Hamburg, Germany might not be at the top of your German travel list–yet. But with historic canals, a beautiful waterfront, a Beatles connection and boutique hotels, it soon will be.
Top destinations in Germany usually involve the bigger cities like Berlin for its undeniable sense of self, Frankfurt for the business traveller, and down into the Bavarian areas like Munich to get a taste of that local beer during Oktoberfest and all year long. But one city that is sneakily hiding under the radar as an incredible destination is Hamburg. Germany’s coastal city was a merchant hub–the spot in the country where goods came in and out, making it a flourishing city. Its canals and waterways still are used for transport, but they’re also a UNESCO world heritage site that you can explore leisurely on a boat tour, giving you a chance to see Hamburg’s famous buildings and many, many bridges from a new angle. Throw in some incredible architecture from its beautifully adorned Rathaus, the pedestrian walking areas, the main waterfront and the more than 2,500 unique bridges.