Now is the time to pull out your travel bucket list and if Europe is on it, then I know the perfect little-known destination to visit. It’s Hamburg, the second largest city in Germany.
Hamburg is home to one of the biggest ports in Europe: Speicherstadt, the largest warehouse district in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site; Rathaus (City Hall), a gorgeous neo-Renaissance building; and many more landmarks. The city also has a notable culinary scene and a lively arts atmosphere.
For 5 days, here’s how to taste and tour Hamburg:
Day 1
Restaurant: Das Peace, located in the St. Pauli district and known for its tapas and cocktails.
Taste: Grilled giant prawns, octopus, and any hummus dish.
Drink: Peace Spritz or any homemade lemonade (non-alcoholic).
Tour: Elbphilharmonie, an architecturally stunning concert hall which opened in 2017 and sits on the banks of the Elbe River. The multitalented artist Solange Knowles performed at the venue in 2019.
Day 2
Restaurant: Portolino, located on the Alster with beautiful views, and known for its Italian dishes.
Taste: Linguine with scampi and zucchini in lobster sauce.
Drink: Schlumberger Sparkling Rosé.
Tour: Sailing Cruise on Lake Alster; book a private day or sunset cruise on Alster for a scenic ride and to see the city’s landmarks from a small boat. Tell Captain Henning with Barca Boat EventsthatI sent you.
Day 3
Restaurant: La Sala, located on the rooftop on the Bunker in the St. Pauli district offering a variety of Mediterranean cuisines.
Taste: Culinary journey through La Sala (multiple shareable courses).
Drink: Rosé Sextiae.
Tour: Hamburg Bunker, also known as the St. Pauli Bunker, was once used as a place for shelter during World War II. Now the public space surrounded by greenery houses a hotel, restaurant, rooftop garden, and other amenities.
Day 4
Restaurant: Heimat prepares authentic German cuisine, making it a great choice after visiting Port des Lumieres while exploring the city's highlights.
Taste: Hamburg Pan Fish.
Drink: Heimat Limonade (Lemon Ginger).
Tour: Visit Port des Lumieres for a unique immersive art experience featuring the works of Austrian symbolist painter, Gustav Klimt, including his famous artwork, “The Kiss.”
Day 5
Restaurant: Kleinhuis, a cozy dining experience known for its German classic dishes. It’s perfect for a pre- or post-show dinner.
Taste: Roppen dat Tüti (plucked corn-fed chicken, chard corn, spinach, and herb pancake.
Drink: Landgang Brauerei (Hamburg Beer), Thomas Henry Ginger Ale.
Tour: Enjoy a wide range of ballet performances at the Hamburg Ballet.
Learn about more things to do at www.hamburg-travel.com.
Tomeka Jones is an Emmy Award-winning travel journalist based in Atlanta, Georgia. Her travel show, “Travel in Style with Tomeka,” streams on the Weather Channel’s sister network, Local Now, available on Amazon Fire TV, Dish, YouTube TV, and Apple TV+. She is also a travel expert appearing on TV and radio shows talking about all things travel. Follow Tomeka’s travels on Instagram at travelinstylewithtomeka.