What Hamburg is actually like
A big port city of canals, warehouses and a huge harbour, with the Elbphilharmonie concert hall glowing above it. The Speicherstadt warehouse district is a UNESCO site, and the Reeperbahn is the famous nightlife strip.
Who Hamburg suits
- City-breakers
- Music and nightlife fans
- People who like harbours and boats
Best time to go to Hamburg from Ireland
May to September for harbour walks and boat trips. December for the Christmas markets. It can rain any time, so pack a jacket.
Where to stay in Hamburg
- Altstadt and HafenCity: Central and near the harbour. See hotels in Altstadt and HafenCity (opens in a new tab)
- St Pauli: Lively, close to the Reeperbahn. See hotels in St Pauli (opens in a new tab)
- Sternschanze: Cafes, bars and a bit of an alternative feel. See hotels in Sternschanze (opens in a new tab)
Compare hotels and apartments in Hamburg (opens in a new tab)
Hotel prices in Hamburg
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What nobody tells you about Hamburg
- The harbour ferries are public transport. A regular ticket gets you a cheap boat trip.
- The Elbphilharmonie plaza is free but timed tickets are needed. Book ahead.
- A day trip to Lübeck is easy by train.
