23 August, 2019
Germany Travel Guide
Germany Travel Guide
Travel

Your Travel Guide to Germany: Explore Munich, Berlin & Hamburg

23 August, 2019
Germany Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Germany? Here are our favourite places to go in Munich, Berlin and Hamburg.

From the clichés of Oktoberfest and German beer to beaches, castles and Currywurst, Germany is an incredible travel destination that has something for everyone. With a combination of old-world charm and modern cities, fascinating history and love for outdoor activities, this is one country you’re likely to return to time and time again. From the north to the south, we’ve picked some of the best places to stay, eat and explore in Germany.

Jump links:
Munich
Berlin
Hamburg

How To Get There

Hop onto a direct flight from Hong Kong to Munich, which will take around 12 hours. Lufthansa offers reasonable rates (keep an eye on peak travel times though, as tickets can get expensive quickly). The early morning arrival time means you have the whole day to discover your destination and will hopefully combat the jet lag pretty painlessly.

When To Go

Germany’s summers are (mostly) warm and inviting. Enjoy the easy-breezy summer vibe that seems to permeate when skies are blue, as locals and tourists descend on its many parks to enjoy the extra-long days and the smell of barbecues in the air. If you don’t mind the cold, winter in Germany also has its perks: cosy up around fireplaces, go ice skating with friends and drink mulled wine at world famous Christmas markets.

Getting Around

From local flights and the Autobahn to the Deutsche Bahn, Germany’s superb infrastructure means you’ll get anywhere you want, fast. If renting a car and unleashing your inner speed demon on Germany’s famous highways isn’t for you, check out the extensive railway system. While locals enjoy few things more than complaining about the Bahn being late, this actually happens rarely. Generally, it’s a convenient and comfortable way of travelling across the country. A ride from Hamburg to Munich, for example, takes just 5 hours and 40 minutes on the speedy ICE train. Tickets can be pricey, so be sure to check out options for saver fares. If you’ll be traveling a lot, consider a German Railway Pass, which will get you unlimited rides for a month plus discounts on select attractions.

If Bahn tickets are a little out of your price range, consider reserving a seat on one of the cross-country bus services. An overnight trip from Hamburg to Munich on the popular Flixbus, for example, will set you back around 30 Euros.

For this guide we’ve explored three of Germany’s most exciting cities, spanning the whole country from north to south, starting with the home of leather pants…

Munich

Situated near the foothills of the Alps, Bavaria’s friendly capital city is famous for its ornate architecture, world-class museums, nearby castles, trademark “beer gardens” and – of course – Oktoberfest. A charming city full of remnants of its royal past, Munich offers attractions for everyone within a relatively small area.

Sassy Tip: Overeager travellers may have brushed up on their German in anticipation of the trip, but in Bavaria things are done a little differently. Leave behind your “Hallo” or “Guten Tag” for “Grüss Gott” (which literally translates to “greet God”), and if you find yourself in an awkward pause, try “Ja, mei!”, a wonderfully diverse phrase which can mean everything from “It doesn’t matter” to “Maybe you’re right, maybe not, either way I no longer want to speak about this.”

Where to Stay

Maxvorstadt
Munich’s cultural centre, Maxvorstadt is where you’ll find many museums, the Residenz München (Munich Residence), the Bavarian State Opera House and a colourful mix of restaurants, stores, breweries and more. Thanks in part to the students studying at the two universities located here, Maxvorstadt also boasts its share of independent cafes, second-hand shops and small businesses.

Altstadt
Cobblestone streets, medieval squares and historical gems, the Altstadt– Munich’s historical city centre – is a great place to stay if you’re visiting for the first time. In addition to some of Munich’s most well-known landmarks and shopping streets, you’ll also find the Viktualienmarkt there. This large daily open-air farmers market sells fresh food and delicatessen goods as well as gourmet snacks, flowers and plants, wine and tea.

