Awesome space with a second level of local-friendly shopping (think full grocery store). The clock makes for a slick Instagram photo.
I WANT TO LIVE HERE. The only hotel in the HafenCity, its rooms all have views toward the working harbour. Check out the vinyl lounge, tea lounge and Atari booth on the second level.
So what if it's a hotel restaurant? Their 16 Euro breakfast buffet is one of the best I've ever had and their late-night meat-and-cheese plates hit the spot. Just keep the Astra Alsterwassers coming.
If you don't go here, we can't be friends. A most unique bar, located in a former fishing ship docked near the Elbphilharmonie. Cheap drinks, sometimes BBQ and even concerts inside. Sunset views!
Thought I'm not sure what exactly is the point of this View Point, I like climbing things for free. Plus it's bright orange.
While it's probably pretty nice up on deck, I got the most thrill from hanging out on its dock. Walk the bridges out to the ship and anyone can get alongside for free. Excellent tugboat-spotting here.
Can't speak for the hotel, but for its terrace. On high, the terrace bar has the best (comfortable) views of the harbor and Blohm & Voss across the way. Expensive beers, though. Sad face.
Absolutely one of the most breathtakingly picturesque industrial areas in Europe and very pedestrian- and bike-friendly. Elevated walkways give awesome views down canals & warehouses.
Rent a bike and head up here, beyond the diplomatic mansions and into the realm of wooden boats. Picnic under a willow tree. Bonus: sometimes Airbus' whale jets fly over en route to their area factory
Guaranteed free WiFi, computer access, heat or A/C plus a perfect location means this is like my second home in Hamburg.
Crazy scenic. Biking or walking, you gotta sit here a bit and take it in. The other side--Lombardsbrucke--is pretty fabulous as well.
Stunning spire. One of many stunning spires, I know, but it's just so damn good. Like a freshly sharpened No. 2 pencil.
Perhaps the best secret find in Hamburg, this place will sell you good beer and food (plus pies!), and time paddling in wooden boat out on the lake if you want. So chill. I could come here every day.
The best picnic spot in all of Hamburg. Can imagine it'd also be perfect for painting, writing poetry, napping, making out, picnicking, etc. Best view had from the Lombardsbrucke.
So what if it's a chain coffeeshop? This location has island resort-style seating outside and a rollicking lunch scene. Much like if Panera was hip and had great coffee.
You know, I wouldn't come up here at night, but it's a worthwhile walk into the park.
Touristy, but this is the spot to hit for harbor views and souvenirs (including stamped tin vintage ads). Watch the container ships pass and fingers crossed you get to see a Cunarder arrive.
As usual, the Swiss Freitag brothers have an awesome, design-focused store worth a visit, even if you aren't up to dropping 200 Euros on a tarp bag (that'll last forever, but still).
No need to go inside (you can't anyway; it's just offices). The action is all on its facade, covered in sea monsters. Hamburg doesn't do gargoyles; it does the Leviathan and friends.
By Herzog & de Meuron, so you know it's awesome on the outside. When it opens, it will be talk of Europe for a year. It's THAT major. Not to mention it's perched atop an old warehouse on the harbor.
You can't come to Hamburg & skip this. It IS Hamburg. Walking through the exhibits on nautical history explains so much about this city and why it's figured in the development of so many other cities.
BEST PRETZELS IN THE WORLD. Eat 'em hot. Take 'em to go. Whatever. Just try them. All made to order, so give them 10-20 minutes to make.
