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Hamburg, Germany’s second-largest city, is a vibrant metropolis that blends rich history with contemporary culture. Known for its bustling port, historical architecture, and dynamic neighbourhoods, Hamburg offers a wealth of attractions for every traveller. This 2-day itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors looking to explore Hamburg. A weekend in Hamburg might be the perfect start for you to explore one of the most beautiful of German cities.
It might be a good idea to change our proposal up a bit, according to the weather, because, well, it might probably be a bit rainy under certain circumstances sometimes, as a common cliché about Hamburg states. (But still, good weather happens!!) When it comes to exploring Hamburg, a little rain is no reason to stay indoors! It helps to have a rain jacket in your luggage just in case. Whatever the weather, there’s plenty to discover and experience – and after all, we’re from Hamburg and not made of sugar. A little water is just that.
Let’s see what a Hamburg itinerary could look like.
Start your day in the heart of Hamburg at the Hamburg City Hall. This stunning neo-Renaissance building is not only the seat of the city’s government but also a testament to Hamburg’s resilience and grandeur. Take a guided tour to marvel at its opulent interiors and learn about the city’s political history, including fascinating stories from its past. With 647 rooms, including magnificent halls and a grand ballroom, the Hamburg Town Hall is a treasure trove of history and architecture. Be sure to check out the wonderful Hygieia fountain in the courtyard, which commemorates the cholera epidemic of the 19th century. The building itself, constructed on 4,000 oak piles to ensure stability, features intricate details that showcase the craftsmanship of its time. Tours are available in several languages, and you can even catch a glimpse of the local government in action if you visit during a session. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or just looking to soak up some local culture, Hamburg City Hall is a perfect start for your Hamburg itinerary.
As Hamburg is a very walkable city, you can just take a stroll from the town hall towards your next destination.
On your way to the Speicherstadt, visit the St. Nikolai Memorial. The former church destroyed during World War II serves as a memorial and museum dedicated to the war’s impact on Hamburg. Take the glass elevator up to the observation deck and get some first stunning panoramic views of the city and a moment of reflection.
Now that you have seen the Speicherstadt from your elevated vantage point, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is your next destination. Wander through the cobblestone streets with narrow canals and bridges that crisscross the area to get an impression of how people used to work here. This historic warehouse district, with its red-brick buildings and network of canals, offers a picturesque glimpse into Hamburg’s past as a major trading hub. If you want to learn about the history of the construction and the ways of working in the Speicherstadt, stop at the Speicherstadt Museum.
If you are up to another museum visit and are interested in the maritime history of Hamburg, make your way to the International Maritime Museum located in a huge, restored warehouse in HafenCity. The museum houses an extensive collection of maritime artifacts, including ship models, navigational instruments, and maritime art. Delve into Hamburg’s deep-seated connection with the sea and its role in global maritime history.
Admittedly, there is some walking involved in this itinerary for the first morning in Hamburg. But there are a lot of indoor venues you can spend your time in if the weather is being nasty.
Kaffeemuseum Burg: A visit to the Burg Coffee Museum is must for every coffee lover. Learn about Hamburg’s rich coffee culture and indulge in freshly roasted brews at their charming café.
Spicy’s Spice Museum: This delightful museum invites you to explore over 900 exhibits that celebrate the fascinating world of spices! From their origins to their uses in cooking, you’ll get a whiff of exotic aromas and learn all about the spice trade’s rich history. Plus, you can touch, smell, and even taste various spices—how cool is that? It’s a fragrant adventure that will inspire your culinary creativity!
Chocoversum: The Chocolate Museum: For all the chocoholics out there, a visit to Chocoversum should be part of the Hamburg itinerary! This delightful chocolate museum takes you on a delicious journey from the cocoa bean to the finished chocolate bar. During a 90-minute guided tour, you’ll learn about the fascinating process of cacao harvesting and chocolate production, complete with live demonstrations of historical machines. The best part? You get to create your very own personalized chocolate bar!
Take a break for lunch at one of the many local cafes or restaurants in HafenCity. In recent years, a lot of new restaurants opened, catering both to the many visitors and the people working in the surrounding office buildings. Sample traditional German dishes such as Bratwurst, or enjoy fresh seafood. One tip is the Fleetschlösschen, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular photo motif. The Oberhafenkantine, a quirky little house that inclines to one side, enjoys cult status – a walk through the rooms is a very special experience.
Art enthusiasts should head to the Hamburg Kunsthalle, one of Germany’s most significant art museums. The Kunsthalle’s diverse collection spans centuries, featuring works from the Middle Ages to contemporary pieces. Highlights include masterpieces by German Romantic artists and modern works by Andy Warhol and Gerhard Richter.
