Hamburg is Germany’s second-largest city by population, after Berlin. Located on the banks of the River Elbe and about 110 kilometres from the North Sea, Hamburg is a particularly important port city.
Stylish and refined, culturally speaking it is one of Germany’s liveliest cities.
If you still haven’t found the right inspiration to plan a trip to Germany, read our five good reasons for going to Hamburg.
Don’t miss
The port
The port – the second-most important one in Europe – is not just a place for commercial encounters, but is also a magical place that excites and evokes particular feelings: if you visit at dawn, before the frenetic pace of the day begins, you’ll be treated to wonderful stillness, whilst in the evening, to amazing colours.
The fish market
Founded in 1703, it is the city’s beating heart and is an obligatory Sunday morning stop in Hamburg. You’ll be wrapped up in the voices and colours, in an engaging, old world atmosphere that everyone finds fascinating, from families to younger people. It is located not far from the red-light district of Reeperbahn.
Miniatur Wunderland
Not only is it an amusement park, but also an extraordinary example of the art of the miniature. The structure is a faithful representation of the city on a small scale: accomplished with precision and full of detail – it will delight both young and old.
The Town Hall
It is the symbol of the city. A neo-Renaissance building, built in the late 1800s, it is an impressive building containing almost 700 rooms, more than you’ll find in Buckingham Palace. It counts more than 100,000 visitors every year. Opposite, is the Rathausmarkt, called “Red Square” because of its red-coloured bricks.
Elbphilamornie
The concert hall, which opened in January 2017, has quickly become one of Hamburg’s most modern symbols. Designed by the architectural firm Herzog and de Meuron, it is one of the most acoustically advanced halls in the world. The glass structure, visible from almost the entire city, was built over an old pre-existing warehouse, giving the building a unique charm.
Travel Documents
Identity Card
An identity card valid for leaving the country allows entry into European Union countries. However, please note that there have been reports of difficulties in some countries with the recognition of renewed and stamped paper identity cards, as well as the refusal of electronic ID cards renewed with a certificate issued by the municipality.
Passport
An ordinary passport is valid for all countries whose governments are recognized by the Italian one, except for any legal restrictions, and can be obtained by all citizens of the Republic. A passport is issued (and renewed) by the police and abroad, by diplomatic and consular representatives. It is valid for 10 years, but in some cases provided for by current legislation, this validity may be shortened.
For more information, see www.poliziadistato.it
