Mackemsden

Amateur Photographer

Hamburg – Surprising City North Germany

Hamburg Surprising City North Germany

What a surprising city!  Staying in the entertainment district of St. Pauli (Reeperbahn), we were greeted with lights and bustle as described by all the travel blogs.  Firstly, we were, however, surprised to see just how many homeless people were set up along this long stretch of bars, cafes, eateries and strip clubs.  All carrying on their lives as if nothing was happening around them.  

For many visitors, it seemed that this was the place to be seen and to meander along the sea of others, popping in to the bars for a beer and to meet friends.  For us, this was a time to see just what Hamburg had to offer.

Secondly, as we progressed further back from the Reeperbahn, it became abundantly clear that there was a lot more on offer than just bright lights and strip clubs.  

Harbour

Next, the harbour area of Hamburg is a marvellous area to see.  The area is very accessible to the public and offers trips on boats to view the vast area.  Along the front, there are bars, gift shops and restaurants offering a varied menu of delights to dance on your taste buds.  The beach bar is also along here and is open all year round.

City Centre

Next on our list to visit in Hamburg was the city centre.  It always amazes me just how busy and full of shops the city centres are in Germany.  There is something for everyone here in Hamburg from designer stores to your more traditional stores.  The city centre is based around the Binnenalster, a lake from which you can explore the skyline on a paddle steamer.  We didn’t have the time to do this activity, unfortunately, but we did manage to fit in a bus tour.  

The bus tour is a something that you should not miss.  The great thing about this tour is that you can hop on and off as you please.  We used this tour as a way to find our way around Hamburg and to get off at the important places. 

One of the places we decided to stop at, was the Miniatur Wunderland.  This was an amazing place to see!  Be sure to book a session on line or turn up early in the morning.  It could take you around 3 hours to see.  Once you arrive, you are shown to the restaurant to wait your turn.  Once you are inside the exhibit, you will be taken on a journey around the World in miniature.  One of the best bits for me was seeing Hamburg Airport and the planes taking off and landing!  Outstanding.

Transport

Like other Germany cities, Hamburg has an excellent transport infrastructure.  Buses, U-Bahn and S-Bahn all operate regular services.  These services are so easy to use.  Buy your ticket at a designated point or on the bus, if travelling overland.  The journey from the airport takes just 35 minutes into the city, with other areas easily accessible in less time.

Conclusion

Finally, we stayed here for 4 days on the Reeperbahn over the New Year period.  If we were to come again, we would definitely look at somewhere more central.  The city has lots to offer its tourists and the entertainment is second to none.  Food is impeccable and typically German.  The people are friendly and willing to talk to you.  Hamburg is known as being an affluent city, but it caters for everyone, no matter how deep your pockets are.  Take a chance and book a stay in Hamburg.  You will not regret it!

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