Schwabing
Author and socialite Franziska zu Reventlow once described Munich’s bohemian neighbourhood as such: “Schwabing isn’t a place, it’s a state of mind”. Art and history buffs will love exploring Schwabing’s rich past which includes names like Paul Klee and Wassily Kandinsky. With lots of bars, clubs and cabaret theatres, this is one of the hippest parts of Munich and a centre for youth culture.

What To Do

Visit A Castle or Palace
Bavaria is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking castles. Located a couple of hours travel time south-west of Munich, famous Schloss Neuschwanstein (Neuschwanstein Castle) is a Disney-esque bucket list topper for many a romance junkie. It’s impossible not to get caught up in the magic as you stroll across the picturesque grounds and marvel at the fairytale architecture. A tour will take you into more than a dozen rooms including the throne hall, bedroom and dining room. Note that tickets for tours have to be booked in advance and picked up at least 90 minutes before the starting time, so be sure to plan ahead!

Neuschwansteinstraße 20, 87645 Schwangau, www.hohenschwangau.de

Constructed in the mid-1600s, Schloss Nymphenburg (Nymphenburg Palace) is one of the largest royal palaces in Europe, designed as a summer residence to the Bavarian monarchs. Simply hop on the underground or the tram to immerse yourself in Munich’s royal past as you explore both the palace and the elegant Nymphenburg Park.

Schloss Nymphenburg, Eingang 19, 80638 Munich, www.schloss-nymphenburg.de

Conveniently located within the city, Residenz München (Munich Residence) served as the seat of government and residence of the Bavarian dukes, electors and kings from 1508 to 1918. The Munich Residence transformed over the centuries – starting out as an unassuming 14th-century castle, it has flourished into a grand palace housing extensive art collections spanning the Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassical and Rococo eras.

Residenz München, Residenzstrasse 1, 80333 Munich, www.residenz-muenchen.de

Marienplatz
Stroll across Marienplatz, the city’s central square, home to the ornate Neues Ratshaus (New Town Hall) with its famous Glockenspiel (catch the chiming of the bells daily at 11am, 12pm and 5pm). Known as the beating heart of Munich for nearly a millennium, the Marienplatz is alive with shops and restaurants, memorable sites and historical significance. One of Germany’s most famous Christmas markets can be found here in December, as well as the start of one of Munich’s primary shopping avenues, the Kaufingerstrasse. This is also where you can pick up tips and brochures from the local tourist information.

Marienplatz 1, 80331 München, www.muenchen.de/int/en/sights/attractions/marienplatz

Catch A Performance In A Park
Munich’s famous parks are the perfect place to kick back, relax, enjoy the summer sun and perhaps catch a show. The English Garden is one of the largest urban parks in the world, sporting 78km of paths. If jogging or playing sports on the lawns isn’t your thing, find a bench in one of the beer gardens or cafes, soak in the views of the city, or catch a free theatre performance (also a good way to brush up on your German!).

At the southern entrance to the English Garden you’ll find a performance with a little more adrenaline. For over 40 years, experienced surfers from across the world have been gathering here to try their hand at surfing the Eisbachwelle (Eisbach river wave), an artificial standing wave in a shallow river. Catch the pros in action throughout the year, as even in winter this spot offers an incredible snapshot of city surfing.

Englischer Garten, München, www.muenchen.de/int/en/sights/parks/english-garden

Where To Eat & Drink

Have A Pint In A Biergarten
You can’t visit Munich without trying some of Germany’s famous beer. Settle in one of the city’s many Biergärten such the famous Hofbräukeller, where seemingly all of Munich meets to enjoy a pint of proper Bavarian beer.

Hofbräukeller am Wiener Platz, Innere Wiener Straße 19, 81667 München, www.hofbraeukeller.de

Haxnbauer
Ask any Hongkonger what constitutes German cuisine and many will say pork knuckle. Perhaps the best pork knuckle in Munich is served at the Haxnbauer. The secret to their success? Marinating the meat for 24 hours before slowly roasting over a beechwood charcoal grill. Keen to keep exploring Munich? Grab your Haxnsemmel (a sandwich) to go!

