A Guide to Hamburg from Parking Luton Airport

Germany’s second-largest city is defined by water; for centuries, this port city has been a center of international and domestic trade. Nestled where the River Elbe meets the Rivers Aster and Bille, Hamburg also contains two man-made lakes. Visitors to this vibrant city can spend their days strolling along the waterfront, sailing and rowing on the Inner and Outer Alster lakes and exploring Hamburg’s rich historical and cultural attractions.

Hamburg State Opera
	Experience Hamburg’s long operatic tradition at a performance of the Hamburg State Opera. The public opera house -- Germany’s first – opened its doors in 1678 and quickly became the center of the burgeoning German baroque movement. Over the centuries, the opera hosted leaders and guests from Beethoven to Hans Von Bulow, George Phillip Telemann to George Frederich Handel.
Sullberg Hill
	For the best views of the River Elbe, explore Sullberg Hill. Once a fishing village of some ill-repute, this Hamburg suburb now houses some of the most swanky homes in the country. The neighborhood consists of a winding, sloping network of cobble-stone streets connected by 58 staircases -- a total of more than 4,800 steps in all. Though you probably won’t want to climb each staircase, do climb to the top of Sullberg Hill for spectacular river views.
Hamburg Port
	Hamburg’s economy has long been based on its port; in fact, this bustling marina encompasses almost 12 percent of the city’s area. For a glimpse into the city’s rich nautical history, visit the Port of Hamburg and tour the Rickmer Rickmers, a windjammer vessel dating from 1896. Tour the ship’s museum and enjoy a floating meal in its on-board restaurant.
Tierpark Hagenbeck
	Visitors of all ages will enjoy the Tierpark Hagenbeck. This massive zoological park – it encompasses almost 67 acres – is home to more than 1,800 animals, an aquarium, a railway and Japanese gardens. The zoo’s animal residents represent more than 250 species from around the world -- from bears and orangutans to giant otters and a herd of Asian elephants -- and live in large, open spaces rather than enclosed cages. Many are faced with extinction. The aquarium is home to more than 14,300 aquatic creatures, from sharks to tropical fish, and contains three stories of exhibits.
The Rathaus
	Take a 40-minute guided tour of one of Germany’s most lavish baroque buildings. The Rathaus, which serves as Hamburg’s town hall and government seat, was built in the 1880s and contains 647 rooms. Tours include the opulent Emperor’s Hall and Great Hall, used for concerts, exhibitions and official meetings and events. The Rathaus contains many examples of detailed wood carvings, intricate tile and mosaic work and neo-renaissance architecture.
Beatlemania Museum
	Music lovers won’t want to miss the Beatlemania Museum. The 60s supergroup developed their career in the streets of Hamburg. The museum pays homage to John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and George Harrison through a series of interactive exhibits, audio-visual presentations, documents, photographs and other artifacts from the band’s early days.