Hamburg

Hamburg Travel Guide

Table of Contents

Getting There

Hamburg is easily accessible by air, land, and sea. The city has two international airports:

  • Flughafen Hamburg (HAM): Located about 10 km south of the city center, with connections to major European cities.
  • Flughafen Lübeck-Travelzentrum: A smaller airport located about 30 km north of Hamburg.

Hamburg is also a major hub for bus and train travel. The city’s central station (Hauptbahnhof) offers connections to all major German cities, as well as international destinations.

Places to Visit

Landmarks and Attractions

  • Elbphilharmonie: A stunning concert hall with an impressive glass and steel design.
  • Speicherstadt: The world’s largest warehouse district, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • St. Michaelis Church: One of Hamburg’s most famous landmarks, known for its striking clock tower.
  • HafenCity: A modern waterfront area with shopping centers, restaurants, and cultural institutions.

Museums

  • Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe (MKG): A museum showcasing art, crafts, and design from around the world.
  • Deutsches Schifffahrtsmuseum Hamburg: A maritime museum exploring Hamburg’s rich seafaring history.
  • BallinStadt Museum: A unique museum dedicated to the history of immigration in Hamburg.

Parks and Gardens

  • Planten un Blomen: A beautiful park featuring a variety of gardens, lakes, and walking trails.
  • Bundesgartenschaupark (BUG): A large public garden with themed areas and cultural events.
  • Hamburg City Park: A green oasis in the heart of the city, perfect for picnics and relaxation.

Activities

Waterfront Activities

  • Harbour Tours: Explore Hamburg’s bustling port and waterways on a guided tour.
  • Elbe River Cruises: Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Elbe River with breathtaking views of the city.
  • Boat Rentals: Rent a boat and explore the harbor or nearby lakes.

Shopping

  • Neuer Steinweg: A popular shopping street lined with boutiques, department stores, and cafes.
  • Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: A upscale shopping center offering high-end fashion and dining options.
  • Markthalle St. Pauli: A bustling marketplace featuring local food vendors, crafts, and souvenirs.

Nightlife

  • Reeperbahn: One of Europe’s most famous red-light districts, also known for its bars, clubs, and cabarets.
  • Schleusenkrug: A popular beer garden with live music and outdoor seating.
  • Hamburg Speicherstadt: A unique nightclub experience within a converted warehouse.

Where to Eat

Restaurants

  • Fischereihafen: Fresh seafood at this bustling waterfront restaurant.
  • Restaurant 1040: Upscale dining in an elegant atmosphere, with a focus on local ingredients.
  • Café Reichshof: Classic German cuisine and desserts in a cozy setting.

Cafes and Bakeries

  • Bakehouse: Artisanal breads and pastries made fresh daily.
  • Kaffeerie: A charming coffee shop serving specialty coffee drinks and delicious cakes.
  • Schleusenkrug Café: Outdoor seating with live music and a wide selection of beers.

Street Food

  • Hamburger Fischmarkt: Fresh seafood and traditional street food vendors.
  • Elbphilharmonie Market Hall: A variety of street food stalls offering global cuisine.
  • St. Michaelis Church Market: Local vendors selling traditional German food and souvenirs.

Accommodation

Hotels

  • Grand Elysée Hamburg: Luxury accommodations in a modern design hotel.
  • Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten am Rothenbaum: Elegant rooms with historic charm, overlooking the Alster lake.
  • Hotel Atlantic Kempinski: Upscale accommodations with excellent service and amenities.

Hostels

  • Backpackers Hamburg: Budget-friendly accommodation with dorms and private rooms.
  • Jugendherberge Hamburg: A popular youth hostel offering affordable rates and social activities.
  • St. Georg Hostel: A cozy hostel in a historic building, close to the city center.

Vacation Rentals

  • Hamburg City Apartment: Comfortable accommodations for short-term rentals, with full amenities.
  • Holiday House Elbe: Luxury vacation homes overlooking the Elbe River and harbor.
  • B&B Hamburg: Cozy B&Bs offering private rooms and a homey atmosphere.

Things to Know

  • Weather: Hamburg’s climate is temperate maritime, with moderate temperatures and rainfall throughout the year.
  • Language: German is the primary language spoken in Hamburg, but many locals also speak English fluently.
  • Currency: The Euro (€) is the official currency used in Hamburg.

Transportation

Public Transport

  • Hamburg S-Bahn: A convenient public transportation system with multiple lines connecting the city center to surrounding areas.
  • U-Bahn: An efficient underground metro network offering fast and easy travel within the city.
  • Bus Network: An extensive bus network covering most areas of Hamburg, including neighborhoods and shopping centers.

Walking and Cycling

  • Bicycle Hire: Rent a bike and explore the city’s scenic bike paths and pedestrian zones.
  • Walking Tours: Join a guided walking tour to discover hidden gems and local secrets in various neighborhoods.

Tips and Tricks

  • Respect Local Culture: Be mindful of Hamburg’s rich history, cultural traditions, and social norms.
  • Try Local Cuisine: Explore the city’s diverse culinary scene, featuring traditional German dishes, seafood, and international cuisine.
  • Get Around Easily: Use public transportation, walk, or bike to navigate the city efficiently and enjoy its scenic views.

I hope you have a wonderful time exploring Hamburg!