Haxnbauer, Sparkassenstraße 6, 80331 München, www.kuffler.de/en/restaurant/haxnbauer

Gärtnerplatz And Glockenbach
The Glockenbach neighbourhood is the perfect area to start your night. Home to hip bars, independent boutiques and plenty of cute restaurants, cafes and inviting pubs, the neighbourhood is known for its colourful and diverse community. Be sure to stroll across the Gärtnerplatz, a beautiful square where theatre fans will be able to enjoy many of Munich’s operettas and musicals. If you find yourself in need of a midnight snack, pop by the Reichenbachbrücke (Reichenbach bridge), where one of Munich’s most famous kiosks remains open until 5am.

Gärtnerplatz, 80460 München, www.muenchen.de/sehenswuerdigkeiten
Reichenbachkiosk, Fraunhoferstraße 46, 80469 München

Berlin

Freedom, creativity, unimaginable history and a grungy-cool vibe: welcome to Berlin. Germany’s sprawling capital city is unlike any in the world and a must-visit. Once divided by the Berlin wall, the city is massive and if you’re only staying for a short time, requires a little bit of planning!

Sassy Tip: If you’re having a little trouble pronouncing German words with “ch” properly, Berlin is the place for you. Feel right at home as “ich”, which means I, is more often pronounced “ick”.

Where To Stay 

Kreuzberg
One of Berlin’s most well-known districts, Kreuzberg is colourful, eclectic, vibrant and famed for its diverse cultural life. On Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, Markthalle Neun (Market Hall Nine) offers a treat for foodies with its gourmet market, while the surrounding area is home to fashion boutiques, thrift stores, cafes and restaurants. At the heart of Kreuzberg lies Berlin’s best-known urban gardening project, the Prinzessinnengärten (Princess Gardens), where a green paradise grows and blooms thanks to green-thumbed helpers from the neighbourhood.

Mitte
From the formidable Brandenburger Tor (Brandenburg Gate) and the Reichstag parliament to the bustling Friedrichstrasse, this is where you’ll find many of Berlin’s must-see attractions. It’s easy to travel around the area, plus some of Berlin’s best restaurants and bars are located here, which makes it a great place for first-time visitors.

Brandenburger Tor, Pariser Platz, 10117 Berlin, www.visitberlin.de/en/brandenburg-gate
Reichstag, Platz der Republik, 111011 Berlin, www.visitberlin.de/en/reichstag-in-berlin

Prenzlauer Berg
This cobblestoned and quiet area has less to offer in terms of tourist sights, but with its location just north of Mitte, it’s a great place to stay if you enjoy strolling streets lined with independent coffee shops, boutiques and diverse restaurants. You can also visit the impressive KulturBrauerei, a sprawling complex of six courtyards which used to be a brewery but now houses a cinema, clubs, a museum and restaurants as well as a great Sunday food market!

KulturBrauerei, Schönhauser Allee 36, 10435 Berlin – Prenzlauer Berg, www.kulturbrauerei.de

What To Do

Explore The Berlin Wall
From 1961 to 1989, the Berlin Wall separated West Berlin from surrounding East Germany (and East Berlin). The city’s history is so rich, it’s impossible to visit without coming across some of the memorials dedicated to the almost 30 years of separation and surrounding circumstances. Start your day at the Tränenpalast (Palace of Tears), a glass and steel structure which served the German Democratic Republic (GDR) government as a guarded departure terminal for people leaving the GDR for West Berlin. It gets its name from the tearful goodbyes said by friends and family as travellers prepared to check in at the railway station. The exhibition titled “Border Experiences: Everyday Living in Partitioned Germany” impressively documents the fates of these travellers through interviews, artefacts and biographies.

From here, take the train to nearby Nordbahnhof. The underground S-Bahn station is all that remains of the long-distance railway station that once stood here. While the railway station was closed in 1952, it served as a popular escape route for people trying to flee across the border as it has station exits in both East and West Berlin. Learn about ghost stations in Berlin and some of the successful escapes that took place here in the “Geisterbahnhof Nordbahnhof” exhibition.

