Only got 2 days in Hamburg? Don’t worry— 48 hours is just enough to fall for this city’s maritime charm.
We’ve spent many weekends in Hamburg, and this is our ideal itinerary we always recommend to our international friends.
If you’re visiting for the first time and want to see the big sights, feel the vibe, and catch a few hidden gems, this guide is for you.
In this itinerary, you’ll cover:
Bonus: We explored Hamburg with Hamburg Tourismus, and as part of the LGBTQ+ community, we loved the inclusivity and dynamic energy the city offers. If you’re looking for queer-friendly tips, don’t miss our article on ➜ Queer-Friendly Places in Hamburg.
The complete Hamburg itinerary at a glance
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💡 Money-saving tip
You can save on many sightseeing attractions by booking the Hamburg Card. It also includes free rides on public transport (buses, ferries, subway, S-Bahn)—super handy for getting around the city without stress.
Check Hamburg Card here* →
2 Days in Hamburg – Quick Itinerary Overview
| Time of Day | Day 1 – Classic Hamburg | Day 2 – Local Vibes & Hidden Gems |
| Morning | Explore Speicherstadt & ElbphilharmonieOptional: Miniatur Wunderland | Fish Market (Sundays only)Or brunch in Sternschanze |
| Midday | Boat tour through the harbor | Bunker Panorama or Planten un Blomen |
| Lunch | Local eats in HafenCity | Street food or café in Karoviertel |
| Afternoon | Relax or visit Chocolate MuseumWalk along Landungsbrücken | Chocoversum or St. Pauli exploration |
| Evening | Dinner in the Portuguese QuarterOptional: Musical or concert at Elbphilharmonie | Sunset walk + Final Dinner in Altona or Elbstrand |
→ Jump straight to Day 1 itinerary
→ Jump straight to Day 2 itinerary
💡 Pro Tip: The famous fish market only happens on Sunday morning—so if you’re in Hamburg Friday–Saturday, flip the days to catch it!
Day 1 in Hamburg – Iconic Sights, Elbe Views & Boat Adventures
You’ve just arrived in Hamburg—and it won’t take long before someone greets you with a friendly “Moin!“
That easygoing charm is part of what makes this city so special.
People from Hamburg are funny, open, and refreshingly easy to talk to.
You’ll feel it right away.
Morning: Speicherstadt & Elbphilharmonie
Exploring Speicherstadt
Subway station: Meßberg | Plan for 1-2 hours of walking | Optional: Miniatur Wunderland
We always recommend to start your first day in Hamburg with a walk through Speicherstadt, the historic warehouse district.
It’s UNESCO-listed for a reason—massive red-brick buildings lined with green bridges and canals make it feel like stepping into a different time (and a dream for photographers).
If it’s drizzling (it’s Hamburg, after all), duck into a cozy café like Speicherstadt Kaffeerösterei for an expertly brewed coffee and maybe a warm Franzbrötchen (a local cinnamon pastry we’re obsessed with – it’s vegan!).
💡Want to dive deeper into Hamburg’s secrets?
→ Join a private walking tour and explore the city with a local guide!*
Exploring the iconic Elbphilharmonie
Subway station: Baumwall | Free | Why? Great panorama
The Elbphilharmonie is Hamburg’s iconic glass‑clad concert hall, perched on top of a historic brick warehouse at the edge of the Elbe River.
It’s a must‑see landmark in Hamburg, pairing world‑class acoustics with striking architecture.
Even if you’re not seeing a concert (yet), go up to the Plaza— you get a full 360° view of the harbor, HafenCity, and the skyline.
The escalator ride alone is an experience.
The Plaza is 100% free when you pick up a ticket on site. We already went two times to the plaza and we always got in just by showing up.
If you want to ensure entry at a specific time and avoid any potential wait, you can reserve a timeslot ticket in advance for a small fee.
Lunch: HafenCity or Portuguese Quarter
By now you’re probably hungry.
For street food vibes: grab a classic Fischbrötchen (fish sandwich) from one of the stands near the Landungsbrücken.
If you’re still in HafenCity, there are lots of modern cafes and lunch spots—we often grab a light bowl or soup here before the boat tour. We recommend: Carls Brasserie with top-notch service and delicious meal options.
