Hamburg City Guide: Best Things to See and Do in the German Cruise City – World of Cruising

Built on its connection to the ocean, Hamburg is Germanys Gateway to the World. From here, the Elbe River winds its way across Europe to Prague; in the other direction lies the stormy North Sea.

One of the worlds great commercial ports, Hamburg also has three passenger terminals, making it a major cruise destination, too.

The compact city centre is packed with visitor attractions. The Maritime Museum and quirky Chocolate Museum are both worth a visit, while fashion fans will love the chic boutiques on Gnsemarkt and Neuer-Wall.

Seafood-lovers will be in heaven, with a choice of affordable cafes in the studenty Schanzenviertel area or fine-dining options in the waterside Fischmarkt. Alternatively, visitors can head to the Portuguese Quarter for a memorable Mediterranean-style grill.

Hamburg is a music mecca, too you can see where it all started for the Beatles, then attend a classical concert at the Elbphilharmonie, the citys futuristic concert hall.

If you prefer peace and quiet, Hamburg can offer leafy parks, quiet canals and the beautiful Alster Lake, and you can even enjoy a sundowner in a beach bar at the rivers edge.

Museum Mile

Hamburgs famous Museum Mile comprises five major galleries. At the north end, close to the Hauptbahnhof Nord, is the venerable Kunsthalle, an imposing red brick building that houses one of Europes largest art collections. At the southern end isthe Deichtorhallen, two 19th-century market halls transformed into an impressive minimalist art space featuring avant-garde installations and photography.

St Michaels Church

The Baroque Hauptkirche Sankt Michaelis, known as Michel by locals, is Hamburgs most famous church. At least 2,500 people can fit inside its massive nave, and its 132-metre copper-covered spire has long been a welcoming landmark for seafarers.A rigorous climb up to the bell tower is rewarded with spectacular views across the city and harbour.

Sailing ships and beach bars

You can taste the romance of life on the high seas aboard museum ships including the Cap San Diego and the magnificent three-masted Rickmer Rickmers, which is permanently moored at the Landungsbrcke. A bracing ride on the river bus will take you to Oevelgnne Museum Harbour, where you can admire historic vessels from the age of steam.

Right next to the harbour are the colourful little houses where sailors used to live, and next to these is the Elbe beach. In summer, locals and visitors alike flock here to see and be seen at the trendy beach bars, the most famous of which is the Strandperle.

Fish market

Grosse Elbstrasse in Altona is good for riverside dining but the best time to go is very early on a Sunday morning, when locals congregate at the Fischauktionshalle to see bands play until dawn. Early birds and night owls unite along the shores of the Elbe river to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere (its also a great place to buy souvenirs).

Hafencity

Futuristic architecture combines perfectly with historic UNESCO-listed warehouses in this newly developed district. You can easily explore on foot, but a night-time canal cruise offers an unforgettable experience.

The Elbphilharmonie

Hamburgs new concert hall is an architectural wonder that has redefined the citys skyline. Resembling a hoisted sail, its as famous for its budget-busting construction as for its brilliant acoustics. You can visit for free and enjoy spectacular views from the public observation platform.

Locals love TV chef Tim Mlzers Bullerei restaurant, but for a more traditional (and cheaper) treat, try the classic Fischbrtchen pickled herring in a roll with gherkins and onions at Brucke 10 near the fish market.

If youre visiting on a Saturday, dont miss the fantastic Flohschanze, Hamburgs most popular flea market, where youll find a great selection of vintage clothing, furniture, books and records at very reasonable prices. The market is open from 8am to 4pm.

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Hamburg City Guide: Best Things to See and Do in the German Cruise City - World of Cruising