Elbphilharmonie.
The Hamburg App is a handy in-your-pocket guide with tips for attractions, bars, cafés, clubs, restaurants, events and shopping ideas.Download it on Apple here and Android here.
Hamburg is not only Germany’s media capital but also a city worth visiting for many other reasons. In its “52 Places to Go in 2017” list the New York Times names Hamburg “a haven for architecture and design” and highlighted Zaha Hadid’s meandering promenade along the Elbe river and the Elbphilharmonie, a glass-paneled building mounted atop a former warehouse, which are both within walking distance from the conference venues. Lonely Planet lists Hamburg in its “Best in Travel 2018” top ten.
Hamburg was an independent city state for hundreds of years. Today it is one of 16 federal states of the Federal Republic of Germany. Hamburg is located in the north of Germany about 100 kilometres from the Elbe estuary and the North Sea. The city of Hamburg, the second largest city in Germany, has 1.8 million inhabitants and is one of the main economic growth centres in Europe.
Hamburg is a city that offers a lot to discover. The maritime surroundings and the variety of arts and culture makes Hamburg a unique place with sights for every taste. The Spiegel and the HafenCity University are located in the HafenCity area, a peninsula close to Hamburg’s old town with a lot of sights close by. Hamburg’s newest landmark and impressive concert venue, the Elbphilharmonie, and the Speicherstadt, the world’s largest warehouse complex and Unesco World Heritage Site, are must-sees on every trip to Hamburg.
Reeperbahn.
Nightlife takes place on the Reeperbahn, the most famous street in Hamburg in the heart of the St. Pauli district. It offers everything from theatres and galleries to trendy nightclubs and smoky sailor bars. After having spent the night on Reeperbahn, the best idea is to visit the Fischmarkt (fish market) on Sunday morning, an institution since 1703 where you can not only find fresh fish but also fruit, flowers, clothing and souvenirs. Close to the Fischmarkt is another impressive sight, the St. Pauli Landungsbrücken (piers) that feature spectacular views and must-see historic waterfront buildings that double as major public transport hubs.
Our tips on where to visit in the surrounding area of the conference:
Hannoverscher Bahnhof – Commemorating the Deportees from Hamburg 1940–1945
Today Lohse Park stretches from The Spiegel building to the north, to the HafenCity University to the south. In that space once stood the Hannoversche Bahnhof which was inaugurated in 1872. Between 1940 and 1945, 8,071 Jews and Sinti and Roma from Hamburg and Northern Germany were transported in 20 rail transports from there to the ghettos and extermination camps in the East.
Elbphilharmonie (Plaza & Guided Tours)
Plaza: Offering an impressive 360° degree view over Hamburg, the Plaza can be visited between 9.00 and 24.00 daily (last entrance is at 23.30). You can book your ticket for 2 € here.
Group tickets, same day and at the door ticketing (which are both free) are also offered.
Public Concert Hall Tours: Tours are offered at 15€/tour with different focusses and can be booked in English and German during the conference. More information here.
NOTE: Booking in advance is highly recommended.
Deichtorhallen
Deichtorhallen (levee gate halls) is one of Europe’s largest art centers for contemporary art and photography. The two historical buildings, built as market halls 1911–1913, are iconic in style, with their open steel-and-glass structures. Their architecture creates a backdrop for spectacular major international exhibitions.
Oberhafen-Kantine (tavern/restaurant)
Enjoy typical North German cuisine from Labskaus (lobscouse) to self-cured fish on two rustic floors and a terrace.
MS Stubnitz
You will find lots of nightlife opportunities in Hamburg, especially in the St. Pauli district. But the nearest spot to party is the ship MS Stubnitz, which is anchored near HafenCity University. The Muckrakers gig will take place here on Friday, September 27.
Here’s a list for more tourist attractions within Hamburg.
Want to get a glimpse of the month’s sports, museums, exhibitions, concerts, and street festivals highlights? Check out Hamburg.com. It also lists suggestions for shopping and restaurants.
If you have more time and wish to explore beyond Hamburg, there is a high-speed train that goes to the German capital Berlin every hour (105 minutes journey).
You can also find more information on travelling in the country on the Tourism in Germany website and Wikitravel Germany.
