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Eat the World Tours

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Labskaus, Franzbrötchen and a Kümmelschnaps to top it off: foodies will love this tour.​​​​​​​

With Eat the World, your tour guide shows you around Hamburg’s city districts and introduces you to Hamburg with a walking food tour of culinary delights. The Hamburg culinary experience: 7 samples in 3 hours! Go off the beaten path, and join the guides on a culinary and cultural sightseeing adventure.

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M72 World Tour

We told you about our new album 72 Seasons , so what’s next now that we’ve escaped the studio? Hit the road, of course! You want a tour, we’ve got a tour... how about two full years worth of shows?!?!

Over the past few years, we have been so inspired by the dedication and family/community vibe of the fans who traveled to San Francisco for our recent weekend celebrations, first in 2019 with the two S&M2 shows, followed by last year’s 40th Anniversary shows. On top of that, we had a blast being a part of the 2021 Wimmer Festivals when we played two nights in one city, each with a totally different setlist. With all of that in mind, the M72 tour was born!

Starting in April of 2023, we’ll be visiting 22 different cities around the world and playing two nights in each city, with each “No Repeat Weekend” show a completely unique experience: Two totally different set lists with two different bands opening the show each night! Purchase a two-day ticket, and you won’t see the same song twice for a total of over 30 songs spanning our 40+ years of being lucky enough to make music. Most of the shows (sorry, not all - we tried!) will be on Fridays and Sundays, so we’ll be sure to have lots of extracurricular events for you to hang with fellow Metallica fans at before the shows kick-off and on the Saturday night in between.

Presented worldwide by Liquid Death and Blackened American Whiskey (in North America only), and brought to you by our friends at Live Nation, the M72 tour also launches a completely different look for us in stadiums – we’ll be in the round in the middle of the field. On top of that, the Snake Pit has been relocated to the center of the stage so that fans there will have a complete 360 view of the show. Each weekend offers a variety of Enhanced Experiences , ranging from access to a meet and greet, production and stage tour, food and beverage in the “Black Box” lounge to early entry into the venue and the aforementioned Snake Pit. The very popular “Black Laminate” is back, now known as the “I Disappear Ticket,” and is the ultimate pass for the fan who wants to run away with us for multiple weekends. Grab one of these and attend every show on your continent or in the world! For more information about Enhanced Experiences and I Disappear Tickets, visit wearesuper.co/metallica .

In keeping with the theme of two completely unique shows each weekend, we’re excited to share the stage with different bands each night, including some we have traveled with before and new friends who are joining us for the first time. Signing up for the entire adventure with us are Five Finger Death Punch, Ice Nine Kills, and MammothWVH, and some of you will see Pantera, Architects, Greta Van Fleet, or Volbeat, depending on the shows you attend. All the details are in the listing of dates below and on the individual show pages.

Two-day discounted tickets will be on sale Friday, December 2, for all shows. Fan Club presales start early on Wednesday, November 30, with various other presales beginning later that day and throughout the week. To request your Fan Club presale code, visit metallica.com/presale-code . If you cannot join us for the entire weekend, single-day tickets will be available starting January 20, 2023.

A portion of proceeds from every ticket sold will go to the band’s All Within My Hands foundation. Founded in 2017, AWMH’s efforts to assist and enrich the lives of members of the communities who have supported the band have raised nearly $13 million – providing $5.9 million in grants to career and technical education programs in the US, over $2.5 million to combat food insecurity, and more than $3.2 million to disaster relief efforts worldwide.

We cannot wait to embark on this new adventure, play some new music, and spend our weekends in ’23 and ’24 with YOU!

Show 1 Support Europe: Architects & Mammoth WVH ** Show 2 Support Europe: Five Finger Death Punch & Ice Nine Kills * Five Finger Death Punch & Ice Nine Kills play Show 1 in Paris, Architects & Mammoth WVH play Show 2 in Paris ** Volbeat replaces Architects on Show 1 in Gothenburg

Show 1 Support North America: Pantera & Mammoth WVH *** Show 2 Support North America: Five Finger Death Punch & Ice Nine Kills *** Greta Van Fleet replaces Pantera on show 1 both weekends in Mexico City

Got a question about the M72 World Tour? Look for the answer in our FAQ.

