Backed by more than 1,200 years of history , Germany's second most populous city remains today the thriving maritime enclave that has brought it fame and wealth for centuries. Hamburg, the Free Imperial City of the Holy Roman Empire, is the maritime gateway to the country, open to the Wadden Sea via the Alster Lake and the Elbe River. One of the wonders of hotels in Hamburg is to contemplate the bridges and canals that define its urban landscape and appreciate the perfect harmony of this beautiful port enclave.

Hamburg has its own lifestyle. This is what often happens with those cities whose strong personality has been maintained since their origins. Used to being a key point of entry and exit of travelers and goods, the city has been able to take advantage of this contact with the outside world to enrich itself not only from an economic point of view but also culturally.

Hamburg's main points of interest include the numerous theaters and auditoriums, such as the Theater im Hafen or the State Opera. Not in vain, the city is considered the third largest music metropolis in the world, along with New York and London, so it is common to take advantage of the vacations in Hamburg to attend one of the many international festivals held throughout the year.

Those who enjoy more outdoor activities have here a great option to stroll and discover on foot the charms of the 'City of Water'. The bridges of Amsterdam and Venice together would not be able to surpass the more than 2,300 bridges that populate the city and that are indispensable to cross the canals of the city. It is precisely the bridges that give access to some of Hamburg's most emblematic areas such as the Krameramtswohnungen (the idyllic area where the traditional 17th century merchants' houses are preserved), the neo-Gothic church of St. Nicholas or the Town Hall, with its popular 112-meter-high tower.

The visit to the city can also be made by boat by taking one of the lines that depart from the Biennenalster jetties and that, in addition to the tour, usually offer tastings of typical dishes such as Bohnen und Speck (bacon, beans and pears) or Rote Grütze (a dessert of sour cherries and cream).

Hamburg is a perfect destination for those seeking exclusivity. An eclectic city full of contrasts that, from the stately residences around the lake to the corners of the alternative district of St. Pauli, seduces the traveler with always original proposals for leisure, gastronomy, shopping or culture.

Staying at a design accommodation such as the Barceló Hamburg hotel allows visitors to never lose sight of that genuine perspective of a vacation in the city founded by Charlemagne. This spontaneous mixture of past and future is also evident in Hamburg's architecture, which ranges from the most modern and luxurious hotels to the charm of its popular buildings or the beauty of its regal mansions. Spending a few days immersed in these contrasts with Barceló Hotel Group is the best way to understand the transformation that the city is still undergoing and be part of this interesting change with all kinds of luxuries.