Hamburg Local History

Hamburg is the largest port in Germany and over the centuries has grown into an industrial centre of nearly 2 million inhabitants. Straddling several rivers it was an early hub for overland trade from the Baltic Sea. The first German Stock Exchange was founded here in 1558 and in 1618 gained the status of Free Imperial City, a proud tradition of autonomy that exists to the present time as Hamburg wields considerable political power in modern day Germany.

Hamburg became one of Germany's richest cities before World War 1 but at the beginning of World War11 the busy port and hence the city was the subject of severe Allied bombing raids, which left much of the city in ruins. As much of the wealth remained after the war, Hamburg was able to afford the reconstruction of many of its historic buildings.

In the 1980's violent riots broke out as police attempted to evacuate warehouses occupied by anarchists and left wing intellectuals who were protesting about the acquisition of real estate by property speculators.

These days Hamburg has become the centre for contemporary artists; intellectuals and partygoers who make the most of the many attractions on offer.

Hamburg Attractions

Hamburg Activities

Hummeltrain - Take the kids on the jolly, novelty Hummeltrain for a sightseeing tour of the city. Thomas The Tank may not be in residence in Hamburg but the Hummeltrain is the next best thing.

Kindrtmuseum Hamburg. Children can play, investigate and learn with all their senses in this museum built specially for them.

Puppenmuseum Falkenstein . This is a wonderful doll museum. It took over 30 years to collect the 300 plus dolls and about 60 dolls houses, kitchens and grocery shops in the amazing collection.

Hamburg Restaurants and Bars

Hamburg Restaurants

Abendmahl Hein-Kollisch Pl.6 The fresh dishes here are primarily of French and Italian origin. The food is good and inexpensive as are the drinks. Many of the locals eat here prior to a night on the town.

Balutschi Grindallee 33. A lot of the local students eat at this Pakastani restaurant. The food is well prepared, tasty and very reasonably priced.

COX Lange Reihe 68. This smart restaurant offers mainly German nouvelle cuisine . The use of fresh produce and spices from around the world are incorporated in an imaginative manner.

Hamburg Bars & Clubs

Absolut Hans Albers-Platz. Disco, garage/house and international vocal are sounds played in this wild club. Popular with gays, particularly on Saturday nights but all fans of wild house parties are welcome here.

Betty Ford Klinik Grosse Freiheit 6. A very popular place to chill. DJ's in the house and dance scene make sure the party guests have a great time.

Hans-Albers-Eck Hans-Lbers-Platz 20. You can't miss this pub, its housed in a ships bow. Usually packed, the pub plays music from the 70's and 80's plus modern dance floor tracks.

Christian's Fine Drinks & Cocktails Pinnasberg 60.This is the place to go for a sophisticated night out or a pre-dinner cocktail.

Hamburg Weekend Breaks

Top 10 things to do in Hamburg for a weekend.

• Kunsthalle
• Carl Hagenbeck's Tierpark
• Stadtpark
• Bungee Jumping from the TV Tower
• Vier Jahreszeiten

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