THE HANSEATIC CITIES
The Hanseatic Cities form a powerful northern triad, uniting Hamburg‘s maritime dynamism, Bremen‘s fairy-tale charm, and Lübeck‘s medieval heritage. They are the historic heart of trade and freedom in Germany.
These three great port cities, once united by the Hanseatic League, offer a journey through Germany’s enduring mercantile spirit. Discover a blend of grand brick Gothic architecture and cutting-edge modern design.
Most Popular Attractions
Hanseatic Icons & World Heritage Sites
Speicherstadt & Kontorhaus District (Hamburg): The world’s largest warehouse district, a UNESCO site with red-brick Gothic architecture crisscrossed by canals.
Bremen City Hall & Roland Statue (Bremen): A magnificent Gothic and Renaissance City Hall, paired with the symbol of civic freedom, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Lübeck Old Town (Lübeck): The entire historic core, surrounded by water and dominated by its seven towers, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a Brick Gothic masterpiece.
Holstentor Gate (Lübeck): Lübeck’s most famous landmark, a stunning, well-preserved late-Gothic city gate that serves as the city’s icon.
Elbphilharmonie (Hamburg): A breathtaking modern concert hall perched atop a historic warehouse, a spectacular architectural feat.
St. Michaelis Church (Hamburg): Affectionately known as “Michel,” this is Hamburg’s most famous Baroque church, offering panoramic city views from its tower.
City Cores & Historic Landmarks
Rathausmarkt & Hamburg City Hall (Hamburg): Hamburg’s grand Neo-Renaissance City Hall, situated on a beautiful square next to the Alster river.
Deichstraße (Hamburg): A historic street where the Great Fire of 1842 began, featuring beautiful 17th-to-19th-century merchants’ houses.
Schnoor Quarter (Bremen): A charming medieval district with narrow, winding alleys, featuring small shops, cafés, and half-timbered houses.
Bremen Town Musicians Statue (Bremen): The famous bronze statue from the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, located next to the City Hall.
Schütting (Bremen): The historic building of the Bremen Chamber of Commerce, a magnificent example of Weser Renaissance architecture.
St. Peter’s Cathedral (Bremen): A grand medieval cathedral with two prominent towers and a historic crypt.
Hospital of the Holy Spirit (Heiligen-Geist-Hospital) (Lübeck): One of the oldest social institutions in the world, with a stunning medieval hall.
Marienkirche (St. Mary’s Church) (Lübeck): A masterpiece of Brick Gothic architecture that served as the blueprint for countless churches across the Baltic region.
Buddenbrooks House (Lübeck): The former home of the Mann family, now a museum dedicated to the famous authors Heinrich and Thomas Mann.
Maritime & Modern Attractions
Miniatur Wunderland (Hamburg): The world’s largest model railway exhibition, a must-see modern attraction within the Speicherstadt.
International Maritime Museum (Hamburg): Housed in the oldest warehouse in the Speicherstadt, it details 3,000 years of seafaring history.
The Harbour (Hamburg): Explore the massive port via a boat tour (HafenCity), Germany’s “Gateway to the World.”
Weser Promenade (Schlachte) (Bremen): The vibrant riverside promenade, lined with ships, restaurants, and beer gardens.
Uberseestadt (Bremen): A revitalized port area with modern architecture, museums, and new cultural spaces.
Museum Harbour (Lübeck): Home to historic sailing ships and a great place to see Lübeck’s maritime past up close.
Culture & Green Spaces
Kunsthalle Hamburg (Hamburg): One of Germany’s most important art museums, with collections spanning the Middle Ages to contemporary art.
Planten un Blomen (Hamburg): A large, beautiful park in the city center, famous for its water-light concerts in summer.
Bürgerpark (Bremen): A large, historic park and an important green space for the city, perfect for walking and relaxation.
European Hansemuseum (Lübeck): The largest museum dedicated to the history of the Hanseatic League.
Activities & Experiences
Take a Night Tour of the Reeperbahn (Hamburg): Explore Germany’s most famous entertainment district. Book a guided tour to learn about the history, subcultures, and unique atmosphere of St. Pauli after dark.
