Walk 15 minutes along the Aussenalster to reach Jungfernstieg boulevard in the centre of the city. From there you can walk through the Alster arcades to the Rathausmarkt ; the town hall square. The town hall itself is a magnificent sandstone building, built in neo-renaissance style and home to the senate. The courtyard here is a good place for a late breakfast or an early lunch. Or walk through the fantastic courtyard into Rathausstrasse, stopping for a coffee at my favourite spot, the Café Paris.

Take a taxi to one of Hamburg's landmarks, St Michaelis church, known locally as 'the Michel'. Built between 1751 and 1762, it is the most important baroque church in northern Germany. From the 132m-high tower you have breathtaking views over the whole city. Afterwards you can walk down the Michel's stairs to the port which leads into the Portuguese district. The port of Hamburg, known as 'the Gate of the World', is the biggest German sea port: take a boat trip around the harbour from here. Afterwards, there are lots of snack bars along the waterfront if you're feeling peckish.

Hamburg is the place for shows. There are always a number of musicals at different theatres. In fact, Hamburg is the musical centre of Germany. There are dozens of bars and clubs with live bands and cabaret. And of course, its red-light district is famous throughout the world. The concierge can get you tickets for any of the shows in town.