What are the best Hamburg photography spots? 28 locations

Explore one of the largest cities in Germany with this complete guide to the best Hamburg photography spots! with 28 locations, real photos and practical tips.

Hamburg is one of the main economic hubs of Germany. It is also the second most populated city in the country, and a sometimes-forgotten city to visit. However, its location, close to Denmark, Berlin, and easy access by train, make it a fantastic city to visit.

In this Hamburg photography spots guide, you will find which are the best places to photograph, together with specific tips about each location. Moreover, you will also get honest thoughts about the spots, based on my own experience photographing the city.

Let’s get started! Keep reading to discover the best Hamburg photography spots!

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Hamburg photography guide: FAQs

Before jumping into the best Hamburg photography spots, here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Hamburg. They are answered with a photography mindset, but can be useful for anyone considering a trip to Hamburg.

Is Hamburg worth photographing?

Hamburg is a city that can look rough at first glance. Lots of bricks, dark buildings, and straight lines can create a not always welcoming first impression of it. However, Hamburg is an extremely photogenic city, and one that any street photography lover will enjoy.

Like any major city, it has some famous photo spots, listed in this guide, but it also has a very lively vibe, which can be captured in your photos. From its fantastic underground to the weekend markets, there are many photos to take in Hamburg.

How many days do I need to visit Hamburg?

Hamburg is not a small city, and definitely not one that can be visited in a single day. However, its old town is quite compact, making it really easy to see a lot of the city in a short period of time. Even in 24 hours, you could see some of its main spots, but only if you rush. 48h would be the minimum time to get a first impression of the city.

Yet, for a great Hamburg trip, 3-4 days are the ideal length. Enough to see every touristy site, and enough time to get a bit lost in some of its most beautiful areas. This is especially important if your trip involves photography. It’s likely that you don’t get the weather conditions you’d like or that you want to revisit a location at day and night.

If that’s the case, giving a bit more time to your trip is essential to ensure great photos, and more importantly, a great experience photographing Hamburg.

How expensive is Hamburg?

Hamburg is not a cheap city. In fact, it’s expensive, even for European standards. Many cities in southern and central Europe are cheaper to visit than Hamburg.

Finding cheap accommodation in Hamburg can be challenging (see the next FAQ for more info), and restaurants are also not on the cheap side.

Hamburg is usually considered the fourth most expensive city to live in in Germany, only after the 2 economic monsters (Frankfurt and Munich) and the capital (Berlin).

What is the best area to stay in Hamburg?

As mentioned in the previous point, Hamburg is not a cheap city. Thus, the best area to stay will depend on your budget. If you can afford it, there are two main areas to stay in Hamburg:

• The old town, near the Elbphilarmonie: this is the heart of Hamburg, where most of its famous canals are, together with the majestic Elbphilarmonie, a building that has become part of the city skyline. This area is expensive to stay in, but you’ll be where most tourist attractions are.
• Near the City Hall: this is another expensive area of Hamburg. Between the city hall and the Binnenalster (lake), there are many hotels, but not on the cheap side.

However, if you are on a budget or don’t fancy spending a lot of money on a hotel, there’s one area where most Hamburg hotels are located: behind the train station.

This is the best area to stay in Hamburg: it’s a bit cheaper, very well connected by public transportation, and with many restaurants and supermarkets nearby. Nonetheless, like any area close to a big city train station, it can be a bit rough at first sight. Not unsafe, but a bit rough.

How safe is Hamburg?

Hamburg is a relatively safe city. You can walk at night almost everywhere, and the main problems you can have as a tourist are getting pickpocketed or other petty crimes.

However, it’s a large city, which means that it’s a bit less safe than smaller towns in Europe. Also, it’s not Switzerland, where crime is really low. Especially in areas that are not the immediate city centre, you will see the rough side of the city. Yet, this doesn’t mean it’s unsafe.

As a practical recommendation, keep an eye on your belongings and stay vigilant, especially when it comes to camera gear. But don’t worry too much, Hamburg is a safe city overall.

How to move around Hamburg?

Moving around Hamburg is easy, especially as a tourist. In fact, some of the best Hamburg photography spots listed in this guide are in public transportation stations.

Hamburg is very walkable, like almost all European cities. For most of the spots listed, you can (and should) walk from one to another. This way, you’ll be able to not only see the main spots, but also the vibes and the things in between, grasping a bit more of the city.

However, if walking is not your thing, you have other options. Besides the taxis, which can be expensive, Hamburg has a great metro system, which is also extremely photogenic. Buses and boats are also a thing, but the first ones can be a bit slower, and boats are more of a tourist thing.

Thus, to move around Hamburg, your best bet is to mix walking and public transportation, mostly using the metro system.

