Hamburg's hidden gems

Described as the media and cultural centre of Germany, Hamburg is a place of contrast. Home to museums, galleries and beautiful buildings, the historic city cannot fully escape its infamous WWII history, with bombed out churches and anti-war memorials a constant reminder. Seen as a resilient city, Hamburg has overcome the fires and trade problems of the past to become a popular place for tourists of all ages.

The European city could soon come a step closer for many on the East Coast after United Airlines this week announced that it was hoping to turn Washington Dulles International Airport into its newest international hub. Along with South Africa and the other German cities of Munich and Berlin, United's chairman Glenn F. Tilton highlighted Hamburg as a destination that the airline would love to open up from Dulles.

As with many European destinations Hamburg caters for a range of travelers from those on a cheap flight budget to the first-class crowd.

Famous for its beer and bratwurst (local sausage) those with a smaller budget can take advantage of the many refreshment stands around the city, with kebabs, sausages and beer on sale, while there are plenty of mid-range and expensive restaurants as well.

Between the schnitzels, spare ribs, black pudding, pretzels, rich desserts, and huge steins of local beer you may want to try walking off some of that German hospitality. If not, transport around the city is as varied and complete as the food menu and an ample supply of taxis, busses, over ground and under ground trains (U-Bahn) will ship you around the city.

The airport meanwhile is equally well serviced by regular trains and busses into the city.

For those who are keen to keep moving the Hamburg Card can be purchased from most stations and offers reduced public transport fares as well as free entry to many museums and landmarks.

Hotels vary in prices, with hostels providing a cheap option for backpackers and students, while mid-range hotels offer family friendly accommodation.

The Hamburg Hotline – +49 40 30 05 13 00 - is open 8am to 8pm, and provides information on hotel availability and bookings.

With one of Europe's largest and best-developed ports dominating the city centre there is certainly enough to see and do in Hamburg to fill a whole holiday. However, if you want to carry on your vacation elsewhere, Hamburg International Airport acts as a hub connecting northern and eastern Europe with regular cheap flights going in both directions.

© Adfero Ltd