Go on a Boat Tour of the Speicherstadt & Harbor (Hamburg): Cruise through the historic Speicherstadt (a UNESCO World Heritage warehouse district) and the modern HafenCity, getting up close to the massive container ships in one of the world’s largest ports.
Walk the Medieval Walls & Gates (Lübeck): Pass through the iconic Holstentor gate and explore the remaining sections of the old city walls, like the Burgtor, to step back into the city’s Hanseatic golden age.
Visit the Böttcherstraße (Bremen): Stroll down this unique, narrow street that is a masterpiece of early 20th-century Expressionist architecture. It is a cultural landmark full of workshops, museums, and shops.
Explore the Elbphilharmonie (Hamburg): Attend a world-class concert or simply take the free escalator to the Plaza for breathtaking panoramic views of the harbor and city.
Take a Town Musicians Photo Op (Bremen): Find the famous statue of the “Town Musicians of Bremen” (a donkey, dog, cat, and rooster) next to the Rathaus. Tradition says touching the donkey’s legs brings good luck.
Tour the U-434 Submarine (Hamburg): Step aboard a massive Soviet-era spy submarine moored in the harbor to get a fascinating, claustrophobic glimpse into Cold War naval life.
Indulge in Marzipan Tasting (Lübeck): Visit the historic Niederegger Salon, the spiritual home of Lübeck marzipan, for a tasting of this famous local sweet treat and a visit to their Marzipan Museum.
Cycle Along the Weser River (Bremen): Rent a bike and ride on the scenic trails along the Weser, passing through green spaces and old ports, a popular local leisure activity.
Experience the Miniatur Wunderland (Hamburg): Spend hours exploring the world’s largest model railway exhibition, featuring incredibly detailed miniature landscapes of Scandinavia, the Alps, and the Hanseatic cities themselves.
Go on a Street Art & Alternative Culture Walk (Hamburg): Explore the vibrant street art, independent shops, and alternative scene in neighborhoods like Sternschanze and the Karolinenviertel.
Local Tips & Transport
Trains for Inter-City Travel: The best way to travel between the three cities is by Deutsche Bahn (DB) train.
Hamburg is a major rail hub, and all three cities are well-connected by frequent Intercity Express (ICE) or Regional Express (RE) services, making day trips easy.
Tip: Check out regional day tickets, such as the Niedersachsen-Ticket (which covers Bremen and Hamburg) or the Schleswig-Holstein-Ticket (which covers Hamburg and Lübeck).
Public Transport within Cities: All three cities have excellent, reliable public transport systems.
Hamburg (HVV): Features a dense network of U-Bahn (underground), S-Bahn (suburban/city train), and buses. A day ticket is often the most economical choice.
Bremen (BSAG): The city is primarily served by an efficient tram and bus system.
Lübeck: The old town is entirely walkable, but buses connect the train station and the surrounding areas.
Bikes: All Hanseatic Cities are quite bike-friendly, especially Bremen, which is renowned for its cycling infrastructure. Look for rental shops or city-wide sharing schemes like Stadtrad in Hamburg.
From Hamburg Airport (HAM): The S1 S-Bahn line offers a direct, quick, and affordable connection from the airport to Hamburg’s central station (Hauptbahnhof) and other key city stops.
The North German Reserve: People in North Germany, particularly in the Hanseatic Cities, are generally known for being more reserved and less overtly demonstrative than those in Southern Germany. They value politeness and punctuality. A firm handshake and direct, non-effusive communication are the norm.
The Maritime/Hanseatic Spirit: These cities have a fierce sense of independent identity rooted in their history as free Hanseatic cities. This manifests in a strong commitment to trade, global perspective, and a culture that is often more practical and down-to-earth than flamboyant.
Local Dining:
Fischbrötchen: The quintessential North German snack—a fresh fish sandwich (often with herring or salmon) on a small roll. Find them everywhere, especially around the harbors.
Labskaus (Hamburg): A historical sailor’s dish of corned beef, mashed potatoes, beetroot, pickled herring, and a fried egg. It’s an acquired taste but a must-try for culinary adventurers.
Kohl und Pinkel (Bremen): A hearty winter meal of kale stew with smoked pork and a special smoked sausage called Pinkel.