Citi is the official card of the M72 Tour. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets in the U.S. beginning Wednesday, November 30 at 2:00 pm local time until Thursday, December 1 at 10:00 pm local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit citientertainment.com .

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17,900 Reviews in Hamburg

Hamburg - placid waters and vibrant life.

Hamburg, the second largest German city, is a beautiful mix of tradition & heritage with modern cosmopolitanism, creating a charming maritime metropolis. This old port city, on the river Elbe from the north sea, is decorated with many canals & boat-dotted tranquil lakes against a backdrop of buzzing cafés & restaurants, atmospheric nightlife, culture, arts & entertainment and impressive architecture, ideal for a wonderful city visit.

Hamburg has lots to see and do and a freetour.com recommended free walking tour is perfect for getting to grips with Hamburg's history and culture with a great guide as well as getting a genuine local perspective and helpful Hamburg tips. Free tours include key sights and locations like the Old town, Altstadt, & Neustadt, the century old & striking Speicherstadt complex of Gothic red-bricked warehouses, the majestic town hall, the splendid harbour and its market, centuries upon centuries of fascinating history and much more.

And after exploring the city you can relax in one of the many fantastic parks around lake Alster, do a spot of shopping on Spitalerstrasse or visit interesting museums & galleries like Dialog im Dunkelnor & Bucerius Kunst Forum. By night, visit the Reeperbahn, once a red light district now a famous kilometer-long night-time hot-spot of exciting bars, clubs, pubs & entertainment. Hamburg is definitely one for the to do list.

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CHOCOVERSUM by HACHEZ

B chilehaus.

Laufauf, located in Hamburgs Kontorhausviertel, two minutes from Mönckebergstrasse, maintains its mercantile ambience and offers typical Hamburg dishes.

Kattrepel 2 20095 Hamburg

D Wasserschloss

E Schönes Leben in Hamburg's Speicherstadt

Schönes Leben in der Hamburger Speicherstadt

F fleetschlösschen.

G Coffee Museum Burg

Kaffeemuseum Burg

H international maritime museum.

Internationales Maritimes Museum

VLET in der Speicherstadt

J hafencity infocenter in the kesselhaus.

HafenCity InfoCenter im Kesselhaus

K speicherstadtmuseum.

L Speicherstadt Kaffeerösterei

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• English : English

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01 - 04 Jun 2023

Porsche European Open

Green Eagle Golf Courses, Hamburg, Germany

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Adventure World Tours

Great city tours in hamburg, cologne, berlin and dusseldorf, take a look at our most booked tours.

• Most booked in Hamburg!
• Hour Glass ~2 hours

Sex & Crime Tour on St. Pauli - from 18+

Experience with us an unforgettable, exciting and at the same time humorous tour of St. Pauli with its infamous Reeperbahn.

• Most booked in Cologne!

Kölsch and Brewery Tour

Insider knowledge about city and brewery culture. Consumption of three tasty Kölsch beers in traditional breweries with tips on drinking behavior.

• Most booked in Berlin!
• Hour Glass ~3 hours

Culinary Kreuzberg - The Food Tour

Explore Kreuzberg: Five culinary stops, each with an international or local delicacy.

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We find the right balance between facts, suspense and entertainment.

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Our guides are the face of the company. Their training is a top priority for us.

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We pass on our hospitality and passion to our guests.

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Regular group size: 4-21 people Optional group size: 2-25 people

Adventure World Tours – superb city tours We look forward to your visit!

- fantastic reviews about adventure world tours -.

Our guide Rebecca was great. We learned interesting things about Kreuzberg. The food was delicious and the restaurants were well chosen. I can recommend this tour to anyone who wants to get a deeper insight into the Kreuzberg neighborhood.

Our tour started punctually at the agreed time. Our guide made this tour a special experience for us with a lot of knowledge, humor and charm. She involved the participants in all the descriptions so that you got an almost familiar feeling. I would book this tour again and again. Thank you very much for this wonderful day.

