Hamburg 2 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Exploring Historic Hamburg
Morning:
- Start your day with a hearty German breakfast at Fleischkuhn, a popular local spot known for its traditional dishes.
- Head to Speicherstadt and Hafencity, the world’s largest contiguous warehouse complex, now transformed into a vibrant district with museums, shops, and cafes.
- Visit Miniatur Wunderland, one of the world’s largest model railways, featuring miniature replicas of cities like Hamburg, Germany, and New York City.
Afternoon:
- Have lunch at Fishmarket (Fischmarkt), where you can try fresh seafood from the North Sea.
- Visit the iconic Elbe Tunnel, a 435-meter-long subterranean road tunnel under the river Elbe, and experience a piece of Hamburg’s industrial history.
- Explore the beautiful St. Michaelis Church and climb its tower for panoramic views of the city.
Evening:
- Dine at Restaurant Hansestadt Hamburg, offering traditional dishes with a modern twist.
- End your day with a stroll along Landungsbrücken, enjoying the views of the Elbe river and the harbor, or take a evening boat tour to see Hamburg from a different perspective.
Day 2: Culture and Relaxation
Morning:
- Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Schröder, located in a beautiful Art Nouveau building.
- Visit the International Maritime Museum to learn about Hamburg’s maritime history and explore various exhibitions.
- Walk through the idyllic Alster Lake and enjoy a picnic or lunch at one of the many restaurants around the lake.
Afternoon:
- Visit the Museum of Art and Commerce (Deutsches Bundesbank Museum), which offers insight into Germany’s monetary history and the role of the German Central Bank.
- Explore the charming neighborhood of Sankt Pauli, known for its colorful houses, vibrant street art, and the famous Reeperbahn entertainment district.
- Have dinner at Zur Mühle, a traditional Hamburg tavern with a cozy atmosphere and delicious German dishes.
Evening:
- End your day with a relaxing walk along the Elbe Promenade or a visit to one of the city’s many beer gardens, such as Bramfelder Allee.
Things to Know:
- Hamburg is a city known for its rainy weather, so be prepared with an umbrella and waterproof shoes.
- The local currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand.
- German is the primary language spoken in Hamburg, but many locals speak English, especially in tourist areas.
- The city has an excellent public transportation system, with trams, buses, and the U-Bahn (subway). A day pass or Hamburg Card can save you money if you plan to use public transport frequently.
Transportation:
- Hamburg Airport is well connected to the city center by S-Bahn, bus, and taxi.
- The city’s public transportation system (HVV) offers efficient and convenient ways to get around Hamburg.
- Taxis can be hailed on the street or ordered by phone. Uber is also available in Hamburg.
Tips:
- Try local dishes like Brotkäse (bread with cheese), Labskaus (a traditional dish made from mashed potatoes, corned beef, and pickled herring), and Fischbrötchen (fish sandwich).
- Don’t forget to sample Hamburg’s local beer, Alsterwasser (Alster water), a mix of beer and mineral water.
- Take some time to explore the city’s many parks and green spaces, such as Planten un Blomen and Japanese Garden.
Where to Stay:
- For luxury accommodations, consider the Hotel Atlantic Kempinski Hamburg or the Park Hyatt Hamburg.
- Budget-friendly options include the MEININGER Hotel Hamburg City Altes Messe and the ibis Styles Hamburg Altona.
- For a more local experience, consider staying in an Airbnb apartment or hostel in the trendy neighborhood of Schanzenviertel.