HAMBURG
Don't let the cool blue eyes and upturned collars of Germany's second-largest city and media capital fool you. Hamburg's moneyed set may subsidize a lavish array of Michelin-starred restaurants and sumptuous hotels, but it is the gritty, somewhat seedy districts of St. Pauli and the Reeperbahn that still show visitors a rollicking good time.
GAMES: An intriguing match up is in store when Argentina plays Ivory Coast on June 10. Scalpers won't be earning much, though, when Ecuador plays Costa Rica on June 15 or when Saudi Arabia takes on Ukraine on June 19. But expect prices to jump when two of Europe's leading teams, the Czech Republic and Italy, clash on June 22. There will be a quarterfinal on June 30.
HOTELS: A growing tourist spot, Hamburg has new design hotels, old guest houses and everything between. Last-minute travelers can call the city's tourist office (49-403-005-1500, or visit www.hamburg-tourism.de) or show up at the welcome center in front of the city hall. For less bustle, drive an hour north to Luebeck on the Baltic coast (hotel hotline: 49-180-588-2233; www.luebeck-tourism.de).
NO TICKET? An 80-square-meter screen will be set up in Heiligengeistfeld, a giant field next to Germany's favorite underdog team, St. Pauli. The site, which will have a food court resembling the city's famous fish market, is within stumbling distance of the Reeperbahn.
DOWNTIME: Hamburgers love their show tunes. Among the musicals you can sing along with between matches are Dirty Dancing, Mamma Mia! and The Lion King.
HANOVER
An unassuming city in northern Germany, Hanover has rebranded itself as a convention and trade-show destination. But this centuries-old city does offer top museums like the Sprengel, a clean pedestrian-only central area and, for those headed to the games, a shiny new canopy over the 44,650 seats of the AWD arena.
GAMES: Highly ranked Italy will make its debut against first-time cup contender Ghana on June 12, followed by a possible upset when seeded Mexico faces Angola on June 16. The only day game here is a toss-up between Costa Rica and Poland on June 20. South Korea, the 2002 host, will try to maintain its momentum when it faces Switzerland on June 23. A second-round game is scheduled on June 27.
HOTELS: Thanks to a bevy of trade shows, Hanover has an unusually high number of hotels, 92 in all, so securing a room should be a cinch. The easiest way to book is through Hanover's hotel hotline (49-511-123-45555, www.hannover-tourism.de).
NO TICKET? Make for Waterlooplatz, a vast square with a 42m-high column commemorating the battle at Waterloo. With room for 17,000 fans, Waterlooplatz will have a 60-square-meter screen, a concert stage and an army of local food and beer stands.
DORTMUND
Dortmund has completely transformed itself from a coal and steel town, into one of Germany's leading green metropolises and high-tech hubs. Situated in the Ruhr area, an industrial landscape tangled with autobahns, the city has set aside nearly half its land for forests, recre-ational waterfronts and open spaces like Westfalenpark.
GAMES: Cultures -- and playing styles -- collide when Sweden plays Trinidad and Tobago on June 10, and Switzerland takes on Togo on June 19. Few are wagering against Brazil in its game with Japan on June 22. But all bets are off when Germany takes on neighboring Poland on June 14. A second-round match takes place on June 27 and a semifinal on July 4.
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