Hamburg Tips. My travel-quickies are for high-flyers and fast-info-junkies.

Addresses, recommendations and tips all put together nice and tight!

Hamburg -my favourite of the big German cities!

Travel to Hamburg:

• By plane – airport: Hamburg – flight time:
  Düsseldorf – Hamburg: approx. 1h  *  London – Hamburg:  approx. 1h and 35min * Amsterdam – Hamburg: approx. 1h
• Transfer time between airport and city centre: approx. 25min
• Mit der Bahn – Hauptbahnhof Hamburg – Fahrzeiten:
  Düsseldorf – Hamburg: approx.  4h *  Amsterdam-Hamburg: approx. 5h and 30min
• Mit dem Auto:
  Düsseldorf-Hamburg: approx.  4h * Amsterdam – Hamburg: approx. 5h

 

Hotelempfehlungen:

• Fairmont 4 Jahreszeiten ***** (dogs not allowed

My favourite hotel in Hamburg! You cannot stay more centrally or enjoy a more wonderful view. It is directly at the Binnenalster, very close to some beautiful shopping streets. The service, food and atmosphere are perfect.

• Atlantic Kempinski ***** (dogs allowed)

Across the corner, at the Aussenalster, is the famous Atlantic Hotel. Once, I actually sat down with a permanent guest of Udo Lindenberg at the bar. A beautiful hotel that’s only a few minutes to the city centre by foot.

• Steigenberger ***** (dogs allowed)

This is perfect for everyone who prefers modern atmosphere and is not afraid of big hotels. At the Alsterfleet, this hotel is close to the city centre and offers premium service.

More recommendations by good friends:

• The George **** (dogs allowed)

A little bit further down at the Aussenalster in St. Georg is The George. Although a bit cheaper then the other hotels, it offers a lovely British flair and a spacious roof-top terrace.

Mach dat (North German for Do this!):

• The Rathausplatz (town hall square) and neighbouring Alsterfleet is wonderful. Many events are held here, and I personally recommend the Christmas market.
• What about a stroll along the Binnenalster with its famous fountains? If you want more nature and water, feel free to walk to the Aussenalster.
• If this is your first time in Hamburg, you should definitely visit the Reeperbahn. But don’t expect too much. In my opinion, its earlier charm is long gone. On the weekend, the place is crowded with bachelor parties and bowling clubs, who shove past jarring and blinking sex billboards. In broad daylight you can see the trash and the run down building walls. But still, you must experience it at least once!
• My impression of the fish market is similar. Every Sunday, at 5 am during summer and 7 am during winter, you can join the crowds. But again, it’s nothing you need to experience twice.
• Off to the Elbe to see the harbour! This is a highlight both at night and during the day! Like in a wimmelpicture / children’s book, you can spot cranes, ships, cars and moving lights all around the clock.
• Another Elbe classic: Landungsbruecken. There is a lot going on here, and while you’re there, go a bit further and check out the old Elbtunnel, where you can take beautiful pictures.
• Feeling hungry? you only need to walk a few minutes to the Portuguese quarter. Especially during the summer, this quarter is very lively. You can sit outside and enjoy life.
• How about a trip to the Michel? Daytime or night time – Nachtmichel / Nightmichel – you can enjoy a wonderful view from the church tower across Hamburg. You can also host smaller events here. Perfect for a wedding proposal!
• For anyone who wants to experience the harbour a bit more intensively, I recommend a harbour round trip. For example, Barkassen Meyer offer many different tours.
• From the new Hafen-City / Harbour City, you can walk to the old Speicherstadt in a few minutes.
• It’s finally opened: the Elbphilharmonie. How about a guided tour or a concert in this world-famous concert hall?
• Famous festivals: Kirschbluetenfest (Cherry blossom festival) and Hafengeburtstag (Harbour Birthday), both in May/June each year.

General information and an event calendar can be found at Website of Hamburg. You can also check out a good overview of shopping and city highlights.

 

 

Shopping:

If you can’t find something to buy in Hamburg, I won’t be able to help you. I think the Alsterhaus is the most beautiful shopping centre in Germany. I could spend hours there, especially upstairs in the delicacies department. You can enjoy a chilled glass of champagne after shopping and snack a little.
Then, head off to the Grosse Bleiche, the Neue Wall and Die Collonaden, where almost every large gem designer is present. Whether it’s fashion, shoes, watches, jewellery or interior decoration, you can shop to your heart’s content. There are several alleys to discover in the city centre, and strolling the Moenckebergstrasse is definitely rewarding. Don’t like the usual designers? Want more of this young spirit of the city and alternative Hamburg designers? Have a look around at the Karoviertel / Karo-quarter, which is more tranquil than the busy Schanzenviertel. Twice so far I’ve run into political demonstrations (which were not very tranquil), but nevertheless, the Schanzenviertel offers exciting and creative shops.

Gastronomy:

Le Canard:
Everything is perfect here. I am always impressed. The food, wine, service and view are all brilliant. The atmosphere is bright and clean, but still homey. You can see the harbour from the terrace and dining rooms. As soon as the sun goes down, harbour lights reflect in the Elbe, creating a marvellous view. The service is ever present but never intrusive – exactly how it is meant to be. The Mediterranean menu is exquisite, flavours and aromas all on point – intense but not excessive. You should book early, as the restaurant is very popular. I will definitely return.

Nikkei Nine:
Enjoy Japanese Peruvian cuisine in an extraordinary atmosphere! The restaurant is situated in the Four Season hotel and is the successor of the legendary Doc Cheng’s. Of course, I had to visit. Check out my impressions and report on the Nikkei Nine.

Tschebull:
The Tschebull, with upper-class Austrian cuisine, is a bit bigger and more lively. The food is impeccable. There’s a reason it is one of the city’s most famous restaurants.

Tiefenthal:
A little outside the city centre in Eppendorf/Harvestehude, you can find the Restaurant Tiefenthal. Here, among Hamburg locals, you can eat either inside and out and afterward let the evening drift by at the bar.

Das weisse Haus:
Directly on the Elbe in Altona, you can find this literally white house with a beautiful winter garden. The menu has something to suit everyone’s tastes. I would describe it as a mix of Eurasian and Mediterranean cuisine.

Bullerei:
Made famous by Tim Maelzer, the Bullerei in the Hamburg Schanzenviertel is probably not for vegetarians. The re-designed slaughter house offers a special kind of atmosphere. You can casually visit in your jeans. Reviews of the restaurant seem to vary, but I have never had a reason to complain. The food was as great as the service. It is certainly not haute cuisine, but it also wasn’t exactly as I expected. Please book ahead.

Edel-Curry:
If you feel the craving for Currywurst, this is the place! By the way, Currywurst & Fries are gluten free!

20up:
Up at the 20th level, here you have a great view of the harbour. You can order brunch or, even better, enjoy an evening cocktail!

Of course, there are many more outstanding restaurants in Hamburg. Whenever a new one catches my eye, I will add it to this list.

Wat en schiet! (North German for Oh crap!)

Fancy dinner on a Sunday? Nope. In Hamburg, they beat to a different drum. Most fancy restaurants don’t even open on Sunday. Also keep in mind that Hamburg often hosts many big events and demonstrations. Plan ahead to avoid a traffic mess.

(Translates by Barbara Riedel)

Do you have further tips for a stay in Hamburg? I’m looking forward to your comment