Europe is filled with a bevvy of fascinating cities which have attracted tourists to their streets for decades. Whether it’s in France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, or Belgium, there are urban hubs each with unique characters of their own.

There are plenty in Germany for example including Heidelberg, Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Dresden, and Hamburg. It is the last of these, Hamburg, that is particularly engaging.

What’s more, flights from the UK to Hamburg can be as short as 90 minutes with planes taking off from major London airports. Once there, Britons will have access to a city that has been captivating people for years and has marked itself out as one of Germany’s best cities for culture.

Located in northern Germany on the Elbe River, Hamburg is host to the country’s largest port and also acts as its commercial centre. According to Britannica, it is one of the most populous cities after the nation’s capital Berlin. 

Further inland there are a series of historical sights for visitors to take in including the Alter Elbtunnel, an iconic pedestrian tunnel for workers which became a tourist attraction in the 1970s after several bridges were built.

Other options above ground include the Speicherstadt, the Planten un Blomen, the Hamburg Town Hall and the Tierpark Hagenbeck.

Tourists visiting Hamburg have commented on its architectural beauty, including the Speicherstadt, the largest warehouse district in the city. Today it is a modern walking centre filled with a variety of shops, storefronts and attractions.

Praising the area of Tripadvisor, user The_Concierge_8 said: “Beautiful historical area of Hamburg surrounded by cobblestoned streets and also separated by canals viewable from connecting walkways between the buildings now re-purposed from warehousing to bars, shops, restaurants, even hotels. Lovely area to just stroll and take in its history.”

Fellow visitor Chinda added: “This was enjoyable to explore independently, whether on a harbour cruise or through a walking tour. The region teemed with ancient tales, providing delight to those with a passion for either photography or architecture.[sic]”

According to Hamburg’s visitor website, there are a total of eight walking trails across the city making it easier for tourists to navigate on foot. 

They are split up according to what they show – with specific routes linking rivers Elbe to Alster, and even tailored walkways linking the new town. This is where the culture element of the city is thought to boom.