Grubmah you say? Yes, because of the flip side of the city. Hamburg has several layers. You have ‘Neuer Wall’ a shopping area (keep your wallet closed), office area, nice restaurants…. And you have a much more colourful and vivid area. Like St. Pauli. It’s a part of the city where you will find plenty of artists, little cosy shops, bars and lots of atmosphere. Me like very much!And it is also known for the Reeperbahn. Being there in between 2 lock-downs not much was openend at night. As we wandered through the streets we could hear, carried by the …

In my opinion, cities with an identity have one thing in common. A vision and love for architecture. And when both of them blend together buildings start to come alive. And don’t be blinded by just the modern buildings. It is also about the space given to them. The harmony with the environment, parks, but also leaving space for ‘artistic neighbourhoods’. A city doesn’t have to be completely neatly brushed off. It would appear too clinical and therefore less livable.Like the Dockland office building. It stands at one end of Edgar-Engelhard-Kai, a street quay between the Norderelbe, the northern arm …

An artery, that is how the Elbe River may be described. Connecting the heart of Hamburg with the world. The river is a great place for Hamburgers to gather around and enjoy the view. In the shadow of the Elphi you have a second, less spectacular, architectural show piece. The Niederhafen promenade designed by Zaza Hadid Architects. It winds along the river for about 625 mtr. and has a triple functionality. Protect the city against future flooding, a promenade for pedestrians and an ‘amphitheatre style’ stair to watch one of the greatest free shows on earth. Sunset.

Due to Covid-19 a planned vacation in Portugal transforms into a shorter, and 1000 km closer stay in Germany. From Lissabon to Hamburg. Coincidence or not, but both cities have something in common. The Hanseatic league. Started in the 12th century as a confederation of merchant guilds in northern Germany they dominated the maritime trade for 300 years in the Baltic area and central Europe. To my opinion Hamburg has everything a city needs to offer. A river, historic buildings (although many have been carpet bombed by the RAF), exuberant architecture, musea, plenty of parks, good food, beers, (could be …