It was really great. The guide made the tour in Cologne very interesting and the selected restaurants and dishes were delicious and exciting to try. Overall, the time was totally entertaining, definitely recommended.

The tour through St. Pauli and the Reeperbahn started punctually at 10 o'clock at night. It was a great insight into this special part of Hamburg with its countless stories. You learn so much and see so many details that you would otherwise have walked past or not paid attention to. Absolutely recommended.

Our guide was very nice and humorous and gave us a lot of knowledge and anecdotes about the Elbphilharmonie. A highly recommended tour. I would book it again at any time. And the guide was really brilliant.

The tour lasted three hours through the Hafencity with the Elphi at the end. In between there were five culinary snacks. Everything was very tasty. The guide was great. It never got boring and she always had answers to the questions asked. Overall, I can only recommend the tour.

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A Luxury Travel Guide to Hamburg, Germany

Whether you’re interested in the city’s culinary scene, its outdoor offerings or its cultural attractions, there’s plenty to see and do in Hamburg.

Many travelers tend to overlook Hamburg, a vibrant German port city located on the Elbe River, in favor of other, more popular locales in the country, like Munich or Berlin. It’s recently been touted as an Amsterdam dupe because of its red-light district (the Reeperbahn) and many historic canals, but Hamburg has more in common with Zurich than the Dutch city, thanks to its picturesque Alster Lake and upscale vibe. There are numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, top-end shopping and art museums that rival any larger European city, making Hamburg perfect for a long weekend or a few days of exploring. 

Because Hamburg doesn’t yet attract many American tourists, there are very few direct flights to the city from the U.S. Instead, Hamburg is a great addition to a longer European itinerary, whether you pair it with Berlin, which is just a short train ride away if you want to plan a day trip, or Copenhagen , which is also accessible by train. Most U.S. travelers fly to Germany through Berlin, Munich or Frankfurt, although Hamburg is a very accessible city from anywhere in the U.K. or Europe. Hamburg Central Station has trains to many cities, and Hamburg Airport is modern and easy to navigate. Your chosen route depends on your interests. For example, Hamburg (officially the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg) is well-matched with Berlin for art lovers and Copenhagen for foodies. 

Whether you’re interested in the city’s culinary scene, its outdoor offerings or its cultural attractions, there’s plenty to see and do in Hamburg. Here’s everything you need to know when planning a trip to discover the best of the city. 

Discover the Best of Hamburg, Germany

The fontenay, fairmont hotel vier jahreszeiten, hotel atlantic hamburg, autograph collection, the table kevin fehling, petit amour, gröninger privatbrauerei, hamburger kunsthalle, speicherstadt, elbphilharmonie hamburg, deichtorhallen, bunker st. pauli, alster lake cruise, where to stay.

• Fontenay 10, 20354 Hamburg, Germany

The Fontenay is a contemporary property with a modular-style facade that opened in 2018. It’s located slightly out of the town center, but the lake views from both the rooms and the restaurants are worth the walk. The 130 guest rooms and suites are modern and well-appointed, with high-end flourishes, while the spa, which has its own set of impressive views, is a serene place to unwind. The hotel is home to the two Michelin-starred restaurant, Lakeside , as well as a rooftop bar and the more traditional Parkview restaurant. Unlike many other five-star properties around town, The Fontenay is dog-friendly and welcomes furry friends with as much enthusiasm as humans. 

• Neuer Jungfernstieg 9 14, 20354 Hamburg, Germany

The elegant Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, located directly on the Alster in the city center, is where Taylor Swift stayed in Hamburg during her Eras Tour. And if it’s good enough for Swift, then it’s definitely good enough for the rest of us. Situated near sites like the neo-Renaissance-style Town Hall (Hamburg Rathaus), Rathausmarkt and Planten un Blomen , the hotel boasts 156 spacious, ornate rooms and suites outfitted with classic décor and nice views, in addition to an expansive spa with lots of treatment and fitness options. There are several dining choices, from the outdoor lakeside terrace to the two Michelin-starred Restaurant Haerlin to the sleek, modern Grill. Situated about a 10-minute car ride from St. Pauli Piers (Landungsbrücken) and the Sunday morning fish market (fischmarkt), it’s a top choice for location and service.

