World Cup 2006
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City Guides
HAMBURG
The Historic Waterfront
– No city’s history is tied to the sea as much as Hamburg. It is still Europe’s second largest working port (behind Rotterdam), despite it being quite a distance inland. The River Elbe flows down from the North Sea, through Hamburg and onto the borders of Berlin. One of the attractions in the area is a harbour cruise which allows tourists to see the immense and impressive warehouses of Speicherstadt.
Rathaus
– Probably the most notable and famous building in the city, the current version of the Rathaus was completed in 1897 after the Great Fire of 1842 had destroyed the original. It is still the seat of local government, as well as where the city’s politicians meet.
St Pauli
- Not a single attraction, but a whole historic area of fun for both families and adults. The main thoroughfare of the district is the Reeperbahn, which historically was the home to the city’s rope makers. Today the street is home to fast food chains, cafes, bars and clubs. It also acts as the stopping off point for the twice yearly Hamburger Dom, Europe’s largest travelling fare which is located on the fairground site at Heligen GeistFeld.
Shopping
Hamburg is a shopping paradise, with smart department stores and shopping malls to suit all tastes. The main pedestrian street is Mönckebergstrasse, where you will find most of the major chains including Karstadt and Saturn Electrical. On the edge of the Binnenalster you will find the more upmarket shopping streets such as Neuer Wall and Gerhofstrasse. There are also a number of markets in the city that offer the freshest produce to those who get their early. The Sunday Fischmarkt in St Pauli is legendary and sells everything from Eels caught off the banks of the Elbe, to tourist trinkets. Get there early and you will be able to pick up some bargains, as well as enjoy the river when it is at its quietest. The historic old buildings are one of the few remaining places on the riverbank that survived the Allied bombing raids towards the end of the Second World War.
For more in-depth information, check out Stuart Fuller’s Fans Guide To German Stadiums 2005/06