Finally, stroll along nearby Bernauerstrasse (Bernauer Street), which ran along the border and was once home to dramatic scenes of erecting the guarded concrete barrier, escapes and separation. Check out old sections of the wall, visit the Berlin Wall Memorial and learn about the collapse of the border in ’89.

Tränenpalast, Reichstagufer 1710117 Berlin, www.visitberlin.de/en/tranenpalast, (closed on Mondays)
Geisterbahnhof Nordbahnhof, S-Bahnhof Nordbahnhof, Entrance on Gartenstraße, 10115 Berlin, berliner-mauer.mobi/geisterbahnhof-nordbahnhof
Berlin Wall Memorial, Bernauer Strasse, 111, 13355 Berlin, www.berliner-mauer-gedenkstaette.de/en/

Have A Picnic On A Runway
Visit one of the largest buildings in the world – former airport Flughafen Tempelhof, (Tempelhof Airport) which is simultaneously a symbol of Nazi ideology (having served as a weapons production site during World War II) and a symbol of freedom (as the site of the famous 1948/49 Berlin Airlift). Note that the former airport buildings can only be viewed through a guided tour. The expansive Tempelhof field, which comprises runways, now acts as a public park where everyone is free to relax and have fun, do sports, fly a kite, enjoy a BBQ with friends or explore the huge open space by bike.

The nearby area of Rixdorf feels like its own little historic village, preserved in a time capsule. Founded by Bohemian refugees in the 18th century, many of the old buildings including a blacksmith and the church still stand, though they are now interspersed with quirky modern cafes and creative spaces.

Of course, there are some great eateries in the area. For brunch, check out Roamers, a truly instagrammable spot that serves awesome sandwiches, French toast to die for, and a few creative Mimosa variations to boot. If you’re more in the mood for a sundowner, look no further than Klunkerkranich, a rooftop terrace meets club meets garden meets restaurant!

Flughafen Tempelhof, Platz der Luftbrücke 5, 12101 Berlin, www.thf-berlin.de/en
Rixdorf, Richardplatz12055 Berlin, www.visitberlin.de/en/rixdorf-berlin-neukolln
Klunkerkranich, Karl-Marx-Str. 62, 12043 Berlin, klunkerkranich.org
Roamers, Pannierstraße 64, 12043 Berlin, www.roamers.cc

Check out Berlin’s Nightlife
Berlin is famed for its outrageous nightlife, and if you’re not seeing at least one sunrise a weekend, you’re not doing it right. The spectacle of colour, dance, hedonism, burlesque, techno, fetish culture and raves stretch along Warschauer Strasse, through Kreuzberg and down Motzstrasse, an epicentre of gay nightlife in Berlin since the 1920s. Berlin is home to one of the most famous clubs in the world, Berghain, a temple of techno where partygoers find their euphoria from Friday straight through to Monday. Be warned though, the strict door policy means getting in can be tricky. For a different vibe, check out Sisyphos (parties are on roughly every second weekend), a miraculous wonderland with numerous dancefloors, all located in and around an old dog food factory.

Berghain, Am Wriezener Bahnhof, 10243 Berlin, berghain.de
Sisyphos, Hauptstraße 15, 10317 Berlin, sisyphos-berlin.net/start

Sundays At Mauerpark
If you find yourself in Berlin over a weekend, be sure to head to the Mauerpark on Sunday. As the name suggests (“Wall park”), the Berlin wall used to run directly along this site. Amble down the Flohmarkt am Mauerpark (Mauerpark’s flea market) where loose grid stalls display a haphazard collection of vintage and new clothes, vinyl records, GDR antiques, household items and musical instruments. Finally, stroll to the Amphitheatre where – weather permitting – large crowds gather in the afternoon to enjoy a little informal karaoke. Take to the stage, if you dare – the crowds are hugely supportive, if they like what they hear.

