Hamburg

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Hamburg

The Elbe River, lakes and canals, the historic Town Hall, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Speicherstadt and Kontorhaus District with Chilehaus, the nightlife on the famous Reeperbahn and the traditional Hamburg fish market shape the image of Hamburg, Germany’s green city on the waterfront. The HafenCity offers modern architecture and the new landmark, the concert hall Elphilharmonie. In Hamburg — Germany's second biggest city — prestige, elegance and creativity are combined to create an edgy, modern vibe.

The City

A distinct maritime character and international outlook make the Hanseatic city of Hamburg one of Europe's finest destinations. Urban sparkle and natural beauty are the hallmarks of Hamburg, which boasts a wide range of hotels, restaurants, theatres and shops, chic beaches along the Elbe river, the verdant banks of the Alster, a buzzing port district and landmarks reflecting more than 1,200 years of history. Leafy parks, glittering lakes and tranquil waterways within a pulsating urban jungle: for years Hamburg has proved that living in a big city is no impediment to having natural beauty on your doorstep. In addition, the port, the canals and the Alster lake give Hamburg a wonderfully maritime feel. From the beaches, quays and moorings to the luxury cruise liners, container-laden behemoths and lovingly restored museum ships, this international port city has so much to offer and will give you a yearning to experience distant shores. No visit to Hamburg is complete without a tour of the port and the historical Speicherstadt district with its warehouses and old bridges. You can also see the world's largest model railway in Speicherstadt at Hamburg's Miniature Wonderland.

Top 10

For many, Hamburg is the most beautiful city in Germany. Due to its bustling port there is a unique international atmosphere around, and its Hanseatic charm makes your stay unforgettable. We have exclusively selected some of the 'must sees'. Don't miss your chance to experience the best of what Hamburg has to offer.

UNESCO World Heritage

What does the Taj Mahal in India, the Peruvian Inka city of Machu Picchu and the Great Pyramids of Giza have in common with Hamburg? They all belong to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. On 5 July 2015, the Hamburg ensemble ‘Speicherstadt and Kontorhaus District with Chilehaus’ has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, making it one of the world’s ‘masterpieces of human creation with outstanding universal value’.

Events

Whether your passion is art, music or theatre — you will be amazed by the cultural diversity Hamburg has to offer. Film festivals, maritime adventures, music festivals and concerts, sports events, fairs and parades are all waiting for you to make your stay unforgettable.

Do & See

Since the medieval days if the Hanseatic League, Hamburg has maintained its free spirit and its status as an international port city, with riches and a cosmopolitan vibe that comes attached to the constant ebb and flow of seafarers. You can still feel the edgy atmosphere in the bars and clubs on the Reeperbahn in St Pauli — an area that entertained sailors for hundreds of years. To explore the more relaxing and peaceful side of Hamburg, get lost in its canals or stroll along the Alster lake in the summer. Hamburg is not standing still, either. The new HafenCity district brings unmistakable modernity to the waterfront, and the instantly iconic Elbphilharmonie is stunning both inside and out. Here are some of the best things to do and see in Hamburg:

Dining

Hamburg is one of Germany’s best cities for eating shellfish and fish. In the morning the fishing boats head into the harbour with the night’s catch. Fish, wholesome stews, ethnic food and traditional German home cooking such as ”Birnen, Bohnen und Speck”- pears, beans and bacon – are dishes which are not to be missed. Hamburg has a wide range of restaurants and below are a few.

Cafes

On warm summer evenings visitors and locals sit themselves down at the cafés in historic places, the modern city center or along the river where boats paddle by. Choose between home-baked bread, pastries and cocktails.

Bars & Nightlife

The bars and clubs are open until 04.00 on weekdays and even longer on weekends. The best discotheques are situated in the famous Reeperbahn district, as are many of the bars.

Shopping

Hamburg is a true metropolis when it comes to shopping. Whether you are after fine wines and food or the latest in clothing fashions — Hamburg's got you covered. There are numerous pedestrian shopping areas, shopping arcades, department stores and small boutiques competing for space in everything from classical buildings in the Jugend style to hypermodern buildings.

Tourist Information