Explore the city of Hamburg

Hamburg is the largest seaport in Germany and the third largest container port in Europe. The city is also home to the leading international maritime fair, SMM, where over 2,200 companies exhibit every two years. Situated on the Elbe river, 110 km inland from the North Sea, its maritime ties make it the ideal host for such an event. Here are a few tips from our local team to ensure your trip is a great experience.

Where can I take a break?

At exhibitions the size of SMM, sometimes it is hard to find peace and quiet. If you need to take a break, the trade fair directly borders the huge Planten un Blomen (“Plants and Flowers”) park. The park runs from the stadium of one of Hamburg’s local football teams FC St. Pauli, past the trade fair hall, all the way to the Inner Alster Lake. Visitors can pass through the park on the way to and from the trade fair—a relaxed alternative to crowded public transport in summer.

I would like to eat in the city – where can you recommend?

Next to the modern trade fair venue, the Karolinenviertel area offers a charming contrast. Its narrow streets and assortment of cafes, bars, and independent stores create a lively atmosphere. If the weather is nice, enjoy a meal in the courtyard at the brewhouse and restaurant Altes Mädchen or a coffee on the terrace at the Elbgold Coffee Shop and Roastery. Not sure what you fancy? Take a wander down Schulterblatt street and you are sure to find inspiration. Or for a change of flavor, and excellent Mediterranean-style seafood dishes, head to the Portuguese quarter.

If you are looking for fine-dining, a few recommendations include Rive and AuQuai, both with spectacular views of the Elbe, or Cafe Engel at Teufelsbrück which has beautiful river views.

Is there somewhere I can learn about Hamburg’s cultural history?

Between the warehouse district and the new HafenCity urban development you will find the impressive 1878 Kaispeicher B granary. The building is also home to the International Maritime Museum; a must-see for maritime enthusiasts. Its nine ‘decks’ exhibit a huge collection of artifacts from 3,000 years of maritime history and marine research. A short walk away from Kaispeicher B is the huge Elbphilarmonie concert hall. Completed in 2017, it combines the original brick façade of a 20^th century warehouse with contemporary glass architecture. The hall offers a variety of concerts, performances, and activities but is also simply a spectacular building to look at.

What shall I do if I stay in town longer?

If you have a spare couple of hours during your stay, take a leisurely tour on a boat on the Elbe. You can board between the concert hall and the St. Pauli piers and go sightseeing around the industrial quarter and warehouse district. For an extended visit, head out of the center to the Övelgönne district and its 1km beach on the Elbe. Marine engineering enthusiasts will appreciate the vast number of ships and crane vessels around the area, history and architecture fans can enjoy the harbor museum and old captain’s houses, and everyone can enjoy a walk along the beach. The long-standing popular café Strandperle is a must-visit and a great place to eat like a local.

Visitors from outside Germany should consider a day-trip to the historical town of Lübeck. This northern town is a cultural gem steeped in historical architecture such as the 14^th century town hall and the Holsten gate built in brick Gothic style.