Unfortunately, tours of Hamburg’s telecommunications tower have long since been a thing of the past. But in spite of this, it continues to be an integral landmark in Hamburg’s panoramic skyline. Plus, it’s indispensable as a destination point – because where you see the tower is where you’ll also find a host of other attractions. For example, the trade fair grounds and congress centre, home to Germany’s popular hanseboot boat fair, among others. Or the wonderful park grounds of Planten un Blomen, with its botanical gardens and evening water-light concerts. They are so colourful that residents have coined the shows “pudding catapults”. Nearby, in the university district, you'll find a lively restaurant and café culture. The area behind the trade fair grounds, the Marktstraße, has been the centre of Hamburg’s alternative scene for years. The Michel church indeed remains the city’s most beautiful viewing platform, but a visit to the telecommunications tower is definitely worthwhile. Imagine being there: close your eyes, turn around a few times, then when you’ve stopped, open your eyes and simply start walking straight ahead. No matter where the path takes you, you will learn a little bit more about Hamburg. For more information, visit: http://hamburg-messe.de (English and German) http://plantenunblomen.hamburg.de (German) http://www.hamburg-web.de/magazin/artikel/Farbiges-Wasserlichtkonzert-Planten-Blomen-Hamburg.htm (German) ABATON cinema, located in the university district, also shows a range of films in their original language (English, French, etc.) in regular intervals. For the latest programme, visit: http://www.abaton.de (German) Directions U3 yellow line, with stop at "Messehallen" Bus 4 or 5, with stop at "Grindelhof"