A former cruise ship captain has disclosed one of the "best destinations to visit" in Europe. Nico Berg has spent over two decades as a ship captain, journeying across the globe, initially on cruise vessels and subsequently on cargo ships.

He considers Hamburg in Germany a destination that travellers absolutely must experience given the opportunity. Nico, who was employed by German company Aida, claims there is "nothing like" navigating up the Elbe during morning hours.

This vast waterway meanders through some of Europe's most stunning locations, including the Giant Mountains of the Czech Republic, before emptying into the North Sea at Cuxhaven in Germany. The river stretches across a total distance of 680 miles as it winds its way through Europe.

Nico reminiscences warmly about sailing up the waterway into Hamburg's Port. Speaking to Wine Traveller, he remarked: "There's nothing nicer than traveling up the Elbe in the morning and entering Hamburg Port.

"In summer months, when the ship is just in front of the curve of the harbor piers (Landungsbrücken), the sun usually rises behind historic Hamburg Michel (church) and the view is just amazing. Although I'm at home all over the world as a seafarer, Hamburg always gives me a feeling of coming home. When our ship leaves Hamburg Port, tourists stand along the Elbe and excitedly wave at us."

Nico recommends that visitors to Hamburg should explore the city's Speicherstadt, or City of Warehouses, by taking a small barge through its intricate network of canals. This vast industrial estate, the largest in the world, was constructed between 1883 and 1927 as a free zone where goods could be imported without customs fees.

Today, it is a bustling hub for the production of a range of goods including cocoa, coffee, tea, spices, and electronics, while also serving as a major tourist attraction. The Speicherstadt houses several museums, including the Hamburg Dungeon and a model railway, offering tourists a rich tapestry of historical experiences.

In addition to the Speicherstadt, visitors can explore the Elbe Tunnel, also known as the St Pauli Elbe Tunnel, which was opened in 1911. This unique structure transported people and machinery 24m underground to cross the river via the iconic St Pauli Landungsbrücken.

Another must-see destination is the city's historic fish market, which has been operating since 1703. Every Sunday morning, traditional fish vendors set up their stalls on the city's streets.

But it's not just about seafood - auctioneers have been selling an eclectic mix of items for over three centuries. From tropical fruit and clothing to souvenirs and, of course, fish, there's something for everyone at this vibrant marketplace.

For those seeking a more contemporary attraction, Hamburg's Elbphilharmonie Concert Hall has already received over two million visitors since its opening in 2017. Situated on the harbour in Hamburg's Hanseatic city, the hall's plaza serves as a central gathering spot for both tourists and locals.

The glass hall soars 110m into the skyline, with the glass mirroring the sky and water of the city.