| Hamburg is Germany's second largest city and | | | | city will want to miss is the Elbe Tunnel, which runs |
| remains to be one of the country's most prized | | | | underneath the river all the way across. Museums, |
| metropolitan areas for the economic importance of its | | | | shops, and cafés line the harbor, making it a |
| ports. Hamburg is located on the river Elbe in the | | | | fantastic spot to spend the day or even multiple days. |
| northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein and has | | | | Families will enjoy Carl Hagenbeck's Tierport; one of |
| direct access to the Baltic Sea and the North Sea. | | | | Europe's most respected and respected zoos. It |
| Since the Elbe is traditionally the lifeblood of the city, | | | | houses over 2,000 animals and has a variety of |
| many of its attractions, festivals, and much of its | | | | elephant, dolphin, and other wildlife exhibits and shows. |
| history revolves around the great river. | | | | Visitors to Hamburg interested in more risqué |
| Hamburg hosts several large events annually. | | | | affairs will possibly be drawn to the city's red light |
| Hafengeburtstag celebrates the anniversary of | | | | district of St. Pauli. The city has made advances to |
| Hamburg becoming a free port. Hafengeburtstag | | | | capitalize on the notoriety of the area and it is now a |
| takes place in early May and is a large draw for | | | | viable and mostly respectable place for legitimate night |
| Germans across the country. Alstervergügen, an | | | | life. The area is well-policed and is considered |
| international festival that takes place in August, | | | | exceptionally safe. St. Pauli now boasts upscale bars, |
| presents fireworks displays, sailing, and watercraft | | | | taverns, nightclubs, and restaurants in addition to the |
| events. The single largest fair in north Germany is | | | | seedier offerings for which it has become famous. |
| Hamburger Dom, which takes place three times a | | | | Reeperbahn is the name of a famous street here. The |
| year; from March to April, July to August, and | | | | name is derived from the term "rope street," which it |
| November to December. The festival allows Germans | | | | was called because it used to be a major |
| to enjoy their fair weather with rides such as roller | | | | manufacturer of strong hemp rope. |
| coasters and Ferris wheels and other attractions. | | | | Hamburg is a shopper's paradise, with upscale malls |
| Hamburg is a popular destination for its stage | | | | and shopping arcades almost everywhere. |
| productions, particularly large musicals and plays. | | | | Mudsberger Centre is a very popular point for |
| Ballets, variety shows, cabarets, concerts, and | | | | shopping as well as another located Rathausmarkt |
| circus-like performances are also plentiful in Hamburg, | | | | and Jungferstieg. Credit cards are not always as |
| cementing the city as a strong player in the stage arts | | | | accepted in Germany as in other countries, such as |
| worldwide. | | | | the United States, so it is probably best to plan ahead. |
| Hamburg Port is a large tourist attraction as well as | | | | It is little surprise that Hamburg offers shops and |
| being the economic backbone of the city. There are | | | | distributors of fine items, as it is called home by more |
| tours available all year long. A site that no visitor to the | | | | millionaires than any other city in Germany. |