Hamburg photography spots

Elbphilarmonie photography spots (7)

The first of the Hamburg photography spots is the Elbphilarmonie. Since its inauguration in 2017, it has become one of the most recognisable elements of the city skyline. With its surreal shape, an impressive interior, and a public outdoor 360 viewing platform, it is one of the best Hamburg photography spots.

It is so good that I have divided into into 7 spots.

Interior stairs

The first of the Elbphilarmonie photo spots is its interior stairs. This escalator is the first thing you will find when visiting it. While it’s free to access, you need to buy a “free ticket” to get to the top, either online or at the ticket office.

The escalator is in a really cool part of the building, and it feels like entering a spaceship. While it’s difficult to get it to yourself to take a photo with no people in it, it’s a great place to already get your camera ready, instead of waiting until the top.

People-watching

The Elbphilarmonie is a place where people gather. It’s mostly tourists, but when there are concerts or events, locals are also present. Thus, besides all the specific spots, people-watching is a great thing to do in the building, and a great Hamburg photography spot (or opportunity).

From the escalators, and interior glass views, to the exterior viewing platform. Keep your camera ready, and you will be able to take great photos.

Interior

Unless you get tickets for a concert, you won’t be able to see the main concert hall of the Elbphilarmonie. Unfortunately, the only tickets available when I was there were above 200€, and I decided to skip it. However, the architecture of the Elbphilarmonie is something worth capturing.

Most of the accesses to the concert hall are closed or restricted, but this also ensures that you can get an undisturbed view. Stairs like the ones below are great for photography, especially if you are into architecture.

Views from the top

One of the best Hamburg photography spots is the view from the top of the Elbphilarmonie. The 360 view is breathtaking, and offers a panorama of the two sides of the city.

On one hand, the city centre, with the traditional brick buildings, and the city skyline, with the Heinrich Hertz Tower dominating the scene.

On the other hand, the docks. Hamburg is a city built around the water, with its famous canals, and it is one of the most important harbours in Germany and Europe.

The contrast between both sides of the city is what makes this one of the best Hamburg photography spots.

Best sunset spot in Hamburg

If you only have one sunset in Hamburg, climb to the top of the Elbphilarmonie. Not only are the views amazing, but it’s a fantastic spot to enjoy the last sun rays in the city.

It’s not only the contrasts and the views, but also the vibe. Especially thanks to the 360-degree viewing platform, it is a good option for all year round.

However, note that if it is too windy, it might be forbidden to get out there. And of course, if it’s raining, while it might be still worth shooting, it won’t be as impressive as the photos in this section. Yet, this is the best Hamburg photography spot for sunset.

View from the docks

Not all the Elbphilarmonie photo spots are on the building. Because the building itself is a great Hamburg photography spot. The most obvious photo is the view from the docks. Standing tall next to the other buildings, the Elbphilarmonie is extremely photogenic, and can be either the main element in a photo, or be shown combined with other buildings.

It’s also a great place to show the canal structure of the city, as in the photo below.

View from the canals

Speaking about the canals, the last of the spots in this section of the Hamburg photography spots guide is the view of the Elbphilharmonie from the canals.

The building feels like it follows you when walking in the city, and occasionally, you will look in the distance and see it. The view of the Elbphilarmonie from the canals is worth checking out. Not only the specific one below. Walk around in the area, and you will get unique photos.

Hamburg canals photography spots (4)

The second of the group of Hamburg photography spots in this guide is about the canals. While they are a main element of the city, I won’t be recommending many exact spots.

Instead, I will mention photo opportunities. While there are specific buildings or canals, if you walk around the city, you will find all of them, as it’s not that big area where they are located. Let’s start with the only specific location.

Speicherstadt

This might be the most famous of the Hamburg photography spots: a canal that divides into two, with a beautiful palace-like building in the middle. This is a prime location, and it will be full of people taking the same photo, during the day and at night.

However, as busy as it may be, it is an easy photo to get. The view from the bridge ensures it is unobstructed. However, it also means that it’s difficult to take a unique or different photo, as there’s not much room for creativity. This can be the most famous spot on this list, but for sure I don’t think it’s the best one in Hamburg.

Detail shots

Hamburg canals are full of personality, even if they have this dark brick style. What initially can seem a copy-and-paste is actually full of small details. Keep an eye open for them, as they might be one of the most underrated Hamburg photography spots.

Try to get to some of the docks within the canals (if they are open), and point towards the nearby buildings.

Canal architecture

Canal details are cool to photograph, but the overall architecture of the canals is also worth mentioning. Make sure to photograph them, and don’t think all canals will look equal, as the differences are really noticeable.

The contrast between different canals is impressive. Some feel dark and impersonal, while others look like Amsterdam, like the one in the photo included in this section.