Afternoon: Classic Hamburg Harbor Tour (Must-Do!)
Subway station: Landungsbrücken | Tickets needed | 1-2 Hours | approx. 27 euros / person
If you do just one tour in Hamburg, take a harbor tour!
The small harbor boats (called Barkassen) leave from Landungsbrücken and glide past towering container ships, historic docks, the Elbphilharmonie, and sometimes even through narrow canals—if the tide is right.
→ Good to know: You can just walk up to the piers, check the next available departure, and hop aboard.
If you prefer to book in advance, check out these Harbor Tours:
Late Afternoon: Walk Along the Landungsbrücken + Alter Elbtunnel
Adress: Bei den St. Pauli-Landungsbrücken (Alter Elbtunnel) | Free
After your harbor tour, take a relaxed walk along the Landungsbrücken promenade to Alter Elbtunnel.
Grab a drink or an ice cream on the way and just soak up the atmosphere. On sunny days, the area buzzes with locals and tourists alike, and hungry seagulls trying to sneak your snack.
Getting to the Alter Elbtunnel:
After getting off your boat, keep the Elbe River on your left.
Head towards the Hard Rock Café and Bridge 6 (Brücke 6)—that’s where you’ll find the entrance to the Alter Elbtunnel.
The Alter Elbtunnel, opened in 1911, was a real engineering marvel in its time and is still open for pedestrians and cyclists today—and it’s free to visit.
Our honest tip:
And if you do make it to the other side of the tunnel: Look back across the river for one of the best skyline views of Hamburg.
Evening: Dinner & Nightlife Options
You’ve earned a good meal. Depending on your vibe tonight, we’ve got two great options for a relaxed dinner:
Nightlife: Catch a Musical or Show
Hamburg is Germany’s musical capital—seriously. You can catch world-class productions like The Lion King or Mamma Mia right by the harbor. We also visited Harry Potter and loved it!
However, most shows are in German.
Check out shows, tours and events in advance here on Viator* →
Day 2 in Hamburg
After a full-on first day, we’re taking things a bit more chill today—but still keeping it full of character.
Depending on the day you’re in Hamburg, the legendary fish market might be the perfect way to kick it off. If not, we’ve got you covered with great alternatives.
Morning: Fish Market (Sundays Only) or Brunch in Sternschanze
If it’s Sunday, get ready for one of Hamburg’s loudest, smelliest, and most unforgettable traditions: the Hamburger Fischmarkt.
Not Sunday?
Sleep in and head to Ottensen—one of Hamburg’s most local and hip neighborhoods.
We absolutely love it there. It actually reminds us a lot of Köln Ehrenfeld, where we lived for four years—easygoing, creative, and full of nice cafés.
Our favorite spots in Ottensen:
If you’re looking for a authentic, laid-back Hamburg morning, Ottensen is the place.
Midday: View from the Bunker or a Walk Through Planten un Blomen
Once you’ve re-caffeinated, head to one of our favorite free views in the city: the Hamburg Bunker.
It’s an old WWII flak bunker that’s been transformed into a green energy plant—and now has a rooftop café with panoramic views.
Yes, there are quite a few stairs to climb to reach the top. But don’t give up—there’s a rooftop bar and café waiting for you! Grabbing a drink with those views makes every step totally worth it.
💡 Bonus: While you’re up there, take a look towards the Millerntor Stadium, home of the legendary St. Pauli football club.
St. Pauli and Hamburg simply belong together—it’s more than just a football club, it’s a symbol of the city’s rebellious and progressive spirit.
Even if you’re not into football, catching a glimpse of the stadium feels like a real Hamburg must-do.
Do not bring water bottles, bags are checked at the entrance of the Hamburg Bunker and you have to leave it down below!
💡 Weather bad?
Swap it for a walk through Planten un Blomen, Hamburg’s beautiful inner-city park with tropical greenhouses, Japanese gardens, and free classical concerts in summer.
Lunch: Street Food & Local Eats in Karoviertel
By now you’ll probably be near Karoviertel, one of our favorite neighborhoods.
It’s scruffy, creative, and packed with great food—think falafel, vegan currywurst, or pizza by the slice.
If you’re into art and street murals, this neighborhood delivers.
