Best things to do in Hamburg

The world's largest model railway layout, Miniatur Wunderland consists of 12,000 m (39,000 ft) of tracks built in HO scale (1:87). This awe-inspiring exhibit is divided into seven sections with over nearly 900 trains, 11,000 carriages, 300,000 lights, 215,000 trees, and 200,000 human figurines. The layout includes huge panoramas of the Alps, the American West, Switzerland, Hamburg, and the fictitious city of Knuffingen. The latter features its own airport, with planes capable of taxiing and even flying. Originally started in 2000 by brothers Gerrit and Frederik Braun, this project is continuously expanding. It's expected to reach its final construction phase in 2020. Save time by booking your tickets online. Call the site in advance to arrange a behind-the-scenes tour.

Discover more than 200 species of wild animals at Tierpark Hagenbeck. As the first of its kind to use open enclosures, this landmark zoo allows visitors to view animals in nearly natural environments. Get up close to the free-roaming lions and chimpanzees. Carry along some apples or carrots so you can feed the elephants. Then explore the world of underwater animals at the four-level aquarium.

Walk the canal-lined streets of the world's largest warehouse complex in Hamburg's Speicherstadt. Head to the Miniatur Wunderland in this iconic landmark, and you'll be fascinated by the largest digitally operated miniature railroad in the world. The district along the Hamburg port features stately Neo-Gothic buildings with trendy restaurants, traditional shops, and fine galleries. You can stroll over the many canal bridges to admire the impressive industrial architecture. To view the district from the water, you can rent a boat to tour the port.

Often called the country's Gateway to the World, Port of Hamburg is Germany's largest port and one of the world's busiest. The harbor covers about 74 sq km (26 sq mi), taking advantage of the branching Elbe River. Visit the port, which is almost as old as the city itself, to see how many of the old warehouses have changed into contemporary museums, bars, shops, restaurants, and hotels. Ultramodern buildings stand right next to well-preserved pearls of 19th-century architecture.

Stroll through 47 hectares (116 acres) of landscaped gardens in the heart of the Hamburg city center at Planten un Blomen. As one of the city's central landmarks, the park features a large botanical garden, several play areas for children, and a rink for ice-skating and rollerblading. Admire the local flora and fauna in the many garden greenhouses and landscaped beds. Or ride bikes through the cherry blossom-lined paths around the park. Visit in the evening to attend one of the park's famous light and water shows.

Hamburg Town Hall dominates Hamburg with its impressive architecture and stately presence. It's one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Constructed in the late 19th century, the colossal building features 647 rooms and houses the senate and parliament of Hamburg. Admire the building's elaborate Neoclassical facade with marble statues and inscriptions. Then, head inside to tour the Main Hall and central courtyard free of charge. You can take a tour of the entire building for a small fee.

You can cross the Elbe river 24 m (80 ft) below the water's surface through Alter Elbtunnel. This subterranean tunnel, constructed in 1911, connects the city center of Hamburg with the dock and shipyard district of the south banks. Inside the tunnel, you can admire the collection of glazed ceramic motifs. Walk through to the south side of the river for impressive views of the cityscape and surrounding area. Pedestrians and bicyclists can use the tunnel 24 hours a day. Motor traffic is restricted to certain hours.

If you appreciate both art and architecture, Kunsthalle Hamburg may leave you wondering whether to spend more time looking at the paintings or the building itself. The gallery focuses on Dutch and Flemish artists of the 16th and 17th centuries, French and German paintings from the 19th century, and art up to present day. Check out the website to find out about current exhibits. The layout of the galleries can be a little confusing; the gallery plan indicates room numbers that you won't find in the building itself.