Waterside charm is the enduring memory of Hamburg-Mitte, a district that incorporates the urban core of Hamburg. The district’s enthusiasm is infectious, with expressive merchant houses lining up along the river and vibrant neighbourhoods perfect for exploring on foot. Hamburg-Mitte spans a large area and includes both the Old Town and New Town, the neighbourhoods that the city expanded from during the medieval centuries.

Most visitors to Hamburg start in these two ancient neighbourhoods, where elegant mansions reveal the wealth of this famous trading city. For traditional architecture and old-world design, these are two of the finest neighbourhoods in Germany. Along with Hafen City, they make up the inner city of Hamburg. To the north-west lies the Port of Hamburg, the largest in Germany and a captivating example of industrial design. It’s since become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another 16 neighbourhoods envelop the inner city of Hamburg-Mitte, including the bustling and bizarre area of St Pauli, with its long history of live punk gigs, left-wing politics and an eclectic multiculturalism.

Overground S-Bahn and underground U-Bahn train services connect all of the Hamburg-Mitte, complemented by an extensive bus network that runs through the night. Hamburg International Airport is on the S-Bahn and a journey from the airport to Hamburg Hauptbahnhof, the central train station, takes less than 30 minutes. Five major railway stations can be found in Hamburg-Mitte with high-speed international services departing from Hauptbahnhof.

Hamburg has often called itself the “Gateway to the World”, a recognition of its early years as a trading port in the Hanseatic League. It grew particularly wealthy during the 19th century, and its maritime legacy continues to be evoked in the World Heritage warehouse district of Speicherstadt.