Hamburg 3 Day Itinerary

Hamburg Itinerary: 3 Days of Maritime Charm

Day 1: Harbor & History

Morning

  • Start at the Hamburg City Hall (Rathaus), a stunning example of Neo-Renaissance architecture.
  • Take a short walk to St. Michaelis Church, one of Hamburg’s most iconic landmarks.

Afternoon

  • Visit the Hamburg Maritime Museum ( Internationales Maritimes Museum) to learn about the city’s rich maritime history.
  • Explore the Speicherstadt and HafenCity area, a historic warehouse district turned modern neighborhood.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Fischmarkt, a lively seafood restaurant with great harbor views.
  • Take a stroll along the Reeperbahn, Hamburg’s infamous red-light district, now a popular nightlife area.

Accommodation

  • Stay at Hotel Europäischer Hof, a cozy 3-star hotel in the heart of the city.

Day 2: Culture & Cuisine

Morning

  • Visit the Kunsthalle Hamburg, one of Germany’s largest art museums.
  • Stop by Planten un Blomen, a beautiful park with gardens, lakes, and walking trails.

Afternoon

  • Explore the trendy Sternschanze neighborhood, known for its street art, indie shops, and cafes.
  • Visit the Hamburger Dom, a historic market hall offering local food, drinks, and souvenirs.

Evening

  • Dine at Ottos, a popular restaurant serving modern German cuisine.
  • End the night with live music at Molotow, a legendary club in Hamburg’s alternative scene.

Day 3: Waterfront & Wadden Sea

Morning

  • Take a harbor tour (e.g., Hamburg Harbor Tour) to see the city from a different perspective.
  • Visit the Fischauktionshalle, a historic fish auction hall now housing a seafood restaurant and market.

Afternoon

  • Head to Övelgönne, a picturesque waterfront district with beautiful harbor views.
  • Take a day trip to the Wadden Sea ( UNESCO World Heritage Site), a unique natural wonder just off Hamburg’s coast.

Evening

  • Return to Hamburg and enjoy dinner at Vlet, a cozy restaurant serving seasonal German cuisine.
  • Relax at Strandperle, a popular beach bar on the Elbe River.

Transportation

  • Use Hamburg’s public transportation system (HVV), including buses, trains, and ferries.
  • Buy a Hamburg CARD for free admission to many attractions and discounts on public transport.

Tips & Essentials

  • Hamburg is a bike-friendly city; consider renting a bike to explore.
  • Be prepared for unpredictable North German weather; pack layers and waterproof gear.
  • Learn some basic German phrases, like “Guten Tag” (good day) and “Danke” (thank you).
  • Don’t forget to try some ** Labskaus**, Hamburg’s signature dish made from corned beef, beetroot, and onions.

Other Attractions

  • Visit the Elbphilharmonie, a stunning concert hall with great harbor views.
  • Explore the St. Pauli neighborhood, known for its alternative culture and nightlife.
  • Take a stroll through the Altonaer Balkon, a scenic waterfront promenade.

This itinerary provides a mix of Hamburg’s history, culture, cuisine, and natural beauty. Enjoy your trip!