Situated by the Elbe River, just south of the North Sea, Hamburg is a bustling port city in northern Germany, offering an array of attractions. From museums and art galleries to boat rides and flea markets there’s no shortage of sights to see here. Only have one day in Hamburg? Read on to see how to make the most of it!
I absolutely loved my time in Hamburg and can’t wait to return. A city that blends modernity with historic charm and a lively maritime vibe, there’s no shortage of sights to see. That’s why I created a perfect one day Hamburg itinerary for exploring this incredible city.
One day in Hamburg: What to do, see and visit
What you need to know
- Is one day in Hamburg enough? Exploring Hamburg in a single day is achievable when managing time effectively. However, personally, nothing beats being able to take more time to soak up the atmosphere and relax.
- Is Hamburg easy to walk around? This depends on how much walking you’re comfortable with and what you want to see. I covered all the major sights on the first day by walking about 40,000 steps. But if you’re feeling tired, using public transportation in Hamburg is a convenient option. Buses and subways can take you pretty much directly to the entrance of any major attraction.
Public transportation in Hamburg
If you are able to, Hamburg is a very walkable city with clear signage, making it easy to navigate. Nevertheless, the public transportation here is great, with three main ways to get around:
- U-Bahn (underground subway)
- S-Bahn (overground subway)
- Buses
Tickets for public transportation in Hamburg couldn’t be simpler. You can purchase a ticket through the HVV website, app or subway stations, this allows travel on the subway, buses and even some ferries. A ticket for zone AB is all that is required for city transportation. The 9 am day tickets are a great choice for families, as they cover transportation for one adult and up to three children. Prefer cycling? Rental bikes can be found across the city and are free to use for the first 30 minutes!
The Hamburg CARD is well worth considering for sightseers. Not only does it provide free public transportation, but it also offers discounts to many attractions. This itinerary shows the nearest U-Bahn and S-Bahn stops for each destination with the lines you need to take.
Map of attractions in Hamburg
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.
When planning my one-day itinerary in Hamburg, I wanted to make travel between destinations simple. The route starts at Hamburg Town Hall and ends at the Reeperbahn, following an easy path through the city. This allows you to maximize one day in Hamburg without wasting too much time travelling between locations.
A morning in Hamburg
Hamburg Town Hall
You simply can’t spend one day in Hamburg without visiting the Hamburg town hall. Easily recognizable and truly impressive, it serves as the venue for Hamburg’s parliament as well as being a tourist hotspot. Make sure to walk through the entrance to visit the courtyard and see the beautiful Hygieia fountain. Guided tours of the Town Hall are also available if you’re interested in learning more about the building’s history.
Getting there: U1, U2, U4, S1, S2, S3 to Jungfernsteig
Jungfernstieg shopping promenade
Just a short walk from the Town Hall is Jungfernstieg, the most notable shopping promenade in the city. Jungfernstieg doesn’t shy away from luxury offering endless notable brands as well as the opulent Alsterhaus shopping mall. Whether you are buying or just browsing, a visit to Jungfernstieg is a must during your day in Hamburg.
Getting there: U1, U2, U4, S1, S2, S3 to Jungfernsteig
An afternoon in Hamburg
Speicherstadt warehouse district
Speicherstadt (Warehouse City) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing the largest group of warehouses in the world. Canals run through this fortress of red brick and water, hosting some of Hamburg’s most popular attractions and making for a unique sightseeing experience. There’s a lot to take in around the Speicherstadt, make sure to visit the Wasserschloss by the Holländischer Bridge for a popular photo spot. This is an iconic spot in the city and is a must-see if you only have one day in Hamburg!
Getting there: U3 to Baumwall
Miniatur Wunderland
The Miniatur Wunderland is home to the world’s largest railway and is one of Hamburg’s most popular tourist attractions. With over 15,000 meters of track, 1040 trains, and almost 290,000 figures, don’t dismiss this as just a kid’s activity – there’s something for everyone to enjoy here. This is certainly one of the most fun things you can do if you only have one day in Hamburg. To avoid disappointment, it is crucial to book well in advance as tickets sell out quickly.
Getting there: U3 to Baumwall
Elbphilharmonie plaza
One day in Hamburg wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Elbphilharmonie. An iconic landmark of the HafenCity, the Elbphilharmonie remains a huge draw for tourists and music lovers. Grab a free ticket to the public viewing platform for stunning 360° vistas of Hamburg from 37m above ground. Guided tours are also available for those wanting to learn more about this cultural landmark.
Getting there: U3 to Baumwall
An evening in Hamburg
Reeperbahn
The Reeperbahn, located in Hamburg’s St. Pauli district, is the vibrant centre of the city’s eccentric nightlife. Known as the ‘most sinful mile in the world’, the Reeperbahn is a hub for live music and entertainment, featuring bars, nightclubs, cabarets, and theatres. There’s more than just partying to be found here though. Art galleries, outdoor markets, and even a monument dedicated to The Beatles are dotted around in the nearby vicinity for those who aren’t just into clubbing. If you only have one day in Hamburg and are looking for a party, this is a must-visit!
Getting there: U3 to St. Pauli
Got more time?
Boat tour
Hamburg is home to one of the largest ports in the world and has no shortage of boat tours to suit any fancy. Head on down to Landungsbrücken where the majority of tours and ferries set sail to find your perfect trip.
- This Harbour cruise is a great way to experience the Speicherstadt and HafenCity from the water and comes with an optional audioguide
- Experience a breathtaking view of the illuminated city on this evening cruise
- Fancy an exciting night on the water? Then this nighttime party boat is the one for you!
St. Michael’s Church
After previously suffering heavy damage during World War II, St. Michael’s church has been restored to its former glory. Head on up to the viewing platform to experience Hamburg from 106m in the air, or delve below into the Crypt to discover relics from special exhibitions
Walking tours
Walking tours are a great way to explore any city. If you only have one day in Hamburg and are looking to learn more about its history, joining in on a tour can be a great experience. Here are a few suggestions:
- This tour provides a great historical overview of Hamburg while hitting up most of the major landmarks for those interested in the city’s past
- Want to get to know St. Pauli and the Reeperbhan a little better? Then this insider tour is ideal for you
International Maritime Museum
The International Maritime Museum is a must-visit for sea lovers, boasting the world’s largest collection of maritime treasures. Spread over 10 floors there’s no shortage of exhibits to discover which also makes it an ideal rainy-day activity.
Summary
I found that, despite having a modern feel to it, Hamburg offers a perfect balance between the old and new. Many significant historical landmarks have been preserved, providing a glimpse into the past, while still being nestled within an energetic city. Not forgetting its harbourside, Hamburg really does offer countless diverse experiences.