Relax with a scenic boat ride on the Alster Lake. These historic boats offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle, with stunning views of the city’s skyline and surrounding greenery. It’s a perfect way to unwind and appreciate Hamburg’s natural beauty.
In the evening, make your way to the St. Pauli district, famous for its eclectic mix of culture and nightlife. This area is a hotspot for street art, with colourful murals and graffiti adorning its buildings. St. Pauli is also home to the Reeperbahn, Hamburg’s most famous street, known for its lively bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
Step into the world of wax figures at the Panoptikum, Germany’s oldest wax museum, located directly at the beginning of the Reeperbahn. The Panoptikum features lifelike statues of historical figures, celebrities, and fictional characters. It’s a fun and quirky attraction that adds a touch of whimsy to your itinerary.
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. On the Reeperbahn and in the neighbouring streets, there are restaurants to suit every taste. Whether it’s burgers or German cuisine, Polish specialities, Asian delicacies or simply fast food from the iconic snack bar. You’re sure to find something here.
Find a club with music of your choice – there’s plenty to choose from – and dance with the locals until the early hours. There is no closing time in Hamburg. And, no joke, if you can hold out until early Sunday morning on a Saturday night, you can start the first item on the programme for the second day right away.
Hamburg Planetarium: The Hamburg Planetarium in Hamburg City Park offers unique audiovisual impressions and explanations of the fascinating connections between our Earth and the cosmos. Head over to the Planetarium, where you can escape into the universe with captivating shows about stars and planets. It’s an out-of-this-world experience that’s perfect for all ages!
Holthusenbad Spa: After all that exploring, treat yourself to some relaxation at Holthusenbad Spa. Opened in 1914, it has seen many things come and go over the decades. But the inimitable style and charm of the building has been preserved to this day, and it is still a temple of relaxation and wellness. The lovingly decorated sauna world in the style of the 1920s is an absolute highlight not to be missed. And for those who prefer to swim in the open air, the heated year-round outdoor pool in the outdoor area of the Holthusenbad is the place to be. This historic swimming is perfect for unwinding after a day of adventures. And the Spa is opened until 10 pm.
Glow-in-the-Dark Mini Golf at Schwarzlichtviertel: Looking for something quirky? Try your hand at glow-in-the-dark mini golf! Navigate through fantastical landscapes filled with neon colors—it’s a fun way to spend an afternoon with friends or family.
If the second day of your stay happens to be a Sunday, there is really only one thing you should do: visit the St. Pauli Fischmarkt. What once started as a market for local fishermen is now a colourful hustle and bustle with traders and goods from all over the world. Some of the market criers are even local celebrities. From April to October, during the summer season, you can admire and purchase goods from all over the world from 05.00 am to 09.30 am. In the winter season (November to March), shortened opening hours apply from 07.00 am to 09.30 am.
Whether you find your way from the Reeperbahn down to the Elbe after a night of dancing or whether you come here more or less rested after a few hours’ sleep: The fish market is simply fascinating. And there’s coffee too.
If your second day is not a Sunday, you can start with a sightseeing tour by bus (or on Sundays this might be just your second point on the itinerary). These hop-on, hop-off buses provide an excellent overview of the city’s main attractions, allowing you to explore at your own pace. The informative commentary offers valuable insights into Hamburg’s history and landmarks. After spending most of the first day in the city centre, the bus tour allows you to expand your radius a little and explore the city centre as a whole.
No visit to Hamburg is complete without seeing the iconic St. Michaelis Kirche (St Michael’s Church), affectionately known as the “Michel”. This stunning Baroque church is one of the most famous landmarks in the city, with its 132-meter-high tower serving as a beacon for ships sailing on the Elbe River. Built between 1647 and 1912, the Michel has a rich history, having been rebuilt twice after being destroyed in fires. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower’s observation deck (or take the elevator, of course) for breathtaking panoramic views of Hamburg and the harbor. Inside, the church is equally impressive, with intricate details like a copper statue of the Archangel Michael above the main entrance and six magnificent organs.
After the bus tour, you can easily get off at the Landungsbrücken and reach the next sights on foot. The museum ship Rickmer Rickmers, for example, is moored directly at the St. Pauli Piers. This historic sailing ship offers a glimpse into the life of sailors in the late 19th century. Wander through the ship’s decks, cabins, and engine room to experience maritime life firsthand.
The ship in its immediate neighbourhood is completely different from the Rickmer Rickmers. From the bridge to the engine room, the Cap San Diego offers vivid insights into the heyday of general cargo shipping in the 1960s before the introduction of container transport. All important areas of the ship are open to visitors and convey a unique piece of industrial culture. You can explore the ship on your own to your heart’s content, download an audio guide or book a guided tour on site.
