My SO has been invited to a conference in Hamburg in October and I'm trying to decide if I should go with. We'll be in London by then so it's not such a huge jaunt but I might rather stay in London on my own for those few days.

I rarely see Hamburg mentioned here and in fact when I did a search hardly anything popped up.

What do you think -- would Hamburg be an interesting place for me to browse around on my own while he's at conference sessions?

Thanks

Yes Hamburg is interesting, nice small city centre, lake/river/canal system with boats like buses on it. Local area pleasant with easy access to nearby towns of the hanseatic league.

Definitely worth a few days' visit.

I had a great time in Hamburg while my husband was in a conference. The downtown area is fun to visit, and you can take a circular cruise on the lake. There are a first-rate zoo, a fine botanical garden, and interesting churches to see, and the shopping is excellent.

Excellent! Thanks very much. I'll probably tag along then.

In my opinion the best city in Germany - at least for living. There may be cities with more spectacular sights, but the overall ensemble in Hamburg is hard to beat. The port is actually industrially beautiful, the Alster Lake in the centre fabulous for boating or walking around, shopping is among the best in Germany, modern architecture is abundant in the vast new development transforming former parts of the old port into a new part of the city centre (one of Europe's biggest gentrification projects). Stately old mansions line Elbchaussee or the Alster Lake and can also be found in the nicer inner-city residential areas such as Eppendorf, Rotherbaum, Harvestehude. The restaurant scene is very diverse and nightlife is colourful, from bohemian bars on to stylish clubs and the huge red light district that actually offers vast options of non-red-light entertainment, too. While not on the top of the list of destinations for Americans, Hamburg is one of the Germans' most popular city destinations. For full disclosure I think spring and summer and early fall are preferable - winters can be slightly depressing as mostly grey and wet.
Click on my screen name and you should find some info here. Any specific questions, do come back here.

Hi Goddess,

Hamburg is on my list. My husband was there recently for business and liked it very much. I will be tagging along next time.

Please go and report back!

gruezi

This is great -- thanks so much!

I don't understand why more didn't pop up when I did a search. hsv, thanks for all that detailed info. Coincidentally, the thread on romantic restaurants in London will come in handy too since we'll be spending our 40th anniversary there just before we return to Toronto.

You guys are the best.

Unfortunately the search engine on this board does not always seem to work very well. I know there have been several threads in the past few months about northern Germany, with Hamburg being one of the main attractions. hsv sums it up pretty well above. Hamburg really is an extraordinary city. I've only spent a couple days there but I would go back in a heartbeat. The central city is easy to navigate on foot and I think it would be a great place to explore solo for a few days. Be sure to take a harbor tour - it is fascinating!

The search function, if used from the box on the top right, only brings up threads with the keyword in the title.
If one clicks on "Advanced Search", and then ticks the box "Search full topic and replies", it brings up all other threads and actually works rather well.

Ah! Thanks!

Np, goddesstogo.

Again, if you have any specific questions or requirements, do post here. I believe I may be able to help. While I (unfortunately?) don't live in Hamburg any longer, I still go there regularly and think I am fairly up to speed with what's hot and what's not.

I think you will very much enjoy Hamburg, GTG. It has a certain zing to it you can't find in other German cities. HSV is a great source of information on the city.

Hamburg has lots of canals, like Amsterdam, so a boat tour is worthwhile. I loved the tour that went past the old spice warehouses - one, we were told, was full of butter, from the over-productive Common Market.

The first time I saw it, the river was frozen, and amazing for a sunburnt Aussie. Have been back, and very much enjoyed sightseeing round the small quay. Going back soon, I hope!

Goddesstogo:When last in Germany, we were told how picturesque and interesting Hamburg was, however due to sloth, we never made it there. Regretting it, I searched for a home exchange in Hamburg and with surprising good fortune, we have arranged an exchange there for 5 wks in July and August. I have asked a few questions re Hamburg and if you punch on my name, you might find some information that may help you. Post your experience and give me a preview of your visit. All my tourist guides laud it, however, it does appear to be off Fodorites' radar. Enjoy your time there!

Thanks again, everyone -- this is so great.

Annetti, we won't be there till October so I'll be the one depending on your experience in July and August. Be sure to post a trip report!