Germany gateway to the world
Tucked away in northern Germany, Hamburg, the country’s second biggest city, has a personality of its own and is well worth a stop.Here are Hamburg’s top ten attractions and sights that no traveler should miss.
1. Hamburg Harbor
Hamburg’s unique experience is its harbor city. The port is the third largest in the world, after London and New York. There are so many ways to enjoy Hamburg’s harbor, which is over 800 years old; take a boat tour, stroll along the waterfront, and have an excellent seafood dinner.
Want an even closer look at the harbor? Climb into a real submarine and experience history below the surface.
2. The Reeperbahn, Hamburg’s Red Light District
A unique experience of Hamburg’s most famous street is the Reeperbahn, it is the city’s legendary entertainment and red light district. The eclectic mix of bars and restaurants along with strip clubs and erotic museums brought the Beatles here, who started their international career in Hamburg in the 1960’s.
3. Hamburg Fish Market
Fresh seafood, exotic fruits and nuts, and teas from all over the world at the open-air market, right next to the historic fish auction hal. The bustling atmosphere of the 300-year old market is unique.
4. Emigration Museum Ballinstadt
The museum complex “Ballinstadt” recreates a life-changing journey on historic grounds; see the original emigration halls, and an extensive interactive exhibition. You can even trace back the journey of your own family by studying the original passenger lists and the largest genealogical database in the world.
5. Historic Warehouse District
Adjacent to the harbor, you find Hamburg’s historical warehouse district, the largest warehouse complex in the word. Narrow cobble stone streets and small waterways are lined by 100-year old warehouses. Light projections in the evening create a magical atmosphere on buildings, bridges and canals.
6. Hamburger Kunsthalle
It is the most impressive art collections in Germany. Over 700 years of European art history are represented at the Hamburger Kunsthalle, from medieval to modern paintings. Highlights include masterpieces by Rembrandt, Caspar David Friedrich, and Edvard Munch.
7. Church St. Michaelis
The baroque church of St. Michaelis is Hamburg’s unique experience, the signature landmark of Hamburg. “Michel”, as locals like to call the church is the most famous church in the North of Germany; its seats 3000 people. Climb the spiraled top to enjoy the views of the Hamburg city scape and harbor.
8. Alster Arkaden
Hamburg is famous for shopping, and the elegant Alster Arkaden is one of the most picturesque places for it. The historic arcades, inspired by Venetian architecture and lit by at night, lead you along the canals to Hamburg’s main square and its richly decorated city hall.
9. Hafencity
Visit Hamburg’s future in “Hafencity”, the largest urban building project in Europe of the 21st century. The harbor city is expected to double the population of downtown Hamburg with thousands of new waterfront apartments, gleaming high-rises, stores, restaurants and a new symphony.
10. Planten un Blomen
Take a deep breath in Hamburg’s green scene, the park “Planten un Blomen”. It features a Botanical Garden and the largest Japanese garden in Europe. Throughout the summer months, you can enjoy concerts, theater performances, and festivals in the park.
