Hamburg is a city that loves good food — and it shows. Its unique blend of maritime charm, historic harbor districts, trendy neighborhoods, and lively nightlife makes it an ideal place for food tours that highlight both local specialties and international flavors. Whether you’re interested in savoring gourmet appetizers while overlooking the Elbphilharmonie, exploring the colorful streets of St. Pauli, or sampling craft beers in the Schanze district, Hamburg offers a diverse palette for food lovers. We especially like the Hamburg: Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour for combining world-class architecture with tasty bites, and the St. Pauli: Guided Food Tour with 5 Tastings for a deep dive into Hamburg’s most lively neighborhood.
Hamburg’s culinary scene is as varied as its history, blending traditional German fare with international influences. Food tours in Hamburg not only satisfy your appetite but also give you insight into the city’s unique neighborhoods, from historic Speicherstadt to buzzing St. Pauli. Whether you’re a casual eater or a serious foodie, these experiences promise a flavorful and authentic taste of Hamburg.
Quick Overview
This list covers a range of food tours that cater to different interests and budgets. From comprehensive tours of HafenCity and Speicherstadt to lively pub crawls through St. Pauli, each offers something unique. For example, Hamburg: Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour combines architecture with bites, while Schanzenviertel Food and Beer Tour focuses on craft beers and currywurst. Read on to find out which tour best matches your interests.
1. Hamburg: Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour
This highly-rated 3-hour tour takes you through HafenCity, Hamburg’s modern waterfront district, with visits to the Speicherstadt warehouse area and the architectural marvel of the Elbphilharmonie. The highlight is skipping the lines to access the Elbphilharmonie Plaza, which offers sweeping views of the harbor and city. Along the way, you’ll stop at up to five restaurants to enjoy international appetizers. What makes this tour stand out is its seamless blend of culinary delights and cultural sights, with reviews praising guides like Nadine and Anna for making history and food both engaging and delicious. The tour costs $624 for up to 10 people, offering great value considering the exclusive access and multiple stops.
Bottom Line: Perfect for architecture lovers and foodies who want a comprehensive, relaxed experience with memorable views and tasty bites.
2. St. Pauli: Guided Food Tour with 5 Tastings
This 3-hour tour presents Hamburg’s legendary party district in a new light. With a licensed guide, you’ll explore five local hotspots, tasting a mix of international and regional delicacies. The emphasis is on discovering St. Pauli’s hidden culinary gems while hearing authentic stories about the neighborhood’s colorful past. This tour is ideal if you want to combine cultural insight with food, especially since reviews mention the engaging guides and delicious tastings, all for $511 for up to 10 guests.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those who want a lively, story-rich experience with a focus on local flavors and insider stories.
3. Hamburg: Schanzenviertel Food and Beer Tour
For about $59 per person, this 2.5-hour tour explores the trendy Schanzenviertel neighborhood, known for its craft beer scene and eclectic vibe. The tour includes a visit to the Ratsherrn Brewery to learn about beer production, a taste of the best currywurst in Hamburg, and stops at a craft beer bar with more than 100 types of beer. Guests love the relaxed atmosphere and the chance to sample unique brews, with reviews praising the informative and cool guides.
Bottom Line: Ideal for beer enthusiasts and those wanting to explore Hamburg’s craft beer culture in a lively, casual setting.
4. Sternschanze kulinarisch: Die Food Tour
This 3-hour tour dives into the Sternschanze neighborhood, Hamburg’s indie heart. Expect hip cafes, eclectic bistros, and fine dining, with stops at up to five eateries. The guide will share stories about Hamburg’s foodie past and current trends, making it perfect for curious travelers who want to explore like a local. Reviews mention the friendly guide and tasty samples, with a price of around $51.09 per person.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers interested in Hamburg’s creative side and independent food scene.
5. Elphi Plaza und HafenCity kulinarisch – Die Food Tour
This 3-hour tour combines architectural sightseeing with food sampling in HafenCity and the Elbphilharmonie. Starting in HafenCity, you visit five eateries and finish on the plaza of the Elbphilharmonie, enjoying delicious bites along the way. The experience is praised for its variety and expert local guidance. At just $62.45 per person, it offers excellent value, especially for first-timers wanting a taste of Hamburg’s modern scene.
