Last December I've visited Hamburg for the weekend, taking advantage of a business meeting that was held in the city. I'm more of a Summer person but these days make it clear that even when it's cold and rainy, and you're on your own, travel is a great option. So, let's stop making excuses to get out of your comfort zone and make 2019 a discovery year.
But lets get to the subject of this post! The 5 spots you can't miss on a visit to Hamburg with about 2 days duration. I walk so much around the city that, by Monday, I was not sure if I could ever again get my feet inside my boots. So, if you want some extra (and totally free) tips, get some sensible shoes (I thought mine were), and, in the cold weather, get some layers of cloth in other to easily adjust inside and outside temperatures. Enjoy it!
1. HAMBURG CITY HALL
The City Hall (or Rathaus), was constructed from 1886 to 1897 and is located in the Altstadt quarter in the city center, at the Rathausmarkt square. Near the lake Binnenalster and the central station, is a city's landmark and is at the center of most of the itineraries in Hamburg. Built in a period of wealth and prosperity, the Neo-renaissance style of the new Hamburg Rathaus was intended to express this wealth and also the independence of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg. There are guided tours inside the building and although it looked quite interesting I did not have the time. But I was lucky enough to get in time for the Xmas Market in the square!
2. PLANTEN UN BLUMEN
Planten un Blumen park is the true green heart of Hamburg. In this immense park there is a botanical garden with a tropical greenhouse and the largest Japanese garden in Europe, with its clipped hedges, a lake and an authentic rustic Japanese tea house where classic tea ceremonies are celebrated from May to September. The park includes a romantic rose garden with over 300 different varieties.
2. PLANTEN UN BLUMEN
Planten un Blumen park is the true green heart of Hamburg. In this immense park there is a botanical garden with a tropical greenhouse and the largest Japanese garden in Europe, with its clipped hedges, a lake and an authentic rustic Japanese tea house where classic tea ceremonies are celebrated from May to September. The park includes a romantic rose garden with over 300 different varieties.
I've visited it in a rainy Autumn day, but still it stand as one of the top places in the city. In your way from the Rathausmarkt to the park, enjoy the views of the Alster, a 160-hectare lake in the heart of the city that is a true paradise for sailors, rowers and paddlers, but has a depth of no more than 2.50 meters.
3. NIKOLAIFLEET
The historic timber-framed houses at Nikolaifleet, in Altstadt district, are an attraction itself. Looking a lot like the canal streets of Amsterdam, Nikolaifleet separates the Cremon island from the mainland, and its easy to get there in your walk from the city center to the Hafencity district. The Nikolaifleet is considered one of the oldest parts of the port of Hamburg, and I'm sure you'll enjoy checking every detail of this old neighborhood.
4. HAFEN CITY
The HafenCity district combines the commercial and port tradition of Hamburg with the vibrance and modernity of the city in a perfect symbiosis. Walking around you can find both the old and the new, along with a strong cultural offer. Attractions such as Miniature Wonderland (perfect for rainy days) and the Elbphilharmonie are just a few of the attractions that you can find there.
5. ELBPHILHARMONIE
The Elbphilarmonie is the true contemporary landmark of Hamburg. The striking architecture of the building and the stunning view of the harbor and city that one can grasp from its terrace are variables that make it a must see in any visit to the Hanseatic city. Unfortunately I did not have the opportunity to visit the concert hall and hear a concert with its unique acoustics. Even if you're not visiting for a concert, there is part of the building that is accessible to visitors, including the top terrace known as the Plaza, wherefrom the visitors can enjoy the panoramic view over Hamburg and the harbor.
I've travelled light and didn't take my camera. All the photos were taken with my iPhone 8 and when I look at the post now they all look kind of sepia. But, in those rainy days, the city really had those colors. The brick walls, the Autumn leaves and the gray waters of the canals, were only highlighted here and there by the bright red of a boat or of a bunch of berries hanging from a naked brunch. Looking forward to visit it in the Summer!
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