I share my love for science and animals with the Center of Natural History, which has a zoological museum that was partially renovated in 2017 and is now open with renewed glamour.
It belongs to the University of Hamburg and has no entrance fee, but does have a very charming mixture of old-school '70s museum and up-to-date educational methods which makes it very interesting to me. They have whale bones from Hamburg and weird animals of all kinds. Children will love it, as there is much to see.
And if you pre-book a tour at Museumsdienst Hamburg, you can even get to touch some of the animals which are kept in a separate area. I love going there and getting inspired for new animal children's books and seeing our famous Antje, a walrus from our zoo that used to be the regional TV station mascot during my childhood.
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"Casa Portugal" in Hamburg is a spot at an artsy part of town where you can let the time pass by while enjoying delicious Portuguese food and drinks...
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"Mikkels" in Hamburg is a cute little cafe. I immediately fell in love with its adorable interior and all the little details. Get lost in cake paradise!
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"GWA St. Pauli" in Hamburg is THE place for neighborhood culture work. You can take classes in theatre, arts, capoeira... Another plus: it's on the harbor!
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"Bootsanleger Rabenstrasse" is a little wooden pier on the banks of Hamburg's Alster. I just love it for a few hours of city relaxation...
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"The Walrus Bar" Hamburg won't become a museum - instead, it has a whole different, young cocktail culture. It seems like it's the city's hot Tinder point.
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"PERLE Store" Hamburg, in the 'new' Neustadt, is like this cool Tumblr or Pinterest blog you always wish you had, in the form of a clothes and gifts shop.
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"Goldbekmarkt" in Hamburg is a typical farmer's market near the water. The best thing about it is the location but I also love wandering around the stalls.
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The "Holthusenbad" in Hamburg might be one of the most beautiful spa swimming pools in Germany. My tip: come here in the evening: less kids, less noise...
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"Bistro Carmagnole" Hamburg is protected by a holy oath: never tell tourists about this restaurant. And I get it... but for you, I'm making an exception.
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"Thomas i Punkt" Hamburg, a family of stores, were established in the '70s & were THE go-to for fashion. Now they've scaled down but are still spectacular.
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"Zweiradperle" is the best bike rental shop in Hamburg - I love the wide range of accessories they also rent out. It also doubles as a café.
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171 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 171 Insider Tips from our local Spotters