The HafenCity in Hamburg is a great example of modern urban development and innovative architecture. As one of the largest inner-city urban development projects in Europe, it combines historical harbor structures with modern design, creating a unique urban space.

What makes HafenCity so special

The Hamburg HafenCity demonstrates how well tradition and modernity can be combined. The historic buildings of the nearby Speicherstadt, such as the Kaispeicher B, now house the International Maritime Museum and provide insights into Hamburg's maritime history. At the same time, you will also find modern structures like the Elbphilharmonie, which shape the city's skyline and attract visitors from all around the world.

The HafenCity is divided into various districts, each with its own character.

• Am Sandtorkai / Dalmannkai: The first completed district featuring high-quality housing, gastronomy, and views of the traditional ship harbor.
• Überseequartier: Urban center with retail, gastronomy, culture, and planned subway connection – currently still under construction.
• Strandkai: Exclusive residential area right by the Elbe with views of the harbor and Elbphilharmonie, modern design, and luxury properties.
• Grasbrookpark: Family-friendly residential district with plenty of green space, playgrounds, and social facilities like daycares and schools.
• Am Lohsepark (Lohsepark District): Central district around a large city park with a memorial site and a mix of residential, educational, and recreational spaces.
• Elbtorquartier: Innovation and education hub featuring HafenCity University, museums, and creative working environments.
• Brooktorkai / Ericusquartier: Transition area to the Speicherstadt with office and media locations, including the distinctive SPIEGEL building at the Ericus peak.
• Baakenhafen: A new vibrant district focusing on recreation, housing, and sports – particularly family- and leisure-friendly.
• Oberhafenquartier: Creative quarter in transformation with studios, startups, and alternative urban development – rough charm with great potential.
• Elbbrückenquartier: A forward-looking district at the eastern edge of HafenCity with high-rise buildings, offices, residential spaces, and direct transport connections.

In the HafenCity, a unique blend of cultural offerings, leisure, and green spaces can be found.
 

Type	Attractions
Museums & Exhibitions	International Maritime Museum Automobile Museum PROTOTYP Dialoghaus Hamburg (Dialogue in the Dark, Dialogue with Time) HafenCity InfoCenter in the Kesselhaus Miniatur Wunderland Hamburg Dungeon German Customs Museum Discovery Dock Harry's Harbor Bazaar & Museum denk.mal Hannoverscher Bahnhof
Culture & Architecture	Elbphilharmonie (including Plaza viewing platform) Speicherstadt (UNESCO World Heritage Site, adjacent to HafenCity) Magellan Terraces Marco Polo Terraces
Parks & Green Spaces	Lohsepark Grasbrookpark Baakenpark Poggenmühlenpark
Shopping and Strolling Areas	Überseeboulevard Westfield Hamburg Überseequartier
Viewpoints & Photo Spots	Elbphilharmonie Plaza Baakenhafen viewpoint hill (Baakenpark) Rooftop terrace of HafenCity University (partially open to the public during events) Viewing platform at Entenwerder Magellan Terraces at sunset

Insider Tip: Visit the café Entenwerder 1 on the river island of Entenwerder. This floating café not only offers delicious coffee but also a unique view of the Elbe and passing ships.

1. With an area of 157 hectares, HafenCity is one of the largest urban development projects in all of Europe.
2. The Elbphilharmonie was built directly on the old Kaispeicher A and was ceremoniously opened in 2017.
3. Approximately 7,000 new apartments are being constructed in HafenCity, where around 14,000 people are expected to live in the future.
4. About 45,000 jobs are planned, distributed across offices, retail, gastronomy, and public institutions.
5. About a quarter of the district consists of green spaces, including parks, promenades, and spacious squares by the water.
6. In terms of sustainability, HafenCity relies on strict environmental standards and energy-efficient construction methods.
7. All buildings were constructed on so-called platforms to effectively protect them from flooding.
8. The cultural diversity is reflected in numerous museums, galleries, theaters, and event venues.
9. HafenCity University is a specialized educational institution focused on urban development, architecture, and construction.
10. Connection to the city center is provided by the modern U-Bahn line U4, which runs through the middle of the district.

There are child-friendly museums like Miniatur Wunderland and numerous playgrounds that make the district attractive for families. However, couples who just want to enjoy their time together will also find plenty to do. Why not visit one of the cozy cafés to wrap up a romantic stroll? A visit is especially worthwhile if you are culturally interested or an architecture lover: Places like the Elbphilharmonie and the International Maritime Museum invite you on a journey of discovery.

The visit to HafenCity itself is free of charge. However, certain attractions may have admission fees:

The HafenCity as a district is accessible at any time. However, the opening hours of individual facilities vary.

The HafenCity is especially interesting because it is still under construction. This means it is constantly changing. New residential neighborhoods are being created, additional cultural institutions are in the planning stages, and the use of public spaces is being reimagined continuously. So, those who visit more often get to see the development live—and discover something new each time. It demonstrates how urban development can work in the 21st century: sustainable, well thought-out, and versatile. Here, you can switch from innovative architecture to vibrant history in a single day, attend a concert at the Elbphilharmonie, take a stroll along the promenades, or lose yourself in a museum. The proximity to the Speicherstadt, good connections to the city center, and the variety of dining and cultural offerings make the district an exciting destination—for spontaneous outings as well as for deeper explorations.