Advice

Let’s take a quick break to tell you about some other points of interest that couldn’t be included in the itinerary. First off, don’t miss exploring Hamburg’s many neighbourhoods. Eppendorf is the city’s upmarket district, located near Lake Alster.

It’s a great place for a stroll, with streets full of excellent restaurants and trendy bars. For something louder and livelier, head to Sankt Pauli, Hamburg’s creative, youthful, festive, and anarchic soul. It’s arguably the most famous part of the city.

The Beatles played their earliest gigs here before making it big, and it’s also home to the city’s infamous red-light district: the Reeperbahn. If you prefer something more alternative, head to Sternschanze. This former working-class neighbourhood, known for protests and activism, is one of the city’s most unique areas, home to the well-known squat in the old Rote Flora theatre.

Now, what would a port city be without its harbour, its fishermen, and its fish? If you’re around on a Sunday morning, make your way to the Fish Market. While the beautiful old Fish Auction Hall no longer hosts the market, it’s the place to be if you want to soak in Hamburg and its diversity.

Expect live music, freshly caught fish, beer flowing freely, early-morning wanderers and partygoers grabbing breakfast after a night out on the Reeperbahn. It’s the perfect spot to feel the city’s pulse and sample some local flavours. Vintage lovers, take note, Hamburg is a treasure trove for second-hand shops and flea markets.

Check out the Laeiszhalle cultural centre, set in a former factory, and the Flohschanze flea market, which runs all day on Saturdays. You’ve probably noticed that Hamburg has a deep connection with water, from the sea and artificial lakes to the many canals that cross the city. One of the best ways to explore Hamburg is by water.

Rent a canoe and take your time exploring the city from its canals. You can even paddle up to the windows of the famous Café Canal for a coffee break. Hamburg is also one of Germany’s greenest cities.

To the north, the Stadtpark offers 148 hectares of open space, a peaceful lake, and even a planetarium. Planten un Blomen is also worth a visit, with botanical gardens and a lovely Japanese garden. Every year, the Japanese ambassador comes to Hamburg to celebrate the cherry blossom festival in Alsterpark, on the banks of the lake bearing the same name.

Before we move on, we have one final highlight, the Emigration Museum. As a major port city, Hamburg once saw countless residents leave in search of the American dream and a better life. Serving as a major departure point in Europe, Hamburg welcomed more than 5 million people in a dedicated emigration complex.

This extraordinary museum houses a research centre where you can learn about this incredible migratory wave through interactive exhibits, reconstructions, and a genealogical archive where you might trace your own ancestors. With all this in mind, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy if you decide to stay a little longer!