Mauerpark, Bernauer Straße/Eberswalder Straße, 10437 Berlin, www.visitberlin.de/en/mauerpark

Where To Eat & Drink

Döner Kebab
One of the most popular fast-food meals in Germany, this iconic Turkish dish combines succulent roasted meat from a vertical rotisserie with veggies and sauce in an almost-sandwich. Local legend has it the Döner Kebab was invented by a Turkish guest worker in Germany in 1972. Whatever the origin, it’s a must-try. Check out the famous Mustafa’s, where tourists and locals alike queue for their bite. Don’t believe us? Take a peek at the live cam on their website…

Mustafa’s Gemüse Kebap, Mehringdamm 32, 10961 Berlin, www.mustafas.de

Bergmannkiez
Walk the streets of the Bergmannkiez and you’ll find lots of vintage stores, quirky cafes and a certain “je ne sais quoi” that makes this one of Berlin’s most popular areas. Centred around the lively Bergmannstrasse (Bergmann Street), this neighbourhood offers food from across the globe. Settle in Barcomi’s courtyard for freshly roasted coffee and American-style sweet treats; enjoy an authentic Schnitzel in rustic Austria; and carbo-load at Pastarium, where it’s pasta day on Wednesdays and pizza day on Sundays.

Barcomi’s, Bergmannstrasse 21, 10961 Berlin, www.barcomis.de/barcomis-berlin
Austria, Bergmannstraße 30, 10961 Berlin, www.austria-berlin.de
Pastarium, Willibald-Alexis-Straße 27, 10965 Berlin, pastarium.de (closed on Sundays & Mondays)

Paracas
Live Latin music, great cocktails and delicious food at an affordable price: Paracas has all the ingredients for a good night. With two locations across town, this is a well-loved spot by both visitors and locals.

Paracas I, Guentzelstrasse 37a, 10717 Berlin
Paracas II, Friedrichstrasse 12, 10969 Berlin, paracas.de (closed on Mondays)

Hamburg

We try not to have favourites and so we’ll try not to say we’ve kept the best for last. Germany’s second-largest city Hamburg has it all: cosmopolitan flair, pulsating nightlife, world-class museums, sights, greenery and an incredible energy that keeps this port city buzzing year round. Centred around the Elbe river, which flows into the North Sea, and two of its tributaries (the Alster and Bille rivers), Hamburg even offers beach vibes and water sports alongside that city feeling.

Sassy Tip: “Moin” (pronounced moy-n) is a greeting, like hello, that can be used at any time of day. Some people will say “moin moin”. It rolls off the tongue, but don’t be tempted – for most northern Germans, that’s already unnecessary babbling.

Where To Stay

Sternschanze And Karoviertel
This grungy-cool neighbourhood is the perfect spot from which to plan your Hamburg adventure. Long considered the counter-cultural centre of the city, the Karolinenviertel (Karoviertel for short) and Sternschanze retain some of their rough, leftist-alternative non-conformism. Popular among young locals, the streets here are peppered with independent record stores and boutiques, cosy cafes, lively pubs and music venues.

Altona And Ottensen
Once a thriving fishing town under Danish rule, Altona is located close to the city centre. Here you’ll be surrounded by beautiful green spaces and historic architecture. Make your way to the Altonaer Balkon (Altona’s Balcony), a quiet and pretty park from where you can enjoy some of Hamburg’s very best harbour views, or head south towards the river Elbe, where a string of restaurants and bars stretch along the Elbmeile (the Elbe Mile). West of Altona station you’ll find hip Ottensen, a popular residential area dotted with bars, cafes and restaurants as well as cosy little independent shops and boutiques.

St. Georg
Just east of Hamburg Central Station is St. Georg, a colourful, culturally diverse and lively neighbourhood bordered on the north by the Aussenalster (Outer Alster lake). The beautiful park along the water is the perfect place to go for a jog or rent a paddling or rowing boat. Theatres and art museums abound in St. Georg – most notably, the Kunsthalle Hamburg (Hamburg Art Hall), a major attraction with everything from medieval altarpieces to contemporary photography on display and ever-changing exhibitions. Meanwhile, the Lange Reihe (Long Row) shopping street opens its doors to over 730 metres of boutiques and eateries.

