The Niche Traveller's
Journal
INSIDER TIPS
23.04.2025
The Best Places In Hamburg For Summer
Discover Hamburg Like a Local: 40+ Niche-Approved Happy Places. Ready to fall in love with Hamburg this summer? We've rounded up more than 40 insider tips to help you explore the city the Niche way — from leafy parks and the best mini-golf spots to charming cafés, scenic strolls, and handpicked favourites for laid-back city days. Whether you're a local or just passing through, these are the places that truly make Hamburg shine.

1. Elbstrand Walk & Boat Ride to Blankenese Stroll along the sandy Elbstrand and take a ferry to Blankenese. In the picturesque Treppenviertel, don’t miss Marmalade Café & Bar — a cozy spot for excellent coffee and homemade cake.
2. Picnic at Jenischpark One of Hamburg’s most beautiful green spaces, Jenischpark offers sweeping views of the Elbe. No picnic basket? Grab a snack at Schmidtchen Kiosk and find a peaceful spot under the trees.
3. Gastwerk Once a former gasworks, the Gastwerk Hotel impresses with its industrial charm and striking brick architecture. Its in-house Restaurant Mangold serves up modern cuisine in a stylish setting, while the inviting outdoor terrace with 40 seats is perfect for al fresco dining in the warmer months.
4. Best Ice Cream in the West Eishörnchen in Othmarschen is a local favourite. Located in an old grain storehouse, this charming ice cream parlor serves only homemade flavors.
5. Beach Club Vibes at Elbstrand From May to September, the Elbstrand transforms into an urban beach club with front-row seats to passing container ships. Our summer faves: Kleine Rast, Strandperle, and Café Engel for dinner right on the water at the Teufelsbrück ferry pier.
6. Foodie Newcomer 2025: Otti Chii A rising star in Ottensen, Otti Chii brings bold Southeast Asian flavors to the table — think Vietnamese Banh Mi, juicy dumplings, and creative shared plates served in a laid-back, stylish setting. Great for sharing — or taking away.
7. Books & Brews at Kapitel 3 In Altona, friends Helena and Nora have created Kapitel 3, a book café with a cozy, at-home vibe. Everything on the menu is vegan — and very, very good.
8. Oysters & Sundowners at Liberté Nothing beats oysters and a golden hour drink at Liberté, located right at the Fähranleger Fischmarkt. The perfect spot to soak up harbor views with a glass in hand.
9. Salt & Silver Magic Great food, cool crowd, epic view: Salt & Silver is a must. Bonus tip: if you’re heading to St. Peter-Ording, don’t miss their sister restaurant by the sea.
10. Mini Golf at Planten un Blomen The city’s most beautiful park also has the best mini golf. Next door: Café Blomen, serving great coffee, homemade treats, and refreshing drinks — this is no ordinary kiosk.
11. Hamburg’s Green Bunker St. Pauli’s latest landmark. Climb the rooftop path of the old WWII bunker and be rewarded with breathtaking city views and craft cocktails in the rooftop garden.
12. Turkish Tapas Meets Natural Wine A Wolf Will Never Be A Pet — a relaxed natural wine bar in Karoviertel with Turkish small plates. Right next door: Izakaya, a stylish Japanese street food bar.
13. Kiosque: Pizza, Pasta, Party, Part Italian Bistro, Part Cocktail Bar, Kiosque sits in a former tattoo studio near Grüner Jäger. Think sourdough pizzettas, modern Italian dinners, and heavenly drinks.
14. Paris Vibes in Eimsbüttel For a dose of French charm, head to La Bête Noir. Their house-roasted cappuccino is divine — and the ambiance stays magical, rain or shine.
15. Laid-Back Dining at Klinker Klinker flips the fine-dining script with shareable plates and a warm, communal vibe. Mostly vegetarian, the menu features regional, seasonal produce.
16. Soulful Dining at ÆNDRÈ In the heart of the university quarter, ÆNDRÈ serves healthy, feel-good dishes in a calm setting. The terrace is an absolute summer highlight.
17. Alster Meadow Moments In Harvestehude, the Alster meadows are dotted with classic white chairs. Come here to stroll, read, jog — or just people-watch in style.
18. Engelke Pasta Olio & Vino, Eppendorfer Baum With 60 seats on its sun-drenched terrace, this eatery is the place to be in Eppendorf. Whether you’re here for a quick pasta or just a glass of something delicious, it’s the perfect spot to linger all day long.
19. Explore Isemarkt Europe’s longest outdoor market winds beneath the U-Bahn tracks. From fresh produce to flowers and handmade goods — Isemarkt is a local legend.
20. Canal Views at Little Amsterdam Tucked along the Isebekkanal, Café Little Amsterdam serves Dutch charm by the glass. Ideal for a sundowner after browsing the boutiques in this “Little Notting Hill” of Hamburg — a city that, fun fact, has more bridges than Venice, making its waterways all the more magical.
21. Staycation Feels at SUPPER CLUB Sink into a deck chair by the Alster at SUPPER CLUB. With breakfast, cocktails, lunch, and dinner on offer, it's a sun-soaked gem. Bonus: rent paddle boats or SUPs right on site.