• An d. Alster 72-79, 20099 Hamburg, Germany

Now part of the Autograph Collection, Hotel Atlantic first opened its doors in Hamburg in 1909. The grand building, which overlooks the Alster, features 221 rooms and suites with a historic elegance and a timeless blue color palette. There are two restaurants; the French fine dining spot Atlantic Restaurant and Atlantic Grill & Health, which focuses on more casual fare. The hotel has a fitness center, but no spa or pool, so guests will need to head to the lake or a nearby property for a dip. The location is ideal, particularly for those looking to explore Hamburg’s many museums and tourist attractions. 

Where to Eat and Drink

• Shanghaiallee 15, 20457 Hamburg, Germany

Hamburg boasts several Michelin-starred restaurants, but only one has the coveted three stars. Modern, high-end eatery The Table Kevin Fehling, led by chef Kevin Fehling and sommelier David Eitel , is known for its creative dishes and imaginative presentation, which is showcased over a lengthy tasting menu. Located in the Hafencity neighborhood, this restaurant is a splurge, but it’s a worthwhile one, especially if you appreciate plates that are both delicious and beautiful. The menu draws from global cuisine, with modern takes on classic dishes, and it’s all prepared in an open kitchen that invites the guests to witness the creation of their meal.  

• Rathausstraße 4, 20095 Hamburg, Germany

In the center of town, Café Paris is an upscale restaurant that serves French food so good you’ll think you are in Paris. It’s been a staple of the city since 1882, and the Art Nouveau interior is as memorable as the dishes, which include a seafood bouillabaisse and steak tartare that can be customized to your liking. It’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but evenings are the best time to visit, especially if you can score a window-side table. It’s essential to book a table in advance, and you can select which room you prefer to dine in (we’re partial to the historic grand hall).  

• Spritzenpl. 11, 22765 Hamburg, Germany

Petit Amour, opened in 2015 by head chef Boris Kasprik , is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Hamburg’s Altona neighborhood. It serves a discerning and thoughtful six-course tasting menu of dishes that draw inspiration from French and Nordic cuisine. Guests can also opt for a wine or non-alcoholic drinks pairing. The restaurant is notably intimate, with only 11 tables, making it an ideal spot for a special occasion or date night. Reservations are a must, and the restaurant encourages guests with dietary restrictions to contact them in advance with any requests. 

• Rathausstraße 3, 20095 Hamburg, Germany

Across the street from Café Paris, cocktail lovers will find Le Lion, famous as the “cradle of the Gin Basil Smash.” The chic bar, which is best experienced with a reservation (although walk-ins are welcome), has high-end service and even higher-end drinks. It’s known as one of Europe’s top cocktails, making it an essential stop on any Hamburg itinerary. The Gin Basil Smash, invented in 2008, is one of many menu inclusions, which veer between classics and signature drinks. Guests can also partake in champagne, which is served alongside the artful cocktails. 

• Willy-Brandt-Straße 47, 20457 Hamburg, Germany

If beer is your thing, then Gröninger Privatbrauerei is the spot for you. The beer hall, which opened in 1722, serves up its own brews in Hamburg’s old town, including Hamburger Helles and Gröninger Pils, tapped from oak barrels, alongside traditional German cuisine. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options on the food menu, and the restaurant has a historic, cozy feel that is both welcoming and lively. Reservations are a good idea, especially on the weekends. 

• Glockengießerwall 5, 20095 Hamburg, Germany

Hamburger Kunsthalle is a vast museum dedicated to eight centuries of art history. It spans three buildings, one of which showcases contemporary works and special exhibitions. The museum is home to both well-known and more obscure paintings, including pieces by German artists Caspar David Friedrich , Philipp Otto Runge , Adolph Menzel and Max Liebermann . It can take hours to see the entire collection, with more than 700 works on permanent display, and the rotating exhibitions are similarly worth exploring. There are also two cafes, one of which has views of the Alster. Tickets can be booked online in advance, but you’ll be fine if you just show up. 

