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Hamburg is an industrial port city in the northern part of Germany. It is located on the Elbe River which connects it to the north sea. It has a history of being a place for the working-man. Sure, it can be a bit grubby and dirty in places but this all becomes part of the city’s charm. At first, you might be unsure of what to make of Hamburg but as you adjust and begin to feel more and more comfortable there, the city begins to bring out its good side. The parks, the architecture, the laid-back atmosphere, these are all links in Hamburg’s chain and all significant reasons why you will have a memorable time there. This ‘Hamburg Travel Guide’ will hopefully be the perfect starting point for planning a trip to one of Germany’s most unusual and quirky yet excellent destinations.
Getting In
If you are travelling by air, you are almost certain to arrive at Hamburg Airport, known in German as Flughafen Hamburg. From there, you can take the S-Bahn (Line S1) to the city. Trains depart every ten minutes and take approximately 24 minutes to reach Hauptbahnhof, the city’s primary train station. A further one-stop will leave you at Jungfernstieg, which is a more central location.
For those travelling by land, either by train or by bus, expect to arrive at Hauptbahnhof train station or Bus Port ZOB. Both are in the same area of the city and just a couple of minutes walk between the two. From there, Hamburg’s public transport can be used.
Where To Stay
Being the second biggest city in Germany (behind Berlin), makes it difficult to find accommodation in a prime location. The reality is that you are likely to be near some sights but a public transport journey away from others. To stay in the midst of the action, I recommend the St. Pauli/Reeperbahn area. Sure it is a bit dirty but that should not be a reason to stay elsewhere. By staying here, you are close to the docks and the Elbe river. Many of the best restaurants are within walking distance and you have good access to public transport. Not to mention, that if you do decide to go for a few drinks, you will be within close proximity to your accommodation.
When To Go
Hamburg has a climate typical to that of western Europe. Cold, harsh winter months and considerably warmer summer months, even though it never gets overly hot in the city. To enjoy Hamburg to its fullest, visiting when the weather is good is very necessary. Only then can you visit the docks, take a boat ride along the Elbe and admire the view from one or both of the city’s main churches. Whilst rainfall can happen at any time through the year, visiting between May and September offers the best chance at avoiding it.
What To Do
Elbe Tunnel
This 426-metre tunnel opened in 1911 in order to connect central Hamburg with the docks and shipyards on the south side of the river. The building of the tunnel was deemed necessary to improve the working conditions in what was one of the busiest harbours in the world. Whilst locals still use the tunnel for its original purpose, most people you see down there are tourists marvelling at this architectural masterpiece. The tunnel walls are decorated with terra cotta ornaments displaying items related to the Elbe river. While most are fish or crabs, a few show different items like litter and rats, too.
St. Michael’s Church
St. Michael’s church is considered a landmark of Hamburg. It is also one of the few purpose-built Protestant churches in the city, most were originally built by Roman Catholics. Visitors are welcome to visit the church for free, although an entrance fee is required should you visit either the tower or the crypt. The tower offers fantastic views of the city from 132-metres high. Thankfully an elevator is available to reach the top.
St. Nikolai Memorial
The Gothic Revival Church of St. Nicholas was formerly one of the five Lutheran churches in Hamburg. The bulk of the church was destroyed in bombing raids during World War II, what is left has served as a memorial ever since. It is possible to ascend the tower and get an excellent view of the city. The church was the tallest building in the world from 1874 to 1876 and is the second-tallest structure in Hamburg.
Reeperbahn/St.Pauli District
At first, it may be seen as grimy and dirty but the lively Reeperbahn district is full of life. The epicentre of the city’s nightlife, the Reeperbahn is where you will find many music venues, nightclubs, bars and the city’s infamous red-light district, a street that women are forbidden to walk down. This district is nicknamed Die sündigste meile which translates to the most sinful mile. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea but this district must be experienced during a visit to Hamburg.
Planten un Blomen
Planten un Blomen is a green haven in what is an otherwise industrial city. This 116-acre urban park is famous for its water-light concerts, public theatre and music performances. It also contains the Old Botanical Garden of Hamburg. When the weather is good, this park is an excellent place to break free from the confines of the city and get at one with nature.
Speicherstadt
If you have seen one image of Hamburg, it is most likely to be from Spiecherstadt. This is the largest warehouse district in the world. Redbrick buildings stand on timber-pile foundations with canals intertwining throughout the area. The district, which is located in Hamburg’s port area was built as a free zone to transfer goods without paying customs. Even though some are still used for its original purpose, many of the buildings now house museums and other tourist attractions.
Jungfernstieg
Jungfernsteig is the city’s main boulevard. The lake-side terrace forms a public waterfront-plaza with views onto the lake and the lake’s fountain. This is also the primary shopping district of the city with many malls and high-end retailers. It is not uncommon for events to be held in this area throughout the year. This part of the city is very different and newer than areas such as the Reeperbahn district and St. Pauli.
Elbphilharmonie Hamburg
I am sure that at least once during your time in Hamburg, your eyes will be intrigued by this oddly designed building. Redbrick on the bottom and glass on top, the Elbphilharmonie building is a concert hall. It is in fact one of the largest and acoustically most advanced concert halls in the world. The glass top of the building is designed to resemble a hoisted sail or even a water wave, depending on the opinion of the viewer. You can tour the concert hall or just marvel at the architecture from the outside. Guided tours cost €15.
Where To Eat
Hamburg has some amazing food varying from traditional German meals to delicious bakeries and many more. To find out more about where to eat in Hamburg, click here.
If you like everything perfect and pretty, Hamburg probably isn’t for you. Its history has certainly shaped the type of city it is today. Port cities, more often than not, tend to be run down in places, they are industrial and very workman-like but Hamburg still retains a special charm. Even though it is not a city overflowing with stuff to do, a couple of days here are easily filled and you will leave feeling much more familiar with the city. Alternatively, stay longer and begin to feel at home there, and let the city, which has so many layers, keep showing you its different sides. This Hamburg travel guide will get you through a weekend there, keeping you busy and keeping you fed, stress-free.
This looks like a great city and super beautiful. It’s not really somewhere I’ve considered going but the red warehouses in the sunlight look stunning!