Free Hamburg Historic City Centre Tour
What awaits you
- 1200 years of history from Charlemagne to the new HafenCity urban development
- The impressive Town Hall
- Symbol of Germany´s rise to a world player: the Kontorhouses
- WW2 Memorial of St. Nikolai
- UNESCO Site Speicherstadt
- Elbphilharmonie: the city´s new landmark
- the city´s old landmark and the best look-out: St. Michael´s Church
Pay what you think is fair
English or German
Duration 2 hours
Starts in front of the Rathaus
Ends at St. Michael’s Church
Book Your Hamburg Free Walking Tours
Impressions
Highlights
Witness the rise and fall of Hamburg throughout its history: its glorious past as a centre of the Hanseatic League and its heavy destruction in the Great Fire and the World War 2. Our Free Tours run in English and German with Hamburg’s #1 top rated local Tourguides.
- 1200 years of history from Charlemagne to the new harbor city urban development
- little Venice at the inner Alster Canal
- the impressive Town Hall
- important main churches of the city
- a symbol of Germany´s rise to an economical world player: the Kontorhouses
- WWII Memorial of St. Nikolai
- the romantic side of the city: Deichstrasse
- lighthouse project Elbphilharmonie: the city´s new landmark
- the city´s old landmark and the best look-out: St. Michael´s Church
This tour is barrier-free.
Disclaimer
Participation in tours which are promoted by Robin and the Tourguides is on a purely voluntary basis. Neither Robin and the Tourguides nor the self-employed freelance guides who are the providers of the tours promoted by Robin and the Tourguides, will be held responsible in any way for injuries to body or property incurred during tours. The tour guides reserve the right to deny participation in any tour, to any person, for any reason. Thank you for your understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are free tours?
Free tours do not have a fixed price that you have to pay. You are welcome to join the tours regardless of your budget. At the end of the tour the guests are free to decide about a fair price they want to pay the guide for the tour. All our guides will accept an amount that you feel is fair.
Who pays the guide?
Unlike what many think, we are not paid by the city of Hamburg. We are an independent private company and we do not receive money or compensation from any organisations.
The money from the guide’s guests is all that he/she earns for the tour. The guide has to pay a fixed amount per guest to the company for advertising, administration, etc… The guide then keeps what is left after tax deduction.
For most of us being a tour guide is our main job. We do this full time. That is why we appreciate when guests honor our work accordingly.
Can you live with what you earn as guides?
This depends, of course, on how much our guests give us at the end of the free tour. 🙂 All our guides are freelancers that have to pay taxes, health care, pension funds, and on top of that, their living costs. We gladly take everyone with a low budget on our tours but the free tour system is only feasible if everyone who can afford it honours the guides’ work accordingly. We appreciate every contribution given!
I didn't have the time to register! / Registration didn't work!
Don’t worry! We are nice people and will try to take you on the tour nevertheless. 🙂 In most cases, this will also work out well.
We are a group. Can we join a free tour?
Yes you can – if you are no more than 7 persons. Groups larger than 7 persons have to book a private tour with us.
To book a private tour please click here.
Do your free tours take place today?
Yes they do, even if the weather is bad. We might cancel a tour if there’s a pandemic or an earthquake around, though.
If you can book it on this website then it takes place!
Where and when do the tours start?
The Historic City Center Tour starts daily at 11 am in front of the main entrance of the Town Hall (Rathaus). The Harbour and St. Pauli Tour starts daily at 2 pm at Landungsbrücken, bridge No. 5 next to the Hard Rock Café.
How do I recognize the guide?
Our guides will be holding a bright yellow umbrella at the meeting point.
What should I bring to the tour?
Please, dress well according to the weather! This means: if the weather is hot, bring lots of water and sunscreen. If the weather is cold and rainy, bring plenty of warm clothes! Two hours in the cold actually feels much colder than you would think! Hamburg is also a windy city so don’t buy cheap umbrellas for €3 because they will only last 5 minutes.
… something else?
Hamburg Craft Beer Tasting Tour
Get an excellent introduction to Hamburg’s unique craft beer scene with 7 locally brewed craft beers and a professional guide who will delve into Hamburg’s brewing history and techniques.
St. Pauli & Harbour – Free Walking Tour
This is the perfect tour to get to see the economic engine of the city, the port, as well as its neighboring leftist red-light district, St.Pauli. It is a combination of the industrial harbour and social themes the city has dealt with in the past decades and still today.
Free Walking Tour Hamburg: Discover the Heart of Germany’s Most Exciting City!
Welcome to Robin and the Tourguides, your ultimate choice for a free walking tour in Hamburg! With daily tours in both English and German, we invite you to explore the vibrant streets, historic landmarks, and fascinating tales of Germany’s gateway to the world. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local seeking a new perspective, our tours promise an unforgettable adventure… and yes, they’re entirely pay what you want. Intrigued? Keep reading to discover why we’re the best in the business.