Hamburg’s historic warehouse district, Speicherstadt, was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015, and is worth a sightseeing visit. The area, filled with canals and museums, can be explored on foot or by boat tour (although boats are limited to the hours of high tide). It’s home to Miniatur Wunderland , a vast miniature railroad museum that has to be seen to be believed (it’s the largest model railway system in the world) and is so popular that it stays open until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. Other attractions include the International Maritime Museum, which looks back on maritime history and showcases model ships, and Kaffeerösterei, a former coffee warehouse that is now a museum and tasting room. Don’t miss Café Fleetschlösschen, a canalside cafe that was once a customs booth. 

• Platz d. Deutschen Einheit 4, 20457 Hamburg, Germany

Since debuting in 2017, the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg has established itself as one of the top concert halls in Europe. The well-designed, contemporary space, which is even more impressive from the outside, attracts musicians and orchestras from around the world. Tickets can be affordable (if you get them before a concert sells out), and the seats are designed to emphasize the room’s acoustic prowess. Even if music is not your thing, travelers can partake in the views from the Elbphilharmonie, which overlooks the port of Hamburg. It also houses the Westin Hamburg, a restaurant and panoramic bar. 

• Deichtorstraße 1-2, 20095 Hamburg, Germany

Contemporary art lovers should head to Deichtorhallen, an edgy museum that hosts rotating exhibitions and photography collections. It tends to showcase present-day works, with a focus on global artists working in a variety of mediums, and the main hall is an impressive space to experience large-scale pieces. Adjacent to the main museum is a photography gallery made of shipping containers, where exhibitions focus on individual photographers or themed works. The museum has its own restaurant, Berliner Bahnhof, which serves drinks, wine and food. 

• Feldstraße 66, 20359 Hamburg, Germany

One of Hamburg’s most noteworthy new attractions is the Bunker St. Pauli, a former Nazi bunker from World War II. Although the interiors remain offices and studios, an upper level has been added with an outdoor public garden (think: the Highline in New York) and a hotel, as well as an art gallery and café. It’s free to visit, although the crowds can be intense, so arrive as early as possible. The views are incredible, and there’s a small display on the building’s history when you enter.  

• Jungfernstieg Anleger 1, 20354 Hamburg, Germany

The most scenic spot in Hamburg is the Alster, a lake that cuts through the center of the city and extends into the surrounding neighborhoods. There are many ways to explore the outer Alster, including on foot or by paddleboard, but if you’re short on time, a guided tour on an Alster lake cruise is the way to go. Several companies offer boat tours, which typically last one hour, but Alster Touristik has some of the nicest boats, with large windows and open-air spaces. The boats leave regularly from the main pier and can be booked in advance. Most of the boat companies in Hamburg, including those that do canal and harbor tours, offer the commentary in German, so be sure to ask in advance how to get it in English. 

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Jacob Collier

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Hamburg, Germany

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The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Hamburg Itinerary

Last Updated on March 4, 2024

by Paola Drexler

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Planning out a 2 to 3 days in Hamburg itinerary is an excellent way to see all of the top highlights in Germany’s second-largest city. Boasting a historic port, interesting neighbourhoods and a thriving arts scene, Hamburg has a lot to offer visitors no matter how long you have to spend here.

This guide will take you around the highlights of this lovely city – covering both the well-known areas and some off-the-beaten-path gems. So if you’re considering a visit to Hamburg, you’re sure to end up leaving with a piece of the city and lots of great memories.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Hamburg?

We’d all love to have unlimited time to kill in Hamburg and discover every corner of the versatile city – you’ll feel the same once breathing in the salty sea breeze.

However, most of us only have a few days and thus you might be wondering whether 2 days in are enough or if it’s safer to go with 3.

Hamburg is filled with so much culture and history while simultaneously serving as a key transportation hub for Europe’s largest economy. Just a heads up, if you want to visit the famous Fish Market, be sure to be in the city on a Sunday morning to experience its magic – this means a weekend in Hamburg is going to be the best option for you. 

