Hamburg – officially the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg – is one of three city-states within Germany. With around 1.9 million residents (over 5 million in the metro region), it is Germany’s second-largest city. You can spend a week here and still not see everything, but 2 days in Hamburg would be a great start, especially with this itinerary.
It is Hamburg’s location along the Elbe River, at the estuary to the North Sea, that has defined the city’s history. The sea, shipping, and trade have shaped Hamburg like nothing else – from its time as a member of the Medieval Hanseatic League to Hamburg’s position as the third largest port in Europe today.
From the glitzy stores along the Jungfernstieg to the historic warehouses of the Speicherstadt and from the modern urban planning of Hafencity to the seedy red-light district of St. Pauli – Hamburg’s neighborhoods offer something for everyone.
Two days will be just enough time to get a good first impression of this rugged but warm-hearted city. Explore the port area with its long maritime history, taste the traditional fare of fish sandwiches and curry sausages, tour unique museums, and experience Hamburg’s bustling nightlife – you are sure to fall in love with this rough gem of the North.
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Day 1 Morning: Miniatur Wunderland
Start your first day in Hamburg with one of the most surprising main attractions in a big city – the Miniatur Wunderland.
Located in the old warehouse district (“Speicherstadt”), the Miniatur Wunderland boasts the world’s largest model train set. This is truly an attraction for young and old and will be a highlight on your trip to Germany!
Over several floors you can see miniature sets with impressive details. In excess of 1,100 model trains, more than 10,000 model cars, almost 500,000 LED lights, and over 30 million Euro – this isn’t your run of the mill model train museum.
The Miniatur Wunderland is organized in various zones with specific themes, like Austria, Hamburg, America, Venice, Rio de Janeiro, or Patagonia. And they are constantly expanding the exhibition so there may be even more to see on your trip.
Unfortunately, the Miniature Wunderland is so popular that getting in can be difficult. Unless you want to spend hours waiting on the day, you need to buy your ticket for a specific timeslot well ahead of time online. An early morning visit works best for this itinerary, but if morning tickets are sold out you might still be able to snare an entry in the late evening.
Though the building isn’t huge, there is so much to see that you can expect to spend 2,5 to 3 hours looking at all the detail of the lovingly designed exhibits. Be prepared for crowds though!
Then make your way from the Miniatur Wunderland to the Landungsbrücken (ship piers). Getting there will take about 30 minutes on foot or around 20 minutes if you take the bus or subway line U3.
The Landungsbrücken is a great place to try one of the traditional Hamburg fish sandwiches for your lunch. Brücke 10 (German for “Bridge 10”) is a casual eatery with a limited menu of sandwiches with mackerel, brown shrimp, salmon, herring etc. While you munch on this traditional food, you have a view over the port with its large container ships.
Day 1 Afternoon: Hamburg’s Port
Continue your day exploring Hamburg’s port which has shaped the city.
Right at the Landungsbrücken you will see the starting point for various harbor cruises. During these one-to-two-hour long cruises you will explore the port area with its huge container ships.
Even more interesting though is the ride through the Warehouse District (tides permitting). As you pass the old brownstones you can just imagine the buzz in times gone by when spices from India, dates from Morocco, tea from China, and sugar from the Caribbean arrived here.
But there is still more to see in this fascinating part of town. Your next stop is the museum ship Rickmer Rickmers, an old windjammer now open to the public. Learn more about the history of this ship and enjoy the art exhibits.
If you are looking for more interactive fun, Rickmer Rickmers also offers an escape room and a scavenger hunt as well as the opportunity to climb the rigging (book ahead for these experiences).
Your final stop on this day is the Elbphilharmonie. This distinctive building is a modern Hamburg landmark. Admire the outside and book ahead for a slot to take the unique curved elevator up 37 meters to the Plaza. This modern space with panorama windows will be of special interest for any architecture fans but the views over harbor and city make it a worthwhile visit for everyone.
Depending on the date of your visit, you might want to end your day by attending a concert in this wonderful venue.
Day 2 Morning: Warehouse District
On the second morning return to the Warehouse District as there is yet more to see. The Speicherstadt has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Start with the very popular Internationales Maritimes Museum, located in a beautifully restored warehouse. Shipping and trade have shaped Hamburg, and this is the place to learn more about it.
