72 Hours in Hamburg

72 HOURS IN HAMBURG

A couple of weeks ago I was feeling spontaneous & very generous (as were Ryanair apparently, with flights going for  a gorgeous, pocket-friendly, £9.99 one way). 

So with my boyfriend's 21st fast approaching, I decided to bite the bullet, scrape together the remains of my student finance and book a surprise, last-minute city break. With my options comprising of Cologne, Hamburg and Brussels, all of which looked so alluring on Google Images & happened to be cities my boyfriend and I had never visited before, it was Hamburg that eventually won. 

And in true student style, with a 6:40 am flight out, we went to the airport straight from our friend's beach inspired house party, meaning we (well mostly my boyfriend) arrived in Hamburg at 10am clad in leis, Hawaiian prints, sandals and running on 24+ hours of no sleep. If there was ever a time to live a little recklessly and make overly-ambitious decisions, as well as impress the locals with rather bold and garish clothing, the end of your student years must surely be the best time, right?

Needless to say, we ended up having an absolute ball in Hamburg (despite the lack of sleep), and came away feeling very lucky and glad that we had the chance to explore Germany's second biggest city. Located in the north of the country, and nestled on the banks of the River Elbe, Hamburg is a unique blend of various influences.

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The Sternschanze district is very much Berlin-inspired. Lots of graffiti, colourful buildings, quirky independent shops and eateries, many a bicycle and a chilled yet assured vibe. And the district tails off into Hamburg's notorious Reeperbahn, aka. red light district, filled with neon lights, buzzing nightlife and promiscuity. Around Binnenalster lake, Monckebergstraze, the Rathaus and Hamburg train station, however, is a lot more classical European. Gorgeous, refined, impressive architecture. Stone paved walkways and roads. And down by the harbour and docks near the recently developed Hafen City, Elbphilharmonie Concert Hall and Landungsbrucken, is an inherent nautical vibe, inspired by the city's rich and continuing maritime history. 

Unfortunately, we didn't get to see Hamburg in its entirety, but three days was more than enough time to immerse ourselves in the city, and appreciate what a gem it really is. And even as students on a budget, it still felt like we got to do and see so much.

When we first arrived, I admittedly wasn't impressed by the city, which isn't quite as bustling as other major European cities, and after a day or two I really thought we'd seen it all. But by the end of a trip, having gotten to grips with what Hamburg is about and discovered more of its beauty and secrets, I didn't really want to go home.

So with that, here's our mini itinerary and some photos for you to take a little peek at...

Ist gut ja?

https://www.hamburg.com/visitors/
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ITINERARY


Day 1




-McDonalds Adenaurallee 
-Wandering around the canals & little eateries in Hammerbrook (we stayed at the Hammerbrook Hostel)
-Watching the German version of The Chase (ours is definitely better)
-Walking near the train station, library and Museum of Kunst and Gewerbe
-Most amazing burgers at Burgerlich
-Wandering around Binnenalster lake, the Rathaus and Jungfernstieg
-Exploring St Pauli Nightmarket (only open Wednesday nights) and the Reeperbahn district


     



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Day 2



-Breakfast at Schanzenbackerei
-Wandering around Hafen City, the Elbphilharmonie Orchestra concert hall, Deichtorhallen art & photography museum (well the gift shop), and along the River Elbe
-Takeaway pizzas from Schanzenbackerei (can you spot the recurring theme here...)
-Walking down the Elbe Tunnel under the River Elbe, and admiring the view of Hamburg from the opposite side of the river
-Riding the S-bahn
-Dinner in the amazing food court at the equally amazing Europa Passage shopping centre and a trip to the coolest underground supermarket
-Watching the new Jurassic Park film (in English) at Hamburg Dammtor cinema
-Walking around Binnenalster lake in the rain, admiring the beautiful architecture around the Stephansplatz district 
-Getting the train back to the main station at night, and seeing all the lights and amazing views on the way (plus German trains are sooo cool)


       


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Day 3





-Breakfast at Schanzenbackerei (again)
-Looking in shops down Monckebergstraze (the main shopping street)
-Watching the World Cup in a little stone paved square eating currywurst and drinking Fanta
-Exploring the amazing Planten um Blomen park and the free Botanical Garden ( a real must see, such a beautiful park!)
-Walking around the gorgeous Sternschanze district and Schanzenviertel Quarter and eating delicious homemade ice creams for only 1 euro 20 
-Exploring near Gansemarkt, Hanseviertel Shopping Centre and Grozneumarkt 
-Going to the top of St Michael's Church (admittedly by lift) for only 5 euros and admiring the amazing panoramic view of Hamburg city in the sunshine
-Walking through the Portuguese Quarter and Michelwiese Park
-Evening schnitzel at Schweinske in the beautiful Hamburg Station, overlooking the trains coming and going