Facts about Hamburg

• Population 1.7 million.
• The second largest city in Germany.
• The country’s media capital.
• Germany’s busiest port.
• The Beatles honed their musical skills in the clubs of the city’s red light district.
• Johannes Brahms was born in the city.

Must See's

Climb the 132 m high tower (the “Michel”) of the church of St Michaelis for a great view of the city, river and harbour.

Stroll through the Reeperbahn, in the famous Red Light District St Pauli, where the sex industry today sits side by side with top musicals and popular restaurants.

Take a harbour cruise around the huge port area.

The Speicherstadt warehouse district, the largest continuous warehouse complex in the world, is built of traditional red brick, has neo-gothic gables and green copper roofs and is dissected by canals and cobbled streets.

Walk or cycle on a paved path, round the Außenalster Lake, or along the banks of the River Elbe through forest and some fabulous houses.

Hamburg’s tallest building, the Fernsehturm, has an observation deck that gives panoramic views of the city.

The Hamburger Dom is one of Europe’s oldest and biggest funfairs. Established in 1329 it attracts millions of visitors, especially on Harbour Birthday (Hafengeburtstag) which celebrates the day Hamburg was granted customs exemption.

How to get there

• Hamburg Airport.
• Zentral-Omnibus-Busbahnhof “ZOB” (Bus station).
• Train stations at Hauptbahnhof, Dammtor, Altona and Harburg.