Hamburg Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Communication Essentials

Stay connected with local SIMs, Wi-Fi, and translation tools.

Connectivity & Language

Local SIM cards or ESIMs available from Telekom, Vodafone, O2, ALDI TALK, Lidl Connect. Passport required for registration.
Free Wi-Fi in cafes, hotels, train stations. "WLAN Hamburg" public hotspots exist. A Portable WiFi device or mobile hotspot are alternatives.
German is official; English is common in tourist areas. DeepL and Google Translate apps with offline packages are valuable. Rosetta Stone for language learning.

Essential German Phrases

Basic phrases for polite interactions.

Common Greetings & Questions

Hello: Hallo (HAH-loh), Goodbye: Auf Wiedersehen (owf VEE-der-zeyn)
Please: Bitte (BIT-tuh), Thank you: Danke (DANK-uh), You're welcome: Bitte schön (BIT-tuh shurn)
Can you speak English?: Sprechen Sie Englisch? (SHPRECH-en zee ENG-lish?), How much?: Wie viel kostet das? (vee feel KOST-et das?)

Business Hours & Schedules

Know typical operating times for shops, restaurants, and banks.

Operational Timings

Shops: Mon-Sat, 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM (large stores); smaller shops close earlier. Generally closed Sundays, except train stations/airport.
Restaurants: Lunch ~12:00 PM - 3:00 PM; Dinner ~5:00 PM - 10:00 PM/11:00 PM.
Banks: Mon-Fri, ~9:00 AM - 4:00 PM/5:00 PM. ATMs are widely available 24/7.

Public Holidays & Seasonal Changes

How holidays and seasons influence services.

Planning Ahead

Public Holidays: Public holidays (e.g., New Year's Day, Easter, May 1st, Oct 3rd, Christmas) close most shops/banks; public transport may be reduced.
Seasonal Closures: Some outdoor attractions (boat tours) may have reduced opening hours or close in winter. Check websites.
Museums: Generally 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, many closed Mondays. Check specific websites.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Social & Dining Customs

Greetings: Handshake common; use "Hallo" and "Auf Wiedersehen." Address strangers formally ("Sie").
Tipping: 5-10% for good service; round up the bill or state total desired amount.
Dining Etiquette: Keep both hands visible on the table.
Punctuality: Valued for bookings and reservations.

Sensitivity & Photography

Photography: Generally allowed in public, but ask permission for close-ups of individuals. Respect restrictions in museums/private sites.
Taboos: Avoid WWII/Nazism discussions unless historical and sensitive. Public display of Nazi symbols is illegal.
Directness: Germans appreciate direct communication.
Gender/LGBTQ+: Germany is progressive. LGBTQ+ travelers find Georg district (Lange Reihe street) welcoming.

Payment Tip

Carry a small amount of cash for small purchases, street vendors, or locations that might not accept plastic payment. While card payments are widespread, cash remains useful.

Accessibility Information

Hamburg works to be an accessible city for all travelers.

Mobility Infrastructure

Many public buildings, museums, and U-Bahn/S-Bahn stations feature elevators or ramps. Low-floor buses are standard, making public transport more accessible.

Accessible Attractions

Elbphilharmonie, Miniatur Wunderland, and Rathaus are generally accessible. Many institutions provide facilities for travelers with mobility needs.

Accessible Transport

HVV website details step-complimentary entry for stations. Many taxis are wheelchair accessible; calling ahead to request one is useful.

Visual Impairment Support

Resources for travelers with visual impairments.

Services Available

Audio guides at some museums for verbal descriptions.
Tactile exhibits in select cultural institutions.
Digital resources with screen reader compatibility on attraction websites.

Hearing Impairment Support

Information for travelers with hearing impairments.

Support Options

Sign language interpretation for specific tours (check ahead).
Subtitles or captions for video presentations in some museums.
Assisted listening devices at performance venues upon request.

Accessibility Resources

Official Tourism Website

Hamburg-tourism.de offers accessibility filters for accommodations and attractions.
Detailed information on specific services at various sites.
Accessible routes for exploring the city.

Specialized Organizations

Organizations dedicated to accessible travel can provide specific guidance and support.
Consult experts for tailored travel plans and area contacts.
Reach out and about to local disability support groups for on-the-ground advice.

Airport Lounge Access

Priority Pass offers frequent visitors independent airport lounge access around the world, making journeys more comfortable.

Health & Safety

Be aware of health services, emergency contacts, and personal safety measures.

Medical Facilities & Emergency Contacts

Information on accessing healthcare and immediate assistance.

