Hamburg's magical Mile - Hamburg is more than just a World cup venue

Now that the World Cup has ended and all the football fans are gradually trickling away from their temporary surrogate homes across Germany, the country can begin to get back to normality, and the usual business of tourism can take hold once again.

Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany with a population of about 1.7 million people, and given its industrial past, is a lively and surprisingly green harbour city. Much of the city is occupied by parks, protected countryside, lakes or tree-lined canals, giving this huge city a refreshing rural feel. The western part of Hamburg is particularly well renowned for its many beautiful parks, beautiful promenades along the river Elbe, and the surrounding fashionable suburbs.

With many operators offering flights to Hamburg taking just two hours from most of the UK airports, it is easy to travel to this exciting city. Once there traveling around is also simple. The Airport is only 5 miles to the north of the city, with taxi and bus services in to town readily available, or car rental through Avis, Budget, easyCar, Europcar, Hertz, National and Six, at the airport. You can even rent a limousine if you really want to.

The centre of the city is filled with an abundance of new and old arcades linked together creating a great shopping experience especially for those looking for the latest in designer wear, with some of the best shops located in Rathaus Square, along with the impressively grand city hall which stands supported by dozens of pillars. For music lovers there is always the acclaimed State Opera or the river-side Hafentheater, which is home to contemporary musicals. For dance music fans there are many clubs around the city, and it remains host to the 5 day Full Moon Fever Festival in July.

If a bit of quiet peaceful scenery is needed, then there is always the option of a trip to the farming areas of Altes Land, where unspoilt countryside and quaintly decorated farmers houses can be found.

As well as culture, Hamburg is a city for fun — high on the list of most visitors' things to do is to make time to enjoy some of the fantastic beer halls. It is also worthwhile finding Hamburg's 300 year old Altona fish market located south of the Reeperbahn every Sunday morning, which now sells fruit, sausages and livestock and clothes, along with the odd fish or two. A trip along the many canals and waterways is also worth a go, as it is not called the "Venice of the North" for nothing.

For those whose idea of a great holiday is lively nightlife, then there is always the historic and infamous, Reeperbahn, where the Beatle used to regularly play. This area runs 600m along the entire length of the red-light district of St. Pauli between Millerntor and Nobistor. While still being fairly racey at night, things have changed in recent years, so that today the previous forms of entertainment have been replaced by copious trendy bars, clubs, restaurants, theatres and even the odd museum. Although the atmosphere has now become safe and fairly unthreatening, with the police station located in the centre of the area, a broad minded attitude may still be required for some areas.

Culture, history, shopping, nightlife, parks, scenery, whatever you want Hamburg can provide it. Hamburg is a great city for any tourist to visit all year round.