A great blend of history and modernity, Hamburg stands as a busy port city located on the River Elbe. The city is buzzing with activity and there’s so much to see and do, you’ll never be bored! If you only have 2 days in Hamburg, you won’t want to miss a thing. Here’s my guide to all the must-see attractions!
Table of contents
From historic churches to concert halls and underwater tunnels there’s such a great variety of things to do in Hamburg. I’ve picked out my favourite spots for this 2 days in Hamburg itinerary to help you see the most of the city!
2 days in Hamburg: What to do, see and visit
What you need to know
- Is 2 days enough for Hamburg? I think 2 days in Hamburg can be enough. It gives you time to hit up all the major tourist spots as well as a little relaxation time.
- What to see in Hamburg in two days? There’s so much to see depending on what you’re interested in! Hamburg is full of great parks, museums, historical spots and more.
- Is Hamburg expensive to visit? Personally, I didn’t find Hamburg anymore expensive than other cities to visit, but it is known for being a little pricier than other places in Germany. It completely depends on where you’re visiting and spending your money. If you’re visiting for a Hamburg weekend break it shouldn’t cost you too much.
- What is Hamburg best known for? Hamburg is best known for being a port city and its vibrant music scene!
Public transportation in Hamburg
I thought Hamburg was very easy to navigate on foot. The city is really well signposted making getting around easy and most of the major attractions are within walking distance of each other. Even so, the public transport here is great too, there’s three main options:
- U-Bahn (underground subway)
- S-Bahn (overground subway)
- Buses
Tickets for public transportation in Hamburg are really simple to sort. You can buy them via the HVV website, app or at the subway stations. Tickets will allow travel across all subway trains, buses and even a few of the ferries. If you’re staying within the city centre a ticket in the AB zone will cover you and if you’re with children the 9 am day tickets cover transportation for one adult and up to three children! You can also rent bikes throughout the city which are free to use for the first thirty minutes.
Hamburg CARD
The Hamburg CARD is a tourist card which offers free use of public transportation as well as great discounts at a lot of major attractions and tours. This is well worth considering if you plan to visit a lot of popular museums etc to help save money.
Map of attractions
How to use this map: Click on the markers for more information about each destination. The blue line shows the fastest walking route between each point. To save this map to your Google Maps, click the star in the top left corner.
Day one: Exploring the sites in Hamburg
To start your 2 days in Hamburg itinerary, you’ll be hitting up all the big tourist spots to help you get to know the city. All of these places are within good walking distance of each other and it’s totally possible to see them all in a day!
Hamburg Rathaus – Hamburg Townhall
Built between 1886 and 1897, Hamburg Town Hall stands as an impressive and unmissable centrepiece of the city. The building’s exterior is remarkable, featuring 20 statues of emperors watching over the town square. Be sure to step inside the entrance and explore the courtyard to admire the beautiful Hygieia Fountain. For those interested in learning more about the building’s history and architecture, guided tours are available.
Churches
Hamburg is full of churches, you can catch a glimpse of a spire from pretty much anywhere in the city. They’re an ode to the city’s past, a slice of history in amongst the new modernity. If you only have 2 days in Hamburg I highly recommend checking some of them out:
St. Nikolai Memorial – Church of St. Nicholas
Once the tallest building in the world, today the St. Nikolai Memorial lies in ruins as a result of bombing in World War II. The spire is still standing and while no longer the tallest in the world, it remains the tallest in Hamburg. The site has been converted into a great memorial, the crypt houses a small museum and there’s a viewing platform around 76m up the spire. If you only have 2 days in Hamburg I really recommend visiting St. Nikolai!
St. Petri Church – Church of Saint Peter
Hamburg’s oldest church, St Peter’s is also home to the highest viewing platform in the city at 123m high. Originally built around 1189, the church was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1842 and has since been rebuilt. Don’t miss the chance to head up to the viewing platform for incredible panoramic views of the city!
St Jacobi Church – St. James’ Church
In the heart of the city, within the site of St. Peter’s Church, you’ll find St. James’ Church. Its history dates back to the 1200s when it was a small chapel outside the city walls. As Hamburg expanded, the church grew in significance and size. Today, it houses the largest baroque organ in Northern Europe and features an organ gallery with 34 paintings that serve as visual aids to the Bible.
Chilehaus – Chile House
Hamburg has such an interesting blend of architecture, blending history and modernity. One building that sticks out in particular, literally, is the Chilehaus. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site it’s famed for its pointed end which resembles the bow of a ship. The Chilehaus is now filled with office and retail space but is still well worth seeing!
Speicherstadt – Warehouse City
Another one of Hamburg’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites is the Speicherstadt, the city’s historic warehouse district. The largest group of warehouses in the world, Speicherstadt is a maze of brick buildings intertwined with canals. I’ve never been to a place quite like this, it’s incredibly interesting to walk around and take in the little details. If you only have 2 days in Hamburg, this is a must-visit. There’s plenty to do and see, here are a few recommendations:
Flussschifferkirche – Riverboat Church
Germany’s only floating church, the boat was constructed in 1906 but was redesigned into a church in the early 1950s. The Flussschifferkirche still holds services twice a month and is free to visit during the day.
DIALOG IM DUNKELN – Dialogue in the Dark
If you’re looking for a unique activity during your 2 days in Hamburg, Dialogue in the Dark is a must-visit. This fascinating exhibit allows you to experience life without sight. Guided by a visually impaired host, you’ll navigate through various settings and perform everyday tasks, such as crossing the road, all without sight.
