Hamburg
Hamburg is a city in northern Germany, located on the banks of the Elbe River. With a population of over 1.8 million people, it is the second-largest city in Germany. Hamburg is known for its vibrant port, which is one of the largest in Europe, and its iconic landmarks such as the Elbphilharmonie concert hall and the St. Michaelis Church. The city is also famous for its nightlife, with several clubs and bars, as well as its cultural scene, with several museums and galleries. Hamburg is a centre of business and commerce, with a strong focus on trade, logistics, and media. The city is also a hub for education and research, with several universities and research institutions. With its unique blend of maritime flair, history, and modernity, Hamburg is a popular destination for tourists, a hub for business and innovation, and a gateway to northern Europe.
Hamburg has the most bridges of any city in the world
Believe it or not, Hamburg has more bridges than Amsterdam, Venice and London put together!
The Beatles had their first gigs here
Between 1960 and 1962 the Beatles made five trips to Hamburg, playing in a series of bars and clubs in the St. Pauli quarter of the city.
The Lake Alster swans have a father
The Schwanenvater (‘swan father’) position has existed since the 17th century. The swan father looks after the swans, and escorts them from the lake to their winter quarters. The beginning of spring in Hamburg is marked by the return of the swans to the Alster.
Population
As of 2022, the population of Hamburg is 1,788,170. Of course, this number is constantly changing.
Local Attractions
St Michaelis Kirche - Engl. Planke 1, 20459 Hamburg | 2.3km from city centre
This church is the city’s most recognised landmark, as well as the largest Protestant baroque church in Northern Germany. The view from the top is a sight to behold, and the crypt below has an educational exhibit on the history of Hamburg.
Elbphilharmonie - Platz d. Deutschen Einheit 4, 20457 Hamburg | 2.3km from city centre
This major concert hall and performance space is a new and exciting architectural creation. The Elbphilharmonie was formerly a warehouse, before Swiss architects Herzog and de Meuron decided to bring the building to life in creative fashion.
Rathaus (Town Hall) - Rathausmarkt 1, 20095 Hamburg | 1.1km from city centre
Inaugurated in 1897, this grand structure includes 647 rooms, including one only uncovered in the 1970s! Guided tours enable you to visit some of these
Planetarium Hamburg, Linnering 1 (Stadtpark), 22299 Hamburg | 8km from city centre
Located in Stadtpark City Park, this Art-Deco planetarium offers exhibitions and presentations.
Air and Rail Connections
Hamburg Airport (Flughafen Stuttgart)
Hamburg is home to its own airport – Hamburg Airport. This major international airport in Hamburg is the second largest in Germany and is 9km north of the city.
Hamburg Central Station – Hachmannplatz 16, 20099 Hamburg
Hamburg Hauptbahnhof is the main railway station in Hamburg, and the busiest railway station in Germany. Long-distance services for other German cities depart from here, as well as local and international services.
Housing and living costs
Monthly average rental costs are calculated based on apartments both inside and out of the city centre.
- 1 bedroom – 1,265 euros
- 2 bedroom – 1,415 euros
- 3 bedroom – 1,650 euros
For further information, click here.
To calculate German tax click here.
For information about the German tax system click here.
International Education
International School of Hamburg
At ISH, the purpose and programmes all revolve around the shared values that make the development of the students the most important concept to the school.
Phorms Campus Hamburg
Students here are offered a truly bilingual education. This is complemented by the one-on-one support that gives students the opportunity to develop their strengths.
International School Campus
The ISC aims to become a leader in 21st-century international education. Students are offered a rigorous academic and educational experience.
Activities
Planten un Blomen - Marseilles Straße, 20355 Hamburg | 2.3km from city centre
Consisting of 47 hectares of green space, this is one of Europe’s most impressive urban parks. It boasts an old botanical garden, which was planted in 1821 and consists of five inter-connected greenhouses.
Kunsthalle Hamburg - Glockengießerwall 5, 20095 Hamburg | within city centre
Kunsthalle is one of the largest and richest museums in the country, and has enough artefacts and exhibits to keep you entertained all day. There are pieces by Rembrandt, Goya, Luca Cranach, Max Liebermann, and many more in the 19th century gallery.
