Hamburg by day…

This city deserves without doubt its place amongst the best European getaways. A few weeks ago we embarked on a stroll around Uzes. Today I’d like you to follow me on my journey around Hamburg. From my first Hamburg post you might have understood that I stayed in the Halfen City (harbour city) right by the Speicherstad (warehouse city) one of the most modern parts of town. In order to change century we jumped on the over-ground tube (an experience in itself) and on to a more traditional but extremely charming part of town, Harvestehude. Despite being rather central the neighbourhood has a calm suburban feel. A collection of beautiful townhouses, all rather big, all different but somehow harmonious. There is only one way to discover the hidden back gardens of many Hamburg properties: embarking on a boat. Jump in a canoe and let the Alster (the canal) take you around this mysterious city. What a delight! The gardens are enchanting, boasting various styles and plants. Towards the end of the boat ride one becomes thirsty but the Germans made sure that bear and sausages could be supplied in any place so the ‘boat café’ always has a queue! We needed the extra strength because we were about to get blown away by the next sight. We enter the ‘inside lake’ and had the most … view of the city accompanied by a ballet of sales. After all the emotions I recommend you have a relaxing glass of wine in one of the nearby café on Eppendorfer Baum. The city’s most refined caterers are also on the street . My ‘coup de coeur’ so to speak goes to the fish shop which sells the tastiest freshest fish in town and can have a little taste of the sea food with some Riesling on the tables outside. Priceless! To complete this Hamburg outing we went to the Ratauch for some shopping. There is always something happening, traditional food markets, live bands ect… We had the pleasure of witnessing a fine Hamburg tradition. A men dressed up as a women for the occasion was sweeping the whole square of bottle caps whilst his friends were kicking away the piles he had made. This is the price to pay for nt being married on your 30th birthday!

Gorgeous houses in Harvestehude

Hamburg Tradition

Cafe on the Alster