first time in Hamburg?

A year ago, I didn't really know what to expect when I first set foot in this town. And now, a year later, I still don't know what to do in this city. Nah, just kidding.

There are thousands of things to see in Hamburg. Throughout the city, natural and historical and modern landmarks are standing side by side and waiting to be visited. On my first weekend in this city, I went to some of these landmarks.

Hamburger Rathaus

No, no.. you don't pronounce it hamburger rat house.. A house of rats that like hamburger. It's the city's town hall (Rat = counsel). Hamburg's House of Counsels. This is actually the people who run the city goes to work. About a month ago, it has an open day so that the people of Hamburg can talk to their representatives about what's goin on in the city.

In front of Hamburger Rathaus, there's a field called Rathausmarkt. On this place, a lot of activities may take place. Such as Hamburger Weinnachtsmarkt (christmas market) in winter, Freiluft Kino (open-air movie theater) in summer, or other festivities.

All and all it's a good object to be photographed.

The Elbe

Elbe is the river that runs through Hamburg. I believe there are so many brooks along the course, and that made Hamburg the city with the most bridges in the world. Uniquely, all the bridge in this city is numbered, and you can see it when you're passing under it.

Things to do on the Elbe can be taking a round-trip ferry from Landungsbrücken or other harbor. On weekends, the ferry could be ferry crowded (Hehehe). Especially on the deck.

Other thing to do is canoeing on the brooks and branches of Elbe. I enjoyed it alot! And wished that I could do it all summer long.

Alster

I, an ignorant and non-well-informed tourist, would say that Alster is a lake. I'm still not sure what is actually alster is. I think it's a river. But usually when people say Alster, they meant the Binnenalster and the Außenalster. They both have great views and very refreshing.

My favorite view on the Alster is when I ride on train that goes from Hauptbahnhof (main station) to Dammtor station. On the way, you can see both Alster on your sides and the view is amazing.

The Harbor

Hamburger Hafen, as one may say that, is my favorite landmark of all. I think it's because I really like the sea. In the harbor, you can see many things, from shipyards, to ships that are passing by, and of course countless of seagulls flying about. You can get a closer look on the harbor by taking the light-on-the-pocket ferry ride, or for just some extra Euros, you can take Hafenrundfahrt to cruise on even deeper parts of the harbor.

Mönckebergstraße

This is the street for shoppers. Shopping is not my cup of tea, but walking along Mönckebergstraße is. Shops are spreaded through the whole street, and also on some streets couple blocks after. From electronic center to street performers, all is good on Mönckebergstraße. If you are prepared with your fully stuffed wallet.