Head to HafenCity for lunch – which is just a short walk along the riverside away. Just head towards the easily visible Elbphilharmonie and you are headed in the right direction. This modern district showcases innovative architecture and urban planning. Enjoy a meal at one of the chic cafes, delis, bakeries, or restaurants overlooking the waterfront.
If you are interested in architecture, consider visiting the Chilehaus and the Kontorhausviertel. Built between 1922 and 1924, the Chilehaus is an exceptional example of Brick Expressionism architecture. Its striking, ship-like eastern façade is a true architectural marvel, spanning 36,000 square meters and reaching up to ten stories high. The upper floors house offices, including the headquarters of a major real estate company. The Chilehaus is part of the larger Kontorhausviertel district, which together with the adjacent Speicherstadt warehouse area, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015. This historic neighborhood is known for its impressive early 20th century office complexes built in a similar brick style, such as the neighboring Sprinkenhof building. Wandering through the Kontorhausviertel, you’ll be transported back in time to Hamburg’s golden age of maritime trade and commerce.
Spend some time exploring HafenCity, Hamburg’s newest urban development. Stroll along the waterfront promenades, visit the iconic Elbphilharmonie concert hall, and enjoy the mix of historic warehouses and cutting-edge buildings. HafenCity’s blend of the old and new provides a unique perspective on Hamburg’s evolving cityscape.
Cap off your visit with a harbor boat trip. These tours offer a unique perspective of the city’s bustling port and iconic skyline. Sail past container ships, historic vessels, and modern architecture as you learn about Hamburg’s maritime heritage.
Enjoy your final dinner at a riverside restaurant with views of the Elbe River. Reflect on your two days of exploration while savoring delicious local cuisine and get ready for the final highlight.
No trip to Hamburg is complete without visiting Miniatur Wunderland, the world’s largest model railway. Located in the Speicherstadt district, this incredible attraction features detailed miniature landscapes from around the world, complete with moving trains, cars, and even airplanes. It’s a mesmerizing experience for visitors of all ages. The Miniaturwunderland is actually the most visited attraction in the whole of Germany. As it can get really busy at weekends during the day, we recommend visiting either very early in the morning or in the evening. Believe us, it’s worth making time for a less busy time – because there’s a lot to see and discover here.
Some more suggestions, if you are not convinced that this is the best way to go. There are plenty more options:
Indoor Climbing at Urban Apes: If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try indoor climbing at Urban Apes? With climbing walls suitable for all skill levels, it’s an exhilarating way to stay active while dodging the rain.
Emigration Museum Ballinstadt: Step back in time at the Emigration Museum Ballinstadt, where you can explore the stories of those who left Europe for America through Hamburg. The interactive exhibits make it engaging and educational—perfect for history buffs!
For convenience, you might choose a hotel in the city centre. But if you make sure you have good public transport connections – perhaps an underground or S-Bahn station nearby – you can stay a little further out and save money by choosing your hotel.
Hamburg’s public transport system is efficient and easy to navigate. Buses, trains, and ferries connect all parts of the city.
If you are feeling adventurous, one of the best ways to sightsee in Hamburg, even on a rainy day, is by taking advantage of the city’s extensive public ferry system. The HADAG harbour ferries offer you to explore Hamburg’s waterfront attractions from the comfort of a boat. The most popular route for visitors is the number 62 ferry, which departs from Landungsbrücken and travels along the Elbe river to Finkenwerder.
Along the way, you’ll pass by highlights like the Elbphilharmonie, the Speicherstadt warehouses, and the Blohm + Voss shipyards. The ferry makes several stops where you can hop off to explore further, such as the Fischmarkt in Altona, the Dockland office building with its viewing platform, and the charming fishing village of Övelgönne with its Elbe beach. The ferries are equipped with both indoor and outdoor seating, so you can enjoy the views and grab a snack or drink on board.
You can also buy day tickets or multi-day tickets for local public transport. Consider purchasing a Hamburg City Pass with public transport ticket (optional) and included tickets to many attractions. With a normal HVV ticket you can ride the HADAG ferries as much as you like, making it an affordable way to see the city from the water.
Our suggestion for a 2-day visit to Hamburg offers you a good first insight into the city and a lot to see on your weekend city break. And one this is for sure: Rainy days in Hamburg can be just as exciting as sunny ones! There’s so much more to see, but you’ll just have to bring a little more time with you on your next visit… But for now: Enjoy everything this dynamic city has to offer—who knows what hidden gems you might discover along the way? Happy exploring!
