- Flight time from London: 1 hour 25 min
- Hamburg Airport: 11km from the city centre; transfer time about 20 min
- Nearest railway station: Hamburg Hauptbahnhof
- Currency: Euro
Boasting a 1,200-year history, Hamburg is one of the most important ports in Europe. Hamburg city breaks are popular with those looking for an action-packed trip that offers an abundance of things to see and do. This attractive Hanseatic City is Germany's second largest and attracts young, modernistic people thanks to a cosmopolitan culture that is friendly and open to the world. A city full of contrasts, there is a colourful mix of beautiful views of the River Elbe and modern buildings and bars located throughout the city. Hamburg is a young, cosmopolitan city with a friendly atmosphere and around 1.8 million inhabitants.
With its grand merchants' houses and elegant promenades, extravagant shopping arcades and a myriad of cultural sights, international musicals and excellent restaurants, Hamburg is fast becoming a top city break hotspot. Hamburg is a popular destination for those on Bremen City Breaks as there are good rail links both in and out of the city making the destination popular with day trippers.
During the winter months, Hamburg transforms into a Christmas wonderland. The plazas and marketplaces add a sparkling cheer to the maritime port and the Hamburg Christmas Market is a mixture of fragrant smells and twinkling lights captivating visitors and locals.
The Hamburg DOM is a thrice-yearly festival steeped in local tradition and guarantees fun and adventure for the whole family. The DOM fair runs throughout March, July and December for a month at a time. The bustling fairground holds some of the best roller coasters and extreme rides in Germany, with a selection of smaller family rides for those who are looking for a more laid-back city break in Hamburg.
For alternative holidays in Germany, why not consider our Wiesbaden city breaks or trips to Freiburg.
Hamburg's most recognisable landmark features the biggest church clock in Germany and offers a great view over the city from its tower. A great place to visit - try and go during an organ recital to appreciate the full atmosphere of the church.
Next to the historical Storehouse City (Speicherstadt), visitors will find the most exciting European urban development that includes a range of different attractions.
The largest model railway in the world. It is rich in detail and highlights many regions using the latest technology. Not just for rail buffs but for the whole family.
A piece of Hamburg's history with a fantastic view of the harbour area.
This market near Hamburg's landmark the Landungsbrücken (pier) has anything and everything on sale. There is a restaurant in the historic Fish Auction Hall, along with some live musical entertainment to rejuvenate tired shoppers (from the 15th of March (summer): 5 A.M. - 9:30 A.M.; from the 15th of November (winter) 7 A.M. - 9:30 A.M.).
Near the St Pauli metro stop, you can go on a journey through the world of the Beatles.
This modern building opened in January 2017 and is thriving centre for performance arts. There are two concert halls, a restaurant, apartments and a hotel.
This chocolate museum takes you on a journey from bean to bar, showing you every step of the production process. there will be many chances to taste the product along the way and even make your own chocolate creation at the end.
Housed inside an old factory, this is a museum dedicated to 70 years of classic racing cars, including many prototypes that never made it to production.
As an important seaport throughout the years, Hamburg is the perfect place to have a museum dedicated to over 900 years of maritime history. The exhibits include important charts, artefacts recovered from famous ships and scale models of real vessels.
This museum takes you back to the days when Hamburg was a thriving industrial port. Learn about all the different factories that operated in this part fo the city, including those from the coffee, cocoa and spice industries.
These two exhibits invite you to experience everyday life in the shoes of a blind (Dialog im Dunkeln) or deaf (Dialog im Stillen) person. You are guided by people who suffer from these disabilities and forced to rethink your perceptions.
Hamburg and fish belong together, even when the North Sea is about 100 kilometres away. Find the Fischereihafen-Restaurant in the immediate vicinity of the famous fish market and indulge yourself with delicious seafood specialities. Other meals are also available.
An absolute must for every visitor in Hamburg is the famous German Currywurst. Find one of the best restaurants in the heart of Hamburg's city centre, such as Edelcurry.
