Forget castles and chintzy town squares: This is cool new Europe

Forget tourist-beset, chintzy old Europe and shuffling through yet another overblown palace. This is Europe, but not as guidebooks imagine it. The real deal, and right up to the minute.

• by Brian Johnston

This 112-year-old airport hub is an uninspiring monolith

One of the world’s oldest airports, Hamburg hasn’t been updated to reflect the city’s trendy, upscale vibe.

• by Michael Fowler

Hamburg, Germany, things to do: A postwar city of shipping, seafood and mighty new architecture

At Mutterland Colln's, Germany's oldest oyster bar, my starter is a selection of oysters, plump and ocean fresh.

• by Luke Slattery

Getting naked in Germany's bathhouses: Why Germans are the champions of public nudity

Unlike its Japanese equivalent, where each gender has its own section, a German bathhouse is a completely mixed-gender clothing-free environment.

• by Tim Richards

Tour Europe's great canal cities: Water worlds

Many cities can claim the title 'Europe's other Venice'. And you can reach them all on an outstanding train journey.

• by Anthony Dennis

Hamburg with the lot

A weekend in the party city is a riot for Julie Miller, with ageing pop stars, steins of beer and cocktails on the sand.

No place like home

Geesche Jacobsen rekindles a romance with Hamburg's canals, cafes and churches as she strolls the city's key streets.

Essential guide to Hamburg

David Whitley shares his tips for exploring this northern German port city.

It was 50 years ago today

Hamburg is where the Fab Four got their groove and where a fascinating museum shows just how they did it, writes David Whitley.

Your questions

When is the best time to book flights for a trip to Germany during the Christmas period?