Tips for Hamburg

Whether concerts, live football broadcasts, quiz nights, cozy gatherings or cool festivals, the cult pub Aalhaus in Altona leaves nothing to be desired. The rustic Pub is the second home of many and embodies a successful evening with friends. Beer lovers will be delighted about the various beertypes to choose from and the affortable prices. The pub opens Monday to Friday from 6 p.m. and on weekends even from 1 p.m.

You can enjoy a view over the entire Alster in the Alsterperle. For more than a decade now, the former toilet house has been home to Hamburg's most unique open-air gastronomy. This is where the people of Hamburg cavort after work, no matter whether the sun is burning, the cold is clinking or the storm is sweeping - here you will always find someone to chat or discuss. After jogging, a quick cappuccino or at lunchtime the beloved pea soup, it's simple but cult. Open daily from 8 am, in winter until around 9 pm and in summer with open end.

Old country near Hamburg. This stands for the largest contiguous fruit-growing area in Northern Europe and is particularly worth seeing during apple blossom and harvest time. But there is also a lot to discover in the region beyond the large farms with their full parking lots, where buses are constantly spewing out new loads of people who come here to eat apple pie and drink coffee.

Probably the largest balcony in all of Hamburg with the most impressive panorama is located on the Geesthang in Altona above the Elbe. The Altona balcony offers a great view of the container port, the Köhlbrand bridge, the old port terminal, the shipping traffic and the colourful hustle and bustle along the Elbe. Whether you sit on a bench or flop into the grass - everything is beautiful here.

The Altonaer Theater is a private Hamburg theater that brings literature to the stage, including classics, international bestsellers and young German literature.

Unlike the Stadtpark, the Volkspark is rarely overcrowded even on weekends - if you are looking for peace and quiet instead of hustle and bustle, this is the place to be. The park consists largely of hilly wooded areas. Between 1914 and 1933, the park planner Ferdinand Tutenberg deliberately had the green area laid out as a largely natural forest park. Wide paths and smaller trails lead through the park and invite you to take a walk. For active people there are several signposted running routes of varying lengths.

Between “Osterbek“ and “Eilbeck“ one finds a large number of canals. Even though one would not expect such, there are plenty stand up paddling and canoe rentals so that your Hamburg trip becomes something special.

Tucked away in a side street of the Schanzenviertel - between Roter Flora and Lerchenwache - is the Bistro Carmagnole.

Carmagnole? Isn't that a town in northern Italy? It is indeed! But 'La Carmagnole' is not only the name of an important Jewish resistance group from Lyon, in which many women fought against the German occupying forces, but also the name of one of the most famous songs of the French Revolution, which marks the birth of modern French cuisine.
Suddenly, food for the third stand was no longer just a pleasure-free calorie intake. Culinary enjoyment, previously reserved for the upper classes only, was now - at least in theory - open to everyone. The guillotine fell around the clock and created new conditions. The nobility and clergy were disempowered - and many chefs were unemployed. Where were these artists of food preparation now to do their work, since fewer and fewer eaters were present at the courts? And what was to be done with all the food, the vegetables, the fruit, the meat and - santé! - the wine? The chefs had no choice but to take their skills to market and settle in the urban centres where they created places where the new and confident citizens could enjoy their cooking for the first time.
On the menu of Bistro Carmagnole you will find classics of French cuisine such as moules frites, steak tartar or our hot and dearly beloved artichokes. From cheese soufflé to consommé in the spirit of Voltaire, from bouillabaisse to tarte tatin, from crème brûlée to croque-en-bouche - gourmets, gastrosophers and bon vivants, please don't lose your head! There are also bi-weekly and seasonal changing dishes with game, truffles, oysters, fish and so much more. Perhaps accompanied by a coupe de champagne, a strong red wine or even a cocktail?

Where today huge office towers stretch into the sky, a landscape of dunes used to stretch along the Berliner Tor to Bergedorf. However, part of this landscape is still preserved. In the nature reserve Boberger Niederung between Bille and Bergedorfer Straße you can wander through Hamburg's last wandering dune.

