Before you go
… allow us to point out some easy ways to get more out of your city trip to Hamburg. As so often in life, the secret lies in the preparation. So, let’s find out when best to go, how to get there and where to stay. After all, as there is so much to see in Hamburg, we don’t want you to waste your valuable time on figuring it all out on the spot.
When to go?
One thing needs to be clear from the start: Hamburg isn’t an exotic, sunny place… at all. It rains a lot here – so much that residents have a great way of dealing with the ‘Schietwetter’ (which means bad weather in the Hamburg dialect). Determined not to let the weather rain on their parade, Northern Germans love to say: “There is no bad weather, there is only bad clothing”. So whether you’re planning on visiting the city in the winter or summer, one thing we suggest is to pack the right clothing that prepares you for almost all scenarios. To increase your odds of having a sunny stay, late spring or summer are the times to go. From April on, the temperatures become milder and in summer, the temperatures can even climb up to 25 degrees or more. Even though wind and rain can be expected throughout the year, you should think about snow too as winters in Hamburg can indeed be quite white. But if you behave like a true North German and are prepared for all weather situations, your trip to Hamburg shouldn't be a washout.
What to pack?
Besides different clothing for different weather conditions, be sure to pack some cash. While most restaurants and shops do indeed accept credit and debit cards, there are a few smaller places and thrift shops that still prefer cash. Of course, the city counts ATMs aplenty though, so you can withdraw money anywhere you want.
What to book?
Hamburg can get quite busy – especially during the weekends and throughout popular holiday times. That’s why reserving a spot in restaurants and pre-booking tickets for museums and theatre shows is a must. Bars usually don’t need to be booked even though they can fill up quickly. Just try your luck and if the chosen bar is full, don’t
worry as there tend to be plenty more in walking distance. German restaurants usually fill up around 7pm, so by that time it can be hard to find a vacant table anywhere without a booking.
How to get there?
Hamburg is easy to reach by many transport options. Not only does its main train station have express trains to Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Munich on offer, the city is also easy to reach by plane, as most British and European international airports have at least one daily connection with Hamburg airport. Luckily, there are also some low-cost airlines flying to Hamburg, making it an easy option for stag dos.
Where to stay?
Hamburg is a multifaceted centre of partying, of culture, of business and of food. That’s why the city has a wide range of affordable business hotels on offer and also caters for students and travellers with hostel-type accommodation, well-hidden boutique hotels and charming bed and breakfast options. If you crave a bit more luxury, lush places like the Hotel Atlantic (from €170) – famous for being a favourite with the stars – or the Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten (from €190) are great options.