Over the last few years, we’ve been to Hamburg numerous times. We are lucky enough to have a friend that lives out there so it means that we only have to pay for our flights.

The boys love going to Hamburg, our most recent trip was back in the summer and this time rather than just a weekend we stayed decided to stay for five nights and spend 24 hours in Berlin too.

We tend to fly with Easyjet as its usually the airline with the most reasonably priced tickets. It’s worth shopping around though as prices do change depending on how far in advance you can book them.

As a family, there is never any question that we drive to the airport. It’s the most stress-free way of getting there on time and ensures that if we have a late flight landing back in the UK we can just bundle the boys into the car to sleep so we can continue our journey home.

We’ve used various Valet Parking services before, this time we used Looking4Parking a parking price comparison website

I thought it would be useful to put together a list of the family-friendly activities and sights you can do in Hamburg with kids based on our past experiences.

Top things to see and do in Hamburg

Miniatur Wunderland

Without a question of a doubt, this had to be on the top of our list. We’ve been to Miniatur Wunderland every single time we’ve visited Hamburg – the boys simply can’t get enough of it.

Miniatur Wunderland is the largest model railway in the world (hence why my boys love it!) It’s spread over three floors and the attention to detail to its miniature cities are amazing. As well as mini city replicas there’s also a replica of Hamburg Airport complete with flying aeroplanes!

Opening hours
It’s gotten busier each year we’ve visited so I would advise booking your tickets in advance if you can and arrive early!

Miniatur Wunderland is open 7 days a week 365 days a year. Check the website for opening hours as these do vary.

Admission Prices
Children €6.50 (children under 1m are free)
Adults €13.00

Hamburg Hauptbahnhof

Ok, so this might not be for everyone but if your kids LOVE trains (like mine do) then they will love train spotting at Hamburg’s main station!

You’ll see double-decker trains here (we took one to Lubeck on a day trip) as well as the high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains. This has speeds of up to 300km/h and we finally took the boys on one to Berlin back in July. I’ve honestly never seen them so excited!

Stand on the concourse and watch different types of trains pull in. You can then head to the metro and carry on with the rest of your day’s activities!

Hamburg Zoo – Tierpark Hagenbeck

Set in 19 hectares of grounds Tierpark Hagenbeck is over 100 years old and has over 1,850 animals from every continent.

We loved seeing the outdoor enclosures and getting up close to the elephants. There’s also petting zoos, pony rides, a rope bridge and an Adventure Playground too.

Opening times
Open all year from 9.00am, closing times vary so check the website.

Admission price
Children €15.00 (children under 4 are free) or €21.00
for the Zoo and Aquarium

Adults €20.00 or €30.00 for the Zoo and Aquarium

Family Ticket €60.00 or €85.00 for the Zoo and Aquarium

Tropen Aquarium, Hagenback

The Tropen Aquarium is right next to the zoo (see above) and is a great place to visit on a rainy day, which is what we did in July.

There are three levels with over 14,000 animals. A tropical setting complete with a waterfall you’ll see Lemurs roaming around, exotic bird, crocodiles snakes and more.

You’ll also be amazed by the Underwater World with one of the biggest aquariums in Europe. It holds almost 2 million litres of water. It’s like watching a huge cinema screen complete with seating so you can just sit and take in the beautiful scenery – very relaxing and tranquil.

Opening times
Open all year from 9.00am, closing times vary so check the website.

Admission price
Children €13.00 (children under 4 are free) or €21.00
for the Zoo and Aquarium

Adults €14.00 or €30.00 or €21.00 for the Zoo and Aquarium

Family Ticket €43.00 or €85.00
for the Zoo and Aquarium

Hamburg DOM

The biggest funfair we’ve ever been to which is jam-packed with rides, roller coasters and bumper cars/ You name it this place has got it.

I have to also mention the amazing variety of German food on offer here too. There’s crepes, donuts, sugared almonds, sweets, candyfloss as well as little pop-up German restaurants where you can enjoy a beer and have bratwurst.

Opening times
Open three times a year, 30 days at a time in Spring, Summer and Winter.

Admission price
Free (Costs for rides apply)

See Hamburg by Ferry from Landungsbrücken

If you head to Hamburg Harbour there are lots of sightseeing tours you can go on. However, local ferries also run here at the east end of the Landungsbrucken pier. The ferries accept public transport tickets (the ones you use for the bus, metro etc) making it really a reasonable and great way to view Hamburg on water.

Be warned that it is a bit of a free for all to board the ferry though as there’s no real queuing system in place!

The ferry ride lasts about half an hour.

Time
Roughly every 15 minutes

Price
Cost of a bus or metro ticket.

Have you been to Hamburg – where would you recommend as a good place to go with kids?

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*We received complimentary Valet Parking services from Looking4Parking

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