Hamburg Travel Information
Famous for its historic harbour and non-stop nightlife, Hamburg today is
a cosmopolitan city of many faces.
Reputedly the greenest city in Germany, at its heart lies an attractive
network of canals, bridges, boulevards and lakes.
View of Hamburg
There's something for everyone here from 1,200 years of history to
stylish shopping.
Go on and see for yourself by booking a flight to Hamburg today!
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Hamburg Flights and Travel
Information
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This modern, dynamic, sophisticated and
well-designed city is one of Germany's largest commercial centres and
site of its largest port; with a municipal area covering 472 square miles and
about 1.7 million residents, it is also the country's second largest
population centre. Its commanding position on the river Elbe is enhanced
by lakes, lots of green areas and several canals (it has more bridges
than even Venice). Its long, proud history of sea trading has shaped
much of the city's character. Said to have been founded in the 9th
century by Charlemagne, by the 12th century it was already an important
commercial centre for N Europe. Largely rebuilt following World War II,
the city has regained its status as a thriving metropolis. Port
activities form the economic base, but Hamburg is also a banking,
insurance and media centre and has one of Europe's largest fruit, flower
and vegetable markets. Most activity centres on the main station, with
good shopping and some tourist attractions in the Altstadt (the old
city) and the more residential Neustadt (new city). The St Pauli
district was the original home of many port-related trades, but today is
notorious for its red-light industry, particularly along the Reeperbahn
"sin strip". It is a popular area and the source of much curiosity,
though visitors should exercise a little caution after dark.
Area
In Northern Germany. 190 miles North West of the capital,
Berlin. 120 miles South of the Danish border. 65 miles North East of Bremen. 65 miles South East
of Cuxhaven (on the North Sea). 55 miles South West of Travemunde (on the Baltic
Sea). Hamburg airport is 6 miles South of the city and Lubeck airport 50 miles to
the North West.
Hamburg is placed on largely flat land on the
rivers Elbe and Alster, with numerous waterways (known as "fleeten") and
several lakes. Mainly surrounded by farmland and woodland.
Where to Stay
There is a good range of accommodation
and hotels,
including a handful of impressive 5 star properties. Mainly middlemarket
options cluster around the main station. Several properties in the St
Pauli red-light district, though some are not quite what they seem!!
Pensions and bed and breakfasts generally towards the leafy outskirts. City prices apply and
availability is at a premium during trade fairs, Christmas and the German public
holidays.
What to Do
Daytime: Over 40
museums and galleries, with exhibits ranging from fine art and waxworks
to maritime history (some housed in ships in the port); the Rathaus, one
of Germany's finest city halls; St Katharinen, a restored Gothic church;
Speicherstadt, a historical working complex of warehouses with
traditional port activities; zoo; planetarium; Dom amusement fair (held
3 times a year); many sport and leisure activities. Harbour tours, canal
trips, lake & river cruises, city walks and bus tours with English
commentrary are all available.
Nightlife: Vast and varied, from
trendy bars to a thriving jazz scene, musicals to rather seedy adult
entertainments - St Pauli and the university district have some of the
best bars; opera and ballet at the Hamburgische Staatsoper (one of the
world's leading venues); classical music performances at the Musikhalle;
over 40 theatres, including the highly regarded Thalia Theatre; several
live-music venues; many popular nightclubs. Pop concerts and festivals
throughout the year, including a film festival; "Die Nacht der Clubs", a
lively event in Sept; and the Alster Fair, with hundreds of theatrical
performances culminating in an impressive firework display. The tourist
office publishes a useful magazine with listings.
Must See
There are numerous art galleries and museums. Enjoy a city tour and
visit the Seaman's Widow's Houses dating to the 17th century, the
Warehouse Complex, the Town Hall and quaint historic streets such as
Deichstrasse.
Must Do
Take a cruise on the Alster Lake, a harbour tour or a canal trip.
Hamburg is a shopper's paradise with two large pedestrianised areas and
a choice of malls around Jungfernstieg. For fashionable shops and
boutiques, try Monckebergstrasse.
Restaurants
This is one of Germany's gourmet centres, with several acclaimed restaurants,
numerous snack bars, bistros and cafes. Good selection of restaurants
around the main station although prices are higher in the city centre. The
university district offers a good range of more affordable options.
International cuisine is well represented, with Spanish and Portuguese
in the port area, Asian in St Pauli and anything from Turkish to Italian
restaurants scattered throughout. Seafood, soups and the traditional
Hanseatic "hash" are local specialities.
Shops
Seemingly endless shopping opportunities here, with a full range of quality
goods at competitive prices. Main area is the city centre, in particular
Monckebergstrasse, which is lined with department stores. Nearby
Jungfernstieg and Neuer Wall have many designer boutiques, with
speciality stores and antique shops in the myriad smaller streets
surrounding. Several covered arcades dotted about the city.
Excursions
Full day tours: Boat excursions along the Elbe;
Medieval port of Lubeck; City of Bremen; North Sea and Baltic coasts;
Luneburger Heath in Lower Saxony.
Two day tours: Port of Flensburg
(close to Danish border); Quaint fishing port of Husum; Town of
Schleswig (capital of the Schleswig-Holstein state); Picturesque hills
and lakes of Holstein's "Little Switzerland"; North Friesian Islands.
Getting Around
An efficient network of buses,
S-Bahn trains and the U-Bahn (undergound) covers the centre and the
suburbs. Day cards, group tickets, 3-day tickets and the HamburgCARD
(including discounts on some attractions) are available. Ferries across
the River Elbe and River & Lake Alster. Cycling is popular and cycle
paths are everywhere. Four railway stations serve destinations across
Germany and Europe. Ferries to many European ports.
Hamburg offers an extensive, efficient and cost effective network of
underground and suburban rail. Taxis are readily available.
Who is it for?
With its many business and leisure attractions, Hamburg draws a broad
range of visitors, including many from the rest of Germany. Backpackers
and discerning guests alike will find plenty of interest and variety,
from fine art to boat trips on the River & Lake Alstar.
Getting There
Various flights from the UK to Hamburg airport are
available at discount rates with Hessle Travel.
Hamburg Flights
British Airways, Lufthansa and BMI British Midland all fly direct
flights to Hamburg direct from the UK.
To Relax
Relax in the Japanese gardens in the Planten und Blumen Park. A range of
nightlife is on offer from classical music to the theatres, bars,
restaurants and discos of St Pauli. The infamous Reeperbahn is the self
proclaimed "most sinful mile in the world"!
Reeperbahn, Hamburg
Weather
Daily average temperatures in Hamburg (Approx) 'C
JAN 2 FEB 3 MAR 8 APR
13 MAY 18 JUN
22 JUL 22 AUG 23 SEP 19 OCT
13 NOV 7
DEC 4
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Hamburg by Hessle Travel
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Hamburg Highlights
> More than a busy port, Hamburg is Germany's second largest city
> Its charm radiates from the fascinating, magnificent boulevards,
stylish shops, arcades and theatres
> Don't miss the panoramic views from the top of the Television Tower
> Visit the worlds largest storage complex - 'Speicherstadt'
> The city is carved by waterways, canals and more bridges than
Venice, London and Amsterdam combined
> Visit the Fish Market on Sunday mornings - you'll be suprised,
there's no fish but an excellent food and entertainment area
Book yourself a flight or city break to Hamburg with Hessle Travel.
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