Experience
Germany

BUCKET LIST TRAVEL : HAMBURG

Set sail for a surprising port town

A port city in the north of Germany, Hamburg is a vibrant metropolis which never fails to surprise. The country’s second-largest city boasts a canal network, meaning you can explore it by water. Back on dry land, it’s full of cultural attractions and social activities.

WHEN EARLY BIRDS AND NIGHT OWLS MIX

You’ve probably been dancing in some strange locations, but have you ever partied in a fish market? Outrageous, you’d think, for early birds and night owls to mix! However, this happy mix of people in Hamburg can be found every Sunday morning in the Altonaer Fischmarkt (Altona fish market) on the banks of the Elbe river.

At first glance, it’s a very traditional and authentic market with stalls selling fresh fish from the North Sea, fruits and vegetables, deli counters and other produce. There’s one exception: the sound of traders shouting to entice customers with tempting deals mixes with the sound of live music.

Today, the market stretches beyond the exterior of the historic market building that traditionally housed it. This pretty red brick building, topped with a glass dome dating to 1896, is now a party hotspot for those searching for an unusual afterparty. At 5am in summer and 7am in winter, bands come to play their guitars and drums and sing in this unique hideaway, right next to some of the city’s freshest local produce. The audience listens with coffee or a local beer.

Must-sees in Hamburg

Altonaer Fischmarkt, the fish market on the banks of the Elbe

HAMBURGER KUNSTHALLE

Formed of three buildings, this art museum is home to one of the most impressive collections in Germany, with original works from all over Europe, from the Middle Ages to the present day. It is particularly famous for displaying several paintings by German Romantic painter Caspar David Friedrich, like the renowned Wanderer above the Sea of Fog.

PLANTEN UN BLOMEN PARK

An oasis of greenery in the city, this park stretches over 45 hectares in the centre of Hamburg. It features a Japanese garden, tropical greenhouses and a rose garden. The location lives up to its name, Planten un Blomen (Plants and Flowers). In summer, water and light shows are put on there.

MINIATUR WUNDERLAND *

Become a child again with the most extensive collection of model railways on the planet. This miniature world was created by twin brothers Gerrit and Frederik Braun and never stops evolving, with 18 km of railway track fabulously decorated with 270,000 figurines. You’ll be transported to Venice, Rio de Janeiro and the Monaco Formula 1 circuit. Take a stroll from Asia to the USA, all controlled by around 50 computers.

ELBPHILHARMONIE HAMBURG

The Elphi, as it’s affectionately known, is a breathtaking construction combining stone on the lower part and glass on the upper part to create the shape of waves on its roof. Rising 100 metres above the Elbe river, this music venue has been open since 2017 and offers unrivalled acoustics.

The Hamburg Planetarium, nestled in a former water tower

PLANETARIUM HAMBURG

Hamburg’s planetarium is nestled in a former water tower in Hamburg Stadtpark. It has a projection dome measuring 22 metres in diameter. Here you’ll go on an adventure in space before coming back to earth to visit the Binnenalster artificial lake and enjoy a drink on its landscaped banks.