Lübeck Marzipan: The quality is strictly regulated. Look for the Niederegger brand for the most famous and authentic version.
Hidden Gems:
Cemetery of the War Dead (Lübeck): Behind the Holstentor, this serene and poignant cemetery honors those lost in WWII, a moving and quiet contrast to the busy city life.
The Blockland (Bremen): A rural, protected area of meadows and farms just outside the city center. It’s an unexpected escape, perfect for cycling, walking, or stopping at a traditional farm café.
The Krameramtsstuben (Hamburg): Tucked away near St. Michael’s Church, this is a beautiful and quiet courtyard featuring small 17th-century houses that once housed the widows of merchants. It’s a charming glimpse into the past.
Hamburg’s Altes Land: Just outside the city, this is Europe’s largest continuous fruit-growing region. If visiting in spring (April/May), the blossom viewing is spectacular.
Sunday Closures: Most shops, including supermarkets, are closed on Sundays in Germany. Plan your shopping accordingly. Exceptions are often found in major train stations and some bakeries or museum shops.
The Weather: Be prepared for changeable weather. The North Sea climate means it can be cool, wet, and windy, even in summer. Always pack a wind-resistant jacket, regardless of the season.
Top Restaurants
Hamburg
Erika’s Eck [$15-$25] – A legendary, no-frills tavern in the Sternschanze district, famous among locals and night owls for its huge portions of hearty, classic German home-style cooking and long opening hours.
Frau Möller [$15-$25] – A popular, old-school pub and eatery in St. Georg known for its simple, traditional North German dishes, a large selection of beers, and a genuinely local, lively atmosphere.
Krameramtsstuben [$25-$40] – Tucked away near St. Michael’s Church in historic timber-framed houses, this atmospheric restaurant serves traditional Hanseatic dishes like Labskaus in a cozy, hidden setting.
Nagel [$20-$35] – A traditional North German restaurant that has been serving typical dishes like Labskaus (a salted meat-and-potato mash), fish soup, and sausages with sauerkraut for generations.
Thämers [$15-$25] – A classic, rustic pub in the city center offering traditional German bar food and a wide range of local and international beers, popular for an unpretentious, cozy evening.
Schabi’s Fischimbiss [$15-$25] – A simple, highly-regarded fish stall/snack bar that serves excellent, fresh Fischbrötchen (fish rolls) and other fried fish specialties, a true local favorite near the harbor.
Bremen
Schüttinger Gasthausbrauerei [$20-$35] – Bremen’s oldest brew-pub, offering an authentic experience of local cuisine (like , a local sausage specialty) and two types of house-brewed beer in a rustic, bustling setting.
Kleiner Olymp [$20-$35] – A small, traditional Greek-German restaurant in the picturesque Schnoor quarter, praised by locals for its generous portions and authentic, cozy ambiance.
Das Kleine Lokal [$25-$45] – Located near the Kunsthalle, this intimate restaurant is known for its high-quality, contemporary take on regional and European cuisine in an elegant yet cozy setting.
Spitzen Gebel [$15-$25] – The last remaining medieval townhouse in Bremen, now a cozy, historic pub in the city center known for its traditional atmosphere and local Haake pils beer.
Lübeck
Schiffergesellschaft [$30-$50] – A historic institution dating back to the 16th century, originally a sailors’ guild house, serving classic North German maritime dishes like Labskaus in a magnificent, atmospheric hall.
Brauberger zu Lübeck [$20-$35] – A traditional brewpub housed in a medieval cellar vault, serving its own craft (unfiltered beer) and hearty pub food, offering a charming glimpse into Lübeck’s brewing heritage.
Das Kleine Restaurant [$25-$40] – Tucked into a medieval gabled building, this cozy spot serves up North German classics—seafood, steak, schnitzel—with attentive service, a favorite among locals.
Zum alten Zolln [$15-$25] – A very old, cozy pub known for its outstanding meatballs and a great atmosphere, a true Lübeck favorite for simple, traditional fare.
Zimmermann’s Lübecker Hanse [$25-$45] – A time-honored favorite with warmly lit, dark-paneled rooms, offering fresh Baltic fish and seafood, with the hearty fish soup being a standout.
