Hamburg: Tips

Hamburg Card Planning on using the city’s extensive subway and bus network? Pick up a Hamburg CARD to save cash on multiple trips.

Language Even if you don’t speak a lick of German, you’ll have no problem getting by in Hamburg, where most of the population can at least get by in English, and many people are downright fluent.

Instant travel info Get information about public transport timetables in Hamburg sent to your cell phone with a visit to this informative site published by the Hamburg Passenger Transport Board.(www.hvv.de)

Hamburger Vorschau Hit the tourist office for a free copy of this monthly guide to Hamburg events.

Suit up Few tourists think of Hamburg as a place to get wet, but in the summer months there’s a lively beach scene along the River Elbe, and soaking up some sun with a cocktail in hand is standard practice.

Eel soup For a taste of a local specialty, look for aalsuppe on local menus. Ham and vegetables balance the fishy taste, which is definitely an acquired appreciation.

Harbor ferries For an active alternative to Hamburg’s boat cruises, catch ferry 62 from Landungsbrucken and change to number 64 at Finkenwerder. Get off at Teufelsbruck and walk east along the Elbe River back to town – on your way, enjoy glimpses of the stunning mansions along Elbchaussee road.