The “Cafe Gnosa“ is a coffee house which is established around the gay and lesbian scene in Hamburg, however, not excluding anyone else to dine, eat a cake or have a drink at the café. Really good breakfast is also served at Café Gnosa yet the cakes, well try for yourself! The café is located in the city center right in the middle of St. Georg, a vibrant and lively district.

From the steps you have a wonderful view of the Millerntor stadium and the bunker at the Heiligengeistfeld. Especially recommendable in the evening sun. As a highlight, a free concert takes place every wednesday in front of the Knust as part of the Knust Acoustics. Grab a cool beer from the nearest kiosk and enjoy the unique atmosphere in the quarter.

Chocolate makes you happy and there is a lot at the “Chocoversum”! With a discount card (from the reception), you can discover the chocolate paradise of our friends & certainly also try a bit ...

Dyed-in-the-wool caffeine lovers already know the Codos from the ski jump. The small shop in Bartelsstraße brews the best coffee there - and now you can get the best coffee in Hamburg directly at the dizzy Alma-Wartenberg-Platz. The somewhat larger branch with seating invites you to linger and enjoy.

Both locations naturally pursue the same concept: to produce really good coffee as a brewbar. Whoever expects a fixed cappuccino at the push of a button here will be pleasantly surprised. Because behind the chrome-plated machine there are professionals at work, who convince even tea drinkers of the Americano with their coffee specialities.

Straight from the port into the roasting plant and on your table – just like it was a couple of decades ago. In the middle oft he UNESCO heritage site “Speicherstadt“ you find this coffee house with all its specialties.

“Dim Sum“ is a Chinese restaurant right in the heart of the city center. The well-known and valued Cantonese specialties attract many guests and promises the best Chinese dishes one finds in town.

Dockland is an office building on the Elbe near the former England ferry pier and now the cruise terminal Altona-Altstadt district. The six-storey building has a striking cross-section in the form of a parallelogram and rises above the water like the bow of a ship. A small insider tip: under the front part of the building you have a wonderful view of the Elbe and can enjoy the sun until it finally sets. 

The Dove Elbe - oh it is so great! Especially in summer, because here you will find a piece of the Elbe in which you would like to go swimming. For us, this little spot on the Elbe, where large wooden jetties jut out into the water, regatta riders row and grasses blow in the wind, is one of the most beautiful places in Hamburg. Here the world is still all right - and hopefully it will stay that way for a while.

Welche deutsche Großstadt kann schon einen echten Sandstrand vorweisen. Wenn man dann noch ab und zu die stillen Riesen der Meere vorbeiziehen sieht, kommen einem die Seemannslieder in den Sinn, die das ewige hin und her von Abschied und Wiederkehr besingen. Besonders an sonnigen Tagen ist der Hamburger Elbstrand eine wahre Oase der Entspannung. Ein Badetuch und ein Sonnenschirm – viel mehr braucht man nicht, wenn man den Blick über die Elbe schweifen lässt. Dann und wann kommt ein Schiff vorbei, im Hintergrund hört man fröhliches Treiben aus der Strandperle. Sportbegeisterte sieht man hier Joggen oder Walken und Hunde sind hier auch erwünscht.

The Eldorado Bar in the heart of St. Pauli is not only offering events each nicht but has super prices, real good vibes and the flair one needs when heading fort he Reeperbahn. Grab a coin at the reception to get a special offer!

Next to the Entenwerder park, not far away from the Elbbrücken you do not only find running people, dogs and picnics. At “Entenwerder 1“, floating on the Elbe river you find a hidden treasure. The cafe and pavilion for snacks, cakes and drinks. This however, is not all you get here at Entenwerder 1 – the setting, the colors, the flowers, the magic is what’s floating on here.

Fishmarket in Hamburg is like Bonnie and Clyde… they belong together! Fort he early risers or the late dancers, go and find Aale Dieter, buy a fruit basket for no reason or take home a chicken – whatever you feel like. One can also just enjoy a “Fischbrötchen“ or check out the auction halls.

