HAMBURG
Hamburg Walking Tours
Outside HamburgOthers |
The maritime metropolis and media hub carries the nickname “Gateway to the World” and is in my opinion the most beautiful city in Germany. Amongst other things Hamburg features the largest German seaport (second largest in Europe), a scenic lakefront, quaint riverbanks, beautiful architecture from the 19th and 20th century, a modern harbor city, high-end shopping, a wide selection of cultural activities, as well as tons of restaurants, and a diverse nightlife. In short: everything you need for an awesome city break.
The city arose in 808 A.D. with the fortress Hammaburg, the first permanent building that also gave Hamburg its name. In 1189 Hamburg received the status of an Imperial Free City and started to develop into a major seaport in Northern Europe, mercantile hub, and one of the richest metropolises. Today it consists of 7 boroughs and has over 1.8 million residents. Most sights are located within the borough named Mitte, the actual city center. This district includes the seaport, the adjoining historic Speicherstadt, the new harbor city, the red light district St. Pauli, and the inner part of Lake Alster. The lake is split into two sections: an inner and outer lake that dominate the city center and the bordering quarters. The neighborhood of Altona adjoins Mitte in the Northwest and embeds the quarter of Ottensen, a former Danish village that became one of the hippest areas in town. Moreover, there is the Schanzenviertel, a district in particular known for autonomic movements in the past that slowly transforms from a skid row to the next hot spot in Hamburg. The most prestigious neighborhood in Altona is Blankenese, a very classy residential area along river Elbe that is dominated by impressive mansions and lovely little homes. North of Mitte follows the borough of Eimsbüttel that contains fancy art nouveau quarters like Harvestehude, Rotherbaum, and Eimsbüttel. All of them are known for high rents and impressive old structures. Eppendorf and Winterhude are two other expensive art nouveau quarters and are located within the neighborhood of Nord. The area further North within this borough includes several residential areas that were re-built after massive damages in World War II. The third and last neighborhood in the North is called Wandsbek and mainly consists of buildings that were constructed after World War II and many single-family homes. South of Elbe River the boroughs Harburg and Bergedorf line the city-state. Both embed many residential and rural areas but also a lot of industry. |
Hamburg’s architecture is dominated by low buildings and has only a few “skyscrapers”. When you explore the inner city and the wealthy adjoining neighborhoods you will pass different architectural styles like art nouveau, neo-classical, renaissance, and baroque. Those are standing in a strong contrast to the modern glassy high-rise buildings you will see in the new harbor city and along river Elbe. Moreover, Hamburg is famous for its bridges that top the overall count of bridges in Venice and Amsterdam. During the featured city walks and bike trails you will come across some of them.
Besides the beautiful sights, the city is known for great theatres, museums, exhibitions, and other cultural events that are spread over the year. Highlights include the classy open-air theater “Jedermann” that is played every summer in July and August using the historic Speicherstadt as setting. The Hamburg Cruise Days is another big event with several cruise ships and historic boats coming to the harbor that is then fully illuminated with lights. Besides, the “Miniaturwunderland”, the biggest miniature railway exhibition in the world, with mini replicas of countries and world famous sights is a must-do sight when in Hamburg. Same applies to a harbor and Speicherstadt cruise.
The fashionistas amongst you will be satisfied with a city center full of department stores and branches of luxury brands. If you are looking for independent local designers don’t miss on the Schanzenviertel and Altona. And finally you have a comprehensive boutique shopping including even more local design labels in Eppendorf and Eimsbüttel.
Music fans will encounter the largest amount of musical theatres in the country. Moreover the city features many events like pop or classical concerts in small venues, beautiful music halls or within large arenas all year round. Last but not least visitors can enjoy several open-air concerts and festivals in the Stadtpark, one of the city’s recreational areas.
Hamburg is also highly recommendable to guests appreciating the sea and beach. The banks of river Elbe are not only scenic but include sandy stretches that come close to an ocean beach. Furthermore, a definite must-do during summer are the famous and unique beach clubs along the river. Besides the river Elbe, the picturesque lakefront of lake Alster is very inviting no matter if you walk, run or bike, or decide to do a canoe trip during a sunny day. And if this isn’t enough, the North and Baltic Sea with its quaint towns are just a short drive of 1.5 hours away.
Besides the beautiful sights, the city is known for great theatres, museums, exhibitions, and other cultural events that are spread over the year. Highlights include the classy open-air theater “Jedermann” that is played every summer in July and August using the historic Speicherstadt as setting. The Hamburg Cruise Days is another big event with several cruise ships and historic boats coming to the harbor that is then fully illuminated with lights. Besides, the “Miniaturwunderland”, the biggest miniature railway exhibition in the world, with mini replicas of countries and world famous sights is a must-do sight when in Hamburg. Same applies to a harbor and Speicherstadt cruise.
The fashionistas amongst you will be satisfied with a city center full of department stores and branches of luxury brands. If you are looking for independent local designers don’t miss on the Schanzenviertel and Altona. And finally you have a comprehensive boutique shopping including even more local design labels in Eppendorf and Eimsbüttel.
