Hamburg’s notorious Reeperbahn, a former red light district made prosperous by draining the wallets of sailors on leave, is still naughtily tinged with debauched delights, but these days it is less of a side show of sleaze and more of modern playground for those who love the nightlife.
On the flipside, central Hamburg is dominated by Alster Lake, a peaceful world of lakeside cafes and blissful boat rides, and the River Elbe washes giant ships along its waterway. Hamburg’s Fish Market is a big to do. Beyond the sale of dead water creatures, it is a lively place where live music, souvenirs and earthy conversation enliven the streets every Sunday. Hamburg is blanketed with parks and farmland, despite its status as Germany’s second most populated city. Alsterpark has cultivated gardens, Hirschpark has deer and Stadtpark boasts recreational centers and live concerts. Art lovers will want to check out Hamburg Kunsthalle, which features works by Klee, Munch and others. The Port of Hamburg is a one of the world’s largest harbors, and is a working waterway where thousands of ships dock and trade each year. There, international vessels are greeted by their national anthems as they pass the Welcome Point entering the port of Hamburg.
