My Personal Hamburg Guide 

Karl Lagerfeld sailed back to his hometown Hamburg, a major European shipping port. His CHANEL Métiers d’Art collection anchored in the seafaring character of my hometown on the River Elbe. The essence of Karl’s inspiration: Sailors in peaked capes on leave, the people who mill around the docks and nightclubs. The clothes evoked ’60s beatniks, countercultural girls in sweater dresses, smartly dressed officers in uniform, and naval ratings in sailor pants – looks that ran up and down the register of the cool, the hip, and the immaculately classic. It is a mind that has the sophistication to align the results with Coco Chanel’s heritage. December 6th 2017 – the day when CHANEL brought customers and fashion people from across continents to Hamburg. The new Herzog & de Meuron Elbphilharmonie building, which towers, with its glass front and sail-like roof, over the port of Hamburg. Everything that CHANEL does goes always back to the roots of Coco Chanel. I am sharing here a few insights of my hometown and some of my favorite addresses to keep in mind for your next trip to Hamburg. So where would I go? Discover my Hamburg Hotspots.

Hamburger Fischmarkt 

Große Elbstraße 2a, 22767 Hamburg

Fish, fruits, flowers, clothing and souvenirs, you can find almost anything at the St. Pauli Fischmarkt, an institution since 1703. Every Sunday morning from 7.00 to 9.30 a.m., early birds and night owls unite along the shores of the Elbe to barter over fresh fish, regain their spirits over a coffee or simply to enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Landungsbrücken Landmark 

20359 Hamburg 

Located by the Elbe, the Landungsbrücken (lit. landing bridges) were once a landing pier for steam ships and now function as a connector for underground and suburban trains.

Elbphilharmonie Plaza 

Platz der Deutschen Einheit 1, 20457 Hamburg

The Elbphilharmonie Plaza serves as the junction between the old harbour warehouse and the modern glass structure above it. Located at a height of 37 metres above ground level, this public viewing platform is open to everyone and offers a breathtaking 360° view of the city and the harbour.

Fischereihafen Restaurant 

Große Elbstraße 143, 22767 Hamburg

It’s the place where to have some excellent seafood.

Plain from the outside, the restaurant feels like a dining room aboard a luxury liner inside, with oil paintings of nautical scenes hanging on the walls and white linen on the tables. 

Hotel Louis C. Jacob

Elbchaussee 401-403, 22609 Hamburg

The restaurant in the five-star Louis C. Jacob Hotel is one to the most prestigious establishments in Hamburg. A must dining experience. 

Café de Paris

Rathausstraße 4, 20095 Hamburg

Perfect to visit for brunch on Sunday morning. A french style café located in close proximity to Hamburg Town Hall.

A walk by the Alster Lake

During Spring/Summer I always go from A to B by bike, so that’s the route I often take by the Alster Lake. For those who come in Autumn/Winter make sure to pack some rain gier and at least go once around the Alster. It’s worth the visit. 

Uzwei Deli

Große Bleichen 23, 20354 Hamburg

My rock when it comes to the best coffee in town. Uzwei is an editorial store that comes with their Deli.

Here’s where you find an international scene, the friendliest service, an delicious menu for lunch and my favorite cup of coffee. 

Le Lion Bar de Paris 

Rathausstraße 3, 20095 Hamburg

A classic bar in every sense, one of the best places to go in the center for cocktails. 

Elbstrand Blankenese 

Strandweg, 22587 Hamburg

The ‘Treppenviertel’ has narrow winding alleys, beautiful captains’ homes, mansions and stunning river views. It’s where locals escape the big city!   

Fairmont Vier Jahreszeiten 

Neuer Jungfernstieg 9-14, 20354 Hamburg

Those longing for the timeless elegance of Old World Europe need look no further than the Fairmont Hotel. Since its opening in 1897, this grand dame on the banks of Hamburg’s Inner Alster Lake has drawn travelers for its elegance, service, discretion, and attention to detail. I love the Hamburger Wohnhalle, its the coziest place especially during Christmas Time.

Hamburger Wohnhalle in the Fairmont Vier Jahreszeiten

Restaurant Henriks 

Tesdorpfstraße 8, 20148 Hamburg 

I really love to go to Henriks for their super Truffle Burger. To me it’s the best in town.

Hamburger Kunsthalle

Glockengießerwall, 20095 Hamburg 

The Hamburger Kunsthalle is an art museum, the name ‘Kunsthalle’ indicates the museum’s history as an ‘art hall’ when founded in 1850.

CHANEL BOUTIQUE

Neuer Wall 75, 20354 Hamburg

As I told you, I am often heading from A to B by bike during warmer temperatures and here’s when I was rewarding myself. The Neuer Wall is one of the finest shopping streets in Hamburg and it’s where the CHANEL Boutique is located too. 

Stories of the Sea: Karl Lagerfeld took inspiration from container shipping and the geometric look of the containers.

Café Pari ci!

Maria-Louisen-Straße 1, 22301 Hamburg

A taste of Paris in Winterhude. A charming Café for breakfast, coffee breaks or lunch.

The Elbphilharmonie is a concert hall in the Hafen City quarter of Hamburg. One of the largest and most acoustically advanced concert halls in the world. Locals nicknamed it ‘Elphi’.