The Best Museums In Hamburg

The second largest city in Germany, Hamburg has an important spot in European history, and museums across the city offer visitors a chance to learn more about the events that have occurred throughout the centuries. From social change to chocolate, via war, emmigration and more, we pick the 5 best spots for finding out how Hamburg has developed.

Emigration Museum Ballinstadt

Head back in time at the Emigration Museum BallinStadt. It was originally the last homestead shelter for Europeans leaving to the New world, and a visit give you a good idea of what daily life was like for the intrepid immigrants who left from these shores. Three faithfully reconstructed buildings offer an insight into the living and sleeping arrangements, documenting the backgrounds and experiences of the immigrants through interactive and traditional displays. And if you’re up for a spot of genealogy, the museum keeps records of the over five million Europeans who left.

Opening hours: 10am – 5pm

Emigration Museum Ballinstadt, Veddeler Bogen 2, 20539 Hamburg, Germany, +49 40 31979160

1. Spicy's Museum

Museum

Got a taste for flavor? Spicy’s Museum is the only spice museum in the world. 800 exhibits tell the stories of spices from across the world, how they were used, transported and collected for over five centuries. it’s an absolute must for anyone interested in cooking, eating or ancient trade and with 50 different spices to smell and touch, you can really test your taste buds. N.B. Most of the exhibition notices are written in German.

Opening hours: Tues – Sun 10am – 5pm

2. International Maritime Museum

Museum

The International Maritime Museum began as a private collection in the 1930s, started by former chairman of the board of the Axel Spring AG, Peter Tamm, when he was six years old. The museum was officially opened in 2008 and houses a collection of over 40,000 nautical items and over one million photos. A nicely personal way to get an insight into Hamburg’s seafaring background.

Opening hours: 10am – 6pm