If you’re not keen on being herded through the city on one of those impersonal bus tours, you’re better off taking public transportation. Tube line U3 will take you to a number of places of interest in Hamburg. And you get to decide how much time you spend where.
Borgweg
This spot boasts an amazing view. The planetarium’s viewing platform offers a panoramic bird’s-eye view of the city – for free and right in the middle of the Stadtpark. Visitors can also enjoy the open air swimming pool, the sports pitch, the minigolf course and park grounds. Barbecuing is allowed, so bring some sausages and vegetables!
Sternschanze
Hamburg’s alternative quarter is worth a trip at any time of day. Amidst the street art, hip bars and alternative lifestyle parks, it’s a great place to have breakfast, a coffee and cake break, or a few beers. In the evening, you’ll be delighted by the offering of concerts, DJ sets and a diverse cultural programme in venues such as Kulturhaus III&70.
Feldstraße
Barely out of the tube tunnel you can already smell the roasted almonds and cotton candy. Well, not every day. But three times a year, the construction of carousels and carnival games on the Heiligengeistfeld announce Northern Germany’s largest fair, the Hamburger DOM.
St. Pauli
This neighbourhood is home to the cult second league football club’s Millerntor-Stadion. There’s nothing like the outpouring of heartfelt fan love that you’ll experience at an FC St. Pauli football match. For a follow-up celebratory – or consolation – beer, whatever the case may be, the Reeperbahn is conveniently located nearby with its bars, clubs and red light district.
The docks
Barges, sailboats and cargo ships: the docks afford a good view of the activity on the river Elbe. A day ticket for the city’s public transport system also allows you to ride the ferry. Take line 62, for example, for a little trip to the fish market or the beaches of the Elbstrand.
Baumwall
A few steps towards the Elbphilharmonie and you’ll find yourself at the heart of HafenCity, a neighbourhood in its own right featuring a mixture of modern architecture and the traditional Speicherstadt. Good for rainy days, but not only: check out attractions such as the Hamburg Dungeon, Miniatur Wunderland or Dialog im Dunkeln.
Rathaus
Under the green roof of the Rathaus is where Hamburg’s political life unfolds, while the city’s busiest shopping streets, such as Jungfernstieg, Mönckebergstraße and Spitalerstraße are all a short walk away. From Thalia bookstore in Europa-Passage, you have an excellent view of the Binnenalster.
PHOTOS LINDA KUPFER