Königs Fischbrötchen [$10-$20] – A classic kiosk known for its traditional, fresh (fish rolls), a must-try local street food staple near the harbor.
Hamburg
La Monella [$25-$45] – A modern Italian spot in the hip Karolinenviertel, popular for its creative antipasti, excellent pasta dishes, and lively, contemporary atmosphere.
Trüffelschwein [$50-$80] – Located in the St. Georg district, this restaurant offers modern European cuisine with a focus on high-quality ingredients, known for its creative use of seasonal flavors.
MOMO Ramen [$20-$35] – A popular, modern ramen joint, often frequented by locals for its authentic, deeply flavored broth and fresh, house-made noodles.
Casa Franco [$40-$70] – An atmospheric Portuguese restaurant in the Portuguese Quarter where there are no menus; instead, the waiter guides you through a selection of fresh, often seafood-focused dishes based on your preferences.
Bullerei [$40-$70] – Located in a converted slaughterhouse in the Sternschanze district, this restaurant by celebrity chef Tim Mälzer offers modern, high-quality international cuisine with a focus on meat.
Brooklyn Burger Bar [$15-$25] – A quality-focused burger joint in St. Georg that emphasizes homemade ingredients and creative burger combinations in a relaxed, urban setting.
Azeitona [$15-$25] – A popular Portuguese and Middle Eastern-inspired spot in Sternschanze known for its delicious, homemade falafels, hummus, and small, creative dishes.
Vlet in der Speicherstadt [$40-$70] – Located in a beautifully renovated warehouse in the Speicherstadt, it offers modern interpretations of classic North German and Hanseatic cuisine.
Bremen
Küche 13 [$30-$50] – A cozy restaurant in the trendy Viertel area with an open kitchen concept, known for its unique, modern dining experience and creative, international menu.
Bar Rique [$30-$50] – A “hidden gem” for food and wine lovers in Bremen, offering a shared dinner concept with a focus on high-quality, international small plates and an excellent wine list.
Speiselokal Canova [$35-$55] – A modern restaurant with a sophisticated atmosphere, offering a creative, seasonal menu that blends Mediterranean and European influences.
El Mundo Bremen [$35-$60] – A spacious restaurant in a former warehouse in Überseestadt, serving modern international cuisine with a creative and stylish flair.
Lübeck
Fangfrisch [$25-$45] – Located on Drehbrückenplatz, this modern spot is a paradise for fans of straightforward, honest, and Hanseatic food, with a focus on regional, fresh fish and seafood.
Meilenstein [$40-$70] – Set in a historic listed building, it offers contemporary European cuisine centered on seasonal, high-quality ingredients in an elegant setting.
Johanna Berger [$35-$60] – Housed in a charming 19th-century building, it serves modern Mediterranean cuisine with seasonal influences, available à la carte or as a surprise menu.
Larry’s [$20-$40] – A bit more “exotic,” this spot in Marlesgrube offers highly-rated Philippine cuisine, providing a unique and flavorful break from traditional German fare.
Mulino [$15-$25] – Highly recommended for authentic Neapolitan pizza, this relatively new spot is a favorite for quality, casual Italian dining.
Hamburg
Haerlin [$150-$250] – A three-Michelin-starred restaurant led by Executive Chef Christoph Rüffer, known for its globally inspired, imaginatively composed, and technically perfect fine dining experience, located in the Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten.
Lakeside [$$100-$180] – A two-Michelin-starred restaurant with stunning panoramic views over Lake Alster, offering a sophisticated and bold contemporary European tasting menu.
Piment [$100-$160] – A Michelin-starred restaurant offering an exceptional blend of classic French and Moroccan cuisine, known for its aromatic and creative flavor combinations.
bianc [$200-$300] – A Michelin-starred restaurant located in the HafenCity, offering an exclusive Mediterranean dining experience with a focus on Portuguese and Spanish influences.
Zeik [$80-$140] – A high-end spot known for its refined interpretation of traditional North German cuisine using modern techniques and regional ingredients.
