Hamburg, the green metropolis situated on the Elbe and Alster rivers, is regarded as one of Germany's most beautiful cities. A harbour city with one of the world's most important container ports, Hamburg boasts flair and maritime charm, not to mention a wide range of cultural offerings for its guests from all over the world. With 1.8 million inhabitants and twinned with St. Petersburg, the city is Germany's second-largest. The liberal and cosmopolitan city of Hamburg offers its guests a unique blend of top-class art and culture, a wide range of hotels, excellent restaurants, exquisite shopping and historic sights from the city's 1,200 year history. The nearby North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts are the ideal place for a short break.