31-07-2025
How to spend a weekend in the most English of German cities
'What was it like growing up in Liverpool?' a journalist asked John Lennon. 'I didn't grow up in Liverpool,' he replied. 'I grew up in Hamburg.' When the Beatles came here in 1960, they lodged in Hamburg's red-light district, the Reeperbahn, so for Beatles fans, Germany 's second city became synonymous with lurid nightlife.
And yet the Reeperbahn is only a small part of Hamburg. This has always been a wealthy city, an alluring blend of grunge and glamour. Its gritty docks are awash with clubs and bars; its leafy avenues are full of chic restaurants and designer stores.
Hamburg is Germany's biggest port, and it's the water that makes it special. Criss-crossed by canals and bridges, its bustling harbour gives it a gutsy flavour. It's also renowned for art and music. If you want to discover the real Germany, this historic Hanseatic port is the best place to start.
For more Hamburg inspiration, see our guides to the city's best hotels, things to do, restaurants, and bars and nightlife.
In this guide:
How to spend the perfect weekend
Day one: morning
Begin your day with a bike ride around the Aussenalster, Hamburg's vast and lovely lake. A pleasant cycle path follows the entire five-mile circumference. Allow about an hour, including pit stops. The route is mainly parkland, with lots of laid-back bars and cafés en route. Stop for brunch at the Literaturhauscafé in Hamburg's grand old literary institute. To hire a bike, download the app from
Wind up your morning workout with a short stroll around the Binnenalster, Hamburg's smaller inner-city lake. It's lined with local landmarks, including the Alsterhaus, the city's smartest department store, and the Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, its most illustrious hotel.
After all that walking and cycling, you deserve to put your feet up. Board a pleasure boat at Jungfernstieg for a cruise along the River Alster. Buy a ticket from the quayside kiosk, or online at
