Hamburg is Germany's second-largest city and main port. Criss-crossed by canals, it is said to have more bridges than Amsterdam and Venice put together. Despite its watery nature, in 1842, much of the city was destroyed by fire and, a century later, second world war bombing raids once again razed it. It has since regained its wealth and vitality; rumour has it that Hamburg is now home to more millionaires per capita than any other city in Europe.

The city's most infamous street is the Reeperbahn, in the St Pauli district. Once a centre for rope-making, it is now crammed with bars, prostitutes and sex clubs. It was close to this street that the Beatles set out on their musical career playing at the Star Club. The city's musical links have continued to evolve; in the 80s it spawned a handful of heavy metal bands and, more recently, several popular German hip-hop acts have emerged.

aliasboy adds ...

Think of the liberal attitude of Amsterdam, the hedonism of Berlin and add a dash of Britishness (not just the rain) and you have Hamburg in a nutshell. The city feels green with the Alster 'Lake' (a dammed river for pedants) in the centre of the city, the Elbe (the river serving the port) and any of the numerous parks. Nightlife doesn't get going in Hamburg until late: bars don't close and most clubs are empty until around 2am.