Hamburg - the city of all cities :)

Before I begin my advertisement of Germany’s second largest city, let me just briefly state this: Hamburg is the most beautiful city in the world. There, I said it. So, yey, I'm biased. But, seriously, just look at it!

Welcome to Hamburg!

Now, if you ask someone from Hamburg why it is the most beautiful city (and most people will agree that it is), you might not get a straight answer. Some might say because it is so liberal and refer to the red light district and the “Schanze” where everything seems possible. Some say it’s the beauty of the landscape, the rivers (Hamburg has three rivers with two of them flowing towards the Elbe) or the mindset of the people. But if you truly want to understand the love for the city, you have to spend most of your time in its Harbor Area. Hamburg was founded on the basis of sea trade, the harbor district and the historical “Speicherstadt” are the most important parts of Hamburg’s self-understanding as an international, independent and successful city.

Harbor Love

The wind, the smell of oil, fish and the faint taste of salt in the air – these are all symbols for freedom and for a citywide ideology that always faced towards the rest of the world. The landing bridges were once called “the gateway to the world” and this sense of freedom, of escape and of innumerable opportunities still reverberates in Hamburg’s harbor district.

the busy harbor and the relaxing Elbe Beach

But there is also a certain feeling of decadence in the streets of the city. The prestigious city hall is fitted with gold and copper, the “Alsterarkarden” are the entryway to one of the most-exclusive shopping streets in the world and the houses along the “Außenalster” harbor some of the richest people in Germany. If you feel like getting on a boat, why not take a trip around the Alster and go "Alsterschippern"? :)

Enjoy the sunset in one of the red and white Alster boats

It is this decadence compared with the Nordic down-to-earth no-nonsense attitude that makes Hamburg so special. The city was founded by craftsmen and consequently, craftsmanship is still highly valued. Royalty never played a particular role in the city’s history and even the university is one of the youngest universities in Germany.

Alster Panorama

My personal insider tip for a nice, long afternoon walk in Hamburg is the “Elbe Wanderweg”. Especially between Övelgönne and Blankenese, this trail passes old captains houses and the better part of the Elbe beach on its way along the riverbank. The transport with the ferry boats is included in every day or three-day ticket for public transports and exploring the waterways of Hamburg is always a highlight. 

Enjoy old Captain's houses along the Elbwanderweg

The city also offers many cultural experiences, of course. Between the numerous museums and the three musicals in town are also numerous smaller theaters and productions, especially along the “Red mile”, as we usually call the “Reeperbahn”. Long ago, this red light district offered entertainment for lonely sailors, but nowadays the bright lights and intriguing rumors are mostly a tourist attraction. If it rains, (and it does so much less than some people might think) numerous indoor shopping malls can be used to fend off boredom. 

...but when it rains, it pours...

One of my favorite places for breakfast is “Café Paris” right in the city center, which reminds its visitors of the simple elegance of Parisienne cafés in the 1920s. At around 7 – 12 € per breakfast variation, it is not necessarily the cheapest place to eat but well within reason for the city center. Right next to it is the "Rathausplatz" with the beautiful City Hall - my favorite building in all of Hamburg.

always my first stop: the beautiful City Hall

For a more traditional eating experience, just grab a “Fischbrötchen” at one of the numerous little booths in the harbor or visit the “Krameramtsstuben”, the oldest still standing building in Hamburg right next to St. Michaelis church to try out the local cuisine. Another crowd favorite are the numerous different ethnological restaurants in the so-called “Portuguese quarter” between the church and the harbor, where Italian, Brazilian and Spanish restaurants offer something for every taste, although my favorite Italian Restaurant is Ponti Restaurant right at the "Gänsemarkt". If you're in the mood for Steak, make sure to check out Block House - it's a chain and they also have other locations in Germany, but it was founded in Hamburg. My favorite location is the one right next to the train Station in Othmarschen - don't ask me why, I just like the layout :)

Welcome to my favorite city!

Beautiful Germany - Cologne

Ah, Cologne, such a fun little city :) If you're in the mood for some serious partying, Cologne is the right place for you. Whether you prefer the flashy Clubs along the "Ringe" or rather enjoy the small bars along the Rhine - you can easily dance the night away in Cologne! That's probably also why the city's always full of people celebrating their bachelor's and bachelorette-party any given Saturday (or Friday, for that matter... )

Cologne has a very rich, far-reaching history

But Cologne offers much more than its clubs and bars. The most iconic landmark is probably the old roman church in the city center: the "Kölner Dom". Built in 1248, the cathedral was not only the official church of the Cologne archbishop, but also became one of the most important pilgrimage churches throughout Europe. Nowadays, the two towers are iconic for Cologne's landscape, and the cathedral is a "must-see" on every tourist's itinery. There's also a beautiful christmas market around the Cathedral starting in late November every year! And Cologne main station is literally right next to the Cathedral - so make it your next stop!

I tried to keep my hand steady, I really did! ... 

I personally also enjoy the city center and its main shopping streets "Hohe Straße" and "Schildergasse". If you're more interested in Old Cologne and some of those bars I was talking about, visit "Heumarkt" and maybe check out the "Gaffel-Haus" - one of the many restaurants where you can sample the original Cologne Beer "Kölsch". If you're looking for a cheap but cozy place to stay (or just to hang out and have a beer), make sure you visit the "Wohngemeinschaft", a quirky little hostel and bar that evokes the feeling of sitting in a friend's living room rather than a public drinking hole ;) Another good place to meet locals and check out the bar scene is around "Zülpicher Platz". Last time we were there, we stumbled into what appeared to be a Russian bar - but it was actually really cozy and since they offer traditional Russian drinks, we all had our share of Vodka... I guess the name should have been our first clue: "Restaurant Roter Platz" ... hmm...

Vodka anyone?

If you walk further down along the river, you'll eventually find the Chocolate Museum. Yeah, that's right, Chocolate museum! And yes, they have a chocolate fountain and give out cookies you can dip into it... *heaven* Cologne also has an international fair and exhibition center and a huge arena, the Lanxess Arena, that frequently hosts international sports events or concerts. They also have a musical dome, just on the other side of the river from the Cathedral, and it used to host "We will Rock you", but the current program has "Dirty Dancing" listed for this summer. But be aware: musicals are translated into German in Germany! :)

Enjoy the mix of history and bar-hopping Cologne has to offer!