Planten un Blomen

Planten un Blomen ('plants and flowers' in Low German) is Hamburg's 47-hectare green heart between the inner city and the exhibition halls, born of the International Garden Shows of 1935 and 1973. Entry is free, it is open all year, and every season brings a different event. The five main zones: the Japanese Garden (with a teahouse, koi pond and tea ceremonies hosted by the Japanese consulate), the apothecary garden (with more than 600 medicinal plants), the tropical greenhouses, the rose garden and the broad central lawn around the lake stage. The summer headline act from May to September: the Wasserlichtkonzerte - every evening at dusk, choreographed fountains rise from the park lake to music ranging from Schlager to classical. Entirely free, very Hamburg, slightly kitsch and therefore essential. In winter (December to February), the stage lawn turns into a 4,000 m² open-air ice rink (from 5 €, one of the biggest in Germany). For families: the large water playground, the mini-golf course, and the play area on the CCH side. Getting there: U1 Stephansplatz (east side, near Dammtor) or S11/S21/S31 Sternschanze (west side). The standard view from the TV-tower platform has sadly been closed for years, but even the foot of the tower is worth a photograph.