Situated in the north of Germany, Hamburg is a vibrant urban port city. It’s the second biggest city in Germany by far with around 3.5 million people living in the surrounding metropolitan area of the city. While the German capital may be the must-see destination for backpackers, this cultural hub in the north is well worth checking out.

To get a Hamburger’s perspective on some of the city’s highlights, Urban Outfitters spoke to some of their favourite bloggers from the city…

What to see?

Planten Un Blomen (#4)

Getting there:  U St.Pauli

Planten un Blomen is a beautiful park in the heart of Hamburg. It’s a great place for running and any outdoor sports activity.

Park Fiction (#5)

Getting there:  S Reeperbahn

On warm and sunny days, I like to relax on the green fields of Park Fiction. Here you have a great view over the Elbe River and the harbour. People who spend time here are typically easy-going and the artificial palms create a pleasantly surreal atmosphere. During summer time, Park Fiction is a great place to enjoy a bottle of white wine with your best friend and take the time to say “cheers” to life.

Landungsbrücken (#1)

Getting there:  U Landungsbrücken

At the Landungsbrücken underground stop exit left. You can get on a sightseeing bus with lots of tourists and pay 20 Euros for it, or, explore the city and its major sights for 6,50 Euros sitting next to born and bred Hamburgers. Take the best underground line of the city, the U3 and enjoy. The U3 runs every 5 Minutes and crosses St. Pauli, Landungsbrücken, Munsdsburg centre and the central station. I also recommend listening to Oliver Koletzki feat. Axel Bosse – “U-Bahn” while on the train to get into the travel mood.

Eimsbütteler Park/Der Weiher (#2)

Getting there:  U Osterstraße

To unwind after a stressful day, I try to fight my inner couch potato and put my trainers on. But instead of going to a fitness centre I prefer to run outside and enjoy Hamburg’s rather idyllic places. One of them is the Weiher in the Eimsbüttel area. On the weekends, you can also enjoy a cup of coffee in the nice cafe here. The park is also ideal for enjoying a relaxed barbeque far away from the hustle and bustle of the major parks.

Where to eat?

Café Mamalicious (#7)

Getting there:  S + U Sternschanze

I would like to recommend the vegan and vegetarian cafe Mamalicious in Sternschanze. Here you will be served over the counter in a typically American style. The Mamalicious offers the best breakfast in Hamburg and is located in the centre of the city.

Café Tanten (#3)

Getting there:  S + U Sternschanze

Folding tables, nicely decorated with tulips and table cloths, colourful cushions in the sun – all these special touches are associated with Cafe Tanten, a very special place pharmacieinde.com. Located in the most multicultural part of Hamburg, the cafe offers regional, fair trade and organic pastries and Paninis, soups, sandwiches, organic lemonade, coffee and a variety of teas. You wish that time would stand still in Cafe Tante.

Restaurant Daniel Wischer (#6)

Getting there:  U Mönckebergstraße

The north of Germany is not necessarily famous for its culinary specialities. However, Hamburg offers great delicacies which are not to be missed. You should definitely try soused herring in a bread roll and fillet of herring with apples and onions (Matjes nach Hausfrauenart) as well as fish rissole. You can find these specialities at Daniel Wischer’s on Pitalstraße, to name one of many examples. Over the Christmas period, you should also try a speciality known as ” Pfaffenglück “. This is leavened bread baked with cheese, ham and served with fresh Fromage Blanc (known as Quark in Germany) with herbs. You can find this speciality at Rathausmarkt (Town Hall Market).

Where to drink?

KITTY (#8)

Getting there:  U Feldstraße

Kitty, located on FeldstraBe, is an old and traditional corner bar that is now under new management. With its dark wooden tables, classic bar and plastic fish sitting in the window, it is reminiscent of a place your granddad could have been a regular in. The Kitty is my personal favourite as it hosts great DJ gigs and has a laid back audience and relaxing atmosphere.

Bloggers involved

Katja – Tikamana.com
Vicky – Vickywanka.com
Annie – Anniewear.de
Joleena – Joleena-fashion.com
Marianna – Weltenbummlermag.de
Kathrin – Lesflaneurs.de