Tasty food for little money can be found in one of the 25 Schweinske restaurants in and around Hamburg. One of the restaurant's specialities are the delicious pork cutlets.
This Brazilian restaurant promises an absolutely culinary treat. The famous Rodizio-Meal starts with an amazing buffet, followed by the Cortadores (waiters) coming to your table to cut smoked pork chops, juicy steak, leg of lamb and much more onto your plate. Delicious side dishes like French fries, rice, black beans, vegetables and baked bananas will be served as well. It'll be a challenge, but you have to try everything.
Famous TV cook Tim Maelzer celebrates Northern German cuisine in a former cattle slaughterhouse in the trendy Schanzenviertel - but don't worry, there are also great treats for vegetarians.
A traditional restaurant found along Hamburg's famous Reeperbahn
A trendy restaurant that features a great selection of craft beer
A trendy spot for food from all over Asia
A restaurant serving out of the ordinary burgers
French cuisine in a fine dining setting
Delicious international food in a building which used to be a bank
A cosy, trendy spot for breakfast, coffee and light snacks
A small café offering breakfast and delicious sandwiches. They also do fantastic waffles with a wide range of toppings
The only 3-starred restaurant in the city. The atmosphere is formal but not so much as to make you feel uncomfortable. The inside is furnished with typical German style and precision, and the menu features classic dishes that have been given a modern twist.
This two-star, seafood restaurant celebrates the fruits of the sea from all over the world. There's the option to try a six, seven or eight-course tasting menu which all feature dishes that are so beautiful to look at, you'll feel guilty about cutting into them.
This gourmet restaurant uses surprising textures and aroma combination to provide you with a culinary experience you won't forget.
This is a small place (only 12 tables) offering a delicious combination of French and German dishes.
Great views of the Elbe and classic food options.
With a la carte and tasting menu options, Piment serves a vibrant mix of French and Moroccan food.
Another French-inspired restaurant, Trüffelschwein features two different taster menus that could contain up to nine different courses.
Welcome to Hamburg - the best place to be for all shopping fans. Whether you are looking for designer labels, fashion trends or extraordinary presents, Hamburg will offer you an endless variety of shopping possibilities.
Belonging to the world's most exclusive shopping streets, visitors will find international top brands offering pure luxury.
Located in the heart of Hamburg and next to the main train station, this street is one of the top shopping addresses in Hamburg and is one of the 10 most visited streets in Germany. Close by there is the shopping arcade Europapassage and the Jungfernstieg, the most splendid boulevard in Hamburg.
Home to students, artist and alternative personalities, in this area fashion trends are made. An insiders' tip is the hidden street Marktstraße, where second-hand, as well as unique designer clothes, can be found.
A trendy neighbourhood where you will find lots of independent stores
A diverse part of the city offering a melting pot of shops
These streets can all be found in the city centre of feature a great mix of national and international brands
This busy street is home to high-end brands such as Karl Lagerfeld, Escada, Gärtner and Braun
No trip to Hamburg will be complete without visiting the unique Reeperbahn. This famous street offers a wide range of excellent music bars and fantastic night clubs.
Große Freiheit 36/ Kaiserkeller: This club belongs to the biggest party location in Hamburg and musicians like the Beatles, Robbie Williams and Kylie Minogue have appeared on the stage.
Thomas Read - Irish Pub: This pub offers daily live music as well as 14 different types of beer on tap (open 5 days a week).
Hofbräuhaus: Experience the south in the north. This Bavarian beer house offers everything that the famous Munich original has on offer: traditional live music (Thursday - Sunday), waiters in traditional costumes, hearty meals like roast knuckle of pork, white sausages, Obatzda (specially garnished cream cheese), pretzel and not forgetting the delicious beer.
St. Pauli Reeperbahn: Hamburg's 'sinful mile', famous for its vibrant nightlife.
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