Embracing Cosmopolitan Lifestyle: The Perfect Fusion of Business and Leisure

Jul 31, 2023 | Joakim

I thrive on the blend of business and leisure, fully immersing myself in the atmosphere of each host city. I effortlessly merge business interactions with the vibrancy of street life, embodying the cosmopolitan lifestyle in all its glory.

A Day in Hamburg.

At 8 AM, I head to Jungfernstieg station via U-Bahn. I enjoy breakfast at Alex cafe, bistro, bar, and restaurant at Alsterpavillon, where I take pleasure in the view of Alster lake while reading today’s newspaper (picture 1). After breakfast, I go for a leisurely walk around Binnenalster, one of Hamburg’s artificial lakes, starting from Ballindamm, a boulevard in the inner city. Along the way, I pass by the Hapag-Lloyd building and the headquarters of various private banks. The street is abuzz with activity, a blend of rushing business people and laid-back locals enjoying the morning air. The aroma of coffee wafting from nearby cafes, the crisp morning air, the melodic chatter of passersby, and the architectural elegance of the buildings all contribute to the distinct charm of this street. I conclude my stroll at Neuer Jungfernstieg, a riverside promenade on the west bank of Binnenalster.

If I have a meeting or some spare time, I combine the walk with a longer path to visit the last British colony on the Continent. As a reciprocal member of the Anglo-German Club, located in the heart of the sophisticated Harvestehude district, I meet other members who are socially involved, valuing and cultivating civility in their interactions. This club, steeped in history, serves as a hub for intellectual and cultural exchanges in an impressive villa complete with a lush garden.

A shorter walk just around Binnenalster and Neuer Jungfernstieg, with the tinkling of coffee cups from the outdoor cafés and the serene hum of the city in the background, makes Neuer Jungfernstieg a delightful and relaxing culmination to my stroll. This route includes a visit to my other reciprocal club, Übersee-Club. This prestigious venue, situated in a grand old building, attracts outstanding minds from the worlds of commerce, politics, culture, and learning – a “talking gallery,” to quote famous banker Max M. Warburg at the association’s founding assembly in 1922. It’s a perfect place to set up business meetings. This is a classic club with a long history of events featuring well-regarded speakers from around the world.

I then return to Jungfernstieg Promenade and the stunning Alsterhaus, part of the KaDeWe Group. Alsterhaus today extends over an area of 24,000 m² in an exclusive ambiance, blending a historic building with a modern interior. The Fashion floors of Alsterhaus follow the basic concept of the building, combining tradition with local identity and international influences. Alsterhaus is more than just a department store—it’s an institution in Hamburg, representing the city’s flair for fashion and quality.

Later, I visit Eric: Barbier, our barbershop on the 1st floor, where one can find everything for men, from haircuts to beard correction to pedicures (picture 2).

My day ends with a late lunch on the 4th floor, a haven for curious and discerning gourmets (picture 3).