Hamburg

Hamburg, Germany's second-largest city and biggest port, is a maritime metropolis of waterways, bridges, and bold architecture. More bridges than Venice, Amsterdam, and London combined cross its canals and rivers, while the spectacular Elbphilharmonie concert hall - a glass wave atop a historic warehouse - has become one of Europe's most iconic modern buildings.

The Speicherstadt (UNESCO-listed warehouse district), the notorious Reeperbahn entertainment quarter, and the trendy Schanzenviertel neighborhood give Hamburg a diversity of atmosphere unmatched in Germany. Add world-class museums, a thriving food scene (the Fischmarkt Sunday market is legendary), and easy access to the North Sea coast, and Hamburg reveals itself as one of Europe's most underrated cities.

May to September offers the warmest weather (15-23°C) and longest days. Hamburg is known for changeable weather - rain is possible year-round. The Hafengeburtstag (port birthday) in May is the biggest festival. Christmas markets are excellent.