Contacts & Services

Emergency Number: 112 (Fire, Ambulance, Police).
Hospitals: Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) and Asklepios Klinik St. Georg offer complete care.
Pharmacies (Apotheken): Indicated by a red 'A' sign. Night/weekend services on offer (Notdienst).

Personal Safety & Local Laws

Guidelines for staying safe and respecting local regulations.

Safety Measures

General Safety: Hamburg is generally safe. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night or in crowded areas.
Petty Crime: Pickpocketing can occur in tourist hotspots and on public transport. Safeguard valuables.
Local Laws: Public alcohol consumption is generally permitted, but respect public order. Drug laws are strict.

Traffic & Pedestrian Safety

Navigating roads and pedestrian zones safely.

Road Awareness

Crosswalks: Use designated crosswalks. Pedestrian lights are strict; wait for the verdant signal.
Bike Lanes: Be mindful of bike lanes, often adjacent to sidewalks. Cyclists have right of way.
Driving: German driving rules are strict. Velocity limits are enforced.

Water Safety & Climate

Staying safe around Hamburg's waterways and being prepared for the climate.

Environmental Awareness

Swimming: Only swim in specified zones. Currents in the Elbe can be strong and dangerous.
Health Precautions: You can drink the tap water. Be aware of allergen seasons if susceptible.
Weather: Hamburg's weather can be unpredictable. Carry an umbrella or light rain jacket, including in summertime.

Emergency Services Contacts

General Emergency

Europe-wide Emergency: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Ambulance/Medical Emergency: 112
Fire Department: 112

Non-Emergency Contacts

Police (Non-Emergency): 110
Medical On-Call Service (outside surgery hours): 116117
Lost/Stolen Cards (Germany-wide): 116 116

Travel Insurance & Preparations

Before You Go

Travel Insurance: Purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip disruptions, and misplaced baggage.
Medications: Carry essential medications with a doctor's note for customs if needed.
Important Documents: Keep copies of your passport, visa, and insurance policy separate from originals.

While in Hamburg

Stay Hydrated: Especially in summer, carry a reusable water bottle (tap water is safe).
Navigation: Use reliable navigation apps or maps to stay oriented.
Listen to Advice: Follow any area safety announcements or recommendations.

Stay Informed

For the latest health and safety advisories, consult your country's foreign travel advice and the local Hamburg government websites before and during your trip.

Shopping & Souvenirs

Discover unique gifts and local goods in Hamburg.

Main Shopping Districts

Explore the city's premier retail areas for a range of shopping experiences.

Where to Shop

Mönckebergstraße: Major pedestrian shopping street with department stores and popular brands.
Neuer Wall: Home to luxury boutiques and high-end fashion brands.
Schanzenviertel & Karolinenviertel: Trendy districts for independent shops, vintage finds, and unique gifts.

Local & Traditional Products

Find authentic Hamburg souvenirs and culinary delights.

Authentic Finds

Franzbrötchen: A sugary, cinnamon-flavored pastry, a Hamburg specialty.
Marzipan: Especially from Lübeck, a popular regional sweet.
Maritime Souvenirs: Model ships, sailor-themed items, and local crafts inspired by the harbor.

Markets & Artisan Crafts

Discover special items and fresh fruits and vegetables at Hamburg's markets.

Market Experiences

Hamburger Fischmarkt: Bustling Sunday market (early morning) with fish, produce, and live entertainment.
Isemarkt: Among europe's's largest outdoor markets, under a railway viaduct, for fresh produce, flowers, and more (Tues & Fri).
Craft Fairs: Seasonal handmade goods markets offer handmade goods and local craftsmanship.

Duty-Free & Airport Shopping

Last-minute opportunities for shopping at Hamburg Airport.

Travel Retail

Duty-Free: Selection of international spirits, tobacco, and perfumes.
Local Products: Many airport shops sell regional specialties, including marzipan and souvenirs.
Books & Media: Selection of German and international titles for your journey.

Sustainable Shopping Choices

Eco-Friendly Gear

For outdoor adventures, consider products from Patagonia, a retailer of sustainable outdoor gear.

Shop sustainably

Reusable Products

Reduce waste with reusable items from Package Free Shop.

Find zero-waste solutions

Ethical Souvenirs

Support conservation with purchases from The Rainforest Site (GreaterGood).

Browse for a cause

Shopping Tip

Remember that the majority of stores are closed on Sundays in Germany. Plan your shopping activities for weekdays or Saturdays. Search for designated "Verkaufsoffener Sonntag" (shopping Sundays) a few times annually for exceptions.

Hamburg Travel Tips