The Essential Guide to Hamburg
Formerly known as the “Gateway to the World” for its historic harbor, coastal location, and prominent role in the Hanseatic League, Hamburg is Germany’s second-largest city and generally regarded as one of its finest. In addition to an alluring maritime atmosphere, it offers trendy districts like the Schanzenviertel and St. Pauli and natural highlights like the Planten un Blomen botanical gardens and sparkling Alster Lakes, plus impressive architecture, top-notch restaurants, and famously vibrant nightlife.
Platz der Deutschen Einheit, 20457 Hamburg, Germany
With its wave-like rooftop and eye-catching glass facade, which features 1,000 curved window panels to reflect the sky, the Elbphilharmonie is Hamburg’s newest landmark and the focal point of the HafenCity harbor regeneration project....
Große Elbstraße 5, 22767 Hamburg, Germany
A trip to Hamburg isn’t complete until you’ve visited the Sunday fish market. In operation since 1703, the Fischmarkt offers fish in abundant diversity, from fresh to smoked to pickled, as well as a wealth of flowers, fruits and...
Kehrwieder 2-4/Block D, 20457 Hamburg, Germany
Located in Hamburg’s historic Speicherstadt district, Miniatur Wunderland is in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the largest model railway of its kind in the world. The statistics are impressive: 9.5 miles of track spanning...
Marseiller Str., 20355 Hamburg, Germany
This lovely botanical garden, which translates to “Plants and Flowers,” covers some 111 acres between St. Pauli and the Alster River, right in the middle of the city. Built atop medieval fortifications that once housed a zoo, the...
Speicherstadt, 20457 Hamburg, Germany
The largest warehouse district in the world, Speicherstadt is one of Hamburg’s most striking sights. Supported by oak log foundations under the water, the series of handsome redbrick buildings were constructed between 1883 and 1927 and once...
Fischmarkt 4 a-c, 22767 Hamburg, Germany
This traditional restaurant is one of the city’s more charming spots to enjoy classic German seafood. Decorated like a cozy inn, the space features wooden walls and beams, ocean-themed paintings, blue linens, and a special table situated in...
Hohe Bleichen 17, 20354 Hamburg, Germany
Housed in a 19th-century bank building, this elegant restaurant and bar—resplendent with crystal chandeliers, large black columns, and crisp white tablecloths—is beloved for its regional dishes, from deer goulash with poppy seed...
Große Elbstraße 160, 22767 Hamburg, Germany
German celebrity chef Steffen Henssler has run this stylish restaurant with his father since 2004, alongside other popular local spots like Le Délice, Petit Délice, and Zeik. Here, he focuses on the intersection of California and...
Neuer Jungfernstieg 9-14, 20354 Hamburg, Germany
One of Hamburg’s most famous hotels, the Vier Jahreszeiten opened in 1887 in an elegant 19th-century mansion right on Alster Lake. Accordingly, the historic property offers excellent views from most of its rooms, which are decidedly upscale...
Barcastraße 3, 22087 Hamburg, Germany
This boutique hotel, located in the vibrant St. Georg district, has a distinctly British theme, from its sophisticated name to its dapper decor, which includes Osborne & Little wallpaper, chesterfield armchairs, and rocking chairs with Union...
