The Historic Heart of Hamburg: Altstadt

• HelloHallo
  [ha-lo]
• GoodbyeAuf Wiedersehen
  [ouf vee-der-zay-en]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNein
  [nine]
• Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [bit-te]
• Thank youDanke
  [dahn-ke]
• Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [ent-shool-di-gung]
• How are you?Wie geht es Ihnen?
  [vee gayt es een-en]
• Fine. And you?Gut. Und Ihnen?
  [goot oont een-en]
• Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?
  [shpre-khen zee eng-lish]
• I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [ikh fer-shtay-e nikht]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch möchte bitte die Speisekarte sehen
  [ikh mehrkhte bit-te dee shp-eye-ze-kar-teh zay-en]
• I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [ikh es-se kine fly-sh]
• Cheers!Prost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bitte bezahlen
  [ikh mehrkhte bit-te beh-tsal-en]

• Help!Hilfe!
  [hil-feh]
• Go away!Geh weg!
  [gey vekh]
• Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [roo-fen zee dee po-leet-sai]
• Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [roo-fen zee i-nen ahrts]
• I'm lostIch habe mich verirrt
  [ikh hah-beh meekh feh-rirt]
• I'm illIch bin krank
  [ikh been krank]

• I'd like to buy...Ich möchte kaufen...
  [ikh mehrkhte kow-fen]
• I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [ikh sh-ow-e noor]
• How much is it?Wie viel kostet es?
  [vee feel koh-stet es]
• That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer
  [dahs ist tsoh toy-er]
• Can you lower the price?Können Sie den Preis senken?
  [koo-nen zee den prees zen-ken]

• What time is it?Wie spät ist es?
  [vee shpeht ist es]
• It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr
  [es ist iyn oor]
• Half past (10)Halb zehn
  [halb tsayn]
• MorningMorgen
  [mohr-gen]
• AfternoonNachmittag
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• EveningAbend
  [ah-bent]
• YesterdayGestern
  [gehs-tern]
• TodayHeute
  [hoi-teh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mohr-gen]
• 1Eins
  [iyns]
• 2Zwei
  [tsvay]
• 3Drei
  [dry]
• 4Vier
  [feer]
• 5Fünf
  [foontf]
• 6Sechs
  [zeks]
• 7Sieben
  [zee-ben]
• 8Acht
  [ahkt]
• 9Neun
  [noyn]
• 10Zehn
  [tsayn]

• Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/der...?
  [vo ist iyn/der]
• What's the address?Was ist die Adresse?
  [vas ist dee ah-drehs]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir zeigen (auf der Karte)?
  [koo-nen zee meer tsay-gen (ouf der kar-teh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wann ist der nächste (Bus)?
  [vahn ist der nekh-ste (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ....)
  [i-ne fahr-kar-teh (nahkh)]

Altstadt, meaning 'Old Town', is the birthplace of Hamburg, established in the 9th century. The earliest settlement was founded by Charlemagne as a fortification, which led to the establishment of a trading post on the banks of the Elbe River. This strategic location facilitated trade and commerce, setting the foundation for Hamburg's growth as a significant port city.

In the 13th century, Hamburg joined the Hanseatic League, a powerful trade alliance of northern European cities. This membership propelled Altstadt into a thriving hub of commerce, where merchants traded goods such as spices, textiles, and grain. The prosperity of this era is reflected in the architecture of Altstadt, with many buildings showcasing the wealth accumulated during this time.

A catastrophic fire swept through Altstadt in May 1842, destroying over 1,700 buildings, including many historical structures. The aftermath of the fire led to significant urban reconstruction, introducing modern building regulations and architectural styles. This event marked a turning point in the architectural evolution of Hamburg, leading to the development of the city we see today.

During World War II, Altstadt suffered extensive damage due to bombing raids. The historic city center was heavily impacted, with many buildings reduced to ruins. Post-war reconstruction efforts focused on restoring the historical character of Altstadt, while also incorporating modern urban planning principles. The reconstruction symbolizes Hamburg’s resilience and commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.

The late 20th century witnessed a cultural renaissance in Altstadt, with an influx of artists, musicians, and cultural institutions. The establishment of theaters, galleries, and music venues revitalized the neighborhood, turning it into a vibrant cultural hotspot. Events such as the Hamburg DOM fair and the Reeperbahn Festival further enhanced the area's reputation as a center for arts and entertainment.

Altstadt is centrally located in Hamburg and can be easily accessed from various neighborhoods. From Hamburg Hauptbahnhof (main train station), take the U1 or U3 subway lines to the Rödingsmarkt or Rathaus stations, which are both within walking distance of Altstadt. If you're coming from the airport, the S1 train connects Hamburg Airport to the central station in about 30 minutes. Buses and taxis are also readily available throughout the city.

Altstadt is compact and best explored on foot. The Hamburg public transport system is efficient, with several U-Bahn (subway) and S-Bahn (commuter train) stations nearby, including Rathaus and Rödingsmarkt. Buses also serve the area extensively. For those who prefer cycling, bike rentals are available, and cycling paths are well-marked. Taxis can be hailed or booked via apps for convenience.

Altstadt is generally a safe neighborhood for tourists. However, like any urban area, it's wise to stay vigilant, particularly in crowded places like markets and public transport. Areas around the main train station can sometimes attract petty crime, so keep your belongings secure. Avoid any poorly lit streets at night and be cautious of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for fire and medical assistance or 110 for police. Local hospitals and medical centers are available in the area. It's advisable to have travel insurance for medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies in Altstadt can provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress appropriately when visiting churches or formal venues; casual attire is acceptable elsewhere. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially in religious sites; be quiet and considerate. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding and offer your seat to those in need. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly 'Hallo' or 'Guten Tag.' Don't assume familiarity; a handshake is appropriate. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties and enjoy meals at traditional restaurants. Don't engage in loud conversations or disruptive behavior in eateries.

To experience Altstadt like a local, explore the historic warehouses and canals by taking a stroll along the Speicherstadt and the Fleetinsel. Visit the local cafes and bakeries for a slice of traditional cake or a coffee. Don't miss the weekly markets for fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with locals, as they often appreciate visitors' interest in their history and culture. For a unique view, consider taking a boat tour on the Alster Lake.