72 Hours in Hamburg, Germany - My Hamburg Highs
- MemoirsofaMountainGirl
- Nov 10, 2019
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 30, 2020
The best things to do in Hamburg. Looking for your next Winter city break? With Christmas and the festive Holidays just around the corner - no better place to get you in the festive spirit than the quintessential city of Hamburg in Germany. Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany after Berlin and whilst it is historically known for its famous harbor area - Port Hamburg, in more recent years - the city has been put on the map for its traditional German Christmas markets, attracting tourists from across the globe. If you are planning a trip to Germany - forget Oktoberfest - put Hamburg on your bucket list, it is culture rich, affordable and aesthetically pleasing with its 18th Century buildings and not to be over looked - it's international culinary offering. Just be sure to check which dates their infamous Christmas Markets are actually on - which vary from late November through to end of December ahead of the New Year. Hamburg has a handful of neighborhoods, each offering an alternative experience to the next so it is hard to know where to start your vacation in this cultural mecca. Below is my suggested (tried and tested) itinerary for a few days this city of small wonders...
Visit the oldest church in Hamburg - The Church of St. Petri and take the self-guided tour to the top of the spire for unrivaled views across the city.
My advice - take it one step at a time and don't look down. Not for the faint hearted - health and safety doesn't seem to be a consideration here and I am amazed that for a small donation you can just head to the top of this church spire unaided and unguided but the views from the top make it all worth while - overlooking the city hall and the quaint Hamburger Weihnachtsmarkt below.
Sip on cocktails with a view at Skyline Bar 20Up
Located 90 meters from ground level within the Empire Riverside Hotel this 'bar in the clouds' offers panoramic views of the Hamburg Port and River Elbe below with an extensive cocktail list to keep you occupied all evening.
Take a boat cruise through the Harbor at sunset discovering the Highlights of Hamburg from the water.
I don't know about you, but wherever I travel - if the place is situated in close proximity to water (be it river, lake or sea), I tend to try and explore by boat if it is possible. I find there is something calming and relaxing about being on the water, non more so than in Hamburg where you can experience a beautiful evening cruise from the historical and romantically-illuminated Speicherstadt through the sea of light that is the Hamburg harbor.
Sample traditional hearty German cuisine at Local's favorite Gastropub - Frau Möller
Situated in the heart of the Hipster St. Georg district in Hamburg, you will find this local gem. Nothing like the trendy coffee bars and restaurants popping up around it, Frau Möller is doing well to hold onto it's traditional vibes, through both its decor and serving up traditional German dishes with some of the best fried potatoes in the city. (Maybe I am biased because I am Irish but when wind chill is falling into sub-zero temperatures you will be glad of the hearty dishes - potatoes every way!)
Indulge at the local Christmas Markets throughout December each year - there are many to chose from:
The City Hall Market - Hamburg's main Weihnachtsmarkt is held in front of the Town Hall with a large Christmas tree marking the location.
Winterland Market - This is the main Christmas market in the shopping streets and was formerly known as 'Traditionen in Winterwald'. As the German name suggests, the concept of the market is centred on creating a winter forest in the city centre.
For something a bit more 'exotic' head to Santa Pauli X-mas markets at the Spielbudenplatz in the Reeperbhan District which offers and alternative bohemian style market in contrast to the traditional German Christmas markets. It markets itself as the 'horniest Christmas market' in the city although, truth be told, I thought it was very family friendly, just a lot of bright lights and gaudy but not unlike London's Famous Winter Wonderland that erects in Hyde Park each winter!
Wondering where to Stay? Accommodation in Hamberg
My pick would be Fritz im Pyjama in the cultural Sternschanze region. A small boutique hotel, with trendy decor, comfortable and everything you need for a short stay in the city at reasonable price.
If you are looking for something a bit more upmarket stay @ Hotel Atlantic Kempinski overlooking lake Alster in all its grandeur. The Henri-Hotel in Hamburg's downtown is a homely alternative.
Visit the outdoors Alster lakes
The Inner and Outer Alster Lakes are a central part of Hamburg city life turning into an ice skating rink in winter or tourists and local can participate in gentle water sports such as kayaking in summer.
For the culture vulture - Hamburg has over 50 Museums but don't leave without visiting Hamburg's Miniatur Wunderland museum (Miniature Wonderland)
The world's largest model railroad system. This was definitely one of my (surprisingly) Hamburg Highs! Miniature Wonderland is the largest model railway system in the world and is now one of the most popular tourist attraction in Germany. The intricate details of all the models is like nothing I have ever seen before and the 100's of moving parts, including a replica airport was just mesmerizing. Book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
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