Bottom Line: Perfect for visitors who want a balanced mix of architecture, local food, and panoramic views.
6. St George’s Culinary Food Tour
This small-group 3-hour tour in the St. George district offers a local insider’s perspective. It features five tastings at chosen restaurants, with stories about Hamburg’s diverse neighborhoods and Saint George’s tales. With only three reviews, it’s a niche experience for travelers wanting an intimate, authentic look at this unique district.
Bottom Line: Suitable for those seeking a personalized, less touristy tour in one of Hamburg’s colorful neighborhoods.
7. Hamburg Private Food Tours with a Local: 100% Personalized
This customizable experience is perfect if you’re craving a tailor-made food adventure. For about $200.94 per person, a private guide will craft an itinerary based on your tastes, visiting districts like St. Pauli and Sternschanze and sampling up to 8 dishes. It includes hotel pickup and flexible scheduling, making it ideal for food lovers who want a personalized journey.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who prefer exclusivity and a customized tour experience.
8. Hamburg: St. Pauli Food and Bier Tour
In just 2.5 hours for $67 per person, this tour combines hearty snacks with beer tastings in St. Pauli. Starting with two snacks and a beer, you’ll visit a craft beer bar and learn about Hamburg’s brewing history. The relaxed pace and focus on local beer culture make it a hit among beer fans.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a quick, flavorful introduction to Hamburg’s beer scene in the lively St. Pauli neighborhood.
9. Hamburg Traditional Food Tour: Full Meal and Drinks
This full-day experience (about 3.5 hours, $90 per person) focuses on authentic Nordic German flavors. It includes visits to historic eateries, modern cafes, and trendy restaurants, with multiple tastings and drinks. It’s suited for travelers wanting a comprehensive culinary overview of Hamburg’s traditional fare.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those eager to experience a full spectrum of Hamburg’s local cuisine.
$90 per person
10. Hamburg: The Wilhelmsburg Food Tour
This 3-hour tour explores the Wilhelmsburg area, known for its diverse cultural influences. You’ll try five savory and sweet samples and gain inside stories about the island’s history. The tour offers a mix of culinary and cultural insight for $511 for groups up to 10.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers interested in Hamburg’s less touristy, multicultural neighborhoods.
11. St. Pauli kulinarisch – Die Food Tour
This about 3-hour tour provides a quick, off-the-beaten-path look at St. Pauli’s culinary scene. It highlights local eateries and secret spots, with tastings included. Ideal for those who want an introductory experience in Hamburg’s lively district.
Bottom Line: Good for first-timers seeking a bite-sized St. Pauli experience.
12. Wine and Food Tasting Tour in Hamburg Old Town
This private, 2 to 5-hour tour allows you to sample 4-6 German wines paired with local appetizers or a full meal. It’s perfect for wine lovers interested in learning about grape varieties and wine-making while exploring Hamburg’s historic Old Town.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those who want to combine wine education with a taste of Hamburg’s classic flavors.
$285 per person
How to Choose the Right Food Tour in Hamburg
When selecting your perfect Hamburg food tour, consider your budget and time. The Hamburg Private Food Tours with a Local is ideal for those wanting a personalized experience, while the Elbphilharmonie tour offers a blend of sightseeing and tasting for architecture fans. If craft beer excites you, the Schanzenviertel Beer and Food Tour provides a more casual, beer-focused outing.
For travelers on a budget, the Schanzenviertel Food and Beer Tour and the St. Pauli: Guided Food Tour are excellent options. Those seeking an intimate experience should consider the St. George’s Culinary Food Tour, while wine enthusiasts will appreciate the Wine and Food Tasting Tour.
Booking early is advisable, especially for popular tours like the HafenCity culinary walk or private experiences, to secure your preferred time slot.
Final Thoughts
Hamburg’s vibrant neighborhoods and historic districts make it a foodie’s delight. If you’re after a comprehensive introduction, the Elbphilharmonie and HafenCity tour offers a memorable mix of sights and bites. For a lively, informal experience, the St. Pauli Food and Beer Tour is hard to beat. And if you want a customized adventure, nothing beats the Private Food Tour.
No matter your taste or budget, Hamburg provides delicious ways to explore its streets, history, and culture through food. Be sure to book your favorite tour early — these popular experiences tend to fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons.