Over a century old, the Speicherstadt is the world's largest integrated complex of warehouses. Visitors to Hamburg will discover a picturesque setting of Wilhelmine era Gothic architecture rendered in red brick, featuring unusual gables and towers. Precious commodities are stored at controlled temperatures behind the massive walls: coffee, tea, cocoa, spices, tobacco, and the world's largest collection of Oriental rugs. If you're pressed for time or wish to give your feet a rest after exploring the city, consider taking a one-hour evening boat tour. The Speicherstadt looks particularly enchanting at sunset.

The Zollen Collierly is a fascinating insight into coal mining and the lives of Dortmund’s colliers. The collier was the first technical building that was of international importance in Germany. The exhibition will takes you in the world of rough working conditions, and teaches you about the stories of the men and women who worked there during the 20th century.

One of Germany's most beautiful hiking trails runs along the banks of the Elbe to Blankenese. The former fishing village is now a prosperous suburb to the west of Hamburg, located right on the Elbe. Picturesque lanes, winding stairs and houses standing close together: with its Mediterranean feel, the Blankenese Treppenviertel is reminiscent of a resort on the Riviera. Blankeneser Bahnhofstraße is like a small city in itself, with its church, weekly market, many well-stocked shops, restaurants and ice cream parlours.