Germany - dh and I can go to either Hamburg or Berlin, any recommendations? and which one would you choose?

[TheHonEnid]

We need to go for a work related thing. I immediately thought of Berlin but I have heard that Hamburg is nice too.

Go to Berlin - I havent' been to Hamburg but I think it is more industrial? Go to berlin there are parks, and the checkpoint charlie museum etc. I went with ds1 last year for the christmas markets, was lovely.

I've never been to either as a tourist, but have been to both for work. I much prefer Hamburg, but am not sure what there is to do there for leisure (other than walk around the very beautiful lake, look at the big/beautiful old houses, and drink coffee/wine), as I have never had 'time off' there.

I think I'll be in the minority here, but having been to both I much preferred Hamburg. Berlin is great in its own way, quite cosmopolitan and has an amazing club scene but I found it not particularly attractive and quite sprawling. A sort of much less appealing version of New York.

Hamburg (I went to with work) and was honestly stunned by just how gorgeous it was - admittedly in late autumn with leaves tumbling from the trees. It really reminded me of Stockholm and Copenhagen with canals running through it, a gorgeous historic centre and some beautiful little bars and restaurants. There's probably a lot less to do there, but if you're planning a romantic weekend, I'd absolutely go there over Berlin.

I went to Hamburg for a weekend once and loved it. Also love Berlin. But have only been to both with very good friend ex-bf whose company I enjoyed a lot.

ideally I'd like pretty - maybe one contemporoary art exhibition, lots of nice bars and plenty of good food - hamburg seems like the winner so far

What time of year will you be going? Hamburg is surprisingly far north - I went at Easter time and it was a lot colder in Hamburg than in Paris. And quite wet.

ok or we could do Munich

we are going next weekend anna

Have been to both. Berlin definately offers more things to do, but I would agree with the others that Hamburg is more scenic.

If you go to Hamburg, go for a Hafentour (tour of the harbour), at the Landungsbrücke. Wander around the Speicherstadt. Have coffee at Alex Restaurant at the Jungfernstieg for the view. Meals are not bad there either. If you like design then the shopping mall "Stilwerk" is worth a look.

Berlin top tips: Just around the corner from Checkpoint Charlie there is a fab Italian restaurant called "Sale e Tabacchi", beautiful conservatory. Go to the Reichstag in the evening to miss the crowds, I think they are open till 10pm. Lovely to see the city at dusk. You can also have a glass of wine in the bar there. Bus tour is great for getting around.

When are you goign?

Take a warm waterproof coat and some good boots then

I would go to either Berlin or Hamburg rather than Munich. Save Munich for the summer when you can sit outside in a beergarten in the English Garden.

we are trying to fit a romantic break around a work thing

tbh Hamburg flights are much more convenient from the south west

Berlin, Berlin, Berlin...

Fascinating museums, amazing architecture, palpable sense of its history, something to look at on every corner, little bier kellars, great restaurants, funky hotels to stay in..

Hamburg I only stopped in for a few nights but didn't think it had a huge amount of wow-factor..

Munich would be my first choice if it was summer, but agree that it's best saved for summer...fantastic fresh food markets and parks and beer gardens..

God, I need a holiday! Getting all wistful!

kinder thats very helpful

oh am so torn

Have you been to Germany before?

no never

did O level though

Well, for your first visit, I would be inclined to go to Berlin. It is a fascinating city with more depth to it than Hamburg, imo. The Berliners are more friendly than the cool northerners. I like Hamburg but would not like to live there, I would move to Berlin in a second. It is very vibrant and alive.

If it's only a weekend, I'd say Hamburg. Save Berlin for when you've more time as there is so much, old and new, worth seeing.
Hamburg is v good for a weekend - and a romantic one at that.
Bring warm gloves and boots

Just had to link to the GDR Design Hostel which offers East German Chic

How's that for a romantic getaway?

I live in Berlin. Shall post about stuff to do later. Am biased but would choose Berlin over Hamburg (which is very nice too though)

thank you. We are thinking of staying at the Mandala . It looks fab, is it really?

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@ the gdr design hostel

handschue enid