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Hamburg is an interesting city in Germany. Some people know about it, some don’t. Those who do, but haven’t been, might have heard of some of its more famous attractions – the port, the Reeperbahn (wasn’t there a connection to the Beatles somewhere, one might think), the Alster and Elbe rivers. Many of those who live here are fierce local patriots. You might not always be able to define what makes this city special, but it definitely is.
Getting around Hamburg: Take the subway
It’s pretty easy to get around on foot, by bike, by subway or by boat. Tip: take the subway (U-Bahn). For one thing, it’s quite pleasant. A big part of Hamburg’s subway route runs above ground. This makes the train an ideal place for reading, thumbing though your guide or just staring out the window. The U1 line to or from Kellinghusentrasse station is a particularly nice route – count on lots of green in the spring, lovely buildings and some wonderful canal views.
The U3 line on the way to Landungsbruecken, the port stop, is where you will get your first view of the port. You can get a day ticket for around 6 Euros from any ticket machine at any subway station and use it for the whole subway system, all buses and the ferry that departs from the port. Tip: board this ferry if you want to see the whole port, as well as the surrounding area, like the Elbestrand beach. The ferry makes a round trip and it’s way cheaper than booking a boat tour.
A walkable city
Most of the streets in the city are pretty well interconnected and you can enjoy plenty of long walks. The route around the Alster river, which flows through Hamburg, is one of the most beautiful walks there is. You’ll find plenty of lawns for picnicking along the way. Though there are a few cafes around, it’s a good idea to bring something to drink with you and maybe a snack. The whole walk does take at least 1,5 hours and there are no buses. You can’t get lost, just keep walking along the water, and you will end up in the city center again.
Tip: Pack an umbrella
Hamburg has a reputation of being a rainy city. But in fact, according to statistics on Germany, it’s not the rainiest place in the country. Hamburg actually holds 7th place among Germany’s rainiest states. The rainiest is Schleswig-Holstein, ironically very close to Hamburg. Bringing a raincoat or an umbrella is practical, though. If you bring an umbrella, bring either one strong one or two ordinary ones. If it’s windy, the first umbrella might, to put it in a German way, go kaputt. Even if it rains, there are lots of things to do inside. The city has a lot of museums, theatres, cafes and clubs for different budgets. If you’re in the center, you can also always dash inside the Town Hall during a downpour. The entrance is free and the foyer is really worth a look. There’s also usually an interesting exhibition going on, which is free as well. Or if you happen to be on Jungfernstieg, one of Hamburg’s most famous streets, you can take shelter underneath these white arches, built by an Italian architect. A great place to watch swans on the Alster.
Museums in Hamburg
The Speicherstadt, the former historical warehouse district, is easily reachable on foot from the port or the city center. Lots of reddish-brown brick buildings typical for Northern Germany make up this part of Hamburg. This area is also thick with museums – among them the International Maritime Museum of Hamburg. Eventually you will probably see the Elbphilarmonie –Hamburg’s very own super-fancy concert hall. No one knows for sure when it will be finished, but the impressive architectural structure is worth a look. Tours on the construction site are also offered, be sure to check and book well in advance. Another attraction near at hand is the Hamburg Dungeon, but if you’re not burning to go, your money is better spent elsewhere.
Check out the markets
If you feel like some shopping after all that walking, you’ll have no shortage of places to do so. But if you also feel like something different, maybe try a flea market. If you’re here on a Saturday, be sure to visit the one near the subway station Feldtrassee. You can’t miss it, just step outside and it’s there. It seriously has everything, even things you thought no one would sell or buy. Germans are very keen on deals and bargains. The cozy side streets around the subway station offer a glimpse of Hamburg’s alternative side, as well as more quirky shops. I walked into one and there was a fake arm hanging from the ceiling – that should give you an idea. Feldstraße is a convenient walking distance from another interesting part of Hamburg, the Schanze. This district is an interesting mix of alternative, bohemian and cozy. It’s also known for its great choice of places to eat. Herren Simpel and Omas Apotheke are worth a stop. Generally, the Schulterblatt street is good for a drink in the evening and watching the Hamburgers moving around.
About the author:
Stephanie Kopf has lived in Siberia, New York City and Germany. She is passionate about writing for an audience. Her subject areas include anything related to the human psyche, education, communication in all its forms, entertainment, travel and lifestyle, as well as the interaction of all of these with each other. She has been writing internationally since her schooldays and has had her work published both in print and online.
Check out her scribbles at www.trenditionist.com
