Book excerpt: The Hamburg Travel Guide is the most up-to-date, reliable and complete guide to this wonderful city. Travelers will find everything they need for an unforgettable visit presented in a convenient and easy-to-use format. Includes quick information on planning a visit, navigating the city, experiencing German culture and exploring the beauty of Hamburg. Also includes a German phrasebook to help you communicate with the locals. Hamburg, a major port city in northern Germany, is connected to the North Sea by the Elbe River. It's crossed by hundreds of canals, and also contains large areas of parkland. Near its core, Inner Alster lake is dotted with boats and surrounded by cafes. The city's central Jungfernstieg boulevard connects the Neustadt (new town) with the Altstadt (old town), home to landmarks like 18th-century St. Michael’s Church.