Travel Eye on Hamburg (Germany)

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Overview:

Hamburg is a watery city, geographically, historically and atmospherically. It is Germany's second largest city and lies on the Elbe River, for centuries a major port and trading centre for central Europe. The city has a network of canals that rival those of Venice (it is said to have more bridges than Venice) and is centred on two artificial lakes that take up eight percent of its total area. Probably because of all the water, Hamburg is also known as Germany's 'green city', sporting 1,400 parks and gardens. Modern buildings sit cheek by jowl with historic Baroque and Renaissance architecture, and by night the neon lights dazzle all-night revellers, particularly in the city's notorious red light district, the Reeperbahn.

Hamburg was founded in 810 by Charlemagne and earned its place in history by becoming the most strategic port in the Hanseatic League of North German cities which controlled  trade in the Baltic and North Seas between the 13th and 15th centuries. A great fire destroyed much of the city in 1842, and a century later World War II bombing raids again laid it waste, but Hamburg bounced back with style, thanks to the wealth garnered from its position as a trading centre. The city's tourist board claims that Hamburg is now home to more millionaires per capita than any other city in Europe. 

Most of the sights of interest to tourists in the city are centred on its maritime traditions, particularly in the harbour area, where the 'Warehouse district' has been transformed into an entertaining destination offering several attractions. Further afield Hamburg is the gateway to the seaside and spa resorts of the Baltic and North Sea coastline.

With its many business and leisure attractions, Hamburg draws a broad range of visitors, including many from the rest of Germany. Backpackers and upmarket guests alike will find plenty of interest and variety, from fine art to lake cruises.

There is a wide and good range of accommodation, including a handful of impressive 5-stars. Mainly middlemarket options cluster around the main station. There are several properties in the St Pauli red-light district, though some are not quite what they seem! Pensions and B&Bs generally towards the leafy outskirts. City prices apply and availability is at a premium during trade fairs and German public holidays.

Locality:

Hamburg is in north Germany. (it is 190 mls NW of the capital, Berlin. 120 mls S of the Danish border. 65 mls NE of Bremen. 65 mls SE of Cuxhaven (on the North Sea). 55 mls SW of Travemunde (on the Baltic Sea). 6 mls S of Hamburg's airport). It is on largely flat land on the rivers Elbe and Alster, with numerous waterways (known as "fleeten") and several lakes. Mainly surrounded by farmland and woodland.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

There are seemingly endless shopping opportunities, with a full range of quality goods at competitive prices. The main area is the city centre, in particular Monckebergstrasse, which is lined with department stores. Nearby Jungfernstieg and Neuer Wall have many designer boutiques, with speciality stores and antique shops in the myriad smaller streets surrounding. Several covered arcades dotted about the city.

During the daytime there are over 40 museums and galleries, with exhibits ranging from fine art and waxworks to maritime history (some housed in ships in the port); the Rathaus, one of Germany's finest city halls; St Katharinen, a restored Gothic church; Speicherstadt, a historical working complex of warehouses with traditional port activities; zoo; planetarium; Dom amusement fair (held 3 times a year); many sport and leisure activities. Harbour tours, canal trips, lake cruises, city walks and bus tours all available.

The nightlife is vast and varied, from trendy bars to a thriving jazz scene, musicals to rather seedy adult entertainments. St Pauli and the university district have some of the best bar,; opera and ballet at the Hamburgische Staatsoper, go to the classical music performances at the Musikhalle, over 40 theatres, including the highly regarded Thalia Theatre.

Hamburg is one of Germany's gourmet centres, with several acclaimed restaurants, numerous snack bars, bistros and cafes. Good selection of eateries around the main station; prices are higher in the city centre. The university district offers a good range of more affordable options. International cuisine is well represented, with Spanish and Portuguese in the port area, Asian in St Pauli and anything from Turkish to Italian restaurants scattered throughout. Seafood, soups and the traditional Hanseatic "hash" are local specialities.