Car Hire Hamburg - Mini guide to Hamburg

Hamburg is a city of old-world charms and modern conveniences, making it a popular European travel destination. The town is nestled within a labyrinth of rivers, lakes and a busy harbour, and hosts exquisite architecture, churches and famous museums.

Most of Hamburg's tourist attractions lie within the town centre, with the Alsterfleet canal separating the Altstadt (old city) from the Neustadt (new city). The Altstadt was partly destroyed in the Great Fire of 1842, however, the city still has plenty of grand buildings and renovated churches. Main attractions in the Altstadt include the neo-Romantic St Petri and the neo-Renaissance Rathaus.

Across the canal is the Neustadt, the Baroque conoisseur's paradise. This area is home to Hamburg's famous landmark, Michaeliskirche, the largest Baroque church in northern Germany. Further sightseeing is along the quaint Peterstrasse, lined with Baroque architecture including the Johannes Brahms Museum.

The eastern side of the Neustadt is the chic shopping district, with stylish boutiques, gourmet restaurants and trendy nightclubs.

The Kunstmeile (art mile) is the place to go for the best of Hamburg's galleries and museums. Hamburg Kunsthalle, Galerie der Gegenwart and Deichtorhallen are all worth seeing.

By car around the city you'll see Schanzenviertel and Karolinenviertel (good spots for late-night dancing), Alster Lakes, Reeperbahn (red-light district), St Pauli Elbtunnel and Germany's oldest Stock Exchange.