Hamburg Travel Guide

This article refers to the city of Hamburg. For the island of Neuwerk that is part of the state of Hamburg but not the city see there The Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg (Freie und Hansestadt Hamburg) is Germany's second-largest city and, at the same time, one of Germany's 16 federal states or Bundesländer. Prior to the formation of the modern German state, Hamburg for centuries enjoyed a status as de facto independent city state and regional power and trade hub in the North Sea. Although situated over 100 km (62 mi) upriver from the North Sea on the Elbe, Hamburg has been one of Europe's most important ports for centuries, as reflected in its full name referencing the Hanseatic League. The city was built upon a number of islands formed by the wide river and its larger and smaller tributaries, and a huge part of its southern half is occupied by the massive port. With a tumultuous history preserved in more than just the ancient name, Hamburg grew to become one of Germany's most aff

The airport has been thoroughly modernised with new terminals, airport hotel, streamlined infrastructure, and facilities that are by and large adequate, so you won't get lost. Depending on the gate your flight arrives at or leaves from, walking longer distances might be necessary as with any other airport.

Hamburg is an extensive city given it's over 700 km², and visitor attractions are not all contained within the city centre. The city centre, however, is not very big and its attractions are all easily walkable. For other attractions fortunately, getting around is made easy by the extensive public transportation system. Walking is a good way of getting around in the centre, as pretty much around every corner is a sight to behold or a scenic lookout you might have missed otherwise. As many Hamburg

Hamburg is generally a safe city. Watch out for pickpockets, especially in the area around the Mönckebergstraße, Central Station, on the Reeperbahn, in buses and trains, but also on crowded escalators and other crowded places. Keep your distance from protest marches unless you wish to get involved: both leftist groups and the Hamburg police are known for their heavy reactions in such situations.

There are plenty of hotel rooms across Hamburg and, although not a cheap city in general, you may find the price range to include much more affordable choices than in other northern metropoles. There are many higher-end hotels within the small centralNeustadt-Altstadtarea, but you options are certainly not limited to those. Hotels around the Aussenalster in theNorthprovide relaxed comfort, while further up north you will find hotels closer to the airport, convenient for those arriving by air. Th