On Saturdays from 8 am until 4 pm one can go to “Flohschanze“. This flea market is not only popular amongst Hamburgers but also worth a visit. Food Trucks are always present.

The family business “Fräenzi“ is specialized on vegetarian and vegan dishes. The organic restaurant has its well-known BÖRGER and everything is fresh and yummie! Snacks, dips and homemade sauces – that goes without saying. Also coffee, cake and waffles are served at Fräenzis.

“Frau Möller“ is awaiting you for good, plain food at a lovely bar right in the middle of St. Georg. But why is it called Frau Möller? Well, as the restaurant was about to open up, one last detail was missing – the name! The owner of the place called all employees in to help out and it did not take long until the decision was made: The owner’s dog became eponym of the restaurant.

The graveyard in Ohlsdorf is the fourth largest burial ground in the world, larger than the Central Park in NYC. The uniqueness oft he park like graveyard is due to the variety of plants and flowers, wild yet kempt.

The “Hamburger Berg“ is not a hill in Hamburg as it would be when translating but a byroad oft he notorious Reeperbahn. Stuffed with little bars and clubs this street serves every taste of music.

Lots of green, lots of water, an oasis of peace: For many people in Eppendorf, Hayns Park is something like a front garden where they can relax from the hectic pace of city life. It all started 14 years ago with a few puny poppies, now a real organic paradise is blossoming in the middle of Eppendorf. Thanks to the commitment of a tireless resident, Hayns Park on the Alster river has become Hamburg's most exciting green space.

“Herr Max“ [Mr. Max] is a confectionery that picks up street art and culture from the surrounding area into the cake creations – as the district contains a lot of it. The tasty cakes and coffee specialties are worth a visit. The atmosphere at Herr Max is friendly, open and perfect for the sweetness of the tarts.

On Tuesdays and Friday between 8.30 am and 2 pm the “Isemarkt“ takes place. The colorful market promotes a high number of market stalls with all sorts of things. From flowers, food and toys there is something for everyone. Between the subway stations “Hoheluftbrücke“ and “Eppendorfer Baum“ (U3) the market takes place.

Jenischpark is one of the most famous parks in Hamburg and is considered one of the most important landscape gardens in Northern Germany. It is located in Hamburg-Othmarschen on the Geesthang above the Elbe near Teufelsbrück. Its total area is 42 ha, of which 8 ha are a nature reserve.

“Kampf der Künste“ [Battle of arts] are the local poetry slam heroes! A variety of events is presented by the slam culture whereby the Kampf der Künste team has managed to bring together the best of the best.

The address of the event is states as “Thalia Theater” however, the events take place at different locations. Check it out here Facebook or here Webseite of Kampf der Künste.

In reality, the Klütjenfeld main dyke serves to protect more than 50,000 Hamburg citizens south of the Elbe from storm surges. But that doesn't have to mean that you can't hang out here wonderfully. Over a length of a proud 2.5 kilometres, the dyke offers plenty of space to enjoy the rushing of the Elbe and the sun over the city. The right drinks are available a few hundred metres south on the Veddel or in Wilhelmsburg.

The „Lange Reihe“ [Long row] in the middle of St. Georg, right next tot he city center and the Alster is a colorful shopping street. Here you find little shops, cafes, ice cream shops, restaurants, bistros – simply everything your heart is longing for.

Not by bike, not by train, not by car – no, by ferry! The ferry line 62 is worth a ride through the port.

Since 1974 you find all sorts of live bands at the club “LOGO“ each and every night. This way, the club can surprise its guests every night again even though you might already know it or have heard about the club.

Hamburg on wheels

At Superbude you can rent longboards to explore Hamburg on wheels. From the fish market tot he Hafencity or along the wholesale market towards Entenwerder are super paths.

