The Hagenbecks Tierpark (or Hamburg Zoo) is owned by the Hagenbeck family; Carl Hagenbeck, Jr. (who founded the zoo in 1907) was a wild animal trader and merchant. Of special note is the Troparium, an artificial habitat comprised of a rain forest, a desert and a sea, with animals in each. Travelers' opinions are mixed: Some say that the Hamburg Zoo wasn't a standout and that the lack of English signage was frustrating. Others delight in the zoo's many offerings -- several restaurants, playgrounds for kids, a dolphin show, a recreation park, among other attractions.

If you're budgeting out which attractions to do and not do, keep in mind the zoo charges a pretty steep admission fee though its exhibits could fill an entire day. You can find if off the Hagenbecks Tierpark U-bahn station.

• Hamburg's zoo, one of Europe's best, was founded in 1848 and today is home to about 2,500 animals belonging to 360 species … A restaurant serves well-prepared fixed-price menus at 15€ to 18€ ($24-$29), 11:30am to closing time." -- Frommer's