Travel review: Hamburg - the perfect city break for fish food, football and festive fun

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Hamburg is Germany's largest port city and if seafood, fine views and a place brimming with culture is what you're after, then a trip here is a must.

I'll admit that my only knowledge of Hamburg prior to this trip was that it has two well-known football clubs - Hamburger SV and St Pauli.

But after spending 48 hours there, it has alerted me to the fact that it offers so much more and is certainly somewhere I wish to return one day.

My base for the trip was the plush Courtyard by Marriott Hamburg City hotel.

Courtyard by Marriott Hamburg City. Pic: Cathrine Stukhard.

The 277-room hotel is situated in the heart of the city and boasts luscious spa facilities, a Finnish sauna and stunning bar and restaurant facilties.

Our group was treated to the latter in style on our first night, when we ate in Bockmann's - the in-house restaurant.

Regional Hamburg specialities are deliciously served here and the Tartare Bar is a particularly clever addition that allows diners to 'pimp' their own variation on the speciality with beef, salmon or vegetarian options of their choice.

Food would play a big part of my trip to Germany's second largest city.

Indeed a food tour, led by the excellent Hamburg Taste Tours team, the next morning opened my eyes to the vast amount of restaurants and eateries that call this place home.

If you are in the area of St Pauli, you should definitely pop in on Underdocks - a fast food restaurant that specialises in seafood.

They offer Instagrammable lobster rolls and shrimp tacos that hit the spot.

Hamburg city offers plenty of opportunities to mooch around the shops or enjoy a tasty coffee whilst you rest up.

Courtyard by Marriott Hamburg City. Pic: Catherine Stukhard.

And with Christmas just around the corner, the Hamburg Christmas Markets are in full swing making the city a hive of activity.

However, the city also has a vast amount that cannot be seen on foot in such a short time.

To this end, the Fotohaven Hamburg River Tour was a godsend.

As well as being able to see the sights without traipsing around the city (particularly in the cold November weather), the cruise along the River Elbe offers photogenic sights of the city's landscape including the stunning Elbphilharmonie concert hall with its striking wave design.

Our final venture before departing was the Au Quai restaurant, which offers another interpretation on Hamburg's love of seafood.

The classy setting offers a perfect atmosphere at either day or night with textbook views across the Elbe - a fine way to end a whistle-stop but hugely enjoyable city break.

* Rooms at Courtyard by Marriott Hamburg City start at rates from 120 Euros. For further information visit www.marriott.com.