Insider tips for Hamburg from THE MADISON

Hamburg – a day at the water

Modern architecture and historic Warehouse District

A perfect day in Hamburg commences for our guests of course at Marley´s Restaurant on site. Here they are offered a fresh, delicious buffet, during summer, on the great terrace – and the harbor is within easy walking distance. That’s actually the first station of our morning stroll across Hamburg: a big harbor tour starting from the historic boarding bridges. This ensures both unique insights into the structures of a capacious harbor and a spectacular view over the much-used promenade. Tours are organized by native characters surprising their guests with a lot of insider knowledge and humoristic statements. After returning to the boarding bridges, we head towards historic Warehouse District and Hamburg’s newest annexed quarter, the so-called “Hafencity”. Here you may discover on your own the mix of up-to-date architecture and hundreds of years old warehouse buildings.

My suggestion for lunchtime: lunch at CARLS BRASSERIE near Elbphilharmonie

The vicinity of Elbphilharmonie, just some meters from the water, ennobles any meal. The “CARLS” ranks in the first division: swift service, high-scale cuisine, fantastic meals. Those lusting after Nordic cuisine while observing ships passing by can order eel dishes or pan-fried fish.

Around the city and Alster: perfect afternoon in Hamburg

In the afternoon, it’s all about shopping in the city. Everyone will find there his/her very personal favorite shop – from noble to casual, from Alter Wall to Mönckebergstraße, there is a variegated offer. On the way, schedule a sightseeing tour through magnificent Rathaus or an extended break at Bucerius Kunstforum with its changing exhibitions.

Those not up for shopping can alternatively schedule a long promenade along beautiful Alster. An around 7.5 kilometers long path goes around the water and across the city’s most beautiful residential areas. For a short coffee break, I recommend our guests a stop at Literaturhaus Hamburg. They offer first-class coffee specialties, delicious cakes, and breakfast for late risers is served till 6 PM.

Dinner at a Hamburg Original

For the evening, I recommend a visit of a true Hamburg Original: Fischereihafen Restaurant at Große Elbstraße. Here you enjoy Hanseatic Cuisine, high-scale dishes, and first-class wines with a direct view over beautiful Elbe – a great culinary experience and an excellent suggestion for the romantic ones!

More variation: the Hanseatic City by night

The evening commences with a visit of one of the numerous theater or musical stages of the city. From cabarets to musical masterpieces, Hamburg offers everything the heart desires. You just have to make your decision! Little short of classic: “The Lion King” has been on the program for about 14 years and is still a true long runner. And for our guests, it’s very easy to go there: from MADISON Hotel, it’s a ten minutes trip, passage by boat included. For thereafter, legendary Reeperbahn and trendy, yet still very cozy, Schanzenviertel offer sufficient opportunities for a perfect epilogue of the evening.