A Guide To Sightseeing Like A True Hamburger

Tired of being the obvious tourist when visiting a new place? The Culture Trip is happy to help you out. Follow these six simple rules to enjoy the ‘most beautiful city in the world‘ like a true Hamburger would.

Rule #1: Wear functional clothing.

North Germans live by the mantra ‘There is no such thing as bad weather, just a bad choice of clothes’. In Hamburg, North Sea winds mean that experiencing four seasons in one day is a very real possibility. Accordingly, to fit in with the local crowd, be equipped with a wind- and waterproof jacket—bonus points if it comes with zippered inlays for all weather conditions. Granted, dressing like going for a hike in the Alps may be overkill for just strolling along the shopping streets, but when in Hamburg…

Rule #2: Cycle everywhere.

Rule #3: Use public transportation.

Wish to wander further afield? The city’s public transportation network has you covered. Using public transport, true Hamburger-style, will save both time and money and, unless it’s rush hour, that bicycle can come along for free. Expensive harbour boat tours can be easily replaced by a round trip on the line 62 of the HADAG ferry service. A U3 metro ride can compete with most hop-on/hop-off tours, and the bus routes 48 and 111 spoil travellers with excellent views of the city’s iconic sights.

Rule #4: Skip Starbucks.

Resist the lure of familiar international coffee houses and go local. After all, Hamburg has dominated global coffee trade for centuries and is home to world-leading coffee producers like Tchibo and J. J. Darboven, whose first coffee house dates back to 1677. Across the city are exceptional coffee roasters like Speicherstadt Kaffeerösterei, Kaffeerösterei Burg and Elbgold, as well as hip third wave cafés like Milch, Playground Coffee, Public Coffee Roasters and Stockholm Espresso Club.

Rule #5: Stay close to water.

Between three rivers, countless canals and waterways, Hamburg is a city built on water—something the locals value and know how to make the most of. Every spring, the River Elbe hosts the largest port festival in the world, while the end of the summer is celebrated in grand style along the Alster shore. Throughout the year, the Hamburgers sail, row and paddle in the rivers and lakes, while those looking for less physically exhausting pastimes relax on the sandy Elbe beaches or seek out the best secret spots for watching passing ships.

Rule #6: Worship the sun.

There aren’t many people in the world that can compete with North Germans’ enjoyment of the sun. At the first rays of spring, the Hamburgers flock to the city’s parks to soak up the sun, have picnics with friends and grill countless sausages. Cafés and restaurants roll out outside seating, equipped with obligatory warm blankets, and city beaches and beach clubs spring to life. Even if you come from warmer climates, join the locals in their worship of the sun and savour the entire city coming alive with a joyful laid-back vibe.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.