Hamburg is where Germany goes to have fun. And this guide to Hamburg’s restaurants, bars, shops and clubs should help you join in the good times.
Where to eat in Hamburg
(€) Otto’s Burger
Hamburg without a hamburger would be a dereliction of duty, and local mini-chain Otto’s does them best. The meat is cooked to taste, the toppings are extravagant – the truffle burger with portobello mushroom, baby spinach and truffle mayo is tremendous – craft beer is served, and there are outlets in St Georg and Schanzenviertel. Ottosburger.de
(€€) Tasquinha Galego
Inside a witch hat-topped, rounded tower by the docks, Taquinha Galego is the most atmospheric choice in a cluster of good quality Portuguese joints. Allegedly tapas-sized petisco dishes, such as the cod in white wine and onion soup, are almost a meal in themselves. Predictably, given the location, fish is the focus.
Where to drink (and dance) in Hamburg
Adega
In the Little Portugal area by the river, this bar-shop hybrid sells wallets and purses made of cork, plus colourful ceramic plates and canned fish. But it’s the wine you come to Adega for, and the list dives around the Portuguese wine regions, with drops from the Douro, Alentejo and Algarve. Handcrafted German gins are also available if you prefer to stay local.
Gruenspan
One of several live music venues just off the Reeperbahn – and catching a live act is as good a reason to come down this way as it was when the Beatles were earning their pre-stardom crust – Gruenspan’s strength is variety. One night it’s Scandinavian metal, the next local singer-songwriter, the next Midge Ure or Billy Corgan.
It’s in the heart of the St Pauli neighbourhood, which contributes so much to Hamburg’s vibe.
Where to shop in Hamburg
Property Of
Poststrasse is one of the more interesting, niche-satisfying shopping streets in the city centre, and Property Of is aimed at travellers who like to do it in style doubles as a coffee bar. Multi-compartmented, dapper-looking bags, snazzy belts and high-end guidebooks are on sale. Thepropertyof.com
Lokal Design
Grungy but gentrifying Schanzenviertel has plenty of indie shopping, particularly along Schulterblatt. This collective showcase, with a massive woodchip floor window display, is the star, however. It’s mainly locally-designed, distinctive furniture and homewares, but nosy around Lokal Design and you’ll find ceramics, jarringly angular tea light holders and specialist food and drink books.
Koppel 66
LGBT-friendly St Georg is the other ‘hood with innovative shopping, and Koppel 66 brings together several arts and crafts workshops over two floors. The inhabitants range from book-binding to jewellery-making, although Stefan Fink’s gorgeously crafted fountain and rollerball pens feel like the true treat.
Where to stay in Hamburg
(£) Superbude St Pauli
Tremendous fun, and feeling like the pet project of someone who’s really good at DIY, this hostel/ hotel hybrid has nets for bedheads, plungers turned into clothing rails and desk lamps strung together on the ceiling. Rope pattern carpets nod to the shipping heritage, and Superbude St Pauli’s lobby full of eclectic seating doubles up as a bar. Superbude.com
(££) Ruby Lotti
This centrally-located design hotel goes for a “lean luxury” concept – which means smallish rooms, and trimming back of facilities, but quality bedding, an eagerness for gadgetry and rough edges that are celebrated as quirks rather than glossed over. Vintage furniture and oak floors are part of the Ruby Lotti look.
(£££) Tortue
Built around a hugely impressive, art installation and boules court-packed courtyard, this central-and-swanky option knows it looks good. Free mini-bars, touch button mood lighting and heated bathroom floors are amongst the facilities binge at Tortue. Furnishings and furniture all feel hand-picked for impact, rather than snaffled up in a job lot.
More Germany travel
For tours and experiences in Hamburg, choose from a range here.
Other Germany articles on Planet Whitley include:
