St. Pauli Piers - a building with a ferris wheel in the background
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St. Pauli Piers

4.7
·28k reviews·Hamburg, Germany

Historic waterfront hub offering scenic Elbe River views and affordable ferry rides, showcasing Hamburg's vibrant maritime spirit.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunny afternoons

Best river views

CrowdMedium
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St. Pauli Piers - a building with a ferris wheel in the background

St. Pauli Piers

Best Time

Sunny afternoons

Best river views

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic waterfront hub offering scenic Elbe River views and affordable ferry rides, showcasing Hamburg's vibrant maritime spirit.

4.7
(28k reviews)

"Use public transport ferries for a scenic tour of the Elbe – it's covered by your local ticket!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚢 Use Public Transport Ferries

Your local transport ticket covers scenic ferry rides on the Elbe! Line 62 & #72 are great options.

☀️ Sit on the Top Deck

Enjoy the best panoramic views of the Elbe River and port activity on sunny days.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Elbe River Ferry Ride

Elbe River Ferry Ride

Pier 2

Scenic ferry journeys offering stunning views of the Elbe River and Hamburg's skyline, especially the Elbphilharmonie.

Bustling Port Activity

Bustling Port Activity

Waterfront promenade

Witness the dynamic energy of Hamburg's port with ships passing under bridges and constant activity.

Historic Piers

Historic Piers

St. Pauli Piers

Walk along the historic piers and imagine the bustling Hamburg port of yesteryear.

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Planning Your Visit

Leverage Public Transport for Scenic Views

Your standard public transport ticket, including the Deutschland Ticket, covers many ferry lines. Opt for Line 62 or the #72 ferry from Pier 2 for incredible Elbe River views, including the Elbphilharmonie, without the high cost of dedicated boat tours. Reddit

Embrace the Waterfront Vibe

St. Pauli Piers offer a free, lively waterfront experience. Wander the historic piers, soak in the bustling port activity, and enjoy views of ships. Allow 1-2 hours to explore, grab a bite, or catch a ferry. Reddit

Best Times

When
Sunny afternoons
Why
Best river views
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Have you seen St Paul’s from one of these protected views? These protected views of St Paul’s range from Westminster pier all the way to Richmond, and include iconic views across the city such as those from Parliament Hill in Hampstead Heath and Primrose Hill in Regents parks! Furthermore, it should be noted that these views aren’t protected by U.K. statute, instead, these protected views are ma...
@greatbritisharchitecture
86K likes • 1M views

🚢 Use Public Transport Ferries

Your local transport ticket covers scenic ferry rides on the Elbe! Line 62 & #72 are great options. Reddit

☀️ Sit on the Top Deck

Enjoy the best panoramic views of the Elbe River and port activity on sunny days. Reddit

reddit.com

First time in Hamburg, 1 DAY TRIP, any tips?

reddit.com

Trip to Hamburg, what to see and difficulties to expect

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Waterfront

Wander the historic piers for free and soak in the lively atmosphere of the busy port. Reddit

⏰ Check Ferry Schedules

Ferry routes and times vary; check schedules to plan your scenic ride. Reddit

reddit.com

First Time Visiting Hamburg, Not Sure What to do!!

Tips

from all over the internet

🚢 Use Public Transport Ferries

Your local transport ticket covers scenic ferry rides on the Elbe! Line 62 & #72 are great options. Reddit

☀️ Sit on the Top Deck

Enjoy the best panoramic views of the Elbe River and port activity on sunny days. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Waterfront

Wander the historic piers for free and soak in the lively atmosphere of the busy port. Reddit

⏰ Check Ferry Schedules

Ferry routes and times vary; check schedules to plan your scenic ride. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(28k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise St. Pauli Piers for its lively atmosphere, scenic Elbe River views, and the incredible value offered by using public transport ferries for sightseeing. It's a great spot to experience Hamburg's maritime heritage without a high cost. Some find dedicated boat tours pricey, but the general pier access and ferry options are highly recommended.

"Boat Tours can be very expensive. The Ferry Lines are scenic enough to tour the Elbe, the ride is covered by the local transport ticket also by the Deutschland Ticket. Sit on the top deck when weather is nice and enjoy the views especially Elbstrand riding Line 62 which departs every 30 minutes."

Roan

"Your general public transport ticket will also work for most regular boat rides. Try the open air upper deck for sunny days and if it's raining covered and the enclosed lower deck is best."

Allen

"This lively waterfront area is perfect for a scenic walk, with its mix of historic piers and modern ferries. The views of the Elbe River, bustling port activity, and the iconic sight of ships passing under the bridges are worth the visit.

Entry is free to the pier itself, and you could spend 1-2 hours wandering along the waterfront, stopping at the variety of cafes or hopping on a ferry for a harbour tour. Be sure to check the ferry times and landing bridges as each ferry offers different routes."

