Bicycling

More or less flat as a pancake, and with dedicated cycle paths running parallel to sidewalks throughout the city, Hamburg’s an incredibly bike-friendly place. A number of hotels let their guests borrow bikes, but perhaps the most convenient option is to hire a "Stadtrad"—a city bike. Chunky and red framed, and outfitted with locks and lights, they can be picked up and dropped off at a multitude of locations around the city, including at the Hauptbahnhof, at larger U-bahn and S-bahn stations, and near popular tourist spots. Bikes are free for the first 30 minutes, and then cost 8¢ per minute up to a maximum daily rate of €12. For more information and to register, visit www.stadtradhamburg.de.

Hamburg City Cycles. From a central location, this friendly little outfit rents bikes and also offers guided tours around the city and day trips to destinations that are farther afield, such as Lüneburg and Kiel. Bernhard-Nocht-Str. 89–91, St. Pauli, Hamburg, Hamburg, 20359. 040/7421–4420; www.hhcitycycles.de.