22. All-Day Brunch at The Morgenmuffel Who says breakfast is just for mornings? At The Morgenmuffel in Eppendorf, pancakes and Eggs Benedict are served all day — with just the right amount of boozy pairing.
23. Terrace Time at Manzels Close to the leafy Haynspark, Manzels is a chic all-day bar with a spacious terrace. A dreamy spot for wine and snacks, far from the city bustle.
24. Swim Break at Stadtparksee Need to cool off? The Stadtparksee natural pool is a refreshing oasis in the heart of Hamburg’s most beautiful park — also home to the city’s iconic Planetarium.
25. Café Kernig, Winterhude This charming little gem in Winterhude has a spacious terrace that’s perfect for summer hangs. The menu? All about freshly topped Stullen (open sandwiches) and excellent egg dishes. Small but mighty.
26. Alsterperle Once a public restroom (yep, really), now an iconic spot with the best view over the Alster. Locals flock here for pea soup, grilled sausage, cold beers, and golden hour sunsets. No frills, all charm.
27. The “Spanish Steps” at Mundsburger Kanal Come summer, this canal-side staircase becomes the place for sundowners. Grab a drink, dangle your feet, and soak in the mellow Hamburg vibes.
28. The George The rooftop terrace at The George Hotel is ideal for relaxing and sunbathing while taking in sweeping views over Hamburg and the Alster lake. Downstairs, their in-house restaurant DaCaio offers modern Italian dining with a stylish twist — perfect for long dinners or aperitivo vibes.
29. Speicherstadt & Moon 46 Rooftop Bar The world’s largest historic warehouse district is a must-see. For a cool drink with a view, head to Moon 46 on the rooftop of the Pierdrei Hotel — the vibe is chic, the cocktails strong, and the view over the Speicherstadt unbeatable.
30. Elbphilharmonie Plaza No visit to Hamburg is complete without stepping onto the Elphi's public viewing platform. The panoramic views are epic, especially at sunset. Open daily from 10am to 11:30pm, entry just €3.
31. Heimatjuwel – Fine Dining with a Local Twist Not new, but always a welcome surprise: Heimatjuwel in Eimsbüttel. Here, culinary curiosity meets exceptional craftsmanship. Michelin-starred chef and owner Marcel Görke creates seasonal, regionally inspired menus with vegetables in the spotlight. The philosophy of this understated gem? “Why travel far when the good stuff grows nearby?”
32. The Arc restaurant in Eimsbüttel bridges fine dining with a young, sustainable concept. With an innovative approach and a focus on products from Hamburg and the surrounding region, the menu offers full transparency and celebrates local producers.
33. Pacific Bar – Retro Vibes and Exotic Cocktails Craving a bar with elegant flair and nostalgic charm? Head to Pacific Bar in the Schanzenviertel. Expect fresh vibes and imaginative drinks inspired by the flavours and spirits of the Pacific Rim.
34. Das was wir wirklich LIEBEN – Deli Delight in Eppendorf This charming little deli in Eppendorf is a real hidden gem. Everything is homemade with love: from flaky croissants and toasted granola to hearty open-faced sandwiches and dainty cakes. Cozy indoors and with a lovely outdoor terrace.
35. Paolas Deli & Bar – Aperitivo on the Sidewalk This sidewalk terrace in Goernestraße has become a neighbourhood favourite in chic Eppendorf. Best enjoyed with an Apéritif and cheese board. Fancy something more elevated? Just pop next door to Cornelia Poletto’s Michelin-starred restaurant.
36. Boberger Dünen – Hamburg’s Only Wandering Dune A summer visit to the Boberger Dünen offers a unique natural experience — Hamburg’s only wandering sand dune surrounded by heathland. There's also a beautiful lake for swimming (do check signs for possible swimming restrictions due to algae). Stop by the Dune House for nature insights.
37. Hobenköök – Culinary Market Magic in Oberhafen Part wine bar, part restaurant, part market hall — Hobenköök is a hotspot in the HafenCity’s Oberhafen quarter. A paradise for foodies, with frequent events and a focus on local produce.
38. Entenwerder1 – Floating Café with Harbour Views A floating pontoon on the Elbe? Yes, please. Entenwerder1 is a charming café with a laid-back vibe, hearty dishes, good coffee, and postcard-worthy views of Hamburg’s port.
39. Finkenwerder Pool – Swim with a View Finkenwerder’s open-air pool is right on the Elbe. Take a dip while watching massive container ships glide by, then bask in the sun on the grassy lawn. One of Hamburg’s most scenic swims.
40. Hygge The Farm – From Garden to Plate A perfect Saturday escape. At Hygge The Farm, you can see how your food grows, then savour it fresh at the adjacent Farm Deli. A delicious way to welcome the weekend, just outside the city.
Where´s your favourite spot in Hamburg? Drop us a line or share and tag us with #nichehappyplaceshamburg
Enjoy exploring Hamburg - AHOI!
