Altstadt, Neustadt and HafenCity

This is the easiest part of Hamburg for sightseeing, with good transport, many hotels and plenty of people around. The main risks are pickpockets in the crowds and empty streets in the business areas at night.

The Altstadt and Neustadt are Hamburg's historic and commercial center, with the Rathaus, the Binnenalster, shopping streets and the Speicherstadt warehouses. The Elbphilharmonie stands in HafenCity, a waterfront district built on the old harbour. This is the most visited part of the city, with wide pedestrian zones, many hotels, museums and restaurants, so there are always places to eat and people around. During working hours and the early evening it is busy and safe. Offices empty out at night, and some stretches in HafenCity, along the canals and in the shopping streets feel deserted after dark, though they are rarely threatening. Pickpockets work around the Rathausmarkt, Jungfernstieg, the Hauptbahnhof side and the Landungsbrücken, so keep valuables secure. The Alster and the canals are good for walks, but take busy routes after sunset.