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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best river views
St. Pauli Piers
Best Time
Best river views

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic waterfront hub offering scenic Elbe River views and affordable ferry rides, showcasing Hamburg's vibrant maritime spirit.
"Use public transport ferries for a scenic tour of the Elbe – it's covered by your local ticket!"
🚢 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Historic Piers
St. Pauli Piers
Walk along the historic piers and imagine the bustling Hamburg port of yesteryear.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Leverage Public Transport for Scenic Views
Embrace the Waterfront Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 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.
First time in Hamburg, 1 DAY TRIP, any tips?
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.
⏰ Check Ferry Schedules
Ferry routes and times vary; check schedules to plan your scenic ride.
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.
☀️ Sit on the Top Deck
Enjoy the best panoramic views of the Elbe River and port activity on sunny days.
🚶♀️ Explore the Waterfront
Wander the historic piers for free and soak in the lively atmosphere of the busy port.
⏰ Check Ferry Schedules
Ferry routes and times vary; check schedules to plan your scenic ride.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography. However, the vibrant activity of the port is also captivating during the day.
Absolutely! The open-air upper decks of the ferries provide fantastic opportunities for unobstructed photos of the river and city skyline.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. However, be mindful of private areas and avoid photographing sensitive port infrastructure or individuals without permission.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Elbe with Public Ferries
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.
The Historic Charm of St. Pauli Piers
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.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit