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While many tourists take the time to marvel at the city’s eclectic architecture, few realise that they can explore the city from below. Head to the St. Pauli landing stage in the harbour and you’ll find the entrance to the Old Elbe Tunnel, the continent’s first river tunnel. More than 100 years old, the tunnel has been used as a set for numerous films and, once you come out on the other side of the Elbe, you’ll be rewarded with a superb panoramic view of the harbour.

The Chilehaus is an impressive, unusual building that you ought to visit when travelling to Hamburg. This was built in the 1920s as part of the Brick Expressionism movement, incorporating Gothic and Expressionist influences. The result is a towering building peppered with Gothic-style windows and shaped to evoke the idea of a ship’s prow.

If you travel to Hamburg with children, then set aside some time to enjoy the Miniatur Wonderland; the world’s largest model railway. It boasts more than 16kms of track, 250,000 human miniatures, 4,000 buildings, 1,000 trains and more than 450,000 sparkling lights. Alternatively, buy a ticket to the Zoo Hagenbeck, where you can get up close to a variety of animals and even feed the elephants, which is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip to Hamburg.

Hamburg is a very easy city to navigate, meaning that you can visit most major attractions on foot. The Planten un Blomen is Hamburg’s city park and a great attraction for families. With plenty of wide open spaces children can burn off some excess energy while parents enjoy Europe’s largest Japanese Garden. In the summer, there are free events throughout the park, featuring theatrical performances, music and a unique event featuring water-lights.

To the north of the train station, you’ll find the Alster Lakes, where you can enjoy kayaking, sailing or take boat tours of the magnificent waters. The River Elbe is something of an attraction and you can view the city from the unique perspective of the water with the numerous boat tour and boat hire facilities on offer. 

The Kunsthalle is an art gallery that spreads its exhibits between three buildings, with the artworks spanning over 700 years of history. For something more contemporary, head to the Deichtorhallen, where you’ll see fine examples of modern art and photography.

Hamburg is practically overflowing with places to eat. As one of Europe’s busiest ports, you’ll find influences throughout the city in restaurants serving cuisine from across the world. However, your trip to Hamburg ought to see you setting aside some time to sample some traditional German dishes. 

Given its seafront location, Hamburg specialises in serving fresh fish dishes. Be sure to try Brathering – fried herrings marinated in vinegar – and Pannfisch, which consists of various fish in a mustard sauce and served with a baked potato. If you’re not a fish fan, there are plenty of meaty dishes on offer, such as Stubenküken – dish of spring chicken with vibrant vegetables.

Second only to sightseeing, shopping is the reason most people travel to Hamburg. The main shopping district is to be found in the city’s centre, where you’ll find high-end stores and designer shops selling fashionable clothing and ornate furniture. 

If you’re after unique items or artisan shops, then the roads leading from the centre are the best ones to take. Head for the districts such as Mönckbergstrasse, Jungfernstieg and Spitalerstrasse and you’ll find chic boutiques, stall holders and coffee shops, all tucked away in labyrinthine streets.