The reunification of Germany and the Baltic region has promised Hamburg a great commercial and cultural future. And the city is really seizing its chance. As the capital of North Germany(Norddeutschland), Hamburg is a prosperous, dynamic city devoted to the wind and the sea. A free and Hanseatic city that constitutes an independent Land, it is the second largest city in Germany: 755.3 km² and 1,787,408 inhabitants (the Hamburg region has 2.8 million). It is located on the Elbe River, about 100 kilometres before it flows into the North Sea. You will find water, lots of water, and bridges, lots of bridges: Hamburg is the European city with the most bridges (2,400). It is also a green city. Its capital city dimensions and its provincial rhythm make it a very attractive city. It is no coincidence that this city, with its already northern light, was the home of Johannes Brahms. Its melodic richness matches the sky, in which heavy clouds are pushed at crazy speeds. Hamburg is a rich import-export capital, shaped by a trade that has always flourished. But it also brings hardship, upheaval and inequality in its wake. Alongside the opulence, there is poverty, legions of idlers, sailors drinking their loneliness away, prostitution and miserable low-income neighbourhoods. There are many of them, inhabited by immigrant populations, most of them Turkish; according to a survey, many children from the housing estates have never seen the Jungfernstieg, the avenue in the centre of Hamburg... Hamburg is a city of contrasts, as is its port. As a commercial hub and the region's nerve center, it implies a way of living and feeling. If Hamburg is this "door open to the world"(Tor zur Welt), it is its port that is the hinge, bathed in this popular and nightlife sung in all languages, for better or for worse. From a tourist point of view, Hamburg may well regret the loss of a large part of its old town in the bombings of the Second World War, but it is so rich in architecture and culture of all kinds; from the port activities to the alternative districts of Sankt-Pauli and the elegant neighbourhoods of bourgeois villas, it is multi-faceted. It is home to miraculously preserved treasures, charming alleys where you wouldn't expect them, rich museums and a vibrant entertainment and nightlife scene. Bars, cinemas, theatres, Hamburg is on the move. It offers choice contrasts, in addition to a cosmopolitanism rare in Germany, which gives it dozens of different aspects, constantly renewed and always to be explored.

What to visit Hamburg?

When to go to Hamburg?

When to go to Hamburg? The Nordic city can be visited at any time of the year. Of course, the summer season is more pleasant, especially for walking and boat trips. Rainfall is about equal every month, but it is naturally colder in winter. Summer is therefore the best time to visit Hamburg (especially since the heat is rare). Advent, the pre-Christmas period, is like everywhere else in Germany a propitious time, due to the excitement that surrounds the city, which is marked by its Christmas markets. Autumn brings beautiful colours to the trees, and the arrival of spring in April makes the inhabitants particularly cheerful... a tourist visit at this time will make you fall under the charm of this region. Always remember to bring a map of the city, because it is huge. So when to go to Hamburg? All year round, with more favours for the summer. Indeed, your walks will be even more pleasant even if autumn brings a romantic touch. Prepare your stay in advance.

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Weather at the moment

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Weather all year round

Hamburg's weather is oceanic and influenced by strong westerly sea winds, giving the city milder temperatures than its more continental hinterland: cooler in summer and warmer in winter. It rains often and not necessarily for long, the sky is often filled with gray clouds. Hamburg's average temperature is 17.4°C in the summer and 1.4°C in the middle of winter, with a few weeks of snow. Visiting the area in winter may seem unusual, but the big events will warm your heart.

Jan.
-2° /
Feb.
-2° /
Mar.
-1° /
Apr.
/ 13°
May
/ 18°
June
11° / 21°
Jul.
13° / 22°
Aug.
12° / 22°
Sept.
10° / 19°
Oct.
/ 13°
Nov.
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Dec.
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Budget

In Hamburg, the cost of living is a little lower than in France. The prices of restaurants in Germany are particularly lower, while the price of petrol is roughly equivalent. On the accommodation side, you will find correct addresses at rather honest rates, taking care to book in advance. Your Hamburg guide will help you find accommodation addresses. If your budget allows it, it is possible to find an escort to guide you in the visit of the region. The interpreter guides know the best places to visit the surroundings. They propose to make you discover the region, especially the monuments on the heritage list, without forgetting a few anecdotes.

Procedures

No visa is required to travel to Hamburg. As a member of the European Union and the Schengen area, Germany allows any EU citizen to stay or reside in the country without any restrictions. A valid identity document is sufficient. The French driving license is also valid on German soil. No particular administrative worries to go to this northern German city.

Health

You will not be asked for any special vaccinations to travel to Hamburg. This part of Europe is absolutely not a risk area and does not have any particular epidemic. The hospital infrastructure is very well developed. As far as water is concerned, if it is drinkable in Hamburg it is always welcome to drink from bottles of mineral water.

How to go to Hamburg? Our advice & tips

There are travel agencies specializing in this region of Germany that will be able to concoct for you a customized or thematic trip to discover the attractions of Hamburg. Note that by opting for this type of service, you can often benefit from advantageous offers combining transportation and accommodation.

You can easily get to Hamburg by train or by air. Please note that the price variation depends on the company used and, above all, on the reservation period. In order to get the best rates, it is essential to book well in advance. If you can, consider buying your tickets six months before departure! You can also travel to Hamburg with your own vehicle, as Germany's roads and highways are very well maintained.

Hamburg once had an efficient streetcar network, but it has been out of service for over... 100 years ago that it is no longer in service! To get around the city, you can use the four subway lines, the dense bus network and of course cabs. Walking is also a good idea, as is the use of a bicycle. These last two means of transportation are best for visiting the historical center of the city and other tourist sites. Occasionally, take a tour of the St. Pauli district, where you will find numerous street-art frescoes everywhere. You can find more details at the tourist information offices.

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Pictures and images Hamburg

L'hôtel de ville de Hambourg et la rivière Alster. Sborisov - iStockphoto
L'Hôtel de Ville de Hambourg sur le Rathausmarkt. kameraauge - Fotolia
Vue sur Hambourg. Fabian Wentzel - iStockphoto

Discover Hamburg

When to travel?

When to go to Hamburg? The Nordic city can be visited at any time of the year. Of course, the summer season is more p...
Read more about it

Weather forecast

Hamburg's weather is oceanic and influenced by strong westerly sea winds, giving the city milder temperatures than it...
Read more about it

Budget

In Hamburg, the cost of living is a little lower than in France. The prices of restaurants in Germany are particularl...
Read more about it

Formalities

No visa is required to travel to Hamburg. As a member of the European Union and the Schengen area, Germany allows any...
Read more about it

Health

You will not be asked for any special vaccinations to travel to Hamburg. This part of Europe is absolutely not a risk...
Read more about it

How to travel by yourself?

You can easily get to Hamburg by train or by air. Please note that the price variation depends on the company used a...
Read more about it

How to get organized?

There are travel agencies specializing in this region of Germany that will be able to concoct for you a customized or...
Read more about it

Getting around

Hamburg once had an efficient streetcar network, but it has been out of service for over... 100 years ago that it is...
Read more about it

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