Kunsthalle Hamburg, Glockengießerwall, 20095 Hamburg, www.hamburger-kunsthalle.de/en

What To Do

The Alster
Around both the Aussenalster and Binnenalster (Outer & Inner Alster lakes), you’ll come across everything from lush green parks and beautiful mansions to Hamburg’s shopping district as well as lakeside cafes and beer gardens. Opt for a green walk along the Outer Alster, rent a rowing boat, or try your hand at SUP Yoga. The Inner Alster, though smaller, is situated directly by Hamburg’s city centre, alongside the famous promenade Jungfernstieg (which gets its name from the historic tradition of wealthy inhabitants parading their unwed daughters, or Jungfern, for eligible bachelors). Here you’ll get a good feel for the city – and a great ice cream.

Many companies also offer cruises around the lakes, including Hamburg’s very own gin distillery Gin Sul. Every Thursday throughout the summer months, this cruise combines gin-based cocktails with chill-out grooves by live DJs for an unforgettable evening.

Sassy Tip: To get a feel for the city from a little higher up, visit St. Michael’s church (dubbed the “Michel”). The bell tower provides stunning panoramic scenes.

SUP Club Hamburg, Stüffel Steg, Isekai 1 / Ecke Iseplatz (entrance via Oderfelder Street) Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, www.supclubhamburg.de
Gin Sul Alster Work Cruise, from Jungfernstieg pier, 20354 Hamburg, alstertouristik.de/fat-event/gin-sul-alster-work-cruise

Party It Up At The Kiez
It wouldn’t be a stay in Hamburg without a peek into St. Pauli, home to Germany’s cult football club FC St. Pauli and Hamburg’s famous red light district, the Reeperbahn. Loud, colourful and eccentric, the area around the Reeperbahn (called the Kiez) attracts partygoers, culture lovers and Beatles fans, as this is where the famous foursome first performed. A great way to learn about the maritime, musical and oftentimes scandalous history of this area is by booking a tour with local guides, who can share anecdotes and insider tips.

By the harbour, beach bar StrandPauli brings a little Caribbean vibe to the northern German harbour. Wooden decks, palm fronds and chilled tunes make this the ideal place to kick back and soak up some summer rays.

Be sure to pop into the Hong Kong Hotel, a true Kiez institution. Reminding us a little of Wanchai in its heyday, this dingy joint is the perfect place to start your night with a cheap beer, a little foosball and your choice of music from the jukebox.

Strandpauli, Hafenstraße 89, 20359 Hamburg, www.strandpauli.de
Hong Kong Hotel, Hamburger Berg 14, 20359 Hamburg

Head To The Beach
One of Hamburg’s best qualities is the sheer diversity of activities on offer. While northern Germany can be known for its steely grey skies, when the sun does come out the effect is breathtaking. So make the most of a bright blue day and take to the beach.

Find your way to the Landungsbrücken piers on the river Elbe, a port terminal marked by two spectacular green-roofed towers. At pier 3, buy your ticket for ferry 62 towards Finkenwerder – after a scenic ride of about 20 minutes, you’ll get off at Neumühlen / Övelgönne. Boat lovers will be drawn to the colourful selection of antique ships moored in the little harbour (Museumshafen), while beachgoers can’t miss the stretch of sand to the left. At the end of the beach you’ll find the Strandperle (Beach Pearl), with its wooden chairs and tables set directly in the sand and cold beers waiting to be served. What more could you want?

Museumshafen Övergönne, Oevelgönne 42, 22763 Hamburg, www.hamburg-travel.com/see-explore/maritime-hamburg/museum-harbour-oevelgoenne/
Strandperle, Övelgönne 60, 22605 Hamburg, www.strandperle-hamburg.de

Where To Eat & Drink

Schanze
The tight-knit web of streets around the Schanzenviertel are home to an incredible variety of restaurants, cafes and bars. Happy hour doesn’t get better than a Katze (which translates to “cat”), where Caipirinhas are served for just 4.50 Euro until 10pm.