Die Marco-Polo-Terrassen bieten einen wunderschönen Blick auf den Grasbrookhafen. Auf drei Ebenen werden hier die Themen Land, Wasser und Gezeiten aufgegriffen: Die unterste Ebene der Terrassen zeigt durch die unterschiedlichen Wasserstände bei Ebbe und Flut ständig ein anderes Bild. Auf der ehemaligen Hafenmauer mit der neuen Kaimauer findet man Granitbeläge und Teppichornamente, und auf der neuen, hochwassergeschützten obersten Ebene ist sich eine Boule-Fläche.

Auf den Terrassen wird durch hügelförmige Rasenflächen, Holzplattformen, die sich zum Sitzen und Liegen eignen, sowie zahlreiche Bäume eine vertraute, erholsame Atmosphäre geschaffen. Die Gestaltung lädt zum Verweilen ein, die Bäume, Amberbäume, Sumpfzypressen, amerikanische Promenadeneichen und Weiden, bieten Schatten.

Close by the central station of Hamburg you find the “Markthalle“ a venue that looks like an amphitheater. The venue is known for its rocky touch but also other kind of concerts are held here. Check out the concert plan.

The “Mehr Theater“ features concerts, musicals and other productions right at the wholesale market. The location is of medium size and the program rocks!

You may find that Hamburg is super, but sometimes a bit too big. Don´t worry, we sometimes feel the same. Then we decide to make a therapy – an excursion to Hamburg Miniatur Wunderland. In contrast, everything is really very small there, to be exact 1:87. Miniatur Wunderland (Miwula HH) is the world´s largest model railway, and you can find it in "Speicherstadt".

At Hamburg Miniatur Wunderland even Hamburg is mini. But it has everything that Hamburg also has: The landing bridge, the Michel, Speicherstadt with the old warehouses, the Kohlbrandt-Bridge, Hagenbeck Zoo, and the miniatur wunderland itself in 1:900. And then there is the Imtech Arena. In case you're a SC St.Pauli-fan, you have to be brave: You and about 12.000 tini little wonderland inhabitants can watch the narrow defeat of St.Pauli against the big club HSV. But if you can't stand that, quickly move away from it. Currently Miniatur Wunderland Hamburg is presenting 7 more little wonderlands:

• The Hartz Mountains
• the ficticious town of Knuffingen
• Austria
• Switzerland
• America
• Scandinavia and
• Knuffingen Airport
   

Italy is still in progress, and till 2020 France and England will follow.

Not only for railway freaks: at Miniatur Wunderland you may experience what may happen in many days and nights in various regions of the world just in a few hours: Whether it is gambling in Las Vegas, climbing in the Alps, or rowing in the Norwegian Fjords, everything is possible in wonderland.

Enjoy your stay in Hamburg  by visiting Miniatur Wunderland with its 200.000 inhabitants, be fascinated by 800 trains, 4.000 (partly) driving cars and ships, or the 300.000 lamps, a unique ocean of lights. Wunderland is the extraordinary spectacle for the whole family for your stay in Hamburg.

If you fancy a ticket you can either buy one immediately when booking online or you can get it at the reception desk while you are around. 

The MS DOCKVILLE Summer combines different creative elements into an incorporating concept. One of these elements is the MS ARTVILLE, in which artists from different countries work together in a living and working process lasting several weeks to create an art landscape on the Wilhelmsburg site, which stands in its own contrast to nature and the harbour facilities. The works of art created in this process are made accessible to the public at the weekends in various formats, including lectures, performances and small concerts. LÜTTVILLE, which focuses on children from Wilhelmsburg, is also one of the core concepts of the MS DOCKVILLE Summer. In the free holiday leisure time, sponsored by LÜTTVILLE e.V., the four to fifteen-year-old children can work creatively, exchange ideas and try things out in workshops, supervised by artists and youth organisations from the district. On the last day, parents and interested parties are invited to a presentation of the children where they can present their results.

A combination of these components takes place in the MS DOCKVILLE Festival, which now attracts 60,000 visitors annually. During the three-day festival programme, more than 130 bands and DJs of different musical directions perform. Poetry Slam is also an integral part of the festival. The integration of the LÜTTVILLES takes place via a performance of the dance workshop group to a song with a selected band on stage, which is an annual highlight. Other artistic works of the LÜTTVILLES are also offered a space. The artworks created during MS ARTVILLE define the festival area and create a space in which the themes of art and music can be reflected.

