Hamburg is the second-largest city in Germany
(after Berlin),
and is home to the second-largest port in Europe (after Rotterdam). Hamburg is a city surrounded by water,
located in the position where the River Elbe meets with the rivers Alster
and Bille. As a result, Hamburg is full of canals and
boasts over 2300 bridges, more than found in both Amsterdam and Venice
combined. This is part of the reason why
Hamburg is the greenest city in Germany with around 32% of the city dedicated
to parks, greenlands, protected countryside and nature reserves.
There are a
wide variety of attractions to entertain visitors in Hamburg. A quick and easy way to see the city is via
one of many sightseeing buses that connect points of interest. Be sure to visit City Hall, a grand building
supported by dozens of pillars and St Michaelis, a baroque church with a 440
foot spire offering a magnificent view of the city. Why not see Hamburg from the water on one of
many canal boat tours. These tours start
from the Landungsbr cken and will make stops at the city s museums. For a little
nighttime entertainment, many visitors take a stroll around the area of Reeperbahn
in the quarter St. Pauli, considered Europe's largest red
light district and home to many bars and nightclubs.
If you d like to sample some
traditional Hamburg cuisine, try the Bohnen,
Birnen und Speck (green runner beans cooked with pears and bacon) or Labskaus
(a mixture of corned beef, mashed potatoes and beetroot.