Music fans will encounter the largest amount of musical theatres in the country. Moreover the city features many events like pop or classical concerts in small venues, beautiful music halls or within large arenas all year round. Last but not least visitors can enjoy several open-air concerts and festivals in the Stadtpark, one of the city’s recreational areas.
Hamburg is also highly recommendable to guests appreciating the sea and beach. The banks of river Elbe are not only scenic but include sandy stretches that come close to an ocean beach. Furthermore, a definite must-do during summer are the famous and unique beach clubs along the river. Besides the river Elbe, the picturesque lakefront of lake Alster is very inviting no matter if you walk, run or bike, or decide to do a canoe trip during a sunny day. And if this isn’t enough, the North and Baltic Sea with its quaint towns are just a short drive of 1.5 hours away.
Hamburg “DONT's”
Assuming everyone speaks English
Although Hamburg is a cosmopolitan city there are many people around that do not speak English. You get a first idea about the deficit by looking for websites in English. Even the site of the Hamburg Tourism Association lacks detailed information compared to the content they posted on the German version. But no worries: travelin-mate.com covers it!
The best is to learn or write down some German phrases in advance that help to ask for the way, the next subway station etc. Another way is to buy a traveler picture book like “Point It”.
Exploring the red light district alone
Eversince the famous red light district “Reeperbahn” has been a tourist magnet. However, the former glam – if you can use this expression at all – is long gone. The strip is shabby and the side alleys even worse and I highly recommended not exploring the area alone during night. Stay on the tourist trails or if amongst your friends ask a local to accompany you to walk the skid rows. In the last couple of years attacks from teen gangs increased in this quarter and even the main strip isn’t safe anymore during night.
If you cannot resist, the safest place in the red light district is Hans-Albers-Platz, a very touristy square but always alive thanks to several clubs and bars. Watch out for pickpockets everywhere you go because they have an easy game with the drunken crowd.
Drinking inside busses, trains, subways or at train stations…
Although alcohol is allowed on streets, in parks, etc. you should refrain from drinking in busses, trains, subways, and stations within the public transportation system. Since last year the law changed and if the authorities catch you with some booze you have to pay a penalty.
Assuming everyone speaks English
Although Hamburg is a cosmopolitan city there are many people around that do not speak English. You get a first idea about the deficit by looking for websites in English. Even the site of the Hamburg Tourism Association lacks detailed information compared to the content they posted on the German version. But no worries: travelin-mate.com covers it!
The best is to learn or write down some German phrases in advance that help to ask for the way, the next subway station etc. Another way is to buy a traveler picture book like “Point It”.
Exploring the red light district alone
Eversince the famous red light district “Reeperbahn” has been a tourist magnet. However, the former glam – if you can use this expression at all – is long gone. The strip is shabby and the side alleys even worse and I highly recommended not exploring the area alone during night. Stay on the tourist trails or if amongst your friends ask a local to accompany you to walk the skid rows. In the last couple of years attacks from teen gangs increased in this quarter and even the main strip isn’t safe anymore during night.
If you cannot resist, the safest place in the red light district is Hans-Albers-Platz, a very touristy square but always alive thanks to several clubs and bars. Watch out for pickpockets everywhere you go because they have an easy game with the drunken crowd.
Drinking inside busses, trains, subways or at train stations…
Although alcohol is allowed on streets, in parks, etc. you should refrain from drinking in busses, trains, subways, and stations within the public transportation system. Since last year the law changed and if the authorities catch you with some booze you have to pay a penalty.
Public transportation in Hamburg
The public transportation in Hamburg is outstanding. Besides the subway you have busses and the S-Bahn (another kind of “subway”) that get you from A to B within a short time. Under the following link you find a detailed transportation map giving you a better overview: http://www.hvv.de/pdf/fahrplaene/usar/USAR-Plan.pdf
The transportation map is split into an inner city circle called “Nahbereich or 000”. And an extended area around called “Großbereich” (areas 000 + A + B). If you buy a ticket the prices differ depending if you stay in the “Nahbereich” or if you want to travel within the “Großbereich”.
Visitors can buy day tickets for about EUR 6 valid for the whole city and all directions. You can also buy single rides for less than EUR 3 valid for 2 hours that only allow you to go into one direction. There are also three-day tickets (about EUR 17) and group tickets (about EUR 10 valid for a day and up to 5 people). Moreover the city offers guests the “Hamburg Card” that comes with discounts for harbor and Lake Alster tour fees, lower entrance fees for sights and museums, musicals, restaurants, and reduced prices for souvenirs. Depending on the length of your stay the card is between EUR 9 - 37.
More info is available under: http://www.hvv.de/en/tickets/
If you like to explore Hamburg by bike the cheapest and easiest way is “StadtRad”. This rental service has terminals spread over the city. To use the service you have to sign up online to receive a renter’s identity. The sign up fee is about EUR 5 and will be refunded with your first rental. At the bike terminals you identify yourself with your debit or customer card and receive the code for the bike lock. More info is available under: http://stadtrad.hamburg.de/kundenbuchung/process.php?proc=index&f=511
Getting to Hamburg
By plane
Hamburg is a popular destination in Germany and many airports in Europe offer direct flights. If you departure from countries outside Europe you have to change planes either in main hubs like Frankfurt, Munich or Dusseldorf or in other EU countries. Exceptions are direct flights to/from NYC with United (Continental) and to/from Dubai with Emirates.
