Discover Hamburg

Sights

The most beautiful sides of Hamburg, easy to reach from Hotel Aynaz by train and bus.

Sunset over the Inner Alster lake in Hamburg

Our recommendations

Hamburg's highlights

From the Elbphilharmonie to the City Hall: six destinations we recommend to our guests, with directions from Rahlstedt.

Elbphilharmonie

Rising high above the HafenCity, the Elbphilharmonie crowns a historic quayside warehouse with its sweeping glass façade, uniting concert hall, hotel and a freely accessible viewing terrace. From the Plaza, 37 metres above the water, take in sweeping views across the harbour and city, or spend an evening at a concert in one of the world's most acoustically refined halls.

Getting there: Take the bus to Rahlstedt station, the RB81 to the central station (approx. 15 min) and the U3 on to Baumwall, followed by a short walk. It takes around 45 minutes in total. About 30 minutes by car.

Brick warehouses and modern HafenCity architecture along a harbour basin in Hamburg with an old steam tug and a dockside crane

Speicherstadt & HafenCity

Between red brick, narrow canals and reflective waterways lies the world's largest unified warehouse district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll along the water from the historic storehouses into the light-filled HafenCity around the Elbphilharmonie.

Getting there: Take the RB81 from Rahlstedt station to the central station, then the U1 to Meßberg or a 15-minute walk into the Speicherstadt. It takes around 35 to 40 minutes in total. About 30 minutes by car.

The St. Pauli Landungsbrücken in Hamburg with the level tower and harbour cranes along the Elbe at dusk

Landungsbrücken & Port of Hamburg

At the St. Pauli Landungsbrücken, the pulse of Hamburg's port meets sweeping views across the Elbe, past the distinctive level tower, harbour launches and passing freighters. A stroll along the promenade in the fresh harbour air is the perfect end to a day in Hamburg.

Getting there: Take the RB81 from Rahlstedt to the central station, then the S1 or U3 to Landungsbrücken. It takes around 35 minutes in total. About 30 to 35 minutes by car.

Aerial view of the illuminated Hamburg City Hall with its tower and Rathausmarkt square at dusk, surrounded by the Old Town

Hamburg City Hall & Old Town

The magnificent City Hall, crowned by its 112-metre tower, presides over the spacious Rathausmarkt and forms the historic heart of the Hanseatic city. Around the square, arcades, canals and the lanes of the Old Town invite you to a relaxed stroll.

Getting there: Take the RB81 from Rahlstedt to the central station in about 15 minutes, then a 10-minute walk along Mönckebergstraße or one stop on the U3 to Rathaus.

Auditorium of the Hamburg State Opera with several seating tiers

Theatre & Musicals

Hamburg ranks among Europe's great theatre cities: along the harbour await the Stage musical theatres, reached in style by the musical ferry across the Elbe. In the city centre, the Hamburg State Opera, the Thalia Theater and the Deutsches Schauspielhaus pair grand productions with the elegance of storied venues.

Getting there: The Deutsches Schauspielhaus is right by the central station (RB81 from Rahlstedt, approx. 15 min). The Thalia Theater and the State Opera are a few minutes' walk or a short metro ride away; the Stage theatres are reached by musical ferry from Landungsbrücken.

Historic brick facade of the Hamburger Kunsthalle with arcades and grand entrance staircase

Art & Culture

Hamburg's art scene unfolds around the Hamburger Kunsthalle, one of Germany's most distinguished museums, complemented by the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe, the Deichtorhallen and a lively gallery scene. An unhurried day among old masters and contemporary works, followed by a quiet return to Rahlstedt.

Getting there: The Kunsthalle and the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe are right by the central station, about 15 minutes by RB81 from Rahlstedt. The Deichtorhallen are a 10-minute walk from there.