HafenCity in Hamburg is a really good example of modern urban development and innovative architecture. As one of the largest inner-city urban development projects in Europe, it combines historic harbour structures with modern design to create a unique urban space.

What makes HafenCity so special

Hamburg's HafenCity shows how well tradition and modernity can be combined. The historic buildings of the neighbouring Speicherstadt warehouse district, such as Kaispeicher B, are now home to the International Maritime Museum and offer an insight into Hamburg's maritime history. At the same time, you will also find modern buildings such as the Elbphilharmonie concert hall, which characterise the cityscape and attract visitors from all over the world.

HafenCity is divided into different neighbourhoods, each with its own character.

Am Sandtorkai / Dalmannkai: The first completed neighbourhood with high-quality living, restaurants and a view of the traditional ship harbour.

Überseequartier: Urban centre with retail, gastronomy, culture and planned underground connection – currently still under construction.

Strandkai: Exclusive residential quarter directly on the Elbe with a view of the harbour and Elbphilharmonie concert hall, modern design and luxury properties.

Grasbrookpark: Family-friendly residential neighbourhood with plenty of green spaces, playgrounds and social facilities such as daycare centres and schools.

Am Lohsepark (Lohsepark-Quartier): Central neighbourhood around a large city park with a memorial site and a mix of housing, education and leisure.

Elbtorquartier: Innovation and education location with HafenCity University, museums and creative working environments.

Brooktorkai / Ericusquartier

Transition to Speicherstadt with office and media locations, including the striking SPIEGEL building on Ericusspitze

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Baakenhafen: New lively neighbourhood with a focus on leisure, living and sport – particularly family and leisure-friendly.

Oberhafenquartier: Creative neighbourhood in transition with studios, start-ups and alternative urban development – rugged charm with lots of potential.

Elbbrückenquartier: Pioneering neighbourhood on the eastern edge of HafenCity with high-rise buildings, offices, housing and direct transport links.

In HafenCity, everything has been united in a unique way, because you will find a wide range of culture, leisure and green spaces.

Museums & Exhibitions

• International Maritime Museum
• Auto Museum PROTOTYP
• Dialoghaus Hamburg (dialogue in the dark, dialogue with time)
• HafenCity InfoCentre in the Kesselhaus
• Miniatur Wunderland
• Hamburg Dungeon
• German Customs Museum
• Discovery Dock
• Harry's Harbour Bazaar & Museum
• think.times Hanover railway station

Culture & Architecture

• Elbphilharmonie (incl. plaza viewing level)
• Speicherstadt (UNESCO World Heritage Site, adjacent to HafenCity)
• Magellan Terraces
• Marco Polo Terraces

Parks & green spaces

• Lohsepark
• Grasbrookpark
• Baakenpark
• Poggenmühlenpark

Shopping and promenades

• Überseeboulevard
• Westfield Hamburg Überseequartier

Viewpoints & photo spots

• Elbphilharmonie Plaza
• Baakenhafen viewing platform (Baakenpark)
• Roof terrace of the HafenCity University (partially open to the public during events)
• Entenwerder viewing platform
• Magellan terraces at sunset

Secret tip: Visit the Café Entenwerder 1 on the Elbe island of Entenwerder. This floating café not only offers delicious coffee, but also a unique view of the Elbe and the passing ships.

1. With 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 ceremonially opened in 2017.
3. About 7,000 new apartments are being built in HafenCity, where approximately 14,000 people are expected to live in the future.
4. Approximately 45,000 jobs are planned, spread across offices, retail, gastronomy, and public facilities.
5. About a quarter of the district consists of green spaces, including parks, promenades, and generous spaces by the water.
6. In terms of sustainability, HafenCity focuses on strict environmental standards and energy-efficient construction.
7. All buildings have been constructed on so-called quays to protect them effectively from flooding.
8. The cultural diversity is reflected in numerous museums, galleries, theaters, and event venues.
9. HafenCity University is a specialized educational institution focusing on urban development, architecture, and construction.
10. Connectivity to the city center is provided by the modern U-Bahn line U4, which runs right through 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 togetherness will also find plenty to appreciate. Be sure to visit one of the cozy cafés to wrap up your romantic stroll. A visit is particularly 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 knowledge.

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

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

HafenCity is particularly interesting because it is still under construction. This means it is constantly changing. New residential neighborhoods are emerging, more cultural institutions are in planning, and the use of public spaces is continually being reimagined. So, those who come more often can witness the development live and discover something new each time. It illustrates how urban development can work in the 21st century: sustainable, well thought out, and versatile. You can transition from innovative architecture to vibrant history in one day, attend a concert at the Elbphilharmonie, stroll along the promenades, or get lost in a museum. Its proximity to the Speicherstadt, good connectivity to the city center, and the variety of gastronomic and cultural offerings make the district an exciting destination — for spontaneous outings as well as for deeper explorations.