Can you believe I’ve never been to Germany?
Me neither.
I think we drove over the border once when I was a kid but the details are blurry so I don’t think that counts. Throughout my career I have worked for two major German companies (one of which was BMW’s UK HQ) and yet still I did not find the opportunity to visit.
Until now.
The German Tourism Board are sending me on a mission. I am off to sniff out some youth hotspots in 3 German cities and will be sharing the results on this blog as well as the Youth Hotspot microsite. I’m not heading to Berlin, as that would be too easy, but rather am getting to explore the lesser-known locations of Cologne, Hamburg and Muenster.
In preparation I’ve been scouring the internet and delving into the sizeable Lonely Planet guide to Germany. I’ve made a few notes on the sights I want to check out and the areas I think might hold some hotspots, but I would also like to ask for your help. Do you know of any hip cafes, trendy bars, bustling markets or curious shops in these cities that you think I might like? Do let me know in the comment section below.
Here is what I have on my list so far:
Cologne
The Chocolate Factory (because this travelling chocaholic couldn’t miss it)
Visit to the Cathedral (Kolner Dom) followed by coffee in Antik & Trödel Café (thanks to a tip from Elke from Experience Germany)
Visit to a brewery (of course)
Muenster
A bike tour (2 wheels are popular here)
The Picasso Museum
Prinzipalmarkt
Hamburg
If I had time I would love to just do literally EVERYTHING in this post by the Travelettes – 30 Things To Do In Hamburg – and also:
Emigration Museum
Harbour boat tour
Reeperbahn Festival (my visit handily coincides with Germany’s largest club festival being held in the notorious red light district.)
Following in the footsteps on the Beatles – like Kash from the Budget Traveller did here.
Shopping in Karolinenvierte like Andrea from Rear View Mirror did here.
Getting Around
I’ll be navigating my way in-between each city by rail. This will be my first mini interrailing experience – wish me luck!
To follow along on this adventure search for the hashtag #youthhotspotsgermany. As always I’ll be sharing updates live on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as well as uploading my tips to the Germany Youth Hotspots site and updating the blog when I get home. I leave next Monday 23rd September and will be in Germany for a week.
Thanks in advance for all your tips and advice,
J x
Thanks to the German National Tourist Board for inviting me to join this project and to RailEurope and Easyjet for supporting it. All words, opinions and navigational errors will be my own.
*Images provided by www.germany.travel
Have fun in Germany my dear! And enjoy our 30 things to do in Hamburg 😀
Thank you – the page is bookmarked for my arrival 🙂
I did Cologne and Hamburg last year and had fun! I went to Gaffel brewery in Cologne and loved it.
In Hamburg I did the free city walking tour (a good fit with youth hot spots!) and a pub crawl in the Reeperbahn.
Thanks Caroline, I’ve heard great things about those free walking tours, I’ll try and get on one. Maybe I’ll get to the brewery too…
Have fun!
I’ve visited Cologne about three times as my old school used to do exchanges nearby, but I’m afraid I don’t have any suggestions for bars and pubs as I was a 15 year old trying to convince the guys at the bar that I really was old enough haha!
The chocolate factory is loads of fun,you can eat your fill of free chocolate there. The Dom is really magnificent as well.
Haha I did laugh out loud at your comment!
I can’t wait for the chocolate factory now – sounds like I should go on an empty stomach 😉
I have never been to Germany either! A huge crime considering my surname and family history began there! Cant wait to read your posts and start planning my trip!
Cologne has a surprising design district just north of Neumarkt! Lots of cool, locally designed and handmade clothes.
Cologne is my favorite German city! It has a cool vibe like Berlin but it’s not so big and hyped up. I really liked the Cologne beers and there is this one really big vintage shop where I got lost for hours! Enjoy!
Be sure to check out the nightlife in Hamburg – it’s a fun city! And don’t worry – there’s more than just the Reeperbahn…