Boy does time go by fast. It wasn't too long ago I was eating as much German food as humanly possible, searching for the perfect souvenirs, and of course the most dreaded activity ever- PACKING! I've been thinking about this post for quite some time because I need every excuse to talk about HAMBURG and 2. I've been meaning to write about the nightlife.
I think nightlife in Hamburg started the second night and felt like a local by the time I left. Ask me where anything is now, I'll tell you auf Deutsch :) I don't think my first month would have been the BEST time in Germany if it weren't for the people I met. Instantly I became friends with my classmates and I have stories to cherish forever and one day tell my grandchildren. Tear, tear, I know- hahaha! Vielen dank meine Lieberleute!!
First, I have to say, the party doesn't start until midnight. It was a struggle at first to even stay out that late since during the week I was in bed by 9pm (grandma I know). It was sad when my instructor was surprised to hear that and said, “my children go to bed at 10pm”. But till then, there are other options and one of them is the lovely four letter word, FOOD. We all know food is part of everyday nightlife with the pre and post party munchies.
While abroad, I ate so much! I've been to countless restaurants, fast food joints, and home cooked meals. Funny thing is, I ate out for every meal of the day and I don't regret it. I've been to more restaurants in those 3 months than I have in the past year. I probably should take the time to thank M, a good friend, for being a big brother to me and controlling my carb intake.. haha. Grazie mille, M!
The one thing I couldn't get enough of was the very famous and VERY delicious Schnitzel and Bratwurst. But besides that, you can find almost any type of delicious food. To my surprise, there's a Colombian restaurant in Hamburg! Taberna El Paisa made me feel right at home not only with the food, but with the decorations and to hear Colombian Spanish spoken. I invited my good friend R to join me for dinner since he's never had a Colombian meal before. If you do end up going, make sure you're ready for the food coma that will be coming your way. Ugh…a walk home should probably do it.
Döner Kebab. Need I say more? If you don't know what this is, then you must brace yourself when you get your hands on one. The only words I can explain this to anyone is: delicious, mouthwatering, and happiness in one bite! Actually, thinking about it, Döners could have been the savior to all the Chipotle cravings I was having abroad (ridiculous how often I was craving it). All over Germany you will see Döner stands, literally everywhere! It’s such a shame I had my first Döner my last night in Hamburg, but thanks to my good friend R for making me have one!
But enough about the food, lets talk nightlife! I found Hamburg to be very versatile in styles of nightlife. There’s always something for the hardcore party rockers (rage), something for people who like to keep it casual, or just drinks bars.
I don't know about you, but I have never done karaoke. I never dared to do it but I’ll sing at the top of my lungs in the shower and in my car. But a handful of times, I went to Thai Oasis, a karaoke bar, in Reeperbahn, the red-light district. The fun filled bar is located on the famous Große Freiheit street. Although they don't open until 10pm, the party doesn't start until midnight when everyone has had enough courage to take the mic. The environment is as fun as can be with the music and drinks going.
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| Jungfernstieg |
First, I have to say, the party doesn't start until midnight. It was a struggle at first to even stay out that late since during the week I was in bed by 9pm (grandma I know). It was sad when my instructor was surprised to hear that and said, “my children go to bed at 10pm”. But till then, there are other options and one of them is the lovely four letter word, FOOD. We all know food is part of everyday nightlife with the pre and post party munchies.
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| Bratwurst at Fall Fest |
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| Half eaten Bandeja Paisa from Taberna El Paisa |
Döner Kebab. Need I say more? If you don't know what this is, then you must brace yourself when you get your hands on one. The only words I can explain this to anyone is: delicious, mouthwatering, and happiness in one bite! Actually, thinking about it, Döners could have been the savior to all the Chipotle cravings I was having abroad (ridiculous how often I was craving it). All over Germany you will see Döner stands, literally everywhere! It’s such a shame I had my first Döner my last night in Hamburg, but thanks to my good friend R for making me have one!