The MS DOCKVILLE will take place for the twelfth time in 2018 on the grounds of the Reiherstieg/ Alte Schleuse in Hamburg-Wilhelmsburg. Details about the different years can be found on the pages of this press portal.

Picture credits: Harry Horstmann

Night market St. Pauli

Every Wednesday starting at 4 pm until 10 pm (April – September until 11 pm) the St. Pauli night market takes place. The market takes place at the “Spielbudenplatz“ right on the Reeperbahn.

Pack the disposable barbecue, food, cold drinks and your friends and off to the Osterbek Canal. There are great opportunities to hang out by the stream that flows into the outer Alster from Farmsen to Winterhude. Spread out your picnic blanket and relax and watch the ducks and swans.

Palm trees and lawns at the Hamburg harbour. Yes, indeed! Born out of a socio-cultural initiative, Park Fiction in Hamburg is one of the best sights of the port city. The officially titled Antonipark offers a metropolitan landscape experience, which is particularly impressive due to its close proximity to the Elbe. Hafenstraße, Fischmarkt, not to forget the Reeperbahn: Park Fiction is located in a typical Hamburg neighbourhood. Lucky, because the city had actually planned to build commercial and residential buildings at this location. But a dynamic civic and protest culture prevailed with the park idea. And where office towers were originally planned, palm trees now grow into the Hamburg sky.

Looking for a botanic miracle? Well, it is just around the corner, right in the middle of Hamburg. At “Planten un Blomen“, a huge garden with little lakes, paths and a playground is awaiting you.

Reeperbahn, what is there to say about this street… nothing much! Go and find out for yourself! Welcome to the sinful red light district of Hamburg, with all the clubs, bars and shops in walking distance to one another.

Two friends who once quit their jobs to have an adventure: To travel the world with their surfboards in their luggage, looking for waves, stories and recipes. At the Salt & Silver Zentrale they share their culinary discoveries with you - door to door they have created the LEVANTE Restaurant and the LATEINAMERIKA Restaurant. The LEVANTE Restaurant serves the best streetfood of Latin America in tapas style. Right next door, the selected dishes are served in the middle of the table, so that everyone can get themselves to as they please. Sharing is simply the best thing of all, and that's exactly how the boys have enjoyed it with their host families all over the world.

At Schabi - directly on the Schulerblatt near the Superbude St. Pauli - you can get fresh fish straight to your hand. Enjoy selected Hamburg fish specialities on a stroll through the Schanze. There is no better way to spend a day in Hamburg... 

Small shop, small insider tip - enjoy it. 

Young, wild & sweet: that is the “Schmidtchen” right on the “Schulterblatt”, one of Hamburg´s most popular streets. The house in which the Schmidtchen is placed is arty and cool named Haus 73. Daily changing lunch, really tasty cakes and the “Franzbrötchen” is what you get along drinks, coffee and bread straight out of the oven. Enjoy the Hamburg way!

Best entertainment on the Reeperbahn Since 1988 the best entertainment on Germany's most famous mile, the Hamburg Reeperbahn: with about 400,000 visitors a year, the “Schmidt” - consisting of “Schmidt Theater”, “Schmidt's Tivoli” and “Schmidtchen” - is Germany's most successful private theater.

(Photo: Ingo Boelter)

The “Schulterblatt“ is 800 m of Hamburg´s history and hipness at the same time. Where used to be the boarder to Denmark is now a scenic district of Hamburg. Bars, restaurants, shops, cafes with all sorts of foods and drinks fill the streets with people, creativity and life. Enjoy!

If there is a good pizza in Hamburg, then definitely here. Besides beautiful and unusual combinations, you will also find a large selection of both vegetarian and vegan pizzas. Simply always worth a visit!!!