On nine decks (floors) you will find all kinds of information, from a Lego model of the Queen Mary 2 and paintings to various ship paraphernalia. This museum is a dream for anyone interested in naval history but there is plenty to see even if you aren’t a history buff.
You should allocate at least 2 hours for the visit at this museum, more if you enjoy ships and history. There are various tours and events offered – check the website ahead of time to see if something of interest aligns with your visit.
If the weather is nice and you haven’t seen enough the day before, stroll through the neighborhood and admire the old warehouses on your way to the old town.
Day 2 Afternoon: City Landmarks, Shopping, and a boat tour
Start your exploration of the Old Town at Hamburg’s Rathaus (City Hall). The impressive Neo-Renaissance building with its adjacent market square is a Hamburg landmark. The lobby is open to the public and on some days (check the official website for dates as they change regularly) you can take a guided tour of the interior (generally at 1:15 pm in English).
Your next stop is Hamburg’s most famous church, St. Michaelis, lovingly called “Michel”. This Protestant Baroque church is another must-see landmark. If you have time, climbing the tower is well worth the effort!
Close by St. Michael’s Church you will find the Krameramtsstuben. These half-timbered “row houses” date back to the 17th century and were originally built as old age insurance for the widows of local merchants.
Then make your way to the Alsterarkaden, Hamburg’s premier shopping promenade. Here you will find the best stores in an area reminiscent of Venice. Don’t miss out on the smaller but charming Mellin Passage, the city’s oldest shopping arcade. Prices here are high but even if you are on a budget, you can still enjoy looking at the window displays!
Arrive at the Jungfernstieg, one of Hamburg’s most famous streets. Once a promenade where the upper class showed off their daughters of a marriageable age, the Jungfernstieg now is a green oasis along the water with plenty of places to sit and enjoy the (rare) sunshine.
Not only will you find more shopping along the Jungfernstieg, but it also runs along the shore of the Binnenalster (a lake formed by the River Alster). One of Hamburg’s highlights is the 60-meter-high fountain in the middle of this lake.
If you did not spend too much time browsing in the stores, this is a great chance for yet another boat tour. There is a variety of tours on offer, but an Alsterfahrt along the canals is not to be missed. Board a steamboat to discover the leafy residential neighborhood as you travel along tree-lined canals and under old bridges.
Day 3 Evening: Wholesome or Seedy?
On your last evening in Hamburg, you have the choice between two popular but very different activities typical for this city.
The first is option is a Disney musical. Hamburg is known as Germany’s Musical City and has not only one, not two but now three major productions on offer.
Lion King and Frozen are both shown next to each other at the Stage Theater an der Elbe whereas the new Hercules will be at the Stage Theater Neue Flora. This is your chance to listen to those famous Disney song lyrics in German!
The second option is far less family-friendly and about as far from Disney as you can get. The Reeperbahn in St. Pauli is probably the most famous Red-Light District anywhere. Once, sailors couldn’t wait to reach this neighborhood of strip clubs, brothels, bars, and night-clubs after long months at sea but now it caters mostly to tourists.
While you generally won’t be in physical danger in St. Pauli’s infamous quarters, pickpockets and scams abound. Grossly exaggerated drink prices and various other rackets wait for the unwary tourist. Your best bet to explore this district is an organized walking tour that will let you experience the atmosphere without endangering your pocketbook!
In Town on Sunday?
If you happen to be in Hamburg on a Sunday, you can’t miss the Fish Market with a history dating back over 300 years. Every Sunday between 5 and 9:30 am up to 70,000 visitors attend this traditional market at the river Elbe.
Fish isn’t the only thing on offer here – you can find pretty much anything on sale, from fruit and flowers to clothes and souvenirs. It is loud and brash and typical Hamburg –worth getting up early on a Sunday.
As the Fish Market takes place so early in the morning you can just add it to the beginning of your day in the above itinerary. Just make sure to not book your ticket for the Miniatur Wunderland too early if that visit falls on a Sunday.
Extend Your Stay
If you have more time, Hamburg of course has still more to offer. There are plenty of other markets, museums, parks, and neighborhoods just waiting to be explored on a longer trip.
