After finishing school in 2012 I moved to Hamburg for an year long internship. Hamburg is a charming city with beautiful bridges over  the Elbe and the Alster Rivers. The Port of Hamburg is the second largest port in Europe. My favorite thing about Hamburg is its laid back vibe. Everyone is very nice so if you have questions or need directions don’t hesitate to ask a fellow Hamburger (citizen of hamburg) for help 🙂

What to do in Hamburg

Hamburg offer in every season endless entertainment.

It is impossible to see everything in just one visit. Hamburg is unique in the fact that no matter how many times you come to this amazing city you will always learn something new.

• Alster

The River Alster is great for jogging, walking, cycling, or even just to order a coffee and relax. If you’re hungry you might want want to check out Cafe ALEX on Jungfernstieg or if you have a slightly larger appetite you might want to try Block House on Alster street.

Planet and Blomen: I love to run through Planet and Blomen in the summer to watch the fountains and relax. The name “Planet and Blomen” is Dutch and means “Flower and Blossoms.” It is a beautifully landscaped park and very relaxing.

Blankenese: This is the staircase district of Hamburg, which lies to the west of Hamburg. A walk here between the magnificent villas and the many stairs is especially nice!

• Elbstrand

A small harbor cruise on the River Elbe’s with HVV day ticket on line 62. Here you can get off directly at the River Elbe, enjoy a stroll along the water at the beach and in between eating a cup of coffee and a waffle or sausage. Whether summer or winter, as long as the sun shines it’s always perfect.

•  Reeperbahn in St. Pauli

This is the Hamburger party area that everyone should know about. The most famous street is the Herbert Street and its strictly for men-only (sorry ladies). There are also many bars and clubs and the famous David’s guard on the Reeperbahn.

• Fish market

The Hamburg Fish Market is open every Sunday (opens at 5am in the summer and 7:30am during the winter) offering fresh fish, fruit, vegetables, meat, and pastries. Stop by in the hall after the market for a white sausage breakfast and live music. Towards the end around 9am you can get really good deals. There are so many different things to buy here.

Definitely worth a visit!

•  Schanze Fourth (Hamburgers call it “Die Schanze” or “The Lair”)

Known for great bars, cafes, bistros, and small charming boutiques.

My hotel tip, but unfortunately not cheap: The Mövenpick Hotel, which formerly was an old water tower.

• The Michel

Formally known as St. Michael’s Church but hamburgers know it as “The Michel”. After 2 fires in the beginning of the 20th century, the old church has been reconstructed. For a small entrance fee you can go up the bell tower and enjoy a birds eye view of the city.

• Speicherstadt and HafenCity

The warehouse district contains many old warehouses, which are built on stilts. Today you can go by in a boat and see the warehouses outside, inside there are many museums. Here I can recommend the Spice Museum.

Delicious Food in Hamburg

• Breakfast in Hamburg: Café Paris: quite central near Mönkebergstraße
• Try the Fish: Fisherman’s House (Yellow House) at the fish market: the salmon with potatoes and mustard sauce tastes delicious =)
• Steakhouse:  Block House overlooking the Inner Alster
• For a quick bite I go to the Europa Passage (Shopping Mall), on the ground floor there is ice cream shop where you can enjoy really good ice cream on a waffle for dessert.

Accommodations

In Hamburg there are many hostels and hotels.
I would recommend the A & O Hostel near the main train station.
The Onyx on the Reeperbahn is also great during the week.

My absolute favorite, unfortunately, not very cheap, but sometimes you get lucky and find a good deal:
Mövenpick Hotel at the Sternschanzenpark. Once upon a time an old water tower.

Transportation

• HVV ticket (day or multi-day tickets) I think this is the best way to get anywhere.
• Bus