Hamburg is many things to many people
As one of the biggest ports in Europe, Hamburg is a city that has remained connected with rest of the world for ages. It is also a cultural hotspot and one of the most upscale party towns in Germany. In a nutshell Hamburg is many things to many people. It boasts of stately homes, the cry of seagulls and a trendy entertainment district.
Hamburg has it all: unique architecture, countless canals and bridges, Germany’s most famous party mile as well as outstanding museums. And then also the great harbour. But just so that Hamburg doesn’t take itself too seriously, God likes to let it rain there now and then. So umbrellas up, and let loose on Day 1.
Party central in Hamburg: St. Pauli
It is well known that people like to party in Hamburg. That’s what St Pauli is for, and also what the legendary Reeperbahn is for – the main street in the entertainment and red light district of Central Hamburg. So in the morning one can take a walk around the area, past trendy shops, the famous Hamburg fish market and, of course, the Landungsbrücken. Here visitors can also buy the tickets for a harbour tour, which is almost a must, because from the water the view of the city and the atmosphere is magnificent.
A tour in the harbour is sure to make one have a good feel of Hamburg. As a snack, one can grab a fish roll to take away, which is a favourite in Hamburg. Then it’s off to the unique Speicherstadt warehouse district. It is within walking distance.
Hamburg has it all: unique architecture, countless canals and bridges
Hamburg, your warehouse district
Virtually at its forefront is the Hanseatic city’s newest landmark, viz Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie concert hall. The 110-metre-high, striking concert hall was designed by the architects Herzog & de Meuron. A quick look at it and then on into the Speicherstadt warehouse district. No other district reflects the past so impressively with its neo-Gothic brick buildings. Strolling through the many small alleyways, crossing the countless bridges and all that while admiring the world’s largest historic warehouse complex is a real experience. The Speicherstadt has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015. At the end of this discovery, one is almost certain to call it a night.
Shopping in Hamburg
On the second day in Hamburg, one can start at the Miniatur Wunderland at the Speicherstadt. This impressive model landscape features over 1,000 trains, 263,000 miniature figures and 9 250 cars. Afterwards, one can take a leisurely stroll to Jungfernstieg. This popular historic promenade is located directly on the Binnenalster Lake. Here one will find numerous cafés, restaurants and shopping options to have a hearty meal.
For the afternoon, one can choose from the variety of options. For those fond of churches, the main chapel of St. Michaelis, a major landmark of this Hanseatic city is a must-see. Art lovers should also visit the Deichtorhallen between the city centre and Hamburg’s newest district, the HafenCity. They are among the largest European galleries for contemporary art and photography.
The historic buildings with open steel and glass architecture are in themselves architecturally fascinating. Also worth seeing are the exhibits at the Hamburger Kunsthalle. These important collections span from the Middle Ages through to contemporary art. The Jungfernstieg promenade is also in the immediate vicinity.
Still up for an early evening stroll?
Those still with enough energy can head off to Blankenese. The district is one of the most expensive and most beautiful in the city on the Elbe. From the 75-metre-high Süllberg one have a particularly beautiful view of the Elbe, the hustle and bustle on the river and the Airbus site at Finkenwerder. This winding quarter with its many staircases is also perfect for long walks. Afterwards one can have dinner at the Portuguese Quarter, near the Landungsbrücken. And then it’s off to St. Pauli again. Just be careful not to miss your train or plane!
