Doha’s residents have a new European destination to get excited about, as Qatar Airways has announced direct flights to Hamburg.
Taking off on July 1, 2024, the airline will operate seven weekly flights, departing Hamad International Airport at 8.35am and arriving in the northern German city at 2.10pm (local time) on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The return journey will leave Hamburg Airport at 3.40pm and land in the Qatari capital at 10.40pm.
On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, the Doha to Hamburg route will depart at 2.15am and arrive at 7.50am with Hamburg to Doha flights taking off at 9.20am and touching down at 4.20pm.
Excited? Here is what should be on your to do list when you visit Hamburg...
FUN-SIZED
‘Miniatur’ by name and ‘Miniatur’ by nature, these teeny-tiny replicas of some of the world’s greatest cities make Miniatur Wunderland a must-visit when you’re in Hamburg. Think snow-covered train stations in Scandinavia, rocket launches in Cape Canaveral, the Colosseum of Rome, and water-filled passageways of Venice all shrunk down for visitors’ enjoyment. Toy train enthusiasts can even cast their eyes on the largest model railway in the world at 50,000 feet. Make sure to book tickets in advance as queues are long, although you can be kept company by your furry four-legged friend thanks to the pet-friendly policy.
SLING YOUR HOOK
If you are looking to start off your Sunday with a bang or keep the good vibes going from the night before, then set the alarm clock for 5am and head to St Pauli Fischmarkt. Open since 1703 and only on a Sunday morning, the market is the place to find yourself tons of interesting odds and ends, jewellery and clothing, and of course fish and seafood from independent Hamburg shops. Treat yourself to a fish sandwich while taking in the views of the harbour, or savour one last dance for the weekend in the Fischauktionshalle – fish auction hall – to the sounds of the live jazz and rock bands.
A NIGHT OF THE ARTS
It’s time to get dressed up as we’re heading for a night of the arts at the Elpharmonie & Laeizhalle. Whether you are Beethoven or Bach aficionado or enjoy a good tribute act to Tina Turner, there is a show for everyone’s musical taste. Arrive with an appetite and make your way to the sixth floor and Störtebeker where you can treat yourself to a three-course menu. Tuck into beef tartare or confit char for starters, four-country duck or Icelandic cod for the mains and satisfy your sweet tooth with Bavarian crème and vegan sorbet variations including puffed quinoa and dark chocolate.
For beer connoisseurs, book yourself in for ‘Tasting in the Elphi’ where you can sample five of Störtebeker’s own brews alongside bites like dike cheese, smoked salmon and ham. But if it is just a relaxing drink you’re after, take the elevator to The Harbour Bar on the 12th floor for cocktails and views of the Elbe river and city or indulge in a glass of Champagne on the 14th floor at the Champagne Bar. Just don’t forget to be seated for your show...
