Where?

Hamburg, Germany.

Why now?

We all love Berlin;
it’s ever-cool vibe, late nights, early kebabs and outstanding
selection of museums are hard to beat. Now take of all that, omit
the Instagramming
influencers and add a crowd of eclectic, laid-back locals, a
constant sea breeze, fish markets and enough bridges to compete
with Venice:
welcome to Hamburg.

Less pretentious than the capital but just as multicultural,
Hamburg boasts world-class cultural institutions and a vibrant
nightlife. Imagine
Shoreditch and
Chelsea, but without the competition between its locals or
lengthy journey between the two.

Germany’s second-largest city easily keeps up with its globally
admired counterpart. Hangout in artsy Eimsbuettel or chic Eppendorf
for breakfast, browse Nordic-style concept stores such as Edited, then stop in central for walks around the
picturesque Alster Lake and artisan coffee at Nord Coast. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site
Speicherstadt, the world’s largest warehouse district which stands
on timber-pile foundations, or hit the beach in sophisticated
Blankenese with its colourful houses.

Besides fish sandwiches and currywurst, Hamburg’s food scene is
where its multiculturalism really comes to light, particularly in
the Kreuzbergesque Schanze, where you can sample anything from
falafel to kumpir (baked potato), washed down with local brew Astra
or the city’s own version of coke, Fritz Cola.

Don’t miss

Hamburg has recently gained one of the world’s most significant
cultural institutions: the Elbphilharmonie. Since it’s opening in
December, the dazzling concert hall has drawn a local and
international crowd of music and architecture lovers alike. If
classical music isn’t your thing, head up to the deck for
360-degree views over the city and harbour. For more local culture,
visit one of the rustic fishermen pubs in neighbouring St Pauli,
where you will probably end up sitting between a group of young
creatives and a former seaman, bopping your head along to sea
shanties. For techno lovers, the chances to get past the picky
bouncer in Hamburg are much higher, while the
bunker-turned-nightclub Uebel und Gefaehrlich (translating to mean
evil and dangerous) has to be on your list. Three times a year, the
bunker’s surrounding area turns into an exciting pre-party setting,
the Hamburger Dom, a carousel fun fair serving mulled wine.

When to go?

The best time to visit is during the summer month, unless you’re
up to fashioning your raincoat – something locals master like
nowhere else in Germany.

Who to take with you?

Hamburg screams for a
weekend getaway with your best pals.

Most likely to bump into?

Some Berlin expats and local celebrities in the north of the
city. Avoid certain areas of St Pauli on match days, as some people
in Hamburg take football a bit too seriously.

Essentials to bring with you

If you’re keen to impress locals, greet them with “moin” –
Hamburg slang for hello.

How to get there

There are daily direct flights from every major airport in the
UK, leaving you just a short train ride away from the city.