May makes hearts beat faster—highlights of the Hanseatic city in the merry month of May

Experience the legend of Cleopatra up close in a unique, immersive exhibition in Hamburg. Embark on a captivating journey to Ancient Egypt and encounter one of history’s most powerful female rulers closer than ever before. Spanning 2,000 m², Cleopatra’s mysterious world comes to life through impressive holograms, 360-degree projections, VR and metaverse experiences, and more than 22 original artifacts. Discover the fascinating chapters of her life, such as her coronation, her relationship with Julius Caesar, and much more.

On May 1st this year, you can once again visit the Altona Spring Flea Market in Hamburg! This flea market paradise stretches along Ottenser Hauptstraße, in the Mercado, and on the Mercado parking deck from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. High-quality, well-preserved items and unique finds can be snapped up here at reasonable prices. Don’t miss this May flea market highlight!

From May 8 to 10, the Waterkant will once again host the world’s biggest harbor party. The Port of Hamburg is celebrating its 837th anniversary and invites you to a spectacular May weekend. Ship parades featuring vessels from all over the world, live shows, a diverse array of dining options, an impressive fireworks display, a colorful promenade, and many new highlights will transform Hamburg into a maritime stage.

Spend your May immersed in music and let yourself be enchanted by the special sounds of the candlelight concerts. A string ensemble or world-class pianists lend an elegant, classical touch to big hits from various genres. Amid an atmospheric sea of candles—which you can experience at special venues like the Mozartsäle, the MS Bleichen, and other locations —a unique atmosphere full of warmth and emotion takes shape.

With the wonderful weather in May, we should definitely spend more time outdoors—and what could be better than a colorful street festival in Hamburg? On May 23 and 24, the St. Georg City Festival will take place on Lange Reihe . There, you’ll find culinary delights and cultural events with an exciting stage program for all ages. Don’t worry—the little ones won’t get bored either, because at the end of Lange Reihe, on the corner of Schmilinskystraße, a real children’s paradise awaits them.

The International Music Festival at the Elbphilharmonie will take place from May 1 to June 3, 2026, featuring 45 concerts. Look forward to international stars as well as renowned orchestras and ensembles. This year’s festival centers on the theme “End,” which explores transience, farewell, and change. Special focus will be placed on Miles Davis and Hans Werner Henze in honor of their 100th birthdays. The program is complemented by extraordinary projects and cross-genre concert formats.

Throughout May, the Port des Lumières will transport you into an immersive 360° ocean world. Without getting wet, you’ll embark on a journey from Arctic coasts with polar bears and penguins, through colorful coral reefs, all the way to the dark depths of the ocean —home to anglerfish and other fascinating sea creatures. The journey is accompanied by an impressive soundscape of ocean sounds, whale songs, the sound of the waves, and film music, which emotionally enhances every scene. The exhibition combines state-of-the-art 360° audio technology with a visually stunning presentation and, in cooperation with Plastic Fischer, sends a strong message about protecting the oceans.

The HAMBURG EUROPEAN OPEN at the Am Rothenbaum Stadium is one of the most traditional and prestigious tennis tournaments in the world. Year after year, the world’s best players take to the center court here to compete for titles, glory, and important ranking points at this ATP 500 clay-court tournament. The event has achieved cult status and is an absolute highlight for tennis fans who want to experience world-class sports up close. From May 16 to 23, a week full of exciting matches and top-class tennis awaits you.

In Hamburg, the Japanese cherry blossoms are celebrated every spring. The festivities kick off with a spectacular fireworks display on May 29 over the Alster, which can be viewed particularly well from the banks of the Außenalster around the Lombardsbrücke or from the Jungfernstieg. Following that, the Japan Festival kicks off on May 31 with a diverse program featuring music, culture, culinary delights, and other events in the Japanese Garden at Planten un Blomen.

Finally back out in nature! Not only can you relax or exercise in Planten un Blomen Park, but starting in May, special highlights await you there as well. In addition to the Japan Festival on May 31 in the park’s Japanese Garden, starting May 1 you can enjoy the cool water and light shows at the park lake every day at 10 p.m. Pick the best spot on the lawn and enjoy the colorful spectacle!