In the shadow of Munich’ s beer halls and Berlin Well, really, when it comes to everything, one can’t help but feel somewhat sympathetic towards those who have been historically overlooked. Hamburg .
Situated along the shores of the River Elbe, this port city is located in northern Germany. Germany is renowned primarily as a center for maritime commerce. However, away from the bustling docks lies an area brimming with dynamic contrasts, where sophisticated buildings coexist with round-the-clock entertainment venues.
Lately promoted as a substitute for Amsterdam For its red-light district and numerous intersecting canals, Hamburg offers more than just its tough-and-ready image.
I dedicated 48 hours to exploring 'The Gateway to the World' and uncovered its deep historical roots, delicious cuisine, and vibrant night scene that stand toe-to-toe with better-known spots, cementing Hamburg as an ideal destination. city break in 2025.
What is the best way to reach Hamburg?
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Like the rest of Germany, Hamburg is easy to reach from the UK, with direct Ryanair flights from London Stansted , easyJet from Gatwick and Eurowings from Heathrow .
You could fly out with Ryanair on Tuesday, July 1 and return on Friday, July 4 for just £28.
The airport is just under a 30-minute drive away from downtown, yet the most convenient method of transportation within the area is purchasing a Hamburg Card. This card provides unrestricted access to all U-Bahn, S-Bahn, bus, and ferry services.
The S1 train transports you directly from the airport terminal to the heart of the city.
The daily pass costs €11.90 (£10) and offers reductions of up to 50% at more than 150 of the city's museums and eateries.
Top activities to enjoy in Hamburg
A significant part of Hamburg’s allure lies in the blend of traditional storage areas with modern developments. World War II architectural marvels.
I start my sightseeing at the Elbphilharmonie, an imposing concert hall-hotel known locally as the Elphi.
Sitting atop a 1960s brick warehouse, Hamburg’s tallest residential building is a handy place to get your bearings with a 360-degree outdoor observation platform to gaze over the city to the north, and the bustling port to the south.
If you’re lucky enough to see a performance in the Great Hall (they often sell out months in advance), you’ll get to see the magnificent construction of the 2,100-seat theatre and acoustics so important, the hall is separated from the rest of the building.
Hamburg boasts a greater number of bridges compared to London. Venice and Amsterdam combined (it has around 2,500), with a labyrinth of canals that flow into the mighty Elbe.
I visit in October, but every May, more than one million people descend on the waterfront for the Port Anniversary, the biggest event in Hamburg’s calendar. Sailing ships parade down the river, live performances fill the streets and food stalls serve local delicacies before the night ends with a spectacular fireworks display.
The river path stretches for miles, with plenty of riverside bars and restaurants to rest your feet in before you head back towards the city centre.
Hamburg’s grand City Hall, The Rathaus, dominates the skyline. Finished in 1897, it’s now the nucleus of the shopping district, with high-end boutiques in the northern Old Town and high street giants like H&M and Zara to the south.
Wide, pedestrianised promenades are dotted with restaurants along the way, providing plenty of opportunity to refuel after retail therapy.
If it turns into a retail nightmare, head to Binnenalster Lake, a popular respite from the frenzy of city life. Stroll along tree-lined paths, enjoy a drink at the waterfront restaurants, or simply unwind with a decent book. In the summer months, you can also catch the nightly water and light show.
‘The most sinful mile’
Forget Berlin’s judgmental bouncers and stuffy black dress codes, Hamburg’s legendary nightlife district – the Reeperbahn – is all about having fun.
Referred to as 'The Most Sinful Mile,' this area with its brightly lit avenues has transformed from a red-light district into a blend of hidden nightclubs and fashionable dive bars, minus the usual techno beats.
I wandered through places such as Große Freiheit 36 and Molotow, where The Beatles performed in the early 1960s prior to achieving widespread recognition, before I would sit at Le Lion, a renownedspeakeasy known for its masterfully mixed beverages.
If you want to dance until dawn, check out one of the district’s iconic nightclubs like Dollhouse or Übel & Gefährlich, housed in a sprawling war bunker.
Chocolate and coffee in Hamburg
Hamburg’s trade roots remain important today with huge quantities of coffee and cocoa flowing through its port. If you’re a chocolate lover (who isn’t?), a visit to Chocoversum (€25/£21) will not disappoint like Glasgow’s Willy’s Chocolate Experience .
Sample delicious treats made in-house and learn about the journey from from bean to bar. But the main draw is making your own block. Picking between dark, milk and white is the easy part. More difficult is choosing between the dozens of toppings. From savoury nuts to salted caramel, it’s your souvenir sorted.
If you find yourself crashing after indulging in too much sweetness, Burg Coffee Museum has got your back with an energizing boost. During their 90-minute tasting tour (costing €21/£18), which takes place within one of the historic waterfront storage buildings, you'll discover how Hamburg became the continent's premier coffee hub thanks to its special tax exemptions on unprocessed beans. Make sure to sample every variety, but be sure not to miss out on trying the highly sought-after Kopi luwak, crafted using beans found in civet droppings.
Where to stay in Hamburg
Right in the middle of the action is the new four-star Novotel Hamburg Central Station .
Aside from obvious transport links, its central location is superb, just a few minutes walk from the city’s top restaurants and shops.
Standard rooms are simple but cosy, with Nespresso machines and huge smart TVs to unwind with after a day pounding pavements. The hotel has co-working spaces, a fitness centre and a bar, lounge and restaurant that serves buffet breakfasts.
Jed Bradley was a visitor Accor . Jed stayed at Novotel Hamburg Central Station Prices begin at £110 for each night.
Ryanair offers flights to Hamburg from London Stansted for as low as £28 round trip in July.
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