If you have the time, then 3 days in Hamburg are ideal. While in 2 days you can squeeze in most of the highlights, 3 days will allow you to experience the city to its fullest and get the most out of your itinerary.

Getting To & Around Hamburg

Hamburg is home to its own international airport, making a city break to this German metropolis an easy option from countless European destinations (and some further afield).

From Hamburg airport, you can take a quick 25-minute tram ride straight into the city centre. If you prefer to rent a car (you can browse Rentalcars.com for options) you’ll probably have to reserve in advance and if you’d rather get a taxi then you can find plenty of them right at the airport exit as well.

Of course, you can also reach Hamburg from most major German and European cities (like Copenhagen, Amsterdam , Frankfurt, Munich , Cologne or Dusseldorf ) on an international train or bus. Those modes of transport have the perk of dropping you off right at the centrally located main railway station. You can view schedules here .

Once you’re in the city, it’s extremely easy to walk around and hop on a tram, bus or even a ferry when necessary. Since parking in large cities is always a headache, we would recommend exploring the city using the excellent German public transportation.

These options are simple and affordable, plus you get to immerse yourself in Hamburg. You’ll save by buying a Hamburg Card in advance which gives you unlimited public transportation with free or discounted prices at main attractions and restaurants in the city.

You can purchase an individual ticket or Hamburg Card at a grey and red HVV ticket machine. With trams going every couple of minutes during the day, you will never have to wait too long for the next ride.

2 to 3-Day Hamburg Itinerary

We’ve made it from the airport to our hotel and we’re ready to hit the ground running in Hamburg. There is so much to see and experience in the city, so put on your comfortable walking shoes and get your camera ready because we’re making sure you get an excellent overview of Hamburg in 3 days. 

Day 1 – Reeperbhan & St Pauli

There’s nothing like getting to know a city by strolling through its narrow streets and experiencing the atmosphere first-hand. On your first day, you start with a leisurely walk to see some of the main attractions and climb a historic church tower to get a birds-eye view of the city and find your bearings. 

Start your walk at one of Hamburg’s must-see attractions, the famous Reeperbahn, also known as “Sin Mile”, in the iconic St. Pauli district – a great part of Hamburg to explore.

You might have heard the stories of the red-light district, which used to welcome sailors from around the world in search of some intimacy to take their minds off the sea. Today, the neighbourhood is largely gentrified and is home to the St. Pauli football club.

Hamburg’s red-light district is also considered the biggest in Europe hosting the famous Reeperbahn nightlife.

Fun fact, before they were famous, The Beatles performed at a few clubs on the Reeperbahn and John Lennon was quoted saying he “grew up in Hamburg.” After your morning stop, you will understand why.

Start your tour on the east end of the street at the Alter Elbpark. While strolling down neon-lit Reeperbahn, make sure to note the Casino Reeperbahn on your right – open until the early morning hours 7 days a week.

You’ll then pass Hamburg’s most famous musical house – the Operettenhaus – on your left and iconic Davidwache further down which is a historic brick police station featured in many German TV shows.

Finally, take a left turn right after the station and stop at the Herbertstraße entrance. Women and minors be warned, this is a small street where we’re not allowed to enter and where the original heritage of the Reeperbahn still lives on today.

If you want to learn more about the history of this district, you can organise a guided tour here.

Alter Elbtunnel

Originally built to help dock workers navigate more directly from one side of the river Elbe to the other, the Old Elbe Tunnel runs 24 meters (about 79 feet) deep under the stream and connects the two shores. It has become a great attraction for its art, lamps and beauty and is one of the best things to do in Hamburg.

Visitors and city residents wishing to explore the tunnel can take a free lift or work their way through 260 steps total. Those driving can get across for a small fee in a hydraulically driven cage.

St. Pauli by Day

All around St. Pauli, you’ll find mesmerising graffiti and street art, people are encouraged to be as loud and flashy as they want. Aside from The Beatles, the area is big on music in general.

If you’re visiting Hamburg in September, you can take part in the annual Reeperbahn Festival which showcases international artists you may know as well as new, up-and-coming musicians.

