Free experiences

Hobby florists and professional botanists pay attention: The botanical garden of the Loki Schmidt Foundation is home to amazing and exotic plants. The good news is that admission to the Flower Wonderland is free for all visitors. In the "Planten un Blomen" the original greenhouse can be admired, the newly created garden is at home in Osdorf. 

The ferries of line 62 are generally regarded as a cost-effective alternative to the popular harbour tours. With the HVV's day ticket, the HADAG ferry can be used as you please. The ferries leave at the landing stages. Afterwards, the ferry passes the must-see places of Hamburg's harbour promenade. The passengers pass the fish market, the dockland and the museum harbour Övelgönne. The final stop is Finkenwerder. From there it goes back again. Always in view on the way back: The Elbphilharmonie. Don't forget your camera to immortalise the unique views.

At the Elbphilharmonie Plaza you can see the whole of Hamburg. At a height of 37 metres, the circular path on the outer edge of the building offers a unique panoramic view of the city and the harbour. Escalators take you to the viewing platform in a matter of minutes. A visit to the Plaza is free of charge.

In the museum harbour Övelgönne traditional sailors, historical deep-sea cutters and listed steam barges have found a berth. Information boards and exhibits provide expert background knowledge. Admission to the open-air maritime museum is free. Bonus: On the opposite side of the Elbe, you can watch the hustle and bustle of the modern container port.

Boring museums? Not in Hamburg! The Zoological Museum of the University of Hamburg offers exciting insights into the animal world. With over 10 million objects in its collection, the Zoological Museum in Grindelallee is one of the largest and most important research centres for natural history. The exhibits include specimens of exotic and native animals. Among the highlights of the exhibition are huge whale skeletons. Every Sunday there are family guided tours for more specialist knowledge. Admission? Free!

The composer Johannes Brahms lived and worked in Hamburg, the Beatles started their career on St. Pauli, famous musicians from near and far enthuse millions of people on the stages of the Hanseatic city. A life without music is hardly imaginable in Hamburg. Many clubs and bars leave the microphone to unknown artists. The musical performances are free of charge for the listeners. The Birdland Jazz Club in Eimsbüttel organises jam sessions every Thursday. It's worth listening!

The opening of the St. Pauli Elbe Tunnel on 7 September 1911 marked a milestone in road construction. Pedestrians, carriages and motor vehicles could now cross the Elbe without having to board a ship. Today, the Old Elbe Tunnel reminds us of days gone by. Road traffic has been routed through the New Elbe Tunnel since 1975. A crossing of the old tubes on foot or on the bicycle is nevertheless worthwhile. Those who pass the 426.5 metre long tunnel can enjoy the unique harbour panorama from the Elbe island of Steinwerder.

During the day students meet here to learn, drink coffee and talk, in the evening the Pony Bar turns into a place of cultural encounters and varied events. Not far from the university campus at Dammtor, the Pony Bar offers rustic furnishings and comfortable sofas. The Sunday evening in the student café is completely dedicated to the tv show Tatort. Starting from 20:15 clock the cult series flickers over the screen. In a cozy atmosphere, drinks and snacks are served in anticipation of the resolution. 

Even established city dwellers sometimes long for a break from hectic city life. The forest Klövensteen in Altona is the ideal place to enjoy a moment of peace. The local recreation area stretches over 580 hectares of forest. Here you can hike and get some fresh air. The nature experience is of course free of charge.

Riding a bicycle is not only good for the environment, but also for your wallet. With the StadtRAD you can cycle through Hamburg for the first 30 minutes free of charge. Bicycle tours in less than half an hour: once around the Außenalster or from the Elbphilharmonie to the Schanzenviertel. The StadtRAD stations are spread all over Hamburg.