2015
University
Hamburg
A couple of hours on the train takes you to Hamburg, the second-largest city in Germany and a major financial and tourism hub. This city-state is home to 1.8 million people, but the surrounding area, in Lower Saxony, is home to a population of 5 million. Hamburg dates back to the Emperor Charlemagne in the 9th Century and grew alongside the Elbe River which makes this important city a major transportation hub - and one of the wealthiest cities in Europe. Waterways are so extensive, in fact, that Hamburg has more bridges than Venice, Amsterdam and London combined! The Rathaus (combined city hall and state legislature) is magnificent and provides a stunning view as you emerge from the spotless subway downtown. English-language tours run through the historic Rathaus all day for just a few euros and there's a large market just outside. You'll find a lot to do in Hamburg, including widely diverse shoppping, from Smallville Records to Cartier Jewelry. The riverfront St. Pauli district is party central, home to a huge selection of restaurants and bars and your city bus and rail ticket also lets you ride a ferry all around the Elbe. Hamburg is home to half a dozen historic churches, including St. Peter's which dates back to 1195! Racing fans may also enjoy a visit to the Prototyp Museum, dedicated to German racing history - and you won't want to miss touring the Cold War-era Soviet submarine U-434, which is now a riverfront museum.
