NORTHERN GERMANY - PART 7 (HAMBURG)

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Day 19 | Day 20 | Day 21

Miniatur Wunderland

The largest model railway in the world passes through mini versions of Germany and various other lands, fictitious and real. If you have children with you, there's no better distraction. But even if you don't have kids, this attraction is sure to bring out the inner kid in you then proceed to distract your inner kid for enough time to give your inner parents a break.

Note: Tickets sell out a few days in advance so be sure to buy tickets before visiting through the official website.

speicherstadt

The "warehouse district" is the largest of its kind in the world and makes up a big chunk of Hamburg's Hafencity urban renewal project. While it's still home to some factories producing various goods, most buildings are repurposed to house restaurants and attractions. If Miniature Wunderland wasn't your cup of tea or you're looking for something a little stronger, you may find that the Hamburg Dungeon appeals more to the child inside you, depending of course on the quality of your upbringing.

reeperbahn

If you're looking for more cheap thrills, head to Hamburg's very own red-light district. Whatever weird stuff you're into, you could probably find it here, though it's gotten pretty tame as of late, at least according to some really horny old-timers. If anyone asks what you were doing there, just tell them you were exploring the rich history of the area. This area was at one time the stomping grounds of the soon to be discovered Beatles, whose onstage antics at the time were pretty legendary. John Lennon was quoted as saying "I might have been born in Liverpool – but I grew up in Hamburg." Look for the plaque commemorating the late-venue Star Club, where they played regularly, along with Cream and Jimi Hendrix. It's the perfect alibi for your all-night sex binge.

STAY THE NIGHT IN: HAMBURG

For restaurant and hotel recommendations, reservations and more, check out our Customize section.

elbe tunnel

Rent a bike and go for a ride down memory lane, literally. This tunnel was built in 1911, 80 feet below the surface of Hamburg, to connect central and south Hamburg. Massive lifts were used to transport cars and pedestrians to tunnel level. While the lifts and tunnel are still in use, they have been largely replaced by bridges, which leaves the tunnel virtually empty, and perfect for biking.

Note: For bike rental recommendations and reservations, check out our Customize Section.

elbe beach

On the north side of the Elbe, bike west toward this "beach." Comparing these waters to the Caribbean kind of misses the point, but then again, so does actually going in the water. It's a cool spot to drink, hang with locals and catch rays as the ships go by.

schanzenviertel

If Reeperbahn was too touristy for you, you might feel more at home here in the "hipster" area of Hamburg. It really depends on your tastes - some people will enjoy the second-hand clothing stores, fast food, cheap pubs, street art, and eccentrically dressed individuals while other people will see nothing more than graffiti and homeless-looking people. Parts of it are gentrifying fast so enjoy the grittiness while it lasts.

STAY THE NIGHT IN: HAMBURG

For restaurant and hotel recommendations, reservations and more, check out our Customize section.

treppenviertel

Hope you brought along a pair of walking shoes. The "stair district" is a quaint hillside neighborhood that can only be explored by foot, specifically through a network of staircases. At the top of the hill, about 5000 stairs up, you'll be treated to magnificent views of the Elbe. At the bottom, you'll find yourself surrounded by the pricey mansions of the Blankenese neighborohood. On the way, you'll pass some cute homes, quaint passageways, and cozy cafes. You'll get lost a few times, but in this case, that's just fine.

gangeviertel

Across town is another hidden gem of a neighborhood teeming with galleries and workshops as well as concerts and parties that are generally open to the public. The neighborhood was redesigned in 2009 to serve as a breeding ground for artistic expression - you'll see that in the thoughtfully curated greenery and street art. It almost feels like you shouldn't really touch anything or talk loud. Not to worry, there's no museum guard here to yell at you. Go ahead and find a nice workshop to express your inner self.

STAY THE NIGHT IN: HAMBURG

For restaurant and hotel recommendations, reservations and more, check out our Customize section.

You have reached your journey's end

Depart: Berlin Airports or Hamburg Airport (HAM)

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