Hamburg is the second-largest city in Germany after Berlin, known for its Port of Hamburg area and artificial lakes (Binnenalster and Aussenalster).
Its location is an important link between the sea and the country’s waterway network.
Hamburg Germany
How to spend 2 days in Hamburg Germany
In this 2-day itinerary in Hamburg, discover the main attractions of the city.
Day 1 in Hamburg
Start the day by visiting the Rathausmarkt square where the Rathaus (Hamburg City Hall), a symbol of the city of Hamburg, is located.
Around the Rathaus, there are many shops and restaurants. Head to Jungfernstieg, a pleasant and ideal place to relax beside the water (Lake Artificial Binnenalster), which offers direct access to one of the biggest shopping malls in the city, the Alsterhaus.
1.3 km (0.8 miles) from Jungfernstieg is St. Michaelis, the most famous church among many churches in Hamburg. From its 132 meters high tower there are observation platforms with excellent views of the city and port.
Near St. Michaelis is the Museum for Hamburg History, a museum that features many artifacts preserved by the History of the Society of Hamburg.
After visiting the museum, head to Planten un Blomen, a park located in the city center with a Japanese Garden, cafes, and restaurants.
Things to see
- Rathaus
- Jungfernstieg
- Michaelis
- Museum for Hamburg History
- Planten un Blomen
Day 1 Itinerary Map
Day 2 in Hamburg
Start the day by visiting the Miniatur Wunderland, a large exhibition of model railways and world-famous places, it is one of the most successful exhibitions in Northern Germany.
The concert hall building, Elbphilharmonie is located just a few steps from the Miniatur Wunderland. Head to the Internationales Maritimes Museum Hamburg, another important museum in Hamburg.
Things to see
- Miniatur Wunderland
- Elbphilharmonie
- Internationales Maritimes Museum Hamburg
Day 2 Itinerary Map
Sights in Hamburg
1. Miniatur Wunderland
Miniatur Wunderland is the largest railway model in the world, and one of the most successful permanent exhibitions in Northern Germany.
Kehrwieder 2-4/Block D, 20457
2. Port of Hamburg
The Port of Hamburg is known as the gateway to Germany.
Numerous boat trips depart from Landungsbrücken, a floating dock 700 meters long.
The footpath leading to the Speicherstad district with its continuous lines with brick buildings is another highlight.
Port of Hamburg
3. Kunsthalle
The Kunsthalle Hamburg is one of Germany‘s leading art galleries.
The permanent collection of the Kunsthalle reflects 700 years of art and offers the public a tour of the history of European art from the Middle Ages to the present.
Glockengießerwall, 20095
4. Rathaus
In the old town is located the Town Hall of Hamburg (Rathaus). It is a sumptuous neo-Renaissance building. Guided tours are available.
Rathausmarkt 1, 20095
5. St Michaelis
View from St Michaelis
St Michaelis is the most famous of many churches in Hamburg. From its tower, with 132 meters of height, there are platforms of observation with excellent panoramas of the city and the port.
Englische Planke 1, 20459
6. Ohlsdorf Cemetery
More than two million people visit the Ohlsdorf Cemetery every year.
There are memorials for Allied prisoners of war and also for victims of Nazi persecution.
Lärchenallee, 22337
7. Bismarck Monument
The Monument to Bismarck is the largest statue in honor of the German statesman Otto von Bismarck.
Bismarck Monument, 20459
8. Alster Lakes
The Binnenalster and Aussenalster are two artificial lakes connected to the Alster and Elbe rivers.
You will find many squares, historic avenues, and pedestrian areas.
Aussen-Alster, 20148
9. Jungfernstieg
The Jungfernstieg is a pleasant and ideal place to relax beside the water. It offers direct access to one of Hamburg‘s biggest shopping malls, the Alsterhaus.
Jungfernstieg
10. Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe Hamburg
The Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe Hamburg has a permanent collection spanning over 4,000 years of human history, from antiquity, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, Baroque and Classicism to modernity and the present.
Steintorpl., 20099
11. Planten un Blomen
The Planten un Blomen Park is located in the center of Hamburg.
The park has the largest Japanese Garden in Europe and a Botanical Garden.
Marseiller Str., 20355
12. Jenisch Haus
The Jenisch Haus is one of the most beautiful historic buildings in Hamburg. It is located in a spacious garden on the banks of the Elbe.
Today, the Museum of Arts and Culture located on the ground floor shows paintings and sculptures of the Empire and Biedermeier.
Baron-Voght-Straße 50, 22609
13. Tierpark Hagenbeck
The Tierpark Hagenbeck has over 1860 animals from all continents.
It is located 6 km from the Rathaus.
Lokstedter Grenzstraße 2, 22527
14. Blankenese
The Blankenese is a popular destination located west of Hamburg. It is a residential area of the city’s wealthy citizens.
The Blankeneser Bahnhofstrasse is like a small town with its church, weekly market, shops, restaurants.
Blankenese
Where to stay in Hamburg
1. Radisson Blu Hamburg
The Radisson Blu Hamburg is located 800 meters from the Alster Lakes.
The hotel has 556 rooms equipped with a flat-screen TV, safe, coffee maker.
Marseiller Str. 2, 20355
2. Holiday Inn Express City Centre Hamburg
The Holiday Inn Express City Centre is located 5 minutes from the Lübecker Strasse Station.
Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, work desk, coffee maker.
Lübecker Str. 109, 22087
3. Marriott Hamburg
The Marriott Hamburg is located 3 minutes from the Gänsemarkt Station.
Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, work desk, minibar, and coffee maker.
The hotel has a swimming pool and sauna.
ABC-Straße 52, 20354
Shopping in Hamburg
Hamburg is one of the most attractive shopping areas in Germany.
Alongside international luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada there are numerous small and traditional shops.
In the city center, there are small galleries and boutiques, large shopping streets and cafés.
Malls and Department Stores in Hamburg
1. Alsterhaus
The Alsterhaus is a luxury department store. The store has 5 floors.
Brands: Adidas, Armani, Calvin Klein, Dior, Fendi, Gucci, Prada.
Jungfernstieg 16-20, 20354
2. Levantehaus
The Levantehaus was built between 1911 – 1912 by Franz Bach. It is located 700 meters from the Rathaus.
Brands: Marc O´Polo, Massimo Dutti, Ralph Lauren.
Mönckebergstraße 7, 20095
3. Europa Passage