If you’re travelling to the city in July, you can experience German music at its finest at the Schlagermove Parade around the first week of July.

Here you will hear all kinds of popular German disco and party songs. Even if you don’t speak or understand the language, you’ll leave knowing how to sing a few of the catchy tunes.

You can also try to catch the biggest festival in Northern Germany, Hamburger Dom, which takes place three times a year. You’ll find all the beloved fair rides, German food and other entertainment for the whole family.

St. Michael’s Church

Now after finishing the “Sin Mile” and taking a short detour, it’s time to climb up St. Michael’s Church, also known as the Michel, in Neustadt.

As the largest church and one of the main Lutheran churches in the city, unlike other churches that were originally Roman Catholic, the Michel was built Protestant from the start.

The church received its name from the dedication to the Archangel Michael, whose statue you can see at the front of the church.

Once you hop on the lift or walk up the stairs to reach the top, you will get a gorgeous overview of Hamburg. After the breathtaking view, you can spend time exploring the crypts and the impressive main floor of the church.

Portugiesenviertel

You’ve completed an exciting day in Hamburg, now it’s time to unwind at one of the many cute restaurants in Portugiesenviertel, Portuguese Quarter, near the riverbank.

Around the 1970s, many Portuguese and other southern Europeans moved to this area for the low cost of housing and close proximity to the port for those who wanted to take advantage of the job opportunities there.

Despite the Portuguese population in the neighbourhood having declined over time, it is still a great place for a lovely dinner with the majority of restaurants in the quarter still serving Portuguese, Spanish and other international dishes.

Whether you are in need of some tapas, pizza or fish, you’ll definitely find it here.

Day 2 – Hamburg Harbour

Hamburg is well-known for its harbour, with its port being the third largest in Europe and the largest in Germany. No wonder that with over 2,500 bridges, Hamburg is the city with the most river crossings in the world.

The city is lovingly referred to as the “Venice of the North” but it even has more bridges than Venice, Amsterdam and London combined! Today you will cross plenty of those.

Speicherstadt

If you’ve ever flipped through a book about Germany, you most likely saw a picture of the iconic Speicherstadt, its red-brick warehouses with the canal flowing in between the buildings and numerous bridges uniting them. This is a notable focal point on the port of Hamburg.

The Speicherstadt is one of the largest warehouse complexes in the world and stands on just oak poles on the Elbe River. Given the beauty of the neighbourhood and its historic significance, it was selected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015.

Kontorhausviertel

Just a short 10-minute walk away from the warehouse district towards the Altstadt and past the Rathausmarkt (the town hall square), you’ll come across a second UNESCO World Heritage Site —the Kontorhausviertel, which includes the first strictly office-only buildings in Europe.

The Kontorhausviertel, or Kontorhaus District, with its impressive architectural buildings that include some from the Brick Expressionism era, was built around 1912.

While in its early years the district was home to low-income families, today you can find quaint shops, cafes and hip restaurants. If you need some caffeine or a snack, you’ll find it here.

Next, you’ll walk down to the Baakenhafen Brücke and across the bridge to HafenCity.

This fairly new area is known for its modern architecture, which is a great contrast to the Speicherstadt. HafenCity is home to many of the major media companies and to the newest landmark in the city — the Elbphilarmonie.

Elbphilharmonie

As part of the HafenCity on the harbourside, the Elbphilharmonie is one of the newest additions to the city but people had to wait patiently for 10 years to see its completion after multiple construction delays.

With its grand opening in 2017, the unique concert hall held its first concert in January of that same year.

If you want to take a peek inside, you can book a tour or attend a concert there. To tour the concert hall, it will cost around €20 per person and you have the choice of a German or English language tour.

During the tour, you will get the full story of the Elbphilharmonie, covering its history, troublesome construction and musical relevance.

The International Maritime Museum

For those having chosen to visit Hamburg in 2 days, this will be the last stop of your city trip.

The International Maritime Museum is located in a warehouse in HafenCity and will give you a taste of Hamburg’s 3,000 years of nautical history. Its 10 floors are full of history and information and have something for people of all ages.