Afternoon: Indoor Options (In Case of Rain)
Let’s face it—this is Hamburg. If the weather turns (and it probably will at some point), we’ve got cozy backups:
Option 1: Chocoversum – Chocolate Museum
We absolutely loved the smell inside Chocoversum—it’s pure chocolate heaven from the moment you walk in.
You’ll learn all about how chocolate is made—and yes, you’ll taste a lot along the way.
The best part? You get to create your own chocolate bar, adding your favorite toppings. It’s super fun and hands-on, and also a great activity if you’re visiting Hamburg with kids.
→ Tip: Book your tickets online in advance to guarantee your time slot, especially on rainy days.
Option 2: Miniatur Wunderland
If you didn’t visit Miniatur Wunderland yesterday, now’s your chance.
But seriously: you have to book your tickets in advance if you want to visit without long waiting times.
Spontaneous visits are sometimes possible, but it’s really a “maybe”—especially on weekends and rainy days.
We actually booked our spot 8 weeks in advance to get an evening ticket—and we were glad we did.
Plan at least 2–3 hours inside—it’s way bigger, cooler, and more detailed than you’d ever expect.
→ Pro Tip: Book evening slots if you can—the atmosphere with the lighting effects (“day and night” cycles) is even more magical.
💡 Money-saving tip: You can save on many sightseeing attractions by booking the Hamburg Card. It also includes free rides on public transport (buses, ferries, subway, S-Bahn)—super handy for getting around the city without stress.
Check Hamburg Card here* →
Evening: Sunset & Dinner by the Elbe
End your weekend in Hamburg in true northern style—with sand between your toes and the Elbe breeze in your hair.
We love heading to the Elbstrand and the neighborhood of Blankenese for this.
It’s a whole different side of Hamburg: Blankenese feels a little bit posh, with its elegant villas and steep hillside stairways, but it’s still quaint, relaxed, and genuinely welcoming.
The Elbstrand is one of our favorite places to wind down after a busy day.
Grab a drink or just plop down in the sand—yes, real sand!—and watch the massive cargo ships float by, right in front of you.
Where to Stay in Hamburg for a Weekend Trip
With only 2 days in Hamburg, you want somewhere central, walkable, and well-connected—ideally with good coffee and a local vibe right outside your door.
Here’s a breakdown of our favorite areas for first-timers:
1. The Westin Hamburg in HafenCity
Our top stay tip: The Westin Hamburg (inside the Elbphilharmonie!)*
Sleep right inside iconic Elbphilharmonie!
Choose this hotel if you want modern comfort, sweeping vistas, and walk‑out‑the‑door access to the city’s top waterfront sights.
2. The Reichshof Hotel in St. Georg
Our stay tip near the central station: The Reichshof Hotel*
If you’re arriving by train and want a very comfortable stay near Hamburg’s main train station, we recommend Reichshof Hotel. It’s also one of our top picks for queer‑friendly hotels in Hamburg.
Final Tips for Visiting Hamburg in 2 Days
Hamburg is one of those cities that doesn’t try too hard, but ends up impressing you anyway.
With just 48 hours, a little planning goes a long way—so here is an overview with our best insider tips to make the most of it:
✅ Use Public Transport (with the Hamburg Card*)
Hamburg’s public transport is excellent—and unless you’re doing a road trip after, you won’t need a rental car.
✅ Book Key Activities in Advance
If you’re visiting on a weekend or during peak season (spring & summer):
✅ Don’t Skip the Free Stuff
Some of Hamburg’s best experiences don’t cost a thing:
✅ Sundays Are a Bit… Quiet
As usual in Germany, Sundays tend to be very quiet—and Hamburg is no exception.
Outside of the legendary Fish Market early in the morning, most shops are closed.
It’s just part of the rhythm of life here.
But no worries:
✅ Bring Cash
Germany still loves cash—and while Hamburg is more card-friendly than many other cities, some kiosks, bars, or boat tours may still be cash-only. We recommend you grab some euros from a city ATM.
✅ Be Flexible With the Weather
Hamburg is gorgeous when it’s sunny—but that’s not always guaranteed.
Have fun in Hamburg and enjoy every moment of your 2 days in this brilliant northern gem.
What’s Next?
You want to explore more of Germany? There’s plenty to discover:
