Hamburg is a very important port city, 1.740.000 inhabitants, situated on the Elbe River, in northern Germany. The Greater Hamburg Metropolitan Region has a population of four million. The Port of Hamburg at the Steinwerder is the primary economic resource of the city and covers 12% of the city's total area.

With its winding canals and large public parks sitting alongside a busy port and bustling business district, Hamburg is a city that contradicts itself.

With more than 30 theatres, 6 playhouses and 50 museums this city true cultural metropolis worthing the visit.

REASONS TO GO

ECO capital of Europe -2011 European Green Capital.

A film-noir port town with a club culture waiting to be discovered.

One of the greatest European capitals of design and shopping names as Karl Lagerfeld and Jil Sander started here.

The Reeperbahn - Perhaps one of the most famous red light districts in Germany. There are sex clubs and brothels, but also the city´s most popular discotheques, theatres and clubs.

TO AVOID

The infamous Reeperbahn - Commonsense and caution are advised here, especially for women.

ORIENTATION

Life in Hamburg is characterised by the nearness to water because of the Lake Alster and the River Elbe. In this beautiful urban environment we will find historic buildings, squares, fountains hundreds of shops. The mercantile origins reflect in the city's architecture. The only palace in Hamburg is the town hall. Apart from that, the city still has large quarters with expensive houses and villas.

To get the best sense of what the city has to offer, head to the waterways. Alster Lake, located in the city center, is a hub for activities. One of the best ways to truly appreciate it is on a rented canoe or peddle boat. 

Fleetinsel (Channel Island) is an area with modern and historical buildings between Steigenberger Hotel and the Stadthausbr�cke Bridge. Fleetinsel is connected with the Neustadt (New Town) neighbourhood in the west and the R�dingsmarkt in the east through wonderful bridges. Alsterfleet (Alster Channel) joins Alster Lakes with Elbe River. A glamorous pedestrian way margins the water's edge.

The city is littered with beautiful old buildings such as the Town Hall, however for a glimpse at Hamburg's future, head to the waterside district of HafenCity. Still under development, the ambitious urban project is being designed as a model for counteracting sprawl and promoting sustainable living. 

BEST TIME TO GO

The best time to visit Hamburg would be in spring and early summer. All the flowers are blossoming and the weather can be surprisingly pleasant.

HOW TO GET THERE

Hamburg´s airport (www.ham.airport.de) is located 8.5 kilometres north west of the centre. The cheapest way to get to the city centre is by bus. Buses stop right outside the terminals. The express bus goes directly to the Hauptbahnhof railway station. The bus departs every 15 minutes and the journey takes 25 minutes. A taxi ride to the city centre will cost around Euro 22.

TRAVELING AROUND 

It's easy to explore the city center on foot, and Hamburg's public transport system is renowned for being easy to use and accessible, even for the foreign traveler.

But if you want to have more freedom when exploring the city, hop on a bike from the city's StradtRAD network.

There is both a circle line which runs around the city and five lines which run in diverse directions. There are stations above and under ground. The Underground runs every ten minutes during the day. Tickets are the same for the Underground, buses and boats.

You can also buy the Hamburg Card. It gives you free transport and discounts on various excursions. Alternatively you can buy a 1 or 3 day pass which gives you unlimited travel on local traffic.

In River Elba and in the Alster Lakes is also possible to use the ferry services.

WHERE TO EAT

In a city where being green is simply a way of life for residents, several cafes and restaurants pride themselves on using local produce. And unlike other major cities, eating with an environmentally-friendly approach won't cost you the earth.

Locals often head to the Sternschanze district, an alternative area known for its graffiti and street art, to grab a coffee and meet friends.

Ottensen is full of young professionals enjoying some down time. When the weather is good, the streets are filled with tourists and residents dining al fresco. Shepard recommends Caf� LilliSu, for what she says is the best organic coffee and cake in town.

Mutterland is known for its German specialties. The deli and café bases its delights on traditional dishes. It offers organic bakery goods and regional cheeses and meats, along with homemade soups and salads.

WHERE TO STAY

Outside the city center is The Okotel, a stylish hotel built using environmentally safe products. Windows are triple glazed, ventilation is controlled and even the floors are made from untreated wood.

The classical Hotel Atlantic is a favorite for visitors who want the convenience of having the city at their door step. "It's very glamorous and old-fashioned," says Shepard.

The hotel prides itself on using eco-friendly cleaning products. "We buy them in large sizes and refill them ourselves to avoid additional packaging," says the hotel's Jannika Eibach.

The chef focuses on local products to fill his menu, avoiding unnecessarily long food miles, and employees are offered financial incentives to use public transport.

INFO 

www.hamburg-tourism.de