For more than 800 years, Hamburg’s harbor has been a gateway to the world. Its city hall has long been emblematic of the confidence and pride of the Hanseatic city.

The historic warehouse district is one of the largest of its kind, and it’s on the application list for consideration as a UNESCO World Heritage site. With its HafenCity development project, slated for completion in 2025, and new philharmonic hall under construction, the city is also looking ahead toward the future.

But Hamburg has even more to offer. It’s a major center for musical theater, and has a thriving nightlife. And on Sunday mornings, the fish market is a favorite of both night-owls and early risers alike.