Once the site of the world's largest warehouse district, Hamburg's Speicherstadt or “warehouse city” has become one of the contemporary city's most vibrant areas, full of luxury waterfront accommodation, chic cafés and fascinating museums.
Located in the north-east of Hamburg Harbour, the district is easily recognisable with its large Gothic-style red-brick buildings, bay windows, green gables and distinctive towers. These structures, built mainly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries are reflected in the water of the many canals criss-crossing the district.
The area was originally constructed in 1888 as a free port to enable trade of valuable goods like coffee and tobacco, free from customs duties. Before that, it mainly housed port workers and artisans who were forced to move when construction began. Most of the trade in the district nowadays is in oriental rugs.
Speicherstadt is very popular with tourists who come on foot to see attractions such as Hamburg Dungeon and Miniatur Wunderland and to explore the area from the water on one of the many boat tours. Small commercial launches make their way through the narrow canals and afford passengers unique views of the area's buildings and bridges. Most tours leave from the quay in St Pauli and you can buy tickets on the day.
Other popular daytime attractions are the numerous museums, art studios, restaurants and cafés which are the modern-day tenants of many of the warehouses. Visit in the evening for some of the best and most atmospheric views of the historic buildings when they are illuminated with soft lighting that glimmers in the reflective canals. The restaurants and bars along the waterfront are some of the city’s most popular.
Speicherstadt was the initial stage in the large-scale HafenCity planning project which will see much of the port area transformed into a modern retail and commercial district. The rest of HafenCity is within a comfortable walk of Speicherstadt, which you can get to via Baumwall U-bahn station or from the main harbour. The district is open 24 hours a day and is free to enter.
Speicherstadt Travel Guide
Visit Speicherstadt
Popular places to visit
Miniatur Wunderland
Wander through some of the most amazing attractions from around the world, and all in just a couple of hours!
Hamburg Dungeon
Indulge your macabre side at this wonderful attraction, with plenty of fun rides and bone-chilling storytelling to be experienced.
German Customs Museum
You can study the exhibits at German Customs Museum, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Hamburg. Stroll along the waterfront or visit the shops in this culturally rich area.
Speicherstadtmuseum
Rich with history, Speicherstadtmuseum is a cultural attraction worth visiting in Hamburg. Stroll along the waterfront or visit the shops in this culturally rich area.
Traditional Ship Harbour
Explore the waterfront in Hamburg with a trip to Traditional Ship Harbour. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this culturally rich area.
Dialogue in the Dark Exhibition
Rich with history, Dialogue in the Dark Exhibition is a cultural attraction worth visiting in Hamburg. Stroll along the waterfront or visit the shops in this culturally rich area.
Activities
Hamburg: Speicherstadt and Hafencity Guided Tour
rydde walking tour MAYDAY AT THE WATERFRONT
Our pick of the best Speicherstadt Hotel Deals
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Other neighbourhoods around Speicherstadt
Altstadt Hamburg
You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Altstadt Hamburg. Spend some time visiting top spots like Moenckebergstrasse, and catch the metro at Messberg U-Bahn or Meßberg Station to see more of the area.
Hamburg City Center
Hamburg City Hall and Rathausmarket are top sights in Hamburg City Center, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Rathaus U-Bahn or Rodingsmarkt U-Bahn to see more sights in the area.
HafenCity
Noted for its restaurants and waterfront views, there's plenty to explore in HafenCity. Top attractions like Hamburg Cruise Center and International Maritime Museum are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at HafenCity Universität Station or Überseequartier Station to see more of the city.
Neustadt
Known for its abundant dining options and waterfront views, there's plenty to explore in Neustadt. Top attractions like St. Michaelis Church and Laeiszhalle are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Stadthausbrücke S-Bahn or Gaensemarkt U-Bahn to see more of the city.
Saint Georg
You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Saint Georg. Spend some time visiting top spots like Alster Lakes, and catch the metro at Lohmuhlenstrasse U-Bahn or South Central U-Bahn to see more of the area.
Hammerbrook
Noted for its coffee shops and shopping, there's plenty to explore in Hammerbrook. Top attractions like Hamburg Wholesale Market and Mehr!-Theater am Großmarkt are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Hammerbrook S-Bahn or Steinstraße Station to see more of the city.