Poggenmühlenbrücke
If you’ve seen a photo from the Speicherstadt, it’s probably the iconic shot from Poggenmühlenbrücke of Wasserschloss (Moated Castle). The Wasserschloss is actually a restaurant, but it’s perfect spot amongst the canals make it one of the hottest photo spots in Hamburg.
Elbphilharmonie
You can’t have 2 days in Hamburg without visiting the Elbphilharmonie! The crowning jewel of the HafenCity, this world-renowned concert hall has become an unmistakable landmark within the city. Its viewing platform is free to access and allows you to take in views of the harbour and city from over 35m up!
If you’re not a huge fan of escalators make sure to take the lift, I don’t like long escalators and found out the hard way that this is actually home to the longest-arched escalators in Western Europe!
Alte Elbe Tunnel – Old Elbe Tunnel
If you’re spending 2 days in Hamburg, be sure to visit the Old Elbe Tunnel, located nearly 25 meters beneath the Elbe River. This unique passage connects both sides of the harbour, offering a distinctive way to cross the water. Originally constructed to improve river crossings, it has since become a popular tourist attraction that’s well worth seeing.
Steinwerder lookout point
Once you reach the other side of the harbour vis the Alte Elbe Tunnel you’ll reach the Steinwerder lookout point. This offers fantastic views of the harbour and Hamburg’s skyline.
Landungsbrücken – Landing bridges
The heart of Hamburg’s nautical spirit can be found down at the landing bridges within the harbour. This place is alive with activity as a myriad of boats and ferries are constantly coming and going. Sit back and watch the action, head out on a boat tour yourself or take a walk along the piers. With plenty of cafes, shops, and restaurants, it’s also a great place to grab a bite to eat.
Boat tour
There are so many boat tours, rides and excursions you can take from Hamburg heading up and down the Elbe. Whether you want to see the city after dark, cruise along with an evening meal or just tour the port, there’s a boat trip for you. Here are just a few options:
- Port of Hamburg Cruise Tour: See a lot of Hamburg’s major sites from the water with live commentary. Includes the Elbphilharmonie and Speicerstadt.
- Grand Harbor Evening Lights Cruise: Hamburg truly comes alive at night. Take in the twinkling city as the sun goes down on this magical cruise.
Day two: Shopping and attractions
After getting to know the city, on the second of your 2 days in Hamburg it’s time to relax a little, do some shopping and check out one of Hamburg’s best parks!
Shopping
Hamburg has so many great shopping spots, all centrally located and easy to find. I’m not usually a big shopping fan but there were so many great shops that I had to dedicate a bit of time to it. Here are a few of the best places to see:
Neuer Wall – For luxury and designer
If you’re looking to indulge in some high-end shopping, this street is your go-to destination. With over 100 designer stores, you’ll find luxury names like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Montblanc. It’s the perfect spot if you’re looking to splash the cash!
Jungfernsteig – Shopping promenade
Overlooking the Binnenlaster Lake, the iconic Jungfernstieg offers a great mix of luxury and high street. My favourite spot on here has to be the Alsterhaus department store, filled with high-end names and an extremely tempting food section!
Mönkebergstrasse – Shopping malls and high street names
Located right in the city centre, Mönkebergstrasse is your place to go if, like me, your budget doesn’t quite stretch to Gucci. Home to countless shops as well as department stalls and Malls like the Europa Passage, you’re sure to find something you like along this bustling street.
Popular attraction
I’ve picked out two of Hamburg’s most popular attractions for you to choose from for one of your activities on day two. While the Kunsthalle is mandatory for art lovers, if you’re looking for something a bit more fun the Miniaturwunderland is for you!
Miniaturwunderland
Once voted the most popular tourist attraction in Germany, there’s a reason why Miniatur Wunderland is on most people’s bucket lists when they visit Hamburg. Housing the world’s largest miniature railway it features sections dedicated to different countries, an airport with moving planes, a working ship system as well as nearly 290,000 mini fiurines and so much more. This attraction isn’t just for kids—it’s fun for all ages. If you only have 2 days in Hamburg, Miniatur Wunderland is a must-visit. Just be sure to book well in advance, as tickets sell out incredibly fast!
Kunsthalle art gallery
An art lover’s dream, the Hamburger Kunsthalle is one of the most well-regarded art galleries in the city. Its collection spans eight centuries and takes visitors on a journey through time and genre, from the Middle Ages to modern art. Whether you’re into contemporary art or old masterpieces you’re sure to find something to suit your interests here!
Planten un Blomen Park – Plants and Flowers
Planten un Blomen (Plants and Flowers) is one of my absolute favourite spots in Hamburg! Spanning over 100 acres, it’s one of the most popular parks in Hamburg and features a Japanese garden, a rose garden and an apothecary garden, just to name a few standouts. There’s so much to explore from wooded areas, lakes and parks to playgrounds and flower gardens. If you only have 2 days in Munich and are looking to spend some time outdoors, this has to be your number one spot!
Reeperbahn
Located within the St. Pauli district, the Reeperbahn is the heart of Hamburg’s vibrant nightlife. Known as the “most sinful mile in the world,” this street is packed with nightclubs, bars, cabarets, and theatres, making it the ultimate destination for entertainment, music, and partying. But the Reeperbahn is more than just its nightlife, the area is also home to numerous art galleries and fantastic outdoor markets.
If you only have 2 days in Hamburg you have to visit the Reeperbahn, whether it’s for a night out or just to pass through in the day it’s a great experience!
Summary
As you can see, Hamburg has such a huge and diverse personality. There are so many different things to do, whether you’re interested in historical churches and town halls, modern architecture or are a keen shopaholic, if you’re only here for a weekend Hamburg is sure to keep you busy!
