual and Unique Things to Do in Hamburg

Many of Hamburg’s best experiences lie beyond the usual tourist hotspots. From underground tunnels and street art to secret beaches and tiny harbours, to street food and local cafes, here are 14 unusual things to do in Hamburg that show a different side of the city.

1. Walk or Cycle Through the Old Elbe Tunnel

St. Pauli Elbtunnel, built in 1911, was Europe’s first underwater tunnel and is a beautiful piece of engineering that many tourists miss. Walk or cycle through tiled passageways used by dock workers for over a century, then check out the panoramic views of the city from the observation platform on the south bank of the river.

2. Visit the Chocoversum Chocolate Museum

If you have a sweet tooth, skip the standard museums and head to Chocoversum. This interactive experience lets you make and taste your very own chocolate while learning about the entire chocolate-making process from cocoa beans in the pod to the bar. It’s a must for food lovers and a great alternative to more traditional museums.

3. Explore the Gängeviertel Street Art and Culture Scene

Tucked away near Hamburg’s centre, Gängeviertel is a creative, self-managed community filled with street art, galleries, and cultural events. Once set for demolition, it’s now a thriving hub for artists and activists, making it a fascinating place to explore, especially in the evenings when pop-up events take place.

4. Stroll Through the Planten un Blomen Park’s Japanese Garden

Most visitors stick to the main park paths, but head deeper into Planten un Blomen, and you’ll find one of Europe’s largest Japanese gardens. Complete with a koi pond, tea house and peaceful hideaways, it makes the perfect break away from the sightseeing crowds.

5. Visit The Hamburg Planetarium

The Hamburg Planetarium is another unique thing to do in Winterhude. Set inside a historic water tower in Stadtpark, it offers immersive star shows, light displays, and interactive exhibits. The Hamburg card offers discounts on some events. Unfortunately, I ran out of time on my trip so I didn’t get to watch a show, but I did go up to the observation deck for some great views over Stadtpark and the city.

6. Discover the Hidden Bunkers Underneath Hamburg

Hamburg has a hidden history underground, with WWII bunkers and air raid shelters scattered across the city. Many are off-limits, but a few are open to the public through guided tours – including some from the Museum of Hamburg History – although it’s currently closed for construction.

7. Experience the Hamburg Sunday Fish Market

Every Sunday, the Hamburg Sunday Fish Market (Fischmarkt) by the harbour kicks off just after dawn – from 5:00 am (7:00 am in winter) until 9:30 am. A Hamburg tradition for over 300 years, it’s more than just a place to buy seafood – it’s an experience.

Locals and tourists gather here to grab a Fischbrötchen (and maybe even a pre-breakfast beer), enjoy live music inside the historic Fish Auction Hall, and to watch the bantering fishmongers selling their goods.

Whether you’re an early riser or heading there after a late night out on the Reeperbahn, the Fischmarkt is a unique way to start your Sunday in Hamburg.

8. Try Fischbrötchen at Brücke 10

If the Fishmarkt is too early for you, as it was for me, or you’re not in Hamburg on a Sunday, you still can’t visit the city without trying a Fischbrötchen. It’s a simple fish sandwich consisting of a soft roll filled with pickled or salt-cured herring, raw onions, remoulade, and pickles.

Skip the touristy harbour stalls and head to Brücke 10, a small waterside kiosk that’s popular with locals. The view’s great, the service is fast, and the fish is fresh.

To be honest, I think Fischbrötchen is something of an acquired taste, I opted to try the Matjes Fischbrötchen, which is salt-cured and supposedly mellower than the pickled Bismark. I thought I’d love it as I am obsessed with ceviche and sushi, but, whilst I certainly didn’t hate it, it was just too much pungent fish for my liking. I’m not sure I’d go out of my way to have it again.

9. Explore the Lost Cemetery of Ohlsdorf

Ohlsdorf Cemetery is the world’s largest rural cemetery, but it’s more than just a burial ground. It’s a peaceful park filled with sculptures, historic mausoleums, and beautiful trails. Some of the older, forgotten sections have an eerie but fascinating air – especially when covered in frost and ice like it was when I visited.

10. Visit the Spice Museum in Speicherstadt

Hidden in a red-brick warehouse in the Speicherstadt warehouse district, the Spicy’s Gewürzmuseum tells the story of Hamburg’s spice trading past. It’s a small but sensory interactive experience, as you can even touch, smell, and taste spices from around the world.

11. Find the Secret Beach at Elbstrand

Hop on a ferry or take a bus out west and you’ll reach Elbstrand – a sandy riverside beach where locals sunbathe, sip drinks, and watch huge ships cruise by. Strandperle, the casual beach bar, is perfect for a lazy afternoon with a view of the River Elbe and the harbour.

13. Try Franzbrötchen in a Local Café

Unique to Hamburg is the Franzbrötchen, a must-try cinnamon-laced pastry is best enjoyed in a local café rather than a chain bakery.

I tried my Franzbrötchen in two hidden gem cafés in Winterhude – Cafe Luise and Kafayas. They were both delicious, along with good coffee and none of the crowds.

This flaky, sticky pastry is rather moreish, so if you want more for your onward journey, I recommend dropping into Franz & Friends at the central train station. Even though they get busy, they have a wide range of flavours to sample alongside the traditional cinnamon.

Where to Stay in Hamburg Away From the Crowds

Hamburg offers a diverse range of accommodation options, but if you’re seeking a quieter stay, which is still within reach of the city’s attractions by public transport, there are several standout options.

During my stay in Hamburg, I was kindly hosted for 3 nights at Heikotel – Hotel Am Stadtpark in Winterhude – a quiet, residential area just a few minutes’ walk from Stadtpark and Saarlandstraße U-Bahn station, which made getting into the city quick and easy.

The hotel was clean, modern and comfortable, with thoughtful touches like a fruit bowl, Haribo on the pillows, and a mini-bar where everything was just €3. After a long day of travel delays, the comfy bed and peaceful setting were very welcome.

The breakfast buffet was excellent – plenty of fresh bread, meats, cheese, fruit and pastries, along with good coffee and tea. A great way to start a full day of exploring. The shower was powerful, the Wi-Fi was reliable, and the staff were friendly and helpful throughout my stay.

Another good choice is the boutique Gastwerk Hotel Hamburg in the Altona district, set within a beautifully restored former gasworks building. The spacious rooms are full of character, and the on-site spa is perfect for relaxing after a busy day.

If neither of these options are to your taste, Hamburg has plenty of other accommodation to suit all preferences and budgets. Opting to stay in a quieter, well-connected neighborhood like Winterhude allows you to experience the city’s authentic side while remaining within easy reach of its iconic sights.

There are so many unique and unusual things to do in Hamburg – this post only just scratches the surface. If you’re planning a visit, give yourself enough time to explore beyond the main sights and discover a few of the city’s hidden gems for yourself.

Have you been to Hamburg? Did you stumble upon any quirky spots or unusual experiences that I’ve missed?

Planning Your Trip to Hamburg?

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Partnership Disclosure: I was provided with a complimentary 3-night stay by Heikotel, plus a complimentary Hamburg Card in collaboration with Hamburg Tourismus. This did not influence my post in any way, and as always, I’ve provided balanced and honest reviews. Read more in our full Product Review Disclosure.