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The second largest city in Germany, with 1.8 million inhabitants, is typical of the whole country: both serious and playful. Hamburg is a cosmopolitan city that’s focused on business, art, entertainment…and shopping! It’s also impossible to talk about the city without mentioning its port. A real star of pre war filmmakers, it remains one of the most surprising and important ports in Europe. Criss-crossed with a multitude of paths opening onto sometimes forgotten quays, it is the economic heart of the city. Water is everywhere in Hamburg.

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The River Alster, which sweeps through the city centre before becoming a lake, offers many nautical activities. The River Elbe, which opens onto the port, is a waterway that’s part of everyday life in Hamburg. In summer, the river banks welcome Hamburg’s inhabitants who come in search of recreation. Hamburg is one of the greenest cities in Germany with a multitude of parks and gardens. It’s a place that protects its environment, for a great quality of life.
 

Discover the Speicherstadt, located between the former Deichtorhallen market halls and Baumwall street. This district of one hundred year old warehouses, built between 1885 and 1888, is unique in Europe. Its originality lies in the fact that, despite conflicts,  it has maintained its red brick buildings, imposing architecture, copper green roofs and sculpted turrets. Germany’s entire industrial history is encapsulated in these zigzag streets which today house several art studios. A night time boat trip is offered throughout the year.


 

Visit the port of Hamburg. It’s impossible to imagine the work that constantly goes on here. Day and night, containers move from boats  to an armada of lorries. During the day, it makes for an unmissable industrial tour. Giant cranes, automatic unloading equipment and a hive of activity buzzes around enormous ships. See all this from a boat tour that departs from the 700 metre long floating quay known as “Landungsbrücken” (the wharfs). Allow around  two hours. Information: St. Pauli Landungsbrücke 3A – Tel: +49 - 40 31 31 30.

Succumb to the romantic German artists at the Museum of Fine Arts. Built in 1869, the museum was enlarged in 1997 with the addition of a contemporary gallery presenting works from 1960 to the present day. Among the masterpieces not to be missed are : the Altarpiece by Master Betram (1379) and a series of paintings by Rembrandt. The Museum of Fine Arts (Kunsthalle) Glockengießerwall – Tel: +49 - 40 42 81 31 200. Tuesdays to Sundays, from 10am to 6pm (9pm on Thursdays).

Be amazed at the wonders of Saint Michael’s church and its 132 meters tall tower. If you’re feeling brave, you can climb up the 453 steps that lead to the first platform, just at the side of the building, for what is doubtless the most beautiful view of the city and port. At the weekend, musical events often take place in the large nave with its sublime acoustics. Why not take the guided tour in English, that gives many details on the building. 

 

Stroll along the city centre arcades. These "arkaden" are the meeting place for elegant city dwellers who come here to do their shopping. You’ll find luxury boutiques, renowned traditional stores, and  cafés and cake shops famous for tea time and the well known strawberry or chocolate and cinnamon rolls.

Escape to the Alster, a true lake in a city where sailing is popular. Remarkably well laid out, its shores are the perfect spot to meet friends, and complete with small, colourful taverns full of German charm. Boat trips are common here. Depart from the banks of the Binnenalster on the Jungfernstieg, one of the best known boulevards in the city. Later, stop at the Alsterpavillon, which dates back to 1799 and remains one of the nicest cafés on the lake shore.
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Spend a day on the island of Sylt in the North Sea. It’s the largest, northernmost German island in the North Sea. With 40km of sandy beaches (the most famous of which is Kampen) and a west coast that’s home to powerful surf, the island is a mixture of sand dunes and heaths punctuated by majestic cliffs. Here the wind moulds the landscape while small, well sheltered villages welcome visitors for a meal, an overnight stay or longer. A train ferry from Hamburg station can take you to the island in 35 minutes.