With over 30 craft beers on tap and 70 bottled ones to choose from, the Braugasthaus Altes Mädchen (Old Girl Brewery) is the spot for beer nerds. The cosy indoor space with its open fireplace provides the perfect hideout for chillier temperatures, while the scent of freshly baking bread will tantalise your taste buds.

Just next door to the brewery you’ll find one of the coolest dining spaces in the city – the Bullerei. Run by celebrity chef Tim Mälzer and his partner, the restaurant inhabits a former slaughterhouse, but don’t let that put you off. With a mouth-watering menu centred around meat (though plenty of vegetarian options are available) and stylish decor, it’s no wonder this space draws gourmets on a daily basis.

Sassy Tip: Directly opposite the Katze you’ll find the Rote Flora, a former theatre turned autonomous youth centre and squat since 1989. The graffiti-covered building still functions as a symbol of the areas strong alternative scene and is now known for its wide array of political and cultural events.

Katze, Schulterblatt 88, 20357 Hamburg, www.facebook.com/pages/Katze
Altes Mädchen, Lagerstraße 28b, 20357 Hamburg, altes-maedchen.com
Bullerei, Lagerstraße 34b, 20357 Hamburg, bullerei.com

Currywurst
The Currywurst is a rite of passage. Luckily, this indulgent plateful of sausage, fries and curry-ketchup is available at pretty much every street booth. Try yours at Curry Grindelthe hole-in-the-wall shop is not only situated on the corner of one of Hamburg’s most interesting districts, but you can also choose to have potato salad instead of fries, fried onion, and spicy sauce if you dare. Wash it down with a local Astra beer. Walk off your Currywurst in the neighbouring Grindelhof area, which offers tons of great cafes and cute boutiques!

Curry Grindel, Rentzelstraße 2, 20146 Hamburg, www.facebook.com/pages/Curry-Grindel

Fischmarkt: Seafood, Live Music And More
If there’s one thing northern Germans do well, it’s the Fischbrötchen (Fish Sandwich) – and there’s really only one place to truly experience this in all its glory. After a night on the town (or maybe you’re an early riser? No judgement here!), immerse yourself in the maritime marvel that is the Fischmarkt (Fish Market) on Sunday mornings. The first stalls will open shop along the shores of the river Elbe at around 4:30am. See, smell and taste some of the freshest seafood around town alongside other market goodies – from fruit and flowers to fashion. Thousands of visitors amble through the outdoor market, while inside the Fischauktionshalle (Fish Auction Hall), the party lives on as live rock and jazz draws crowds onto the dancefloor. The atmosphere here is like no other. Pick up your brekkie at any one of the countless booths!

Fischmarkt, 22767 Hamburg, www.hamburg-travel.com/see-explore/maritime-hamburg/the-hamburg-fish-market, (open on Sunday mornings)

Featured image courtesy of Germany Tourism via Facebook, image 1 courtesy of Luis Fernando Felipe Alves via Unsplash, image 2 courtesy of BergBlume Viktualienmarkt via Facebook, image 3 courtesy of Johannes Plenio via Pexels, image 4 courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, image 5 courtesy of Hofbräukeller München via Facebook, image 6 courtesy of Anthony Reungère via Unsplash; image 7 courtesy of Markthalle Neun via Facebook, image 8 courtesy of Nick Fewings via Unsplash, image 9 courtesy of Flughafen Tempelhof via Facebook, image 10 courtesy of Mauerpark Berlin via Facebook, image 11 courtesy of Alex Kehr via Flickr, image 12 courtesy of Julia Solonina via Unsplash, image 13 courtesy of Schanzen News via Facebook, image 14 courtesy of Gin Sul via Facebook, image 15 courtesy of IK’s World Trip via Flickr, image 16 courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, image 17 courtesy of Altes Mädchen via Facebook, image 18 courtesy of Altonaer Fischauktionshalle via Facebook.

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