If maritime Hamburg does not interest you and you would rather like to go deeper into other parts of the city’s history, then the Museum of Hamburg History could be great for you. You can buy entry tickets here .

Alternatively, if you want to experience Hamburg’s history through art then the Hamburger Kunsthalle is perfect for you.

Day 3 – Boat Tour, Gardens & Nightlife

If you walked too much on the first and second days, that’s no problem because on your third day will take a harbour boat tour to see the city from a different perspective. For those who only do 2 days in Hamburg, the following is what you might miss out on.

On the boat tour, you’ll be sure to see the magnificent Elbphilarmonie and all its architectural wonder by the water. As the boat zooms by, you’ll get to see the industrial side of the harbour where huge containers, tankers, ships and cranes live.

Along the way the guide will point out where some international celebrities have lived, for example, you’ll get a great view of the popular German singer Helene Fischer’s Hamburg apartment.

You can organise a day boat tour here or an evening tour here .

Alternatively, consider heading just north of the Alstadt and enjoying the lovely vibes of Alster Lake – a large, tranquil lake in Hamburg’s city centre.

Church of St. Nicholas

After the enjoyable boat tour, you’ll head over towards Altstadt to visit the Church of St. Nicholas. Like the Michel, the original St. Nicholas church was one of five of the Lutheran main churches in the city and was built in 1195.

It was originally built of wood but was unfortunately destroyed in 1842 due to a fire. It was then rebuilt with bricks but was again destroyed during World War II.

Today, what was left of the church still stands in Hamburg as a memorial and is the second-tallest landmark in the city. An elevator was added to the structure in 2005 and visitors can ride it up to the top for a grand panoramic view.

Planten un Blomen

Right in the heart of the city, you’ll come across the magnificent Planten un Blomen Park. Here you’ll find various plants and flowers blooming depending on the season with different themed gardens spread throughout the park, like the popular Japanese gardens.

The park includes an assortment of fountains that not only illuminate both day and night but also fill the air with classical music. You can enjoy the music and view, while smelling the delicious scent of lemon and fig trees.

St. Pauli at Night

To bring the trip full circle, for your last night return to St. Pauli to experience the nightlife at full swing. See firsthand how the atmosphere changes once the sun sets.

Visit one of the many clubs and bars in the area, or simply take a stroll down the fully lit-up street and soak in the vibrant life around you. You’ll certainly find plenty of fun ways to conclude your 3 days in Hamburg on “Sin Mile.”

You can organise a night tour of St Pauli here.

Where to Stay in Hamburg

Hotel St. Anne – This 3-star hotel is a great option for mid-range travellers in Hamburg. Centrally located within easy reach of the city’s highlights, they have a number of rooms to choose from, a breakfast buffet available and a lovely outdoor terrace to enjoy.

THE MADISON Hotel – For those after a luxury option in Hamburg, this 4-star hotel is sure to satisfy. They have a number of plush rooms on offer, plenty of wonderful amenities to ensure you have a great stay and an unbeatable location for exploring all this city has to offer.

Eric Vökel Boutique Apartments – This aparthotel is an excellent option for those who want the comfort and convenience of their own flat while visiting Hamburg but with the amenities of a conventional hotel. They have a number of apartments available and a fantastic location for getting to know the city.

Backpackers St Pauli – Located in the St Pauli neighbourhood, this hostel is an excellent option for budget and solo travellers to Hamburg. They have a range of both dorms and private rooms available, a great location and good common areas and shared spaces that make meeting other travellers easy.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Hamburg hotels!

Hamburg is filled with history, culture and all sorts of entertainment. Whether you have 2 or 3 days to spend exploring, you’ll definitely have a fantastic time and long-life memories by the end of your trip. With all the delicious treats and fun activities, you’ll start planning your next visit even before you leave.

Are you planning a visit to Hamburg? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Paola Drexler

Paola is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the state of Arizona in the USA, she lived in Germany before moving to the United Kingdom. Paola loves spending her free time travelling in Europe and sometimes ever further afield.

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