Exploring Hamburg - A City of Canals, Culture, and Chocolate

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My husband and I had the joy of calling Hamburg, Germany home for four years, and it remains one of those places that leaves a lasting mark on your heart. It’s a city that blends history, creativity, and a little bit of quirky fun, all wrapped up along the Elbe River.

One of our favourite things to do was simply wander. Hamburg is a city best explored on foot. From the winding canals (did you know Hamburg has more bridges than Venice, London, and Amsterdam combined?) to the bustling harbour, there was always something new around the corner.

When I wasn’t exploring Hamburg with my husband, I could often be found writing my children’s books. I also had the wonderful opportunity to cover local films as a film critic for the Hamburg International Women’s Club, which connected me to an incredible community of women from around the world. These experiences gave me not only new friends, but also a deeper connection to the city’s vibrant cultural life.

And oh, the cafés! Hamburg knows how to be cozy. Whether it was the two of us sipping cappuccinos while people watching in the Schanzenviertel, or indulging in a slice of cake in a tucked away coffee house, these little breaks became part of our rhythm.

Of course, no mention of Hamburg would be complete without the Chocolate Museum, a delicious adventure through the history and making of chocolate. Let’s just say it quickly became one of our favourite spots for both learning and tasting.

Hamburg is also full of surprises: the Speicherstadt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its red-brick warehouses; the Elbphilharmonie, a striking concert hall on the water; and yes, even the legacy of The Beatles, who got their start playing in the clubs of St. Pauli before conquering the world.

For us, Hamburg was more than just a city,  it was a chapter of exploration, creativity, and connection. And every time we think back, we can almost hear the boats in the harbour and smell the fresh pretzels from the corner bakery.

 

Did You Know?

• Hamburg has 2,500 bridges,  more than Venice, London, and Amsterdam combined.
  
  
• The Elbphilharmonie is one of the most acoustically advanced concert halls in the world.
  
  
• Hamburg is where The Beatles sharpened their sound, playing long nights in St. Pauli before becoming legends.