Visit Hamburg's Rathaus (town hall), housed in the impressive sandstone building. Built in the 19th century, this dominant structure is made up of 647 rooms, which is more than London’s Buckingham Palace. Within its 17,000-square-metre (182,986-square-foot) floor plan, meetings of senate and parliament decide the country's crucial policies. Tour the courtyard, decorated with a pretty fountain, then see its resplendent rooms where meetings and concerts are held.
Hamburg city hall was built in 1886, after its predecessor burnt down in 1842. A hidden room was discovered in 1971, suggesting more exist within this labyrinthine building.
From the front, admire City Hall's Baroque façade, adorned with statues of emperors. Notice features of neo-renaissance design around the grounds, including the courtyard fountain. Spot its representations of the Greek goddess of health, Hygieia. This fountain actually memorialises a disastrous cholera epidemic in the 19th century. As you enter the building, look up to a Latin inscription that translates to, “The descendants shall seek worthily to maintain the freedom achieved by their forebears.”
Observe the heavy iron gates as you enter the main hall. This ornate room is spotted with classical portraits, sandstone pillars and a marble staircase. Inspect the impressive ceiling painting in the Kaisersaal (Imperial Hall). Look back above the main entry and spot a balcony coloured with flower displays, a mosaic and a statue.
The debating room hosts parliament meetings every Thursday afternoon. Attend a concert in the grand lobby, which offers a unique acoustic experience in a beautiful decor. Downstairs, a restaurant serves affordable meals.
Find the Hamburg Rathaus in the Alstadt quarter, which is central to the city. Use the Aubenalster Lake to the north and the Norderelbe part of the Unterelbe River to the south as bearing points. Get there by subway to the Rathaus stop or take one of many passing bus routes. After visiting, stop by the nearby St. Nikolai Memorial.
