At river city of Hamburg

Savor chocolate and coffee

HAMBURG, Germany - For centuries, this port city was a powerhouse in maritime trade. These days, Germany’s second-largest city is still the country’s main entry point for exotic goods. But it’s also a magnet for foodies, arts fans and folks who prefer to wander rather than power walk their way around a new destination.

Attractions include a chocolate museum, a historic warehouse district and river boat rides. Just remember in Hamburg you’re never far from the water — including the kind that falls from the sky, so go with the flow and bring an umbrella.

Feast eyes and tickle tastebuds

Maybe you want to start small. Really small. In Hamburg’s old warehouse district, an indoor model railway called the Miniatur Wunderland stretches across two floors and takes visitors on a humorous journey around the world. Book tickets in advance at www.miniatur-wunderland.com/visit/ ticket/.

The warehouse district, or Speicherstadt, was once a free port, and its distinctive red brick buildings on timber foundations helped the area gain UNESCO World Heritage status in 2015. It’s hardly a museum, though. The warehouses are still used to store goods from around the globe, and with a little patience, visitors can watch Persian carpets and sacks of spices being loaded and unloaded using old-fashioned pulley hoist systems.

Hamburg has a long tradition of appreciating coffee. Enjoy a good brew at one of several coffee roasters around town, such as Nord Coast Coffee Roastery.