Even the often reticent residents find it difficult to hide their pride in their hometown, its atmosphere, and its distinctively global charm. It is the entryway to the world, a stunning marine metropolis, and the maritime capital of the north.

....Any successful trip to Hamburg starts with a boat ride around one of the most potent universal ports in the world. Afterwards, take a walk around the Old Town, which has charmingly angular 17th-century town houses, cafés, and pubs. Hamburg’s classic Speicherstadt quarter is part of the HafenCity inner-city development project and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Narrow canals intersect the buildings of the largest single complex of traditional brick warehouses in the world, which are supported by hundreds of oak pillars. The renowned Elbe Philharmonic Hall, a music hall and prominent landmark in the city, is only a short distance away.