Lübeck
Wullenwever [$100-$150] – Housed in a Renaissance-era patrician house, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers classic German-Mediterranean dishes using regional ingredients, served in an elegant dining room.
Schlumachers [$70-$120] – An ambitious upscale restaurant, well-regarded for its contemporary and finely executed seasonal cuisine, perfect for a refined meal.
Hana [$60-$100] – Known for its extremely good, high-quality Korean food, offering a more upscale and focused Korean dining experience beyond the typical street food.
Bremen
Bar Rique (Fine Dining) [$80-$120] – While also noted for casual dining, they offer a fine-dining experience with wine pairings, focusing on sophisticated, globally-inspired dishes.
Al Pappagallo [$80-$130] – A high-quality Italian restaurant, mentioned in the Michelin Guide, that uses the best produce to create delicious and traditional Italian dishes with refinement.
Hamburg
Café Gnosa [$10-$25] – A real institution in St. Georg, feeling like a step back into the 1950s, famous for its opulent champagne breakfast, traditional cakes (like pear cream cake), and hearty German lunch dishes.
Mercado Central Hamburg [$15-$30] – A vibrant spot offering a variety of Spanish tapas, wines, and specialties, providing a unique culinary journey right in the city center.
Mazza Eimsbüttel [$30-$50] – A highly-rated Syrian restaurant in Eimsbüttel, known for its authentic, flavorful, and shareable Middle Eastern dishes and warm hospitality.
O-Ren Ishii [$15-$25] – A trendy spot serving comforting, modern Vietnamese dishes in a relaxed, urban atmosphere, popular with a younger crowd.
Bremen
Teestübchen im Schnoor [$10-$25] – A charming café and restaurant in the historic Schnoor district, housed in a building from 1650, perfect for traditional afternoon tea, coffee, and cake.
Isaak’s Garden [$25-$45] – A lovely Mediterranean meze-style restaurant near the University, offering a variety of small, flavorful dishes in a cozy, garden setting.
Pochana Thai Restaurant [$15-$30] – A highly-regarded, unassuming Thai restaurant known for its authentic flavors and generous portions, a great find outside the main tourist areas.
Lübeck
Sudden Death Brewery & Pub [$15-$30] – A cool brewery and pub located in a former shipyard, offering a range of their own craft beers alongside pretzels and hearty German meat and fish dishes.
Erbse [$15-$25] – A specialist in vegan dishes located in the Fleischhauerstrasse area, offering healthy, plant-based meals that are popular with locals looking for lighter fare.
Unter Freunden [$20-$35] – Highly praised as the best restaurant for vegetarian and vegan cuisine in Lübeck, focusing on fresh, creative, and delicious plant-based meals.
Babis Wine and Dine [$40-$70] – While pricier, this spot offers seriously amazing quality Greek cuisine and a sophisticated wine list, a step up from typical Greek taverns.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Le Lion – Bar de Paris (Hamburg): An elegant, speakeasy-inspired bar near the Hamburg Town Hall, renowned internationally for its classic drinks and as the birthplace of the Gin Basil Smash. Ring the bell at the imposing black door for entry.
The Chug Club (Hamburg): Located in the vibrant St. Pauli district, this dark, cool bar focuses on agave spirits like tequila and mezcal, serving creative cocktails in smaller “chug” sizes so you can try more.
Boilerman Bar (Hamburg): With an industrial-chic design, this bar has two locations, one notably in the modern HafenCity district, offering a selection of expertly crafted, high-quality highball cocktails with a straightforward approach.
Clockers (Hamburg): Found in St. Pauli, this intimate cocktail bar has a rustic, forest-like decor with a focus on gin, which they distill in-house. It offers a chilled-out atmosphere for quality drinks.
Skyline Bar 20up (Hamburg): Situated on the 20th floor of the Empire Riverside Hotel near the Reeperbahn, this bar offers stunning, panoramic views of the harbor and the city skyline, perfect for sunset cocktails.
Freudenhaus-Bar (Hamburg): An iconic, cozy spot right in the heart of the Reeperbahn nightlife district, known for its vintage aesthetic, relaxed ambiance, and expertly crafted drinks.
