Of all Germany’s cities, Hamburg has got to be the absolute best of them all (and it’s so hard to choose). It’s a city of art and culture, blended with history and the risqué; a music and festival loving place, and where fish are worth getting up before dawn. Whether you’re here for a day, a week, a month, or a lifetime — you’ll never manage to get through it all, although it’ll really be fun to try.
I’m not the only one to think Hamburg is fantastic for everyone, how could almost 4 million visitors be wrong? Tourism brings in billions of Euro every year, keeping Hamburg as the economic powerhouse its been for centuries. So what makes Hamburg one helluva hot commodity?
Art & Culture
Hamburg has some 50 different museums with countless special exhibits, almost three dozen theaters, poetry slams, movies, and even the ballet. I’m bored are two words you’ll never hear in Hamburg — EVER.
Music
Cabaret and music halls meet with Broadway style shows that appeal to an international crowd here in Hamburg; doesn’t matter if they’re in High German, Low German, or English.
Festivals
Just about every month of the year there’s some kind of fabulous fun festival going on. Of course many people have heard of the ultra-famous Hamburger Dom (taking place three times a year), the Reeperbahn Festival, Harbor Festival, and the annual Christmas Market, but wouldn’t you like to know more about the Beastfest (the over-40 crowd, bring earplugs), the Hurricane Festival, or (my favorite) the Crime Festival? Um, no, it’s not a wild crime-spree event — it’s all about the mystery novel.
Attractions
Whew, where to start on this? Yes, Hamburg has some outstanding historical sites, everything from medieval church ruins (St. Nicholas Church) to the streets of the red-light district of the Reeperbahn — and everything in between the spectrum. If you’re lucky enough to be here on a Sunday, you really need to visit the Altona Fish Market, which opens way before the sun even wakes up.
Sports
As if there’s not enough to do in Hamburg, there’s plenty of sporting events to keep you busy. Come cheer for your favorite lacrosse, soccer, field hockey, or American football teams; or place a bet for your horse during the Hamburg Derby. I don’t even think I’ve covered half of Hamburg’s athletic happenings.
Cuisine
With all the sightseeing, sports, and everything else, you’re bound to work up an appetite. Good thing Hamburg has thousands of restaurants offering all kinds of local and continental cuisine. Street food is always a good choice, although if you’re not a fan of fish sandwiches, try the currywurst sandwiches instead. However, if you want something to eat that’ll impress your gourmand tastes, Hamburg is home to quite a number of Michelin star restaurants.
Getting Around
Hamburg’s public transportation system has got to be the envy of most cities around the world; hundreds of bus routes daily, added with the A-Bahn, the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and no less than six ferries to get you where you need to be. Oh, let’s not forget about accessible by four Autobahnen.
No wonder Hamburg’s been rated as one of the world’s most livable cities. And even though you’ll find some 5 million people living within the great Hamburg area, you’re still sure to find a quiet spot along one of its hundreds of bridges — which makes this cosmopolitan city always German at heart.