Travel
Hamburg is Germany’s second largest city and therefore well connected by plane, train or bus. It also has a gread public transport system, so you can get to the bib pick up, start line and finish line very easily.
Bib Pick-Up
The bib pick up is located at the Hamburg Messe exhibition center. You can easily reach it via the Messehallen Underground stop. The pick-up process is fairly easy, you just need your confirmation email. You can also pick up the bibs of other runners if you have their confirmation email as well.
Pre-Race
The start of the Hella Hamburg Half Marathon is located at the famous Reeperbahn red light district. You can easily reach it via the Underground station St. Pauli or Train station Reeperbahn. There are water stations at the start provided by Hella, a water and drinks company. There are also porta potties at the side of the start corrals. 
Hella Hamburg Half Marathon course
The Hella Hamburg Half Marathon race starts at the famous Reeperbahn, a red light district in the center of Hamburg. It then heads west and then turns around to go back along the river Elbe and the famous port. After the famous Elbphilharmonie you run first to the Binnenalster and then around the Außenalster, a picturesque lake in the center of Hamburg. 
The final stretch goes back to the Hamburg Messe Exhibition center.
Post-Race
Once you arrive at the exhibition center you are directed through various halls and courtyards. There is the finisher medal, and refreshments like water, sports drinks, non alcoholic wheat beer and food. There are also quite good shower facilities, so pack a towel and dry clothes into your drop bag. Also don’t forget to drop off your rental timing chip there in case you have rented one. 
Sightseeing
Even though Hamburg is not situated at the shore it has one of the biggest ports in Europe. Make sure to check out everything marine related along the river Elbe, including the old warehouse district (and now luxury residence area) called “Speicherstadt”. Also the 1 billion USD building of Elbphilharmonie is a must-see. If you have the time you should go and see a concert there.
Elbphilharmonie Hamburg
More of my favorite sights include:
- Jungfernsteig and Binnenalster
- Außenalster
- Reeperbahn red light district
- Hamburg’s famous church Hauptkirche ST. Michaeli, also known as “Michel”