The fastest way from the airport to the inner city and all popular neighborhoods is the subway that is leaving from the airport. This one connects with other subways running to all areas in the city.
By train
Deutsche Bahn is operating fast train connections to Hamburg from major German cities, Denmark, and the Netherlands. The main train station is called “Hamburg Hauptbahnhof”. Please do not mix it up with “Hamburg Harburg” since this will leave you stranded in the Southern suburbs.
A nice alternative within the inner city is the less packed train station “Dammtor” from where you have a fast subway connection to all neighborhoods. If you stay along river Elbe “Altona” isn’t a bad alternative. From all train stations you have the choice between subways called U-Bahn and S-Bahn that are running through all areas in the city. To get to your final destination you might have to change trains.
By bus
If you are coming from Berlin you can also use the direct bus connection offered by “Berlinienbus”. The fare is cheaper than taking the train but the trip also takes twice as long. The bus arrives at the central station “Hauptbahnhof”. Central station is the hub for all subway trains you can take to get to your final destination in Hamburg.
Public transportation in Hamburg
The public transportation in Hamburg is outstanding. Besides the subway you have busses and the S-Bahn (another kind of “subway”) that get you from A to B within a short time. Under the following link you find a detailed transportation map giving you a better overview: http://www.hvv.de/pdf/fahrplaene/usar/USAR-Plan.pdf
The transportation map is split into an inner city circle called “Nahbereich or 000”. And an extended area around called “Großbereich” (areas 000 + A + B). If you buy a ticket the prices differ depending if you stay in the “Nahbereich” or if you want to travel within the “Großbereich”.
Visitors can buy day tickets for about EUR 6 valid for the whole city and all directions. You can also buy single rides for less than EUR 3 valid for 2 hours that only allow you to go into one direction. There are also three-day tickets (about EUR 17) and group tickets (about EUR 10 valid for a day and up to 5 people). Moreover the city offers guests the “Hamburg Card” that comes with discounts for harbor and Lake Alster tour fees, lower entrance fees for sights and museums, musicals, restaurants, and reduced prices for souvenirs. Depending on the length of your stay the card is between EUR 9 - 37.
More info is available under: http://www.hvv.de/en/tickets/
If you like to explore Hamburg by bike the cheapest and easiest way is “StadtRad”. This rental service has terminals spread over the city. To use the service you have to sign up online to receive a renter’s identity. The sign up fee is about EUR 5 and will be refunded with your first rental. At the bike terminals you identify yourself with your debit or customer card and receive the code for the bike lock. More info is available under: http://stadtrad.hamburg.de/kundenbuchung/process.php?proc=index&f=511
Getting to Hamburg
By plane
Hamburg is a popular destination in Germany and many airports in Europe offer direct flights. If you departure from countries outside Europe you have to change planes either in main hubs like Frankfurt, Munich or Dusseldorf or in other EU countries. Exceptions are direct flights to/from NYC with United (Continental) and to/from Dubai with Emirates.
The fastest way from the airport to the inner city and all popular neighborhoods is the subway that is leaving from the airport. This one connects with other subways running to all areas in the city.
By train
Deutsche Bahn is operating fast train connections to Hamburg from major German cities, Denmark, and the Netherlands. The main train station is called “Hamburg Hauptbahnhof”. Please do not mix it up with “Hamburg Harburg” since this will leave you stranded in the Southern suburbs.
A nice alternative within the inner city is the less packed train station “Dammtor” from where you have a fast subway connection to all neighborhoods. If you stay along river Elbe “Altona” isn’t a bad alternative. From all train stations you have the choice between subways called U-Bahn and S-Bahn that are running through all areas in the city. To get to your final destination you might have to change trains.
By bus
If you are coming from Berlin you can also use the direct bus connection offered by “Berlinienbus”. The fare is cheaper than taking the train but the trip also takes twice as long. The bus arrives at the central station “Hauptbahnhof”. Central station is the hub for all subway trains you can take to get to your final destination in Hamburg.
This is how I would spend my visit in Hamburg: To explore Hamburg I would recommend spending at least 3-4 days.
For the beautiful harbor, the harbor city, and the surroundings, including a boat tour along river Elbe or the Speicherstadt or a visit to one of the museums in this area you need at least a day.
For the inner city with all the historic sights, a rest along Lake Alster, including some shopping you might need another ½ day to full day.
If you like to explore the art nouveau neighborhoods and the Lake Alster allow one day. Neighborhoods like Altona and the west side of river Elbe like the quarter of Blankenese can be combined and take a day.
If you want to add a museum or theater visit, or an extensive shopping spree you should extend your stay for another day. Same when you are planning to visit the suburbs with historic towns like Lüneburg, Stade or Lübeck or the picturesque towns along the North or Baltic Sea. For the seaside I would even allow 2-3 extra days, especially when you go to an island, e.g. Sylt.