Life in Ottensen, culture and entertainments

Hello Everyone : )


I'm new to Hamburg from the US (one week) and chose my apartment (which I really like) by viewing photos that were e-mailed to me. However, I chose the area based on the few opinions I was able to gather from local German friends in the short time I had available to make a decision before losing the apartment to one of the many people who showed up in person to rent the place. So, I completed the contract without actually stepping foot in the apartment or in Ottensen (where I now live). OK...here's my "situation"...I don't think the area (Ottensen) is as great as was described (but I love Hamburg). There is a boring, somewhat unattractive walk to get to the city-center/train station, which I believe is Altona, and the only place I have seen cafes and movement.

Question: Are there any interesting cafes, restaurants, culture, etc in this area? I don't mean to sound like I'm putting this area down, but I was told that this was "the place to be" in terms of having everything within reach (walking)...and from what I've seen so far, I can't tell...any suggestions?


Thanx : )

I would not have thought its a bad place to be although it does depend on your expectations (including the cultural change).

I guess you looked in WIKIPEDIA beforehand.

I would have thought that you are quite well placed for exploring the area within Hamburg by public transport...

Hi there, I live in Ottensen and I love it, but perhaps it depends where you have come from and thus what you are used to. I'm from Melbourne, Australia and this is kinda like home in many ways. I don't proclaim to know the area well yet, as I have only been here 9 weeks myself, but I enjoy wandering around and discovering new places. I have also had the good fortune to have met some great people who live here and have some local knowledge.
PM me if you would like to meet up some time and have a chat - sometimes this can make a difference too.

I think you are, perhaps, making too early a judgement. I find the parts of Ottensen towards Altona Bahnhof to have plenty of interesting bars and restaurants e.g Ottenserhauptstraße, Groß Rainstraße, Bahrenfelderstraße. As others have said the great thing about Hamburg is how good the public transport system is. I live in area that many would consider to be rather boring (Groß Flottbek) but being a bit of an old codger I find it nice and quiet but the great thing is that it takes less than 30 minutes to get to the more lively places. If you're young (or young at heart) try Sternschanze/Schulterblatt for lively night life.

Another suggestion, get a bicycle to really explore the area quickly.

Hello Everyone : )

Thanx for responding to my post. I've been fairly busy moving into my new place and have a temp internet connection that's very sloooooow...so, I haven't been able to respond. Well, I'm thrilled to admit that I was completely wrong about Ottensen. As you all suggested, I just needed a little more time to explore the area...and of course, it's great : ) What a relief! Serves me right for judging a town after just a few of days: /

Hello,

I am still looking for some international spots in Hamburg and this posting sounds promising.
Which places in Ottensen would you recommend? And how are the people like?

Thanks,

Burk