Life in Hamburg

Elphi, as the Elbphilharmonie is affectionately nicknamed, is the newest of Hamburg’s landmarks. Its eye-catching design of a glass ship’s sail built on top of a traditional Hamburg-style warehouse dominates the skyline of the harbour. Part of Hamburg’s rich cultural fabric, the Elphi welcomes orchestras and artists from all corners of the globe for world-class performances.

For anyone born and raised in Hamburg, the St. Michaelis Church (AKA der Michel) is the OG of Hamburg’s landmarks. The church, which was one of few buildings not destroyed during the World War Two, has been a key orientation point in the city for centuries. Head up the tower to get an impressive view of HafenCity and to start to map out the streets of Hamburg for yourself.

Today a UNESCO world heritage site, Hamburg’s Speicherstadt represents the largest warehouse complex in the world. Built between 1883 and the end of the 1920s, a stroll around the Speicherstadt’s canals offers photo-worthy architecture and a bustling leisure hub filled with museums and sights of cultural interest.

Exploring Hamburg’s harbour doesn’t just happen above ground. For those curious, you can travel from the centre of the St. Pauli district right to the South bank of the Elbe river where the docks remain. Open 24 hours a day for pedestrians and cyclists, make sure to check out the terracotta decorations to meet some of the Elbe’s residents!

The vibrance, diversity and excitement of Hamburg’s eclectic music scene is best seen at the Reeperbahn Festival – Europe’s largest club festival. Held each year in September, this is one of most important industry meeting points globally. Beyond dozens of networking events, panels and workshops, Reeperbahn Festival also brings hundreds of-up-and-coming acts to play to thousands of fans and international experts – and students from BIMM Institute are always amongst them.

Founded in 1990, Molotow is actually three venues in one. Located directly on the Reeperbahn – one of Hamburg’s prime entertainment districts, this is the place to find up-and-coming artists before they hit the big time. The likes of Alabama Shakes, Peaches, The Black Keys, Sam Fender, Fontaines D.C have all performed here. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be next!

Uebel & Gefährlich is a true institution in Hamburg’s music scene. Techno, jazz, pop – you name it, Uebel & Gefährlich will have it. The venue has won music venue of the year multiple times and is truly a must for anyone who loves music. Make sure to check out their website for the latest programme and to book tickets.

Hamburg’s Pony Bar is something of an institution within the city. Billed as ‘Hamburg’s smallest cultural centre’, Pony bar is famed amongst the large student population with open mic nights, cosy concerts and rap showcases all on offer. The venue aims to make the arts accessible to all. For this reason, and in their own words, ‘entry is free on principle’.

Right by Hamburg’s TV tower and trade fair halls lies PAL, a true institution in Hamburg’s techno scene. Parties here run non-stop from Friday through to Sunday and host internationally renowned acts across two floors. Grab your comfiest dancing shoes and head to PAL for a night of thumping bass, beats and techno anthems.

If the highlight of your night out is the after club-breakfast, then Pudel is the place for you. Just a short distance away from the Reeperbahn, Pudel lies close to the Hamburg Fischmarkt – a true rite of passage for anyone who chooses Hamburg as their home. With just one tiny room, you’re certain to leave Pudel with new friends and warm memories.

Two for the price one: Zoë II and Zoë III lie across the street from one another and are completely symmetrical. Kitted out with Chippendale sofas, golden lampshades and old wallpaper, you’ll soon settle into the cosy atmosphere at either of these bars. And if one is too full, a back-up option is never too far away.

Zum Silbersack is a cult bar of the Reeperbahn scene. First opened in 1949, you can expect all the joys of a no-frills authentic German kneipe: cheap drinks, German schlager and a proud tradition that makes you feel at home. Sticky floors aside, this place is a must-visit if you want to get truly stuck into life in Hamburg.

Found in the centre of the city, Mönckebergstraße is Hamburg’s most-visited shopping street. From large department stores to high-street brands, you’re guaranteed to find what you need here.

Want to pick up some alternative pieces? “Schanze” is the place to go. Filled with trendy boutiques and independent stores, you’ll be able to pick up all kinds of bold, colourful and contemporary clothing here.

Bored of scrolling through Vinted? Time to head down to Hamburg’s most iconic flea market. Every Saturday, the area surrounding BIMM Institute Hamburg fills up with people on the hunt for second-hand treasures. Whether you’re on the hunt for records, furniture, clothes, jewellery or books, this is a real mecca for Hamburg’s bargain hunters.

If you’re on the hunt for some shopping in between class, Karoviertel is conveniently located right next to BIMM Insitute Hamburg. With a mix of boutique, vintage and one-off designers, Karoviertel is also home to some of Hamburg’s best record shops. Make sure to stop by Hanseplatte to grab some hit records straight out of the Hanseatic City.

CAI Kitchen takes the best of traditional Sichuanese cuisine and delivers it with a modern twist. 100% vegan, 100% delicious, this is the place to go for dumplings, noodles and more. Just make sure to get down there early as tables fill up fast!

A visit to La Casita is sure to transport you to the hustle and bustle of Mexico city. Their expansive menu offers tacos, empanadas and more and packs all the flavour of an authentic taquería. Located directly in front of BIMM Institute Hamburg, it’s a great place to stop off and grab a bite to eat after class.

This cosy restaurant in St. Pauli offers a daily-changing menu of vegan dishes to satisfy appetites big and small. With gluten free options too, this is a safe bet when you need to satisfy lots of different dietary requirements. Big portions that won’t break the bank, you can’t let Happenpappen pass you by.

If you’re in the mood for pizza, Tazzi is the place to be. Since 2018, Tazzi has been offering its guests some of Hamburg’s finest pizza – all Neapolitan-style. With homemade tomato sauce and pizza dough made by hand, pizza doesn’t get much fresher than Tazzi! And if you eat veggie or vegan, they are more than happy to advise you on a variation that suits your dietary needs.