The original language of Hamburg as elsewhere in Northern Germany is Low German (Low Saxon).

Hamburg is the most important railway junction on the route to Northern Europe and its airport is the oldest still working airport in Germany. The local public transportation of the city is well organized by a Verkehrsverbund. This is a joint venture of all public transport companies which service the area. Hamburg has many channels, which are crossed by over 2300 bridges, which is more than what Amsterdam and Venice have together.

Hamburg has a well developed public transportation system. Buses go around the clock. At night, a special "Nachtbus" (night bus) service connects the outlying districts and the city center. The buses depart and arrive at "Rathausmarkt", near the town hall and operate all through the night. Intracity train service runs until approximately 5AM and 1AM in the central city, but there is often not service past 11PM in outlying districts. On weekends, it runs all night.

Let’s re-cap on top of all of the above, there is the following highlights to see in Hamburg

• Beaches
• A number of wildlife parks
• A number of museums
• Hamburg's top zoo
• The Open Theatres
• Spa's

Not forgetting the Fish Market — Every Sunday morning vendors praise wares of virtually every type at Hamburg's oldest open-air market, dating back to 1703. The market takes place at the foot of the century-old Fish Auction Hall, where live-bands perform jazz, skiffle, country, or western music. Open every Sunday from 5AM-9:30AM, in winter from 7AM-9:30AM.

Harbour Birthday — Every year in May the harbor birthday attracts millions of people. Dozens of stands and stages, a ship parade, and changing events are organized to celebrate the cities spring of wealth. The harbor filled 800 years in 1989. Since then, the Harbor Birthday grew the greatest harbor party in the world. It is generally in early May.

Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival — On May 19th, the Japanese community of Hamburg celebrates the Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival by the Lake Alster. Enormous fireworks and a peaceful atmosphere are characteristics of this event.

Fair — The Dom is one of the largest fairs in Germany. The streets of the fairground, lined on both sides with stalls and rides, are some 3.3 km long. It takes place in spring, summer, and early winter for the duration of one month each. See the Dom's website

Street Parties — Watch out for neighbourhood and street parties during summertime. Some of the biggest are:

• Altonale, in Ottensen.
• Bergedorfer Stadtfest, in Bergedorf.
• Osterstraßenfest, in Eimsbüttel.
• Schanzenfest, in Schanzenviertel is self-organized and full of peace and happiness until it ends around 10PM in fighting between a crowd and the police.
• Stuttgarter Weindorf — Vintners from southern Germany present their products at the Rathausmarkt (town hall square).

Street Parades

• Schlagermove Parade, a parody on the Berlin Loveparade with schlager instead of techno music.
• Hamburg Pride, the Gay Pride Parade usually takes place in August and moves from the main station through the shopping streets to end at the Jungfernstieg with the set up party tents.
• Carnival of Cultures, a colouful and interesting parade showing off worldwide cultures

Are you packed yet?