Hamburg City Guide

Good local dishes like Franzbrötchen, Labskaus, and Fischbrötchen. Plenty of international options. Vegetarian and vegan choices are common. Late-night food mainly around St. Pauli and Sternschanze.

Vibrant nightlife focused on Reeperbahn in St. Pauli, plus bars in Sternschanze and Karolinenviertel. Offers clubs, theaters, and live music.

Strong coffee culture with many specialty shops and roasters. Mix of traditional cafes and modern third-wave shops.

Tipping is customary but not required. Round up or add 5-10% for good service in restaurants and taxis.

SIM cards sold at Telekom, Vodafone, O2 stores, electronics shops, supermarkets, and kiosks. Registration with ID is required. eSIMs are available from major providers.

Streets and public spaces are generally clean with efficient recycling and waste collection.

Limited 24/7 pharmacies but rotating emergency service available. Some kiosks and gas stations open late. Hospitals have 24/7 emergency rooms.

Supermarkets like Edeka, Rewe, Aldi, Lidl, Penny, and Netto are common. Weekly fresh markets are local favorites. Shops usually open 7-9 AM to 8-9 PM weekdays and Saturdays, closed Sundays except train stations and airports. Bargaining is uncommon.

Cards are widely accepted in supermarkets, large stores, and many restaurants. Smaller shops and some cafes might still prefer cash.

ATMs from Sparkasse, Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank, and Postbank are common. Fees on foreign cards may vary, so check with your bank first.

International and bilingual schools like International School of Hamburg and Phorms Campus. Instruction mostly in English and German. Apply early due to waitlists.

Growing remote work community with meetups, co-working spaces, and networking events. Many cafes suitable for work.

Excellent parks like Planten un Blomen, Stadtpark, and Altonaer Volkspark with riverside paths and shaded walking.

Popular running routes include Alster Lake loop, Planten un Blomen, and Elbe paths. Safe with good air quality and many running clubs.

Numerous gyms and fitness studios available across the city.

Many tennis and growing padel courts across clubs and public areas, with rentals and coaching options.

Padel courts are becoming popular, available at several sports clubs.

Many yoga studios offering various styles, some with English-speaking teachers. Drop-in and memberships available.

Numerous dojos for BJJ, Muay Thai, Boxing, Judo, Karate, Taekwondo, Wing Chun, and more. English classes and competitions available.

No local ski resorts. Nearest are 2-3 hours away in the Harz Mountains with mostly beginner to intermediate slopes.

Good kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and windsurfing on the Alster Lake and Elbe River. Rental and guided tours available in spring to autumn.

Limited local surfing. North Sea coast spots like Sylt are a few hours away. River surfing on the Elbe exists but is rare and seasonal.

Diving mainly in lakes or Baltic Sea nearby. Visibility and marine life are limited. Certification centers and equipment rentals available.

Good healthcare with both public and private options. English-speaking staff found in larger hospitals like UKE. Pharmacies (Apotheken) are easy to spot and provide professional advice.

Tap water is safe and of excellent quality.

Many playgrounds and family-friendly cafes. Baby supplies easy to find. Popular attractions include Miniatur Wunderland, Hagenbeck's Zoo, Planten un Blomen park, and the Maritime Museum.

Highly accepting city with many LGBTQ+ venues in St. Georg. Annual Christopher Street Day pride event.

Generally pet-friendly with many parks, dog-friendly accommodations, and good vet services. EU pet passports required.