Happy in Hamburg

Hamburg is doubtlessly one of Germany's most treasured destinations and is a great place to spend at least two days. Amble along the Alster, discover the celebrated Warehouse District or take a sniff of the sea air with a boat cruise through the city's countless canals. And you really must try the fresh Fischbrotchen (fish sandwiches) for which Hamburg has a reputation of being delicious. Immerse in some culture at a realm class art museum, go for some window shopping at a few free music stores, checking out the live music scene in the Reeperbahn or eat out at some excellent, low-cost fast food joints – a holiday in Hamburg can be action packed for sure.

I would urge you to begin your vacation with a visit to the St-Pauli Landing Stages by the sea, where you can appreciate the crowd of cafes, seafood restaurants and vibrant memento shops. Cruise ships proceed from Hamburg's harbour through the year so make certain to take benefit of the unbelievable sight of the Elbe and its many ocean liners from the quays scattered along the pier.

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Miniatur Wunderland

Popped into the Speicherstadt, Hamburg's old warehouse district is a complete world in miniature. Inside one of the brick buildings lies the realm's biggest model railroad system, containing over 13,000 metres of pathway and rising steadily, with a projected final track span of about 20,000 metres in 2020! If you aren't a model railway fan don't let that overview turn you off, because this is not a usual normal model railway. Adding to a miniature Hamburg, divided over numerous floors are measure models of an imaginary city, Harz the Alps, Austria, the US and Switzerland. And one gets to them via the globe's biggest model airport! The scale of the dwelling is difficult to convey, it is enormous and so much care has been accorded to the detail. To enhance the child-like miracle it appeared to stimulate in just about each adult in there, every few minutes the lights would blur and the flashlights of the buildings come on. The entire place takes on a novel aspect and pieces such as Las Vegas come alive. All the while the trains zoom around tunnels, below and above bridges.

Falling in love

You can't be in Hamburg and not visit the Fish Market, a good idea is to go there right after partying in the Reeperbahn as it opens at 5 am. The market, in district Altona, is a large ethnic lure and many people come there every Sunday just to see; out here you can even dance to some live music to stir you up in these early hours. If Germany is identified with sausages, Hamburg is unquestionably the place to go for marine fare. Though Schanzenviertel is the abode to go for cafe and eating out, adjacent Karolinenviertel is where you would discover exclusive boutique shopping. Nonchalant homeware stores, indigenous fashion designers and peculiar bookstores are prominent. All in all, unusual neighbourhoods, a contemporary harbour district, highest of the assortment shopping and great sea food, I loved Hamburg. It's a large city but great to walk and each quarter has its individual exclusive charm and appeal.

Location matters

During my city break to Hamburg I stayed at the Ramada, located near the various museums, shopping district and the central station. I would recommend Hotel Ramada if you want to enjoy all of this within walking distance. More importantly, stay at Ramada for the yummy breakfast! The city just senses more alive, like some entertaining might be just about the corner. If Hamburg isn't on your list of places to travel in Germany, it ought to be. You could be an antiquity buff, an ethos enthusiast, or a shopaholic, Hamburg has something for everyone. Open-air activity, such as boat tours, are included in most itineraries, but there are adequate indoor lures for a rainy day, the chocolate museum, Hop-on-Hop-off bus and the Audi car museum for example! To get there, fly Air France on Business Class. If you book in advance like us you can get an extremely good rate and it also offers the best connectivity.

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