Top choices for further adventures in Hamburg are the fascinating Chocoversum, crossing below the river Elbe through the Alter Elbtunnel dating back to 1911, relaxing at the beautiful Planten un Blomen park, and the spooky Hamburg Dungeon.
Even better, a longer stay will give you a chance to explore the surrounding region on a day trip. The town of Lübeck known for its marzipan, the gorgeous Palace of Schwerin, the purple beauty of the Lüneburg Heath, and the beaches of both the North and Baltic Sea can easily be visited on a day trip by train. And with the 49-Euro-Ticket you won’t even have to spend much to see everything!
To fully experience all Hamburg has to offer and to explore more of Northern Germany, you will need at least five to seven days.
Hamburg Travel Tips
Here are some helpful travel tips for your trip to Hamburg:
- Hamburg can be rainy and chilly so make sure to dress properly and wear layers for more comfort. An umbrella or raincoat are advisable.
- It is best to book some of Hamburg’s attractions ahead of time. This is especially crucial for the exceedingly popular Miniatur Wunderland.
- Make sure to have some cash with you. In Germany, credit cards are still used less than in many other countries.
- If you decide the explore the seamier side of Hamburg on the Reeperbahn, caution is advised. While an organized tour may be best, at least be aware of frequently employed scams and employ common-sense safety precautions if you decide to go on your own.
Hamburg FAQs
What are the must-see attractions in Hamburg for a 2-day visit?
The Elbphilharmonie concert hall, a harbor cruise, warehouse district, and the Miniature Wonderland are absolute must-sees to understand Hamburg’s history and culture in just 2 days.
What is the best way to get around Hamburg?
Hamburg has an extensive, inexpensive, and safe public transportation system. Use the local buses, subways, and commuter trains to cover longer distances. Within neighborhoods you can safely walk.
If you are staying longer and want to explore further, trains will take you to most nearby cities.
Where should I stay for easy access to the top sights?
Hamburg has good public transport, so the exact location of your hotel is less important than in some cities.
However, the most practical area to stay in would be Hamburg’s City Center which offers bustling stores, good public transport, and a central location. Alternatively, Hafencity would be a good starting point for your two day stay as many of the attractions are nearby.
Is Hamburg safe for travelers?
Hamburg is a safe city. Of course, you should follow basic safety precautions like anywhere: keep an eye on your belongings, avoid deserted areas at night, and keep your wits about you.
Be especially cautious in the St. Pauli Red-Light-District. While not dangerous per se, plenty of pickpockets and scams are waiting for unsuspecting travelers.
What language do people speak in Hamburg?
The local language in Hamburg is of course German. However, English is widely spoken, and you should have no problems communicating even if you do not speak it. Be sure to learn some essential travel phrases before you go to show your respect and connect better with the locals.
What is the best local food to try in Hamburg?
The traditional food in Hamburg is casual and simple. Try one of the various fish sandwiches, a Currywurst (Curry Sausage), and the surprising Aalsuppe – even though the name (German for Eel Soup) sounds fishy it doesn’t always contain fish but is actually a vegetable soup with dried fruit. Of course, Hamburg would also be the perfect place to eat a juicy hamburger.
If you have a sweet tooth, don’t skip Rote Grütze – a German dessert consisting of red fruits and berries cooked into a delicious concoction! Another highlight is the Franzbrötchen, a yeast pastry with cinnamon and sugar typical for the city.
What is the weather like in Hamburg?
The Hamburg climate is heavily influenced by the nearby seas. While you can get lucky with sunny and warm days (especially in the summer), it is best to be prepared for chilly winds, dark clouds, and lots of rain.
Read More about Germany
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Important Tips for Visit Germany
How to Spend Two Days in Berlin, Germany
Save “2 Days in Hamburg, Germany” for Later
Author Bio: This is a guest post by fellow travel blogger Kitty, of Kitty meets World. Kitty has always loved to travel and now enjoys sharing her passion (and what she has learned) with others on her blog Kitty meets World. After many years traveling with kids, she is once again embarking on solo adventures.
Love it!! Hamburg is such a fun city! We’ve spent time around it, but we only spent like a day in the center – I feel like I need to go back and actually explore more. 🙂
p.s. I have to admit, I didn’t expect you to list Disney musicals vs red light district! Lol It’s pretty cool that both options are available.
Haha it’s definitely quite a mixture in Hamburg haha!