Hamburg, Germany. Let’s skip the Hamburger jokes. There is everything in Hamburg to accommodate the international jet setter, so don’t be shy about stopping off here for a day.
We’ll go through the best places and things to do if in Hamburg, if you’ve only got 16 hours.
When you land at Hamburg Airport, you shouldn’t have any luggage, or carry on. You should be coming in from London or Amsterdam for the day, before heading to Rome or Brussels. Here’s what you do, when land just hop on the U-Bahn, and take it to the Hauptbahnhof (Central Station). Everything is now within reach.
If you want to get around, take the “Free Tour”, you can stop off at any museum or store you want, the bus will be back around until around 4 P.M. Cabs are cheap too. When you get back to Central Station take a walk in the park, and check out the memorials, cross the bridge over the Binnenalster (Inner Alster Lake) which is on your left.
It’s time to get some food. Just go straight after you get over the bridge, you’re on the Esplanade. Once you get to Stephansplatz, make a left. It’s going to be about 15 minutes of walking from the bridge to get in the vicinity of the Hanse-Viertel, and you’ll know you’re near once you see the line of restaurants.
Here is where you will find some familiar foods (Subway, McDonalds) but of course we want the full experience so explore the area, there are a bunch of great places to eat on ABC Strasse (ABC Street). Once you’re done, get ready to do another of 5 minutes of walking, to some great boutiques.
Right walk across the square and you’ll find everything, Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger, Jil Sander & More. Go to Göschl and pick up some German candy, Haribo are great. Check these boutiques out then go into the Hanse-Viertel, which is basically a mall. You can pick up exclusives here, so don’t miss out. Check out Bree for some great handbags, ladies. I’d bet you’re pretty exhausted and thinking about dinner and how to get back to the airport in time for your 10pm flight to Brussels by now.
For dinner, take a short walk to Fusion, it’s right around the corner from you. Meat connoisseurs: the grilled Wagyu will blow you away, I’m not exaggerating in the least bit. They also have a amazing selection of sushi and vegetarian dishes as well and it’s the perfect setting for drinks as Fusion is a lounge as well. They make killer Mojitos, seriously.
Ask the bartender for a ride to the airport and you’ll get it, no question’s asked. We’ll see you somewhere in Europe again soon.
P.S. If Hamburg is just too great and you need to stay, we recommend 5 star hotel, SIDE, you’re already there if you went to Fusion. Be sure to check out the HSH Nordbank Arena (for soccer) and Grünspan (for music) if you stay.