Tierpark Hagenbeck - Lokstedter Grenzstraße 2, 22527 Hamburg | 7.2km from city centre
Animal lovers may be slightly hesitant to visit a zoo, but Hamburg’s Zoo places a significant amount of importance on the welfare of its inhabitants. Carl Hagenbeck was the founder of the zoo, and initiated a space known as the ‘Panorama Exhibit’, which aims to recreate the animals’ natural habitats, using moats as natural barriers.
Events, Festivals and Holidays
Hamburger Dom
Three times a year, Heiligengeistfeld in St Pauli is the location of a colossal funfair and market. The Hamburger Dom lasts for 30 days a year in November (Winterdom), April (Frühlingsdom) and August (Summerdom). The entertainment is varied and ranges from state-of-the-art rollercoasters and classic carousels, to sideshows, food stalls and much more. There are over 100+ stalls trading at the fair, and on Friday nights during Winterdom, you can enjoy the impressive fireworks.
Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival
This festival has taken place during May and June since 1968. The Japanese community of Hamburg use this time to thank the city of Hamburg for their hospitality. It is organised by the German Japanese Society as well as the Consulate General of Japan. Visitors can explore the Japanese garden tea house and bask in colourful programme of culture.
Schlagermove
This festival of love takes over on the streets of Hamburg, as up to half a million Schlager music fans celebrate around the 40+ vibrantly patterned trucks. This colourful event sees people dressed flamboyantly with flowers in their hair.
Food & Drink Options
Haerlin - Neuer Jungfernstieg 9-14, 20354 Hamburg | 1.5km from city centre
Situated within the luxury Fairmont Hotel View Jahreszeiten, this restaurant is known beyond the city walls with two Michelin stars. The menus are based on classic French cuisine, which pairs well with the prestigious interior and perfect service.
Békaa - Rentzelstraße 50, 20146 Hamburg | 2.8km from city centre
With a wide array of seafood and spiced meat dishes on offer, you’re sure to keep returning to this Lebanese restaurant. Samples are a great way to try some of the dishes, before enjoying the extraordinary desserts (so be sure to leave room).
A Varina - Karpfangerstraße 16, 20459 Hamburg | 2.6km from city centre
The Portuguese Quarter is a spirited district of narrow streets that houses many Portuguese restaurants. A Varina is one of them and stands out for its inviting atmosphere and impeccable selection of seafood.
Hotels
The Westin Hamburg | 5-star hotel 2.3km from city centre
Address: Platz d. Deutschen Einheit 2, 20457 Hamburg
Phone: +49 40 80 00 100
Barceló Hamburg | 4-star hotel within city centre
Address: Ferdinandstraße 15, 20095 Hamburg
Phone: +49 40 22 63 620
Super 8 by Wyndham Hamburg Mitte | 3-star hotel 1.8km from city centre
Address: Wikingerweg 4, 20537 Hamburg
Phone: +49 40 33 46 480
Getting Around The City
Public Transport
Hamburg has an extensive public transport system, comprised of buses, ferries, a subway (U-Bahn) and suburban rail service (S-Bahn).
Click this link for maps, timetables and journey planners.
Taxi Companies
Hansa Funktaxi 211211 | +49 40 837 351
Taxi Hamburg 6×6 GmbH & Co. KG | +49 40 666 666
Shopping Malls
Alstertal-Einkaufszentrum - Heegbarg 31, 22391 Hamburg | 13.9km from city centre
Alstertal-Einkaufszentrum is one of Hamburg’s main shopping centres, as well as being one of the most modern in Europe. It has remained successful by adapting to the demands of consumers and markets, and now houses many international brands.
Hamburger Meile - Hamburger Str. 27, 22083 Hamburg | 2.7km from city centre
The Hamburger Meile is home to over 150 shops as well as cafes and a huge food court. The retail on offer here includes a range of outlets for young, fashion-conscious consumers.
Local Football Teams
FC St. Pauli
This team is currently part of the 2. Bundesliga and is one of Germany’s “Kult” clubs.
Hamburger SV
This team is currently part of the 2. Bundesliga, and plays its home games in the Volksparkstadion.
Pharmacies
Apotheke am Hauptbahnhof
Address: Steindamm 2, 20099 Hamburg
Phone: +49 40 241 243
Apotheke am Dermatologikum
Address: Stephansplatz 1-5, 20354 Hamburg
Phone: +49 40 819 719 60
Rathaus-Apotheke
Address: Rathausmarkt 19, 20095 Hamburg
Phone: +49 40 36 96 360