A city and a county at the same time with approximately 1.7 million inhabitants. Hamburg is a visitor magnet in the North of Germany and home to Germany’s largest harbour. A city with a great vibe, lots to offer from huge choices for shopping, musicals, entertainment, history, restaurants, and bars. In my opinion, this is a city which you visit regularly without ever getting bored of it.
Only under two hours on the train from Berlin and you arrive at this beautiful maritime city. Located on the river Elbe with a big harbour and lots of water, this pearl in the north of Germany is always worth a visit. I have been to Hamburg a few times recently, so I have some winter and some summer tips for you. I really like the vibe of this city and will keep coming back! Try it out!
A city and a county at the same time with approximately 1.7 million inhabitants. Hamburg is a visitor magnet in the North of Germany and home to Germany’s largest harbour. A city with a great vibe, lots to offer from huge choices for shopping, musicals, entertainment, history, restaurants, and bars. In my opinion, this is a city which you visit regularly without ever getting bored of it.
I have recently tried two hotels in two different locations in Hamburg. In winter we stayed at the iconic (link: https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=10074&awinaffid=727981&clickref=Atlantic&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tripadvisor.com%2FHotel_Review-g187331-d199575-Reviews-Hotel_Atlantic_Kempinski_Hamburg-Hamburg.html text: Kempinski Hotel Atlantic ) (now part of the Autograph Collection), which is located by the Alster Lake in the heart of the city. Close to the city’s Townhall and the large inner-city shopping area. This hotel is an institution in the city, a typical Grand Hotel with a long-standing history. Elegant and classic in style and a true five-star luxury hotel. The other hotel I stayed at is the 25hours Hotel in Harbour City. This property is very different from the Kempinski but another great option to stay. It is called the (link: https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=10074&awinaffid=727981&clickref=25hours+Hafen+City&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tripadvisor.com%2FHotel_Review-g187331-d2211780-Reviews-25hours_Hotel_HafenCity-Hamburg.html text: 25Hours Hotel HafenCity) and is a new and modern kind of lifestyle hotel. Located in the newly established part of the city by the Elbe river and within Hamburg´s large harbour. The hotel combines industrial chic with modern and maritime elements. A great design concept in a new location where you can see the big ships and the port activities from your room and while walking around the area. Two very different hotels which I both liked and can wholeheartedly recommend for future Hamburg visits.
1. HafenCity & Speicherstadt The HafenCity is the part of the city that is located at the harbour and around the side arms of the river Elbe. This used to be part of the harbour and has been under development for years. The old harbour buildings are still recognisable when walking around and exploring as many old warehouses have been developed and refurbished keeping their original style intact. The area is now home to flats and apartments for the locals, a number of new hotels, restaurants, office buildings, and the city’s new cultural highlight, the Elbphilharmonie. This was opened in 2016 and is a new concert hall for the city and one of the main sights of Hamburg. A great new area to explore. 2. Schanzenviertel The Schanzenviertel is the IN area of Hamburg with great cafes, bars, shops and restaurants. The Hamburg people call it "Schanze" and it can be compared to Kreuzberg in Berlin. Love this area for its very colourful vibe, streets full of people, local musicians, culture and great food. Check it out! 3. Strand Pauli and the harbour In Hamburg, it is all about the harbour which is admittedly quite impressive. It is Germany largest one and the third biggest harbour in Europe after Rotterdam and Antwerpen. A lot is happening in this port and I would recommend a sightseeing boat tour to see the massive ships from up close. Either book a tourist boat tour with lots of explanations all around the harbour activities. Alternatively, use public transport across the river which is the cheaper option and you get close to the big ships too. Another great way to look out on the Harbour is from the beach bar called “StrandPauli”. It is open all year round and has inside and outside space. Especially during the warmer time of year, it is a great way to pass a couple of hours and look out on the water and the ships. 4. Christmas in Hamburg If you happened to visit in December you are in luck. Christmas market time is a great time to visit any German or Central European city and Hamburg has a really nice and large Christmas market. It is located in the city centre, just between the town hall and Alster Lakes. A great selection of food and drink choices as well as arts and crafts are available to look at and be purchased. Check out the link https://www.hamburg.com/events/christmas/ for details on all Christmas markets in and around Hamburg. 5. Ice Skating in Planten un Blumen (link: https://plantenunblomen.hamburg.de/ text: Planten un Blumen) is a large city park in, located by the fairground of the city! And in winter, this is a great place to go ice skating. Overall this is a great year-round destination for Hamburgers and visitors to explore the flowers and plants in the park.
**Henssler und Henssler** Try “Henssler und Henssler” for Californian-inspired Japanese fusion cuisine and a hip and happening place to eat and to be seen. They even had a great option for a vegetarian who does not eat raw fish and avocados. I was impressed!! **Kumpir König** Go to “Kumpir” in the Schanzenviertel for all kinds of really delicious Jacket potatoes. So delicious!! **Heimat** Eat at ”Heimat”, the restaurant in the 25Hours Hotel for tasty German food. Love the food and atmosphere!
