Things to do in Hamburg for families and fun
A Family Friendly guide to Hamburg
Myself, my family and my childhood friends come from Northern Germany and from around Hamburg (see our blog about Schleswig-Holstein). We’ve put together a guide of our favourite things to do in Hamburg - Enjoy!
Additionally, you can find a few lists linked directly to Google Maps, to make it easier for you to navigate around! There are so many cool spots in Hamburg and this is just a little taste of what Hamburg has to offer!
Best coffee in Hamburg - our tips to avoid frothy disasters!
NORD COAST COFFEE
In the North Coast, the coffee is prepared with so much leisure that even confident tea drinkers will fall in love.
MILCH
There are probably few cafes where dogs are so expressly desired as in milk. Amazing coffee, especially the tonic espresso as a refreshment in summer.
STOCKHOLM ESPRESSO CLUB
They want to offer their customers a very special taste experience and use a typical for Scandinavia light roasting the coffee bean.
PUBLIC COFFEE ROASTERS
The Baristi of the Public Coffee Roasters understand their craft very well, and the coffee is wonderfully full-bodied and creamy.
TORREFAKTUM
Cozy café is known for its chocolate-nutty tasting coffees.
CLICK ON THE MAP TO OPEN GOOGLE MAPS WITH PINS
Breakfast locations in Hamburg
BALZ und BALZ
The cinnamon rolls, sourdough sandwiches, cake variations and the coffee are just a hit.
KAFFEE STARK
Strong coffee, vegetarian, vegan, croissants, toast, a large selection of bread, scrambled eggs, cold cuts, soups, quiche and cake. The very best are the many dip bowls for some breakfast options. It's almost like any tasting, just without sharing! It's all for you.
GRETCHENS VILLA
Amazing location in the heart of the hipster district with lots of outdoor dining space. And the food, of course, is awesome: Avocado with salmon, scrambled eggs with Parmesan or hot, crispy sesame bread.
OUR NO 1 ENTENWERDER
In Entenwerder the café floats - yes, that's right, it's floating! On a pontoon, you can sip coffee right here on the water and taste the delicious food from Entenwerder 1. From constantly changing soup creations to lovingly prepared colourful salads, the menu has something for every gourmet. And with a little luck, you can watch the next squadron of ducks on their family trip across the Elbe.
Shopping in Hamburg
SORRY GUYS, THIS IS FOR THE GIRLS!
& OTHER STORIES
Part of the concept of this store was to operate out of two studios: Stockholm and Paris. Two completely different design languages. On the one hand the romantic essence of the French girl paired with the burschikosen essence of a tomboy and at the same time the pragmatic Scandinavian approach, characterised by minimalism, functionality and understatement.
KAUF DICH GLÜCKLICH
The story of Kauf Dich Glücklich began in a Berliner WG kitchen. What began as a Waffel-Café on Prenzlauer Berg with vintage furniture has proved itself over the past 18 years as a shop concept with fashion, jewellery and home accessories in the larger German cities.
FRÄULEIN WUNDER
Found in the 1950s, the term "miracle of miracles" stands for modern women. The business in the ski jump leads predominantly Scandinavian fashion and great girl's stuff: chains, purses, shoes and bags, of which the ladies never get enough.
COS
COS is a contemporary fashion brand offering reinvented classics and wardrobe essentials made to last beyond the season, inspired by art and design. Excellent quality and minimalist design.
Family Activities in Hamburg
ABENTEUERSPIELPLATZ GRASBROOKPARK
Pirates, ahoy! We spotted a Treasure Island in HafenCity. The new Grasbrookpark has created a pirate ship. The adventure playground is a hit, especially on hot days: you can cool off in a large pool or from one of the water fountains. All those who want to get up high can be found in the tree house of the climbing forest. There is also room for the parents at the numerous picnic areas and benches. And by the way, you are here in the heart of Hamburg's most modern district.
WALDSPIELPLATZ IM STADTPARK
Forest playground on the grass path. The tall trees provide plenty of shade on hot days, and the kids can let off steam on the climbing equipment. The playground is wonderfully adapted to the natural environment. If you are here all day, you should pack a decent picnic.
SPIELPLATZ PLANTEN UN BLOMEN
In the middle of the heart of the city, opposite the fair, is Hamburg's largest and most beautiful playground Planten un Blomen: In the summer the dream of all children. They can splatter with water from dozens of pumps and pipes. As there is a huge sandpit around, I recommend taking a second outfit, as most children do not come home dry from this playground.
Dining out & bars in Hamburg
BACK GESCHWISTER
Coming to Germany means, you probably won't get around eating bread. I can guarantee you that we have an amazing variety of fresh baked goods. My favourite bakery in Hamburg is BACK GESCHWISTER.
UME NO HANA
This restaurant combines the best of Japanese and Vietnamese cuisine: hearty ramen meets light Phở.
LUIGIS
When visiting Luigis in one if the busiest tourist districts, you are in for a good start of the night. It is quite an experience with Italian musicians walking through the tiny place and you might need to share a long tables with you neighbors. The best part though: After you meal you will get a whole bottle of Sambuca on your table, welcomed to finish it!
BRAUGASTHAUS ALTES MÄDCHEN
A cute brewery that welcomes you comfortably and lively in the Schanzenhöfe. Whether outside in the beer garden or indoors by the fireplace. They offer 60 different fresh beers and delicious various dishes. A mixture of self-interpreted regional classics and diverse bread products from the in-house bakery does not let anyone go home hungry.
MUST TRY: Franzbrötchen
Franzbrötchen is a small, sweet pastry, baked with butter and cinnamon. Sometimes other ingredients are used as well, such as chocolate or raisins. It is a type of pastry commonly found in northern Germany, especially Hamburg,[1] and it is usually served for breakfast but is also enjoyed along with coffee and cake. As its name indicates, the Franzbrötchen was probably inspired by French pastries. Originally, it could be found only in the region of Hamburg, but now Franzbrötchen are also sold in Bremen, Berlin and other German cities. Check out BACKECHT in this list for the best Franzbrötchen in town.
STRAND PAULI
Whilst not really a family-friendly place (yes kids are allowed) this beach bar is the perfect place to relax with a drink, take your shoes off, put your toes in the sand (in the city!) and watch the cargo ships cruise by the River Elbe. One of our favourite places to visit every time we go to Hamburg!
Strand St Pauli - A beach bar in the middle of Hamburg City
Staying longer in Norther Germany?
Why not check out our guide to Northern Germany