Now it is official, the “Speicherstadt“ is UNESCO world heritage. Take a walk around the clinker houses and canals because even though it might sound strange, Hamburg has got more bridges than Venice! The houses used to be the storage for all imports and when you look at them from the canal perspective, you see the lifting blocks.

For anyone visiting Hamburg at anytime – the “Michel“ is an absolute must see and must do in the harbor city. The view from the 110m high platform is breathtaking and the church also worth a visit and sneak peak.

Lost in St. Pauli?
Rely on us. We have tours. We have the overview.
We are not (only) Hamburg. We are St. Pauli.
 

We show Hamburg’s very own St. Pauli with all its contrasts and facets. Experience one of our tours guided in English – only on request. St. Pauli locals are providing you with history and stories at first hand: how the seamen vitalized famous Reeperbahn, the development and growth of amusement through the centuries, the history of the red light district, the influences on and by music – past, present and future of one of the most vivant quarters in the world.
 

Mondays to Sundays at 19 o'clock.

Duration: about 2 hours.

Costs: 20 EUR per person, reduced 16 EUR (for Hamburg CARD holders until 31.12.17, pupils, students and people with disabilities)
 

More information here.

The Festwiese - known to most people probably only as "the big meadow" - is the heart of the city park. There is hardly anything more beautiful in Hamburg than sitting here on a picnic blanket with a few friends on a balmy summer evening and watching the colourful hustle and bustle around you. The wonderful view up to the Planetarium adds the rest to this incomparable flair.

Volunteer-run live music club where hip-hop, funk and jazz are played throughout the week.

The Sternschanzenpark is just around the corner from the Superbude St. Paulii and represents a small oasis of relaxation for the residents of the otherwise densely built-up neighbouring quarters. Barbecuing, walking and making music - everything is possible. For children there are extensive, natural playgrounds in the park. Especially in summer, small artists can often be found in the park. The Open Air Cinema in the Schanzenpark also shows movies in July and August.

The “Strandperle“ is located directly at the beach at the Elbe river. One can enjoy drinks and snacks in a nice setting and watch the container ships enter and leave the port. Enjoy the walk on the beach and rest for a while at this hot spot.

In the middle oft he city center the tea shop “Tee Maass“ can be found. There is no sort you can not find at the shop and the designs are northern German styles. Maybe you find a tea you have not heard of before or a good souvenir to take home.

When you enter the Rabbit Hole you feel like Alice: arrived in Wonderland. There is one thing above all: Really good drinks with excellent taste. Everything is homemade here, whether grapefruit liqueur or lavender espuma. Even vodka or rum are flavoured here practically by hand. Behind the bar there is a cold drip system, a classic stylistic feature of an upscale bar: the liquor slowly drips over a filter and is thus gently enriched with aromas.

If that's not hot enough for you, you can enjoy a cigar menu: a cigar with a drink for every third of the smoke. First port wine, then Madeira, then rum.

In short: the perfect place to escape from all the hustle and bustle of the Reeperbahn. 

Just a bridge away from Hamburg´s Hafencity one finds a real treasure. The “Oberhafenquartier“ is a place where creativity grows. The spot evolves to become one oft he most exciting parts oft he city. It is worth a visit and close by other hot spots.

Bring your friend, not any friend but the quadruped. There are parks where you and your friend can go for a walk or along the beach.

The “Weinladen“ is a wine shop right in the center of St. Pauli and contains a variety of 200 wines, constantly changing and bringing in new sorts. The atmosphere at the wine shop is calm and cozy and perfect for wine lovers or those who want to learn about it.

Between Winterude and Eppendorf lies, directly on the waterfront of the Winterhuder Kai. No matter whether you want to take a walk or chill out. Here along the idyllic Alster river you can enjoy life.

The Wohlers Park is located in the Altona. Originally the park was a cemetery. A little bit the original cemetery character still shimmers through and this makes this park one of the most beautiful in Hamburg. The area is quadratic and there is no large central green space but there are many small corners and one or the other gravestone still exists. As before, the terrain is meant to be used for finding peace and quiet. By the way you can walk in southern direction through further park landscapes and thus get up to the fish market of Hamburg.