A Hipster's Guide to Hamburg, Germany

Start your Saturday morning early by visiting the famous Flohschanze flea market by the old slaughterhouse. Here a mix of private and professional vendors sell an eclectic mix of items that will delight any second-hand shopper’s heart. Be it old books and rare records, unique jewellery items, vintage clothing and shoes, or retro bicycles and antique furniture, search and you will find. If you don’t want to miss the real treasures, come early – the flea market opens at 8 am.

Once you’ve purchased the vintage bargain of your dreams, head across the street to the Rindermarkthalle for a hip morning meal at Marktzeit – Hamburg’s favourite neighbourhood market. Create your ideal breakfast selection with delicacies from the lively market stands. There’s fresh regional produce, hearty cheeses, deli meats, mouthwatering baked goods, alongside some international foods. All accompanied by live music and, of course, great coffee specialities.

In the winter months, between the 1st October and 30th April, the market takes place at the Fabrik in Altona.

If there was ever a football club to capture a hipster’s heart, it’s the FC St. Pauli. Despite frequent ups and downs in its performance, the club’s trusted followers always fill the stands at the famous Millerntor Stadium. The fans are politically left-leaning and socially active, taking a stand against racism, fascism, sexism, and homophobia. St. Pauli’s unofficial emblem of skull and crossbones is an icon of the St. Pauli party and red-light district. The club has also become a worldwide symbol for punk and related subcultures, its symbols frequently worn by international artists.

If football is not your thing, consider spending the afternoon by taking an alternative Hamburg tour and learning more about street art, squatted buildings, local legends, community projects, and more. There’s even a special craft beer tasting tour.

Tucked away on a quiet side street in the alternative Sternschanze district, is the specialist coffee shop less political, also known as Hermetic Coffee Roasters. This cafe is a haven for true coffee lovers, with every which way of brewing the perfect cup of coffee, from porcelain filters to cold-drip, and everything in between. You’ll also be spoiled for choice with regard to freshly ground coffee beans from selected roasters, as well as specialities like almond coffee. The cafe offers appetising sandwiches and divine cakes to go with the ideal cup of java.

For a great evening meal head to the nearby Schanzenhöfe, also located in the hip Sternschanze district. Sample excellent locally brewed craft beer (or 60 others from around the world), baked goods straight from a wood-fired oven, and daily menus of regional organic food at the brewhouse and restaurant Altes Mädchen.

The Cafe Elbgold next door roasts its own speciality coffee, and the Bullerei a few doors further down is the playground of Tim Mälzer, Hamburg’s star-chef.

In the student district of Hamburg, you’ll find the quirky Pony Bar. A cafe by day, at nightfall this place transforms into a venue for diverse cultural events. Mondays are for singers and songwriters, Tuesdays for open microphone Hip Hop sessions, while Wednesdays belong to young jazz musicians. The bar also hosts DJ-performances, table foosball tournaments, and regular exhibitions by young artists.

Next door to the Pony Bar is the Abaton Cinema, known for its hand-picked programme of the best international films. Stop by there as well!

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