Random canals

The last of the canals Hamburg photography spots is not a specific spot, but a reminder that you should not focus on a single canal. Moreover, don’t photograph them only during the day or night. Instead, try to visit them at least two times, one with daylight and one after sunset.

Ideally, you would also visit them at blue hour, probably the best time to photograph them, when the lights of the buildings are already on, but there’s still daylight.

Finally, if you get a windless day, some of the least frequented canals will be perfect for reflections. However, if you get a windless day in Hamburg, make a wish, as it is a really windy city, especially during the winter months.

Der Spiegel building

By the Hamburg canals, you will find many brick and classical buildings. However, other buildings are not old and dark, worth photographing. One of the most characteristic ones in the city is the Der Spiegel building.

Home of one of the most well-known German magazines, it offers many photo opportunities. One of the most common ones is the building reflected in the nearby canal.

Given it’s so common, I decided to photograph it from some other angles, such as the one below, capturing the two buildings, with the Der Spiegel sign reflected on the windows of one of them. Definitely one of the most interesting architectural Hamburg photography spots.

Hamburg metro stations photography spots (4)

I am a big fan of metro systems. They are an amazing place to take photos, and many countries and cities have built incredible pieces of art in their day-to-day transportation method. Some of the best Hamburg photography spots are located in its metro. her are my 4 favourite stations.

Elbbrücken

This is not an underground station. Still, it’s part of the Hamburg metro system. The unique structure covering the exterior station can be captured from the overpass. However, there are more photo opportunities in this station.

The tunnel that connects the main station with some of the exits is an amazing place for photography, especially if you get single individuals walking through it.

HafenCity Universität

This might be the most photographed metro in Hamburg. This station has a set of rectangular-shaped lights that change colour and create a futuristic vibe, perfect for some nice shots.

This was my favourite station to photograph, because the changing light provided so many photo opportunities. From the people waiting, to the carriages illuminated with the colourful lights. It is one of the best Hamburg photography spots, without any doubt.

Jungfernstieg

Most Hamburg photography spots guides do not mention this station when talking about the metro system. However, this is a really busy station, and the yellow separators between platforms feel like windows into other realities.

It doesn’t feel as futuristic as other stations, but it feels like what would have been considered futuristic a couple of decades ago. Being such a busy station makes it perfect for people watching.

Überseequartier

The last of the metro stations in this Hamburg photography spots is Überseequartier. If you like symmetries, this is your spot. A completely symmetrical station, from the stairs to the platform. Everything is mirrored, and of course, it makes taking great photos super easy.

I don’t know if I was lucky, but it wasn’t busy at all when I was there, which made it even easier to take great photos. While I only share one photo below, there is more than one possible angle in this station.

Hamburg train station

German cities are known for having rough train stations. Or at least rougher than the city itself. Hamburg is no exception. However, the station is very photogenic, which I did not expect when arriving there.

It’s not included as part of the metro spots, but it also has some of the same opportunities: a constant flow of people, interesting architecture (and symmetry), and a very easy place to photograph, as you most likely will visit it at some point of your trip, regardless if you fly into Hamburg or get there by train.

Alter Elbtunnel

Hamburg is a city built around water. However, the city has expanded and has found ways to reach areas that, some years (or centuries) ago, could only be accessed by boat.

The Alter Elbtunnel is a great example of it. Built in the early 20th century, it is today a path for pedestrians and cyclists to connect the two shores of the Elbe River.

It might not be one of the most well-known Hamburg photography spots, but it is a great one to visit.

Photo tip: after getting to the underground level, you will find other tourists taking photos. Walk for a few minutes, and half the people (tourists) will be gone, and you’ll be able to get a more aesthetically pleasing photo. While the symmetrical view is very appealing, make sure that there are no cyclists behind you before taking the photo.

St. Pauli Stadium

Hamburg is a city with a strong football culture. The city is divided between two teams, HSV Hamburg and FC St Pauli. Here, I suggest the St Pauli stadium as one of the Hamburg photography spots, but it could also be the HSV Hamburg stadium.

However, FC St Pauli is a club with a very strong political positioning, and this makes the visit to the stadium especially interesting. A club that supports many social causes, something visible almost everywhere inside and outside the stadium. Even if you don’t have the same political views, it’s a very interesting example of how sports and politics are related.

Binnenalster and Aussenalster

Hamburg is a city with water everywhere. However, it doesn’t stop at its canals. The Alster lakes, which are two, one smaller and one larger, are a great place to disconnect from the business of the city. In this Hamburg photography spots guide, I list both of them, but the photo that accompanies this section is of the larger one.

