Hamburg during Christmas time

Each city in Germany has a special magic in December while the Christmas Markets are on. Hamburg is my personal favourite since it’s the 2nd largest city in Germany and has so much to offer. Wine, food, museums, beautiful port are just few parts of its fairy tale offer.

Hamburger Weihnachtsmarkt

Christmas Markets

Hamburg has plenty of Christmas Markets in the central areas. All of them different but having very much in common: great (cheap) food & drinks and plenty of crafts to buy for home. My personal favourite is the mulled wine also called Gluhwein. It is sold in various types of Christmas mugs that are pre-paid (2–3e) and you can decide if you want to keep this little souvenir.

Weiser Gluwein

Try the sausages, the salmon sandwiches and the chocolate fruits (strawberries, bananas, grapes and apples). At some markets you could buy Raclette too which is typical swiss cheese meal.

My top three things to do

Besides spending time at Christmas Markets, Hamburg has so many great things to offer. The Elbtunnel (free) is a great tourist attraction that shouldn’t be missed. Also the Miniatur Wunderland (entry fee 13e/adult) is another unique (indoor) experience offered in Hamburg. It’s located at Speicherstadt which is the largest warehouse district with red-brick architecture also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Elbtunnel (on the left), Speicherstadt(middle) and Miniature Wunderland tickets (right)

Miniatur Wunderland

Town Hall (aka Rathaus)

The most impressive building in central Hamburg is the Town Hall also know as Rathaus in german. You can enter the building during the opening hours and it’s free. They also offer some guided tours.

Rathaus from three perspective (left, front and right)

Inside the Rathaus

Churches

The skyline of Hamburg is made more interesting thanks to the several churches and their high towers. They have been destroyed by lightnings, wars and fires but were rebuilt to tell their story except for St. Nikolai which remained ruined after the WWII. Only the tower has survived and offers a beautifull view from the top which you can reach using elevators.

St. Michaelis (left), St. Petri (middle) and St. Katharinen (right)

Remainings of St. Nikolai Church (left and middle) and the tower (right)

Beer

Germany is well known for amazing beer and Hamburg offers some unique flavors. My personal favourite is the Astra beer. Worth visiting is the Braugasthaus Altes Mädchen brewhouse and restaurant that offers great selection of craft beers. I’d recommend the selection of five 0.1l tastes of beer.

Astra (left) and Altes Madchen selection (right)

What did I miss?

What’s your favourite place in Hamburg? Do you have another place that’s your favourite for Christmas markets? Let me know in comments.