What to do in Hamburg

Advice on what to do in Hamburg, including culture, relaxation, nightlife, sport and food.

Cultural attractions in Hamburg

There are a number of theatres in Hamburg, including the Thalia Theatre, and the English Theatre.

Thalia is home to a selection of new plays from upcoming playwrights, as well as established classics and Greek tragedies such as Antigone by Sophocles.

The English Theatre is ideal if you want to catch an English stage show while in Germany, and actors range from English students to actual Englishmen, and shows range from serious affairs to comedies such as Sylvia, a US comedy that featured Sex and the City's Sarah Jessica Parker in its Broadway production.

For a racy wriggle through the world of art, explore the Erotic Art Museum, an archive of sex through the ages, with some peculiarly surreal works as well as more traditional interpretations of eroticism.

Relaxation in Hamburg

The River Elbe is one of Hamburg's greatest assets, providing a new way of seeing the city as well as producing a veritable city treat in the form of a beach. Wide, sandy and surrounded by woodland, Elbe Beach is a relaxing day out for the whole family.

Planten un Blomen is also great for a relaxing day out. Often described as Hamburg's 'green lung', it features wide green spaces, as well as Japanese gardens, water features, and activities. While relaxing on the grass, the kids can enjoy crazy golf, pony-trekking and trampolining, all in one place.

Three times a year, Hamburg is home to one of the country's biggest fun fairs. Heiligengeistfeld is home to the DOM fair for one month in spring, summer and winter. More than three kilometres of streets are filled with rides and attractions for thrill-seekers. Each season has a different theme, the summer's being westerns and cowboys and the winter fair taking on a magical and medieval air.

Nightlife in Hamburg

While being infamous for being the hub of Hamburg's red light district, the Reeperbahn is also where some of the city's best nightspots are.

The area is lively and friendly, and on a warm evening has a real carnival feel. Bars and clubs worth checking out include the China Lounge, which plays decent house music until the early hours.

Continuing on a house and techno tip is Waagenbau, which also specialises in electro and hip hop.

Sport in Hamburg

A game of football can be caught with Hamburger SV at the Hamburg AOL Arena.

Recommended restaurants in Hamburg

A cosy and charmingly imperfect atmosphere awaits diners at top seafood restaurant, A Table on Dorotheenstrasse. It specialises in fresh fish dishes such as oysters and caviar, but there is also a range of items on the menu for the non-fish eater.

Exquisite fusion cookery can be found at Fusion Restaurant on Drehbahn, a hip and minimalist eating experience located in the Side Hotel. Diners can expect to enjoy a tantalising mix of European and Asian influenced foods, and do not worry if you are overwhelmed by the menu – there are a la carte choices to give you a taster of the best bits.