Hamburg by Josephine Seidel-Leuteritz

How long have you been living in Hamburg?

I moved to Hamburg eight years ago for professional reasons: the prospects for an editor are pretty good here. But right from the start, I fell in love with this town, and now I can barely imagine leaving, especially since this is where my family originally came from. People often speak of Hamburg as the gateway to the world. For me, that really does ring true. Hamburg offers the ideal blend of tradition and modernity.

Where would you say is the ultimate spot to get a real feel for the city?

There’s so much beauty and variety in Hamburg, it simply isn’t possible to recommend one particular spot. But there’s something rather special about an evening spent with a view of the Port of Hamburg. It’s just a short walk from there to the St. Pauli quarter – a district you won’t find the likes of anywhere else in the world.

Which places do you find most culturally inspiring?

The Schanze quarter, a place where many cultures collide. The hustle and bustle, the many bars and restaurants, the creative types who congregate there, they all give this part of town a great vibe. You can have a unique time there during the summer, starting with a morning trip to the flea market and not leaving until late in the evening.

Which restaurant or café would you say best captures Hamburg’s vibe?

My all-time favourite restaurant is Pane e Tulipani, a marvellous Italian place that serves the best truffle pasta ever. The stylish premises, the temporary art exhibitions and a very arty clientele turn this locale into something very special. Late at night, terrific parties often start spontaneously at the bar, courtesy of the venue’s in-house electro DJ.
Cöllns Mutterland is a really pretty café in the centre of Hamburg. With delicious cakes and an astonishingly beautiful interior, it’s one of my favourite places.

Which neighbourhood instantly springs to mind when we say “Shopping in Hamburg”?

My top shopping destination is Eppendorfer Baum. It has loads of little boutiques, cafés and old buildings with gorgeous facades, turning any shopping spree into a real experience. Of course it’s a bit on the pricey side, but that just means being a bit more prudent about what you buy. Do that and you’ll still be able to afford a few things.

Do you have any secret addresses you’d care to share?

I always take visitors to the Treppenviertel (“staircase quarter”) in Blankenese. It’s a sweet little area, and you can walk back into town along the Elbe. But give yourself at least three to four hours, because you’re going to come across any number of small bars and restaurants for day trippers along the way. Then again, you might prefer to relax and enjoy the sunshine along the banks of the Elbe. My tip: treat yourself to a sundowner and a bread roll with fish at the Alsterperle.

Where is the best place to stay for anyone keen to explore the city?

I can recommend a couple of hotels, along with their respective neighbourhoods. One is the 25hours hotel Altes Hafenamt in the Hafencity. The other is the Hotel Heimhude. I just love this – it’s a superb Jugendstil villa in one of Hamburg’s loveliest quarters, just near the Alster. The interior offers décor and furnishings by Stilwerk and colours by Caparol Icons, and it’s breathtakingly beautiful.

Which design piece can only be picked up in Hamburg?

I’m a big fan of the Hamburg artist Paul Schrader.
His pictures create an impact powerful enough to transform an entire room. If you want to add a distinctive touch to your home or office, you can’t go wrong with a Schrader.