Dubbed ‘the gateway to the world’ by its own coat of arms, Hamburg is reputedly the wealthiest city in Germany. A booming shipping and media centre, this cosmopolitan metropole has been a melting pot for centuries. Brilliant for business travellers, culture aficionados and late-night partygoers, its amongst the top destinations in the country for a short break. Hip and lively, the best places to stay in Hamburg reflect the character of the city itself — what more could you ask for?
This has to be one of the coolest cities in the world. Beautiful heritage buildings sit side by side with sleek modern constructions, cultural hotspots abound and the food-and-drink scene is off the charts. Explore the old town on foot for a sense of historic Hamburg, with well-preserved red-brick buildings lining the waterways, and towering steeples rising up into blue skies. St Nikolai Church was once the tallest building the world and is well worth visiting (it contains a very moving war memorial, which includes even the most recent conflicts), as are the striking Rathaus and Kunsthalle — complete with an underground passage. Experience innovative architecture whilst catching a show at the stunning Elbphilarmonie, or delve into the city’s past on the imposing ‘museum mile’. But this city is not just about the buildings it's a very green place too. And one of the jewels in its crown is the stunning Lake Alster, which sits right beside the old town. Take a boat trip around its shores and get a great feel for even more of this stunning city, or hire a windsurf, paddle board or boat and take to the waves yourself.
Come evening, amble around the regenerated warehouse district — Speicherstadt (which holds UNESCO World Heritage status) — to pop into trendy bars, boutiques and eateries. This is also the site of some of the best places to stay in Hamburg. Keen shoppers will adore the weekly St Pauli Nachtmarkt, held each Wednesday, whilst late-night partygoers should gather at the popular Fischmarket. For scenic strolls, promenade along the tree-lined banks of the River Elbe, linking this formidable city to the sea and the world beyond.