Ruby Lotti Bar (Hamburg): Located in the Neustadt/vibrant press district, this stylish hotel bar is set in a former publishing house, offering a relaxed “casual luxury” atmosphere and high-quality cocktails.
Blauer Fasan (Bremen): Found in the central Böttcherstraße, this bar offers an upscale cocktail experience with high-quality and creative concoctions using fresh ingredients in a stylish atmosphere.
Lemon Lounge (Bremen): This popular bar in the city center (Mitte) provides a great view over Bremen’s ramparts. It’s famous for its wide selection of whiskies, rum, gin, and rare ‘Barrel Aged Cocktails.’
Bobby Lane Bar (Bremen): Located in the Schwachhausen district, this classic American bar focuses on gin and rum varieties, fulfilling individual cocktail wishes in a relaxed and traditional setting.
Perlen und Primaten (Bremen): Situated in the lively ‘Viertel’ (Quarter) district, this sophisticated bar offers a seasonally changing menu of special creations alongside classic cocktails, with a focus on infused spirits.
Capri Bar (Bremen): Part of the ‘Bermuda Dreieck’ bar cluster in the Viertel district, this cult bar is famous for its large, delicious cocktails and interior that evokes the Grotto of Capri with colorful aquariums.
Deck 20 (Bremen): An exclusive bar located 65 meters high in the Überseestadt, offering breathtaking, luxurious views over Bremen and the Weser River. Access is restricted to a well-dressed, 21+ crowd with a club card.
Sternschnuppe Lübeck (Lübeck): Situated on Fleischhauerstraße in the Old Town, this cocktail bar has a modern yet cozy pub feel within a charming, renovated Art Nouveau façade, known for its wide selection of gins and knowledgeable staff.
Dietrich’s – Café, Bar & Wine Bistro (Lübeck): Located near the Untertrave, this is one of Lübeck’s most creative bars, boasting over 300 gins, 200 whiskys, and tinkering with their own spirits and innovative creations.
Knorke Wine-Dine Bar (Lübeck): Also on Fleischhauerstraße, this casual fine-dining and bar spot focuses mainly on exquisite wines but offers a robust drink menu with spirits like gin and vodka, maintaining a laid-back, quality vibe.
Club Parkhaus (Lübeck): A hidden gem of a nightclub tucked away in a former multi-story car park (Hochgarage) near Marlesgrube in the city center, known for its pulsating beats and vibrant, no-frills party atmosphere.
Musikpark A1 Lübeck (Lübeck): A large disco club located slightly outside the city center, popular with party-goers for its multiple dance floors, friendly staff, and varied music selections by good DJs.
Club Rocca (Lübeck): Located on Lindenstraße, this club is known as the “rocking” heart of Lübeck, offering a wild mix of music and an energetic crowd, making it a lively spot for a night out.
MS Treue (Bremen): A unique club experience set on a former freight ship anchored in the Überseestadt port, often hosting house/techno club nights and alternative music events with a cool, intimate atmosphere.
Modernes (Bremen): Found in the Neustadt district, this well-known venue is part disco, part concert hall, featuring a sleek design and diverse music nights ranging from EDM, Hip-Hop, and Rap to themed parties.
Shagall Klub (Bremen): A popular dance club known for its eclectic music mix and lively atmosphere, hosting themed nights like 90’s Night and LGBTQ+ events.
Lila Eule (Bremen): A legendary spot in the Viertel district with a long history, famous for its underground vibe, live music (often jazz and blues), and a relaxed, student-friendly atmosphere perfect for casual celebrations.
Molotow (Hamburg): An institution on the Reeperbahn in St. Pauli, this club is a legendary spot for rock, indie, and alternative music, often featuring live bands in a raw, authentic setting.
Grosse Freiheit 36 (Hamburg): A famous, mid-sized venue located right on the Grosse Freiheit street near the Reeperbahn, functioning as both a concert hall for big-name acts and a large dance club later in the night.
Docks & Prinzenbar (Hamburg): This venue on the Reeperbahn houses two clubs: Docks is a larger hall for concerts and big dance parties, while the attached Prinzenbar is an elegant, historic space with a stunning stucco ceiling, hosting more intimate gigs and club nights.