the armchair traveller

LINARI founder and Hamburg resident Rainer Diersche shares his insights of the city and its Christmas Market secrets

How long have you lived in the city?
I was born in Hamburg and have lived here all my life. I travel the world for work but always return to Hamburg, it holds my heart  

What makes Hamburg so special for you?
The water. The river Elbe, the countless canals and the city centre lakes make Hamburg inimitable  

What’s your perfect Hamburg day?
I’d start with a visit to Isemarket to catch the market followed by a late breakfast at downtown Café Paris, then an afternoon stroll around lake Aussenalster before heading to the Hafencity, the historical quarter of the city, for a coffee. The day would end in a great restaurant like Henssler&Henssler, in the center of the fish market, before heading for a nightcap at Bestial with its funky music and beach view  

How does Hamburg influence your work?
With Europe’s second largest port, Hamburg is often referred to as “the gate to the world”. This international link is important to LINARI since we work with so many different people and cultures  

Where should we stay?
Hotel Abtei, or Hotel East in the Reeperbahn area  

Where’s the best place for cocktail or two?
One of my favourites is Bar Lion near the city hall, but the roof top bar of the Dancing Towers has a spectacular view over Hamburg  

How about the buzziest restaurant table?  
The coolest restaurant tables you can find are at ONO (Japanese Fusion) in Eppendorf, Hala, a Syrian Restaurant in Gross-Flottbek or the Die Bank brasserie in the city centre  

Where to go for the best Finkenwerder Scholle?
Head to Zollenspieker Fährhaus which is situated near the River Elbe in the east of Hamburg  

Is there a store you couldn’t be without?
HL- Harald Lubner in Grosse Bleichen Street. Well known for is unique assortment of niche fragrances

What does a traditional Christmas look like for you?
Traditionally Christmas is always celebrated with the family on the evening of the 24th of December. Presents are given and a special dinner (mostly duck, turkey or carp) is shared at home  

Where’s your favourite Christmas Market?  
The most famous is the beautifully illuminated Christmas market at the City Hall. You can find visitors from all over the world that come just to experience it. A smaller and intimate, but just a splendid, can be found on the Fleetinsel and it’s just a short walk from the City Hall, where the beautiful smell of mulled wine is everywhere

Don’t leave without seeing?  
You shouldn’t miss the Elbphilharmonie building, a visit of the St. Michaelis Church and the International Maritime Museum Hamburg

Something we must take home?  
A bottle of Helbing, a caraway schnaps made in Hamburg is definitely a must as well as a can of lobscouse