When in Hamburg
Hamburg manages to combine a strong, working-class ethic with a cosmopolitan outlook and makes for a wonderful few days for the visitor. The industrial parts of the town have undergone a large rebuilding programme since World War II, which left large parts of it flattened. It is still very much a sailor town - Hamburg is home to Germany's largest port ? yet the city is also urbane and arty and popular with Brits, just ask the Beatles and Kevin Keegan.
Hamburg's port is a big draw for visitors and over 10,000 ships arrive here each year, making for a busy spectacle whichever day you turn up on. Hour-long harbour tours can be enjoyed and are a must for those who want to get a flavour of the place from out on the water.
The Fischmarkt has been plying its smelly wares since the early 18th century and makes for a wonderful scene on a Sunday morning. It is advisable to get up early if you want to enjoy some local colour, with things shutting up at around 09:30. The shouts of the market criers make for a unique and lively atmosphere and this is augmented by the nearby Fischauktionshalle (Fish Auction Hall), which has a live band playing, with plenty of bratwurst and beer on offer for those who like such things at that time in the morning.
Visitors who want to see where the wealthy Hamburgers live can again take to the water, this time on the Alster Lakes. Tour boats and self-propelled rowing boats are available to navigate the canals between the two lakes and to gaze at the people and shops on the bridges above.
Art lovers should head to the Kunsthalle on Glockengiesserwall, where two buildings-worth of art reside. The main building is home to classic works, ranging from the mediaeval to the 20th century, while the new white building is home to "modern art" pieces, with works by David Hockney and Jeff Koons alongside German artists such as Georg Baselitz.
The city's main church is St Michaelis, which has been rebuilt three times since its inception in the 17th century. The church offers fantastic views and away to the south-east can be seen the Deichstrasse with its 17th century houses.
There are numerous flights to the city from a number of European cities and a special airport bus makes the 25 minute journey every 15 to 20 minutes. Visitors can also jump on an S-1 or U-1 train to Ohlsdorf and catch a different airport bus.
The city is well connected in terms of trains, with hourly services departing from one of the city's four main stations to both Frankfurt and Munich. Berlin, Cologne, Copenhagen and Paris are also well served.
Buses head to a variety of national and cross-border cities, with a good number of services each day to Amsterdam, Paris and Copenhagen.
Both S- and U-Bahn services get the visitor around the city with ease, while those who prefer to remain above ground can take advantage of the fine bus service ? tickets are purchased from the driver.
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Introduction
