Bonjour, hamburg

A distinct maritime character and international outlook make the Hanseatic city of Hamburg one of Europe's finest destinations. Urban sparkle and natural beauty are the hallmarks of Hamburg, which boasts a wide range of hotels, restaurants, theatres and shops, chic beaches along the Elbe river, the verdant banks of the Alster, a buzzing port district and landmarks reflecting more than 1,200 years of history. Leafy parks, glittering lakes and tranquil waterways within the pulsating urban jungle: for years Hamburg has proved that living in a big city is no impediment to having natural beauty at your doorstep. In addition, the port, the canals and the Alster lake give Hamburg a wonderfully maritime feel. From the beaches, quays and moorings to luxury cruise liners, container-laden behemoths and lovingly restored museum ships, this international port city has so much to offer and will give you a yearning to experience distant shores. No visit to Hamburg is complete without a tour of the port and the historical Speicherstadt district with its warehouses and old bridges. You can also see the world's largest model railway in Speicherstadt at Hamburg's Miniatur Wunderland.