From scenic boat trips and exciting city tours to interactive museums and outdoor adventures – Hamburg offers a wide variety of experiences for families with children of all ages. No matter the weather, sunshine, wind or rain, the Hanseatic city is an ideal destination for a fun-filled family holiday.
Sightseeing with Children
A boat tour is one of the most exciting ways for families to explore Hamburg. Whether on a barge, ferry or the Alsterdampfer, cruising through the harbour or across the Alster is a highlight for both kids and adults. The contrast couldn't be greater: while the Port of Hamburg impresses with its bustling container terminals, towering cranes and the historic Speicherstadt warehouse district, the Alster charms with its peaceful sailing boas, SUP boards and picturesque canals lined with elegant villas.
Insider tip: Rent a stand-up paddleboard, rowing boat or pedal boat and navigate the canals on your own – many cafés and restaurants along the water make it easy to stop and take a relaxing break.
Prefer to stay on land? Hop on the iconic red double-decker buses for a city tour. In good weather, the top is down, offering the best views of Hamburg's most famous landmarks. Thanks to the hop-on/hop-off system with 28 stops, you can explore the city at your own pace – perfect for families with small children who need flexibility.
Hamburg is also a great city to explore on foot. The lively city centre is full of shops, cafés and snack spots, ideal for a relaxed stroll. For a greener option, families can enjoy one of the many parks such as Planten un Blomen, which is a centrally located park with themed gardens, rare plants, an enormous playground and even a water organ. Or located just above the Außenalster (also accessible by rowboat or pedal boat), the large Stadtpark Hamburg offers open green spaces, a Planetarium, a natural swimming pool and a water playground that kids will love.
Beach Feeling in the Heart of the City
Want to experience a beach day without leaving the city? Simply hop on the HVV harbour ferry out to Neumühlen. The charming walk past historic fishermen's houses leads to a sandy beach called Oevelgönne right along the Elbe. Here, kids can build sandcastles, splash in the shallow water and watch massive container ships glide by – close enough to touch.
While the little ones play, parents can relax with a coffee or a glass of wine at one of the beachfront restaurants and soak in the maritime atmosphere. It's like a beach holiday – right in the middle of the city.
