The second largest city in Germany, Hamburg is a major center for industry within Europe, and although not one of the most high-profile European cities for tourism, it does not lack attractions. Hamburg's main airport is Airport Hamburg-Fuhlsbüttel, around eight kilometers from the city center. Hotels near Hamburg Airport are just a short drive from the main tourist spots in the city.
One of Europe's busiest ports, much of Hamburg's activity takes place around the harbor. Here, visitors will find the
Hamburg Dungeon, a housing and entertainment development called Hafencity, and a cruise terminal. Landungsbrücken is also close to here, with boutiques, restaurants, and cafés geared mainly towards tourists.
A holiday in Hamburg revolves mainly around the cosmopolitan pursuits of shopping, dining, and gallery- and museum-hopping. The city center is replete with malls and markets – especially close to the Town Hall, or Rathuas – and visitors will not want for lack of museums. The most convenient hotels in Hamburg are located close to the town hall in the alt stadt or near Hamburg central train station.
The Reeperbahn is another popular Hamburg attraction. Though it hasn't always enjoyed the best reputation, this street in the St. Pauli area offers plenty by way of nightlife – not all of it skewed towards the adults-only variety. In the streets surrounding the Reerperbahn, travelers will find restaurants, bars, and discos plus the popular concert venue,
Operettenhaus.
Schanzenviertel also experiences a healthy nightlife. This mainly residential area is popular with the younger set due to its clubs and café and its high student population. Some of the cheaper accommodation in Hamburg is found here.
