The elegant Alsterarkaden

ARTS & CULTURE

Hamburg is known as a Mecca for entertainment and with 40 theatres and concert halls it certainly measures up to cities like London and New York. Visit one of the spectacular musicals or treat yourself to a bold cabaret performance. Prefer something classic? Watch an opera or ballet at one of the elegant concert halls – there is no excuse to be bored in Hamburg at night.

FAMILY FUN

Hamburg has been endowed with parks, public gardens and playgrounds – there are almost too many to mention. These green oases of Hamburg have one thing in common: they are beautifully maintained and equipped with modern playgrounds so that children can safely play and have fun. From the vast Stadtpark in the north to the play islands in the south, take the whole family on an adventure in Hamburg’s playgrounds.

SHOPPING

An independent city until 1938, Altona lies across the ‘border’ from Sankt Pauli and still exudes a free spirit. This part of Hamburg is home to hip thirty-somethings, art students and other creative personalities. Pedestrian streets lined with boutiques, designer stores and galleries alternate with bistros and beach bars – a refreshing change from Hamburg’s busy city centre.

FAMILY FUN

Have you always wanted to take the train to the Swiss Alps, Las Vegas and across the fjords of Scandinavia? In Miniatur Wunderland, the largest model railway exhibition in the world, you can travel the world – in just one day. The 8-mile train track crosses the most beautiful model landscapes and tiny people head out to see the Northern Lights, taste some Swiss chocolate or go plane spotting.

SHOPPING

Hamburg is Germany’s wealthiest city – as those who visit the neighbourhoods of Altstadt and Neustadt will notice straight away. The streets of Hamburg’s prominent shopping district are lined with elegant department stores and upscale boutiques. Admire the sparkling jewellery, taste some caviar or try on a new suit.

SHOPPING

Schanzenviertel is a lively neighbourhood in Hamburg that is very popular with young, trendy shoppers. ‘Schanze’ is the perfect place to shop for Hamburg’s latest designer labels, look for a rare vinyl record or nab some great 1980s vintage bargains. Great news for hungry shoppers; this neighbourhood also boasts a very high density of restaurants. You will find everything from curry bratwurst to haute cuisine.

FAMILY FUN

It started with a collection of seals in 1848 and grew into one of the most beautiful zoos in Germany. Visitors to Tierpark Hagenbeck in Hamburg enjoy a close-up look at elephants, orang-utans, sea lions, Siberian tigers and many other animal species. The magnificent habitats take you to the vast plains of the African savannah and the enormous Arctic Ocean.

ARTS & CULTURE

From an industrious Hanseatic city to a modern metropolis, Hamburg is known as the ‘gateway to the world'. Since the Middle Ages, goods have been shipped here from every corner of the world. Hamburg’s harbour is the third largest in Europe after Rotterdam and Antwerp. For a touch of Hamburg’s trade history visit Speicherstadt. Built in red bricks, the largest historic warehouse complex in the world is one of the most photogenic spots in the city.

ARTS & CULTURE

From antique porcelain to modern designer furniture: The Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe (MKG) is one of the most important European art and design museums. The exceptional and diverse collection offers visitors a unique perspective of 4000 years of creativity in Europe and beyond – the collection includes beautiful Islamic and Asian artefacts as well.

ARTS & CULTURE

The Kunsthalle in Hamburg is one of the biggest and most important art museums in Germany. The museum’s 3 impressive buildings offer a total of 13,000 square metres of exhibit space. Art lovers marvel at thousands of paintings, drawings and sculptures from various periods, including Romanticism. The museum also displays classic 20th-century modern art.

ARTS & CULTURE

Hamburg boasts many large churches, but the St. Michael's Church rises above all others. 'Michel', as Hamburg residents affectionately refer to the church, can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. This symbol of Hamburg is 132 metres high – those who make the effort to climb to the top of the bell tower will be rewarded with a spectacular view of Hamburg and the harbour.