Vikash Parbhoo

What People Like

Scenic Elbe River views
Affordable ferry rides
Bustling port atmosphere

What People Dislike

Expensive boat tours

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

St. Pauli Piers are easily accessible via public transport. You can take the U-Bahn (subway) to Landungsbrücken station, which is directly connected to the piers. Several bus lines also stop nearby. Reddit

While there are parking garages in the vicinity, they can be expensive and fill up quickly, especially during peak times. Using public transport is highly recommended. Reddit

Yes, your general public transport ticket, including the Deutschland Ticket, is valid on most regular ferry lines departing from St. Pauli Piers, making it a cost-effective way to see the Elbe. Reddit

Many travelers recommend Line 62 for its scenic route along the Elbe, and the #72 ferry from Pier 2 offers fantastic views of the Elbphilharmonie. Reddit

The main promenade areas are generally accessible. However, boarding some ferries might have steps or require assistance, so it's advisable to check with the specific ferry operator. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the St. Pauli Piers themselves is free. You only pay if you decide to take a specific harbor tour or a longer ferry ride beyond the local transport routes. Reddit

If using your public transport ticket, the cost is covered. Dedicated harbor tours can range from €20-€30, but using regular ferries like Line 62 is much more affordable. Reddit

You can purchase tickets for dedicated harbor tours from various ticket booths located along the piers. For public transport ferries, your existing ticket is sufficient. Reddit

The piers are generally accessible throughout the day and into the evening, though individual ferry services will have their own schedules. It's best to check specific ferry times. Reddit

For regular public transport ferries, no advance booking is needed. For popular harbor tours, especially during peak season, booking in advance might be a good idea. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture iconic shots of ships passing under bridges, the bustling port activity, and the Elbphilharmonie from various vantage points along the piers. The upper decks of ferries offer excellent panoramic views. Reddit

Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography. However, the vibrant activity of the port is also captivating during the day. Reddit

Absolutely! The open-air upper decks of the ferries provide fantastic opportunities for unobstructed photos of the river and city skyline. Reddit

Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. However, be mindful of private areas and avoid photographing sensitive port infrastructure or individuals without permission. Reddit

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both wide harbor scenes and details. A wide-angle lens can be useful for expansive river views. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

St. Pauli Piers offer a fantastic and affordable outing for families. The main draw is the excitement of watching large ships and ferries come and go, which can captivate children for hours. Taking a public transport ferry like Line 62 is a budget-friendly way to give kids a taste of a boat ride with great views. Reddit Pack some snacks and drinks, and let them explore the piers. The open space allows for some freedom, but always keep a close eye on children near the water's edge. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, St. Pauli Piers are a goldmine. The piers themselves are free to explore, offering a vibrant atmosphere and great views of the port. The real win is using your public transport ticket on the HADAG ferries – it's a scenic harbor tour for the price of a regular bus or train ride! Reddit Avoid expensive dedicated boat tours and opt for Line 62 or the #72 ferry for incredible value and stunning Elbe River vistas. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Elbe with Public Ferries

One of the most delightful and budget-friendly ways to experience the Elbe River and Hamburg's iconic harbor is by utilizing the public transport ferry system. Unlike dedicated tourist boat tours, which can be quite expensive, many of the regular HADAG ferries are covered by standard public transport tickets, including the popular Deutschland Ticket. Reddit Travelers highly recommend Line 62, which offers a comprehensive route along the Elbe, providing stunning views of the harbor, the Elbstrand (Elbe beach), and the city skyline. Another favored option is the #72 ferry departing from Pier 2, renowned for its spectacular vistas of the Elbphilharmonie concert hall. Reddit

When planning your ferry ride, consider sitting on the open-air upper deck during pleasant weather for the most immersive experience and unobstructed photographic opportunities. If the weather turns, the enclosed lower deck offers protection from the elements. It's wise to check the ferry schedules in advance, as routes and frequencies can vary. This approach allows you to enjoy the maritime charm of Hamburg without breaking the bank, blending seamlessly with local life. Reddit

The Historic Charm of St. Pauli Piers

St. Pauli Piers, or 'Landungsbrücken,' are more than just a transport hub; they are a historical landmark that embodies Hamburg's maritime soul. These floating structures have been a gateway to the world for centuries, witnessing the city's evolution as a major trading port. Walking along the piers, you can still feel the echoes of this rich history, imagining the bustling activity of sailors, merchants, and travelers from bygone eras. Reddit

The area itself is a vibrant mix of old and new. While the piers retain their historic character, the surrounding waterfront is alive with modern ferries, cafes, and shops. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, offering captivating views of the Elbe River, the immense container ships navigating the waterway, and the impressive bridges that span its width. The free access to the piers makes it an accessible attraction for everyone looking to soak in the atmosphere of Hamburg's iconic harbor. Reddit

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