Hamburg

One of the largest port cities in Europe and an economic powerhouse for northern Germany, hard-edged Hamburg hasn’t traditionally been a tourist magnet. Recently, however, the city has unfolded its inherent charm to the delight of the millions of Europe travelers who now make a point to stop off and enjoy the thrills on the banks of the Elbe River.

The town that gave the Beatles their first go, and the second biggest city in Germany, Hamburg boasts a robust nightlife. Today you can still visit the Reeperbahn street in St. Pauli, Hamburg’s notorious red light district full of discos, nightclubs, theaters and bars. Historically this is where the gritty working class were holed up in factories and the docks. The authenticity permeates these streets to this day.

A less intense, but certainly pleasant nightlife experience can be found in the Schanze District, which is famous for its extensive open air cafés – people watching is a popular pastime here.

If you’re tired of looking at people, there are plenty of sites to see in Hamburg. St. Michael’s Church is a Baroque wonder that sets this city apart from run-of-the-mill European destinations. The brick exterior (bottom half) of brick and finely drawn molding unfolding into a copper-green roof top contrasts sharply to the dark gray tower, which, due to its imposing appearance and golden timepiece, could easily alternate as an financial center clock tower.

You’ll also be seeing a lot of green – as in, parks. Despite a tumultuous history extending back centuries and culminating in the extensive destruction wrought by WWII, Hamburg has, like the firebird, re-emerged as one of the greenest cities in Europe. Families and lovers recall their vacations in Hamburg with fondness for this very fact. To stroll through parks amidst the carefree locals and happy vacationers is to experience how Germans can express their opulence via a deep nod to nature.

However, as a city of great contrasts, Hamburg also features an abundance of futuristic, concept architecture. Juxtaposed with nature, and old buildings, Hamburg is definitely a site for the senses. And many buildings – no matter what their architectural bent – are museums housing collections that range from highly explicit material to the great works of fine artists. The Hamburg Kunsthalle, located on Glockengiesserwall, rivals Berlin’s great museums. Spanning centuries, the collection showcases a diverse selection of artists ranging from Van Dyck and Rembrandt to Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso.

Further along the spectrum, the Erotic Art Museum probably will come across as bizarre, intriguing or arousing, depending on your disposition. To many, however, it’s a far cry from pornographic, and so if 18th century Sadistic sex contraptions don’t get you in the mood, the museum doubles as a bar. Hotels in Hamburg are numerous, and offer superb value for a major commercial center and tourist attraction. Apartments by the Elbe are highly coveted, so be sure to book ahead and/or avoid the summer peak season. Spring is a wonderful time to visit Hamburg.