We present

Insider tips for Hamburg from YoHo – the young hotel Hamburg

from Nils Jacobsen

YoHo – the young hotel Hamburg

Sport and pleasure in Hamburg’s city centre

First sportingly, then leisurely: my perfect start to the day

Before doing anything else, I am fond of running along Elbe River – from picturesque Oevelgönne district, passing by the captain houses to Teufelsbrück ferry peer. From there, I head to Jenischpark, Hamburg’s most beautiful green area. After running round, I return along the water course across the port to Oevelgönne.

In reward for these sporting efforts, I go by car to Fleetinsel Island Café “Erste Liebe” directly at Michaelisbrücke. Here I enjoy the city’s best cappuccino, good croissants, and delicious tramezzini. It’s worthwhile going there also in the afternoon since they serve Birka’s self-made cheesecake – a real revelation! And beyond being a top barista, Mark has an excellent artistic sense which he regularly gives proof of on the occasion of changing exhibitions at his Café.

Fish and Espresso – the perfect combination for noontime!

For lunch, I use to go to Eimsbüttel-based “Euro Vita” at the corner Osdorfer Landstraße / Eppendorfer Weg. After some words with Turkish owner Fikret Kara, I make my choice from the very well-stocked fish counter presenting fish and crustaceans of first-class quality. At noon, Fikret prepares a small yet fine selection of dishes. For not more than for or five Euros, you enjoy there excellent food rivaling the city’s best restaurants. I like his delicious fish soup more than anything else. Then I go some steps to “Black Delight” next door to order one of the best Espressos throughout Hamburg.

Delicious cake in Schanze district

In the afternoon, I go to Schanze-based “Herr Max” who presents highest pastry art directly at Schulterblatt Street. His tarts rank among the most delicious things the city has to offer and the unparalleled atmosphere of this former dairy attracts a variegated clientele. My personal hint for the warm summer months: from Schanze district, I use to haunt the Alster banks to let the sun shine on me at “Bodos Bootssteg” in one of the wooden loungers – here I take a break from everyday life.

Sundowner and Syrian Mazza: my suggestion for the evening

Before having dinner in the city, I enjoy a sundowner at “Strandperle” in Oevelgönne. Quite relaxed, people are sitting here in the sand and enjoy the port atmosphere, while aside large container ships are passing by. This is Hamburg at its very best! For a perfect dinner, I prefer Alster Arcades, one of the most picturesque places of the whole city center. The historic archways give the arcades a touch of Venice, the view over Hamburg’s City Hall and the channel ensures a great experience. Here, in the ground floor of an amazing time-honored building, Syrian Hanna Saliba has opened its homonymous restaurant “Saliba”, a real jewel. A very particular specialty of the house: Mazza – a large selection of small delicacies whetting everybody’s appetite. As entrée, I an excellent lamb sirloin, accompanied by a good Lebanese red wine and rounded off with a sweet dessert. My suggestion: Hanna Saliba ranks among the best Syrian chefs de cuisine in Germany and his restaurant has just a few seats – so don’t fail to reserve your table soon!

Bar hop across the trendy quarters of the city

My perfect evening commences at quite original “Yono” Bar in the creative heart of Karolinenviertel. From here I head towards Schulterblatt Street and, passing by the Mandalay, to “Gloria Bar”. The shop is very small and offers just some places at the counter – the lucky ones having got a place can enjoy the excellent cocktails. Then I head from Schulterblatt Street towards Eimsbüttel and take one more beer in one of the innumerous bars and inns along the way. By the way, my final destination is “Bar Rossi” offering, beyond good drinks, at least equally good DJs with a well selected music program.