Guided tours are a good way to see spread-out Hamburg, and plenty of operators are on hand to show you around. To get a sense of the lay of the land and see the far-flung landmarks and neighborhoods, hop on one of the Top Tour double-decker buses operated by Hamburger Stadtrundfahrten (tel. 040/641-3731; www.top-tour-hamburg.de) that leave from the main train station, Kirchenallee entrance, every 30 minutes from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (hourly in winter). The 90-minute tours cost 17.50€ for adults, 15€ for children up to 14 and seniors.

For a look at Hamburg’s port, a fascinating hubbub of maritime activity, climb aboard one of the pleasure craft operated by HADAG Seetouristik und Fährdienst AG, Bei den St. Pauli, Fischmarkt 28 (tel. 040/3117070; www.hadag.de). The 75-minute tours, in German and English, depart the Landungsbrücken, Pier 3, in St. Pauli at hourly intervals every day April to September 10:30am to 4:30pm, and from October to March 11am to 3:30pm. The fare is 18€ for adults, 9€ for children 13 and under, and 30€ for a family ticket.

Relaxing, but a lot less colorful, are tours of the Inner and Outer Alster operated by ATG-Alster-Touristik, Am Anleger Jungfernstieg (tel. 040/3574240; www.alstertouristik.de). In good weather departures are daily about every 30 minutes from 10am to 6pm, with trips lasting 50 minutes—just about the right amount of time to get your fill of pleasant vistas of the tree-lined shores, church spires, and sailing boats. November to March, tours depart daily at 10:30am, noon, 1:30, and 3pm. Boats leave from the Jungfernstieg quayside (U-Bahn: Jungfernstieg). Trips cost 15€ for adults and 7€ for children 15 and under.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.