Why Choose a Hamburg Free Walking Tour with Robin and the Tourguides?
Hamburg isn’t just a city… it’s a way of life. From the shimmering Alster Lake to the bustling Reeperbahn, our tours cover it all. But why go with us? Here’s why:
- Authentic Local Guides: Our team of passionate, expert guides lives and breathes Hamburg. We’re like walking encyclopedias, but funnier and with fewer footnotes.
- Pay What You Want: That’s right! We believe everyone should have access to the best free city tours, regardless of budget. Pay what you feel our tour is worth—spoiler alert: it’ll be worth every penny (or euro)!
- Daily Tours in English and German: Rain or shine, we’re here every day to show you the sights of Hamburg.
- Engaging and Entertaining: History doesn’t have to be boring! Our tours are packed with legends, laughs, and maybe even a pirate tale or two.
Experience Hamburg Free Walking Tours That Are Anything But Ordinary
Our tours are pay-what-you-please because we believe great experiences shouldn’t come with a catch. Here’s what makes our free walking tours the cream of the crop:
- English-Language Expertise: No awkward translations here. Our guides speak fluent English and are masters of storytelling.
- Top-Notch Local Guides: Think history buffs with a flair for humor—learning has never been this fun.
- Cultural Highlights Galore: From the jaw-dropping Elbphilharmonie to the historic Speicherstadt, you’ll see it all.
- Sustainable Tourism: Because making memories shouldn’t cost the planet or the local community.
Ready to join the fun? Book your free walking tour in Hamburg now!
Explore the Sights of Hamburg: Tours We Offer
1. Hamburg Historic City Centre Free Tour
This is the ultimate city walk Hamburg has to offer. Perfect for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the legends behind the city’s landmarks. Highlights include:
- Rathaus (Town Hall): Marvel at one of Europe’s most stunning government buildings. Did you know it has more rooms than Buckingham Palace? Fancy!
- St. Nikolai Memorial: A poignant stop on our historic Hamburg tour, this site is a stark reminder of the city’s reconciliation and a centerpiece of the extensive WWII history we explore.
- Deichstraße: Step back in time with these charming, historic houses.
- The Alster Lakes: Stroll along the banks of the serene Inner and Outer Alster, the crown jewels of Hamburg’s natural beauty.
This tour is a deep dive into historic Hamburg, from its Hanseatic League roots to its modern-day vibrancy.
Fun fact: Did you know Hamburg has more bridges than Venice and Amsterdam combined? Talk about overachieving!
Highlights You Can’t Miss
Rathaus (Town Hall), Rathausmarkt
No free walking tour Hamburg would be complete without a visit to the iconic Rathaus (Town Hall) and the bustling Rathausmarkt. This stunning building, with its grand facade and impressive clock tower, is a symbol of Hamburg’s rich history and resilience. The surrounding square is the perfect spot to soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere and take some memorable photos.
St. Nikolai Memorial
A poignant stop on our historic Hamburg tour, this site is a stark reminder of the city’s resilience and a centerpiece of the extensive WWII history we explore.
Elbphilharmonie
A modern architectural marvel and a cultural hotspot, the Elbphilharmonie is a must-see. Whether you’re snapping a photo or catching a concert, it’s an experience you won’t forget.
Speicherstadt
Step into the world’s largest warehouse district, the Speicherstadt. With its red-brick facades and canals, it’s a picture-perfect spot steeped in history.
St. Michaelis Church
Known as “Michel,” this iconic church offers stunning views of the city from its tower. A highlight for history lovers and photographers alike.
What Makes Our Tours the Best Free Tours Hamburg Has to Offer?
- Entertaining Stories: Forget boring dates and dry facts. We bring Hamburg’s history to life with humor and heart.
- Great for Groups: Traveling with friends, family, or coworkers? Our tours are perfect for team-building or just having a good laugh together.
- Local Expertise: There’s no substitute for a local guide who knows the city like the back of their hand.
What People Are Saying About Us
“The best walking free tours I’ve ever been on! The guides were not only knowledgeable but also humorous. Highly recommend the Hamburg Historic City Centre Free Tour.” – Emily, UK
“I joined the St. Pauli tour Hamburg, and it was AMAZING. The mix of history and fun facts kept me engaged the whole time.” – Jonas, Germany
Tips for Your Free Walk in Hamburg
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: Trust us, you’ll thank us later.
- Bring an Umbrella: Hamburg weather is as unpredictable as a soap opera plot.
- Arrive Early: Tours start on time, and you don’t want to miss a single moment.
- Ask Questions: Our guides love sharing insider tips… ask away!
- Pay What You Want: Don’t forget to pay your guide what the tour was worth… they’ve earned it!
Book Your Free Walking Tour in Hamburg Today
Discover Hamburg like never before with Robin and the Tourguides. From the iconic landmarks to the hidden gems, every step of the journey is filled with stories, laughter, and unforgettable memories. See you on the tour… Hamburg Ahoi!