Hamburg

Hamburg has almost 100 museums. With such a vast range to choose from, it’s hard to work out which ones to visit. The Hamburg Museum, International Maritime Museum and Art Museum are some of the most interesting. The spice museum, Dialogue in the Dark, and Miniature Wonderland will make your stay truly unique.

You can’t leave Hamburg without seeing this building. The City Hall, or ’rathaus’ has towered over Hamburg since the end of the 19th century. The building was designed in a Renaissance Revival architectural style and boasts around 700 rooms. These days, Senate and Parliamentary sessions are held there. Take a guided tour to see the building in all its splendour.

St. Nicholas Lutheran church was built in the 12th century but suffered irreparable damage during the Second World War. All that remains is its Gothic impressionist spire which pierces the skies above Hamburg. You can still climb the spire, which offers one of the most beautiful views over the city. You can also get a wonderful view of Hamburg from the iconic St Michael’s church.

If you fancy a night on the tiles, St. Pauli is the place to go. The area is perfect for party-lovers. Apparently, it’s where sailors come to have fun, and was even a favourite of the Beatles! When it comes to drinking and dancing till the early hours of the morning, St. Pauli is where it’s at.

Why not visit the chic, peaceful district of Eppendorf. You can unwind in its beautiful parks, restaurants and cafés. The delicatessens sell regional produce that makes for great souvenirs. If you like Eppendorf, journey on to Schanzenviertel and Karolinenviertel, which are closer to the city centre.

This dish will perhaps not win unanimous support amongst visitors but it’s worth trying just the once! Labskaus is a dish made from corned beef, mashed potato and beetroot. It’s served with pickles and pickled rolled herring, and a fried egg is placed on the top of the whole lot.

If you like fruity desserts, you’ll adore rote grütze. Red berries are cooked and reduced down to form a purée which is then spooned into the bottom of a ramekin. The reduction is then covered with vanilla cream or custard. This dessert is a delicious North German speciality.