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| Döner with Beck's |
One of my favorite places to eat and drink is Sternschanze or what the locals call, “Schanze”. The area is very hip and cool with the hipster feel and of course the best potato dishes (Chicken with potatoes is the best)! Chakra Café is my go-to restaurant in Schanze. A variety of drinks but that's always a given in Germany.
I was there when a big group of us from school went for dinner and then to the bars around the area. Also, in the last couple of days I had left in town, I went for dinner with my good friends P and V for some much needed wine and girl talk.
Another great place to visit is the famous Hofbräuhaus. Without a doubt you will find the most traditional German plates and of course the big 1 litre Maß. The restaurant can't possibly be any more traditional. At least 98% of the people are dressed up in the traditional clothing. Women in Dirndl and men in Lederhosen. I will say, the first time I had lunch with a couple of friends, I felt so left out not wearing a Dirndl! It's part of the whole experience and it all comes together with the live band playing and the chants. "Eins.. zwei.. zuffa! Tiki-taki, tiki-taki, OI OI OI!!"
WARNING!! Be careful with the oh so very strong Schnapps!
I was there when a big group of us from school went for dinner and then to the bars around the area. Also, in the last couple of days I had left in town, I went for dinner with my good friends P and V for some much needed wine and girl talk.
Another great place to visit is the famous Hofbräuhaus. Without a doubt you will find the most traditional German plates and of course the big 1 litre Maß. The restaurant can't possibly be any more traditional. At least 98% of the people are dressed up in the traditional clothing. Women in Dirndl and men in Lederhosen. I will say, the first time I had lunch with a couple of friends, I felt so left out not wearing a Dirndl! It's part of the whole experience and it all comes together with the live band playing and the chants. "Eins.. zwei.. zuffa! Tiki-taki, tiki-taki, OI OI OI!!"
WARNING!! Be careful with the oh so very strong Schnapps!
One of my German instructors told us about salsa dancing and I wish I would have gone. From what I remember, they offer lessons and free floor every Thursday night at 9pm in the St. Pauli area (Große Freiheit 36). Another thing he mentioned was we had to check out the Tower Bar at the Hotel Hafen Hamburg. Although I didn't go to that either, I will definitely make it a must on my to-do list the next time I'm back in town. Tower Bar offers the most amazing, picture perfect views of the beautiful city of Hamburg. It’s a very posh place for cocktails and fine dining so don't forget to dress your best. In Chicago, we have the Signature Room on the 95th floor of the John Hancock center. Like the Tower bar, it offers the most romantic views of the city.
My good friend R is currently studying in Hamburg and of course in the environment of the student parties. Just like any college party, you meet people but unlike in the USA, you meet much more people from different countries. I will always remember 2 guys I met at the last party I was at only because they were celebrity look-a-likes. One looked like Bill Rancic and the other Jason Biggs. Honestly, it was hard not to stare because of how much they resembled the celeb.. haha!
Anyway, going to college parties was so much fun and of course the party doesn't end til morning. Which you're sort of obligated to party until 6am during the week because that’s when the trains start running again. Birthday parties, ERAMUS parties, Halloween party, and gatherings were all fun, R! Gracias por todo!! :)
Anyway, going to college parties was so much fun and of course the party doesn't end til morning. Which you're sort of obligated to party until 6am during the week because that’s when the trains start running again. Birthday parties, ERAMUS parties, Halloween party, and gatherings were all fun, R! Gracias por todo!! :)
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| Große Freiheit in the red light district, Reeperbahn |
It’s great for a fun night out and especially for bachelor and bachelorette parties. There was a bachelor party the first time I went and the groom was dressed in a tight leotard cheetah suit. His group of friends made him sing his heart out, hahaha, poor guy.
Yes, yours truly did sing too! I sang a couple actually.. but not alone of course :)
This isn't even a quarter of the things you can do. Hamburg has so much to offer! Check back for part two of this post.
Cheers,
Lesley Ann
Yes, yours truly did sing too! I sang a couple actually.. but not alone of course :)
This isn't even a quarter of the things you can do. Hamburg has so much to offer! Check back for part two of this post.
Cheers,
Lesley Ann
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