The main reason to mention the smaller one is that it is easier to include on a short trip to Hamburg. The impressive buildings of Hamburg’s old town create really nice reflections on a windless day. Yet, the large one is better for less-captured spots, as it takes way more time to cover.

Hamburger Rathaus

Most European cities have nice city halls, and Hamburg is no exception. The Hamburger Rathaus is an impressive building, located at a prime location, very close to the Alster lakes, and in the oldest area of the city, as expected.

Most people capture it from the square where it is located. While it is possible to take great photos from there, try to include it in other compositions. The one below uses one of the many city canals and some arches to add a bit of context to the image.

It is one of the most captured Hamburg photography spots, but many people take the same image. Its location allows you to get a bit creative, try not to stick to the basic photo.

Hamburg Chamber of Commerce

When looking for Hamburg photography spots, I stumbled upon a few people mentioning the Chamber of Commerce online. This is one of the spots that at that time were less well-known, and that now are a bit more famous.

The magic of this building is its interior. Accessing it is free, but only during specific business hours. The 3-level story, with the arches and the greenish tones, gives it a unique touch. It tends to be quite empty, but it can get busier during specific events.

This is one of the spots that I don’t understand how it can be visited, as people are working there. Be respectful, as if tourists start being obnoxious, the building might get closed, and one of the best Hamburg photography spots will no longer be accessible to everyone.

Brick buildings

Hamburg is a dark city, not only because of the common dark and rainy days, but also because of its buildings. The central areas of the city are full of buildings like the one in the image, with orange or dark bricks, which give it a quite distinct tone, not very common in some areas of Europe.

These buildings work very well in photography, as, despite being residential or industrial structures, they have nice designs, full of details, which are great to include in photos.

From the symmetry of the buildings to the arches that are used as entry gates, Hamburg buildings are really photogenic.

Hauptkirche St. Michaelis

Most European cities are full of churches. Hamburg is no exception, but there’s only one listed in this Hamburg best photography spots guide. Although many of them are worth visiting, the one that is really worth capturing is Hauptkirche St. Michaelis.

This church has a very interesting interior, which allows for really interesting photos. The elevated choir is perfect to frame images, and its ondulated lines serve as perfect leading lines. While it’s not free, if you are interested in the history of the church and the architecture, it can be worth paying the ticket.

Its tower is a great viewpoint over the city of Hamburg. However, make sure to visit it on a sunny day (and with not a lot of wind if possible). If the weather is not ideal, the experience of climbing to the top is not that nice.

Krameramtsstuben

This is the most famous of the “Instagram Hamburg photography spots”. However, it is the definition of an underwhelming spot. It is a small alley, with a very “cute” iPhone shot, which doesn’t allow for a lot of creativity, and where you most likely will find a queue of people waiting to take the same exact photo.

Hamburg has better things to offer, and if you are looking for brick houses and alleys, you will find plenty of them when walking around.

Sprinkenhof exterior

I already mentioned the brick buildings as Hamburg photography spots. However, the last items of this guide are on 2 specific buildings, which deserve their own section in this guide. The Sprinkenhof building is one of the most unique ones in the city. Its exterior, with its symmetrical shape, is perfect for photography.

An easy photo is to stand in the middle of the courtyard, look up, and take the “tunnel” effect shot. However, look at other compositions. From highlighting the pleasant monotony of the identical windows to the shadows that are present at almost all hours.

Sprinkenhof interior

Remarkably, the Sprinkenhof building interior can also be accessed. This is another of the Hamburg photography spots that might not be open anymore when you visit. Hordes of tourists and disrespectful people might cause the city or the building to close its doors to non-residents or workers.

Its spiral staircase is the main element to photograph in the interior (unless you decide to wander on random corridors). There are a couple of photos here, the one looking above or below, a common view, and the one from a distance.

The shape of the stairs creates an “S”, which caught my attention as it’s the first letter of the name of the building, Sprinkenhof.

Chilehaus

The final of the Hamburg photography spots is another brick building, the Chilehaus. Its popularity among photographers comes from its shape, with its pointy edge and the eagle supporting the whole structure.

It is usually captured in isolation, and it’s nice to see it that way, but I also wanted to capture it with the buildings around, as they make even more noticeable how “sharp” this building is.

Photographing it can be a bit challenging if you get a cloudy day, without shadows, as the luminosity of the sky and the building will be very different. Still a great place to take photos, and very close to the Sprinkenhof building.

This concludes my Hamburg photography spots guide. A total of 28 spots, some of them with multiple angles and photo opportunities, to ensure you make the most of your trip to Hamburg. If you have extra questions about Hamburg, schedule a call with me using the link below to get a 1-on-1 travel photography consultation. For more travel photography content and inspiration, follow me on Instagram! (@aniolvisuals)

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