Things to do in  Hamburg

Nope, not hamburgers. Hamburg is best-known for its harbor—the UNESCO-designated Speicherstadt, a can't-miss maze of 19th-century warehouses and canals—and its unrivaled nightlife. This is where The Beatles' career took off, after all.

Stroll along 19th-century Speicherstadt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the River Elbe. Climb up 453 stairs to the top of St. Michaelis Church; stop by the Fischmarkt for street food (running since 1703); take in neo-Renaissance Hamburg City Hall; and walk the ​​neon-lit streets of Reeperbahn, Hamburg’s nightlife-rich neighborhood.

Yes. Though many see Berlin as Germany’s eccentric arts hub, the creative pulse beats hardest in Hamburg. With hundreds of museums, theatres, and music venues, culture geeks are spoiled. As a free imperial city of the Holy Roman Empire and a member of the Hanseatic League, history buffs win, too.

The 300-year-old Fish Market is a Sunday draw from 5am to 9am—grab brunch on the second-floor balcony. Retail therapy abounds at the Venetian-inspired Alsterarkaden, or take a budget-friendly harbor wander and nosh on a fischbrötchen (fish sandwich). Don't miss Planten un Blomen park and UNESCO-listed Speicherstadt on the Elbe River.

Yes. Hamburg has some of the best nightlife in the world. The scene centers around the St. Pauli neighborhood, encompassing Reeperbahn and Hamburg’s red-light district. Find everything from old-school sailors’ hangouts to cocktail joints and music venues featuring house DJs to live jazz. For an alternative vibe, hit up nearby Sternschanze.

Yes. In general, Hamburg is quite safe. But like in any big city, exercise caution in areas like train stations and along the nightlife-heavy Reeperbahn. Note that women and minors are not allowed along Herbertstraße, the city’s red-light district.