Harbour Tours
Hamburg owes its prosperity, past and present, to its docks, so a trip around the harbour (daily noon, March to November with English commentary), sailing past huge container vessels and spotting ships from all over the world, is essential.

Landungsbrücken, Brücke (pier) 1
Tel: (040) 3178 2231.

Cruising the Alster Lake
There are many ways to cruise the Alster, the best being the Alster-Kreuz-Fahrten option, which makes nine stops on a leisurely two-hour trip, allowing you to hop on and hop off at will, visiting bucolic lakeside cafes and restaurants or stopping for a picnic.

Jungfernstieg (landing stage)
Tel: (040) 357 4240.
Website: www.alstertouristik.de  

Museum für Hamburgische Geschichte (Museum of Hamburg History)
The Museum of Hamburg History brings to life the story of the city, from the feared pirate Störtebeker to the Beatles at the Star Club. There are some impressive large scale exhibits and interactive displays, all with English captions.

Holstenwall 24
Tel: (040) 42813 22380.
Website: www.hamburgmuseum.de  

Sunday Fish Market
Good street food, live music, souvenirs, tremendous food bargains and the type of stall-holder banter which will make even non-German speakers smile have all made this early-morning market a city legend.

In and around Fischmarkt

Michaeliskirche (St Michael's church)
Visit this city landmark at noon (daily) for the three-organ concert, then ascend the tower for great views over the harbour and the city.

Englische Planke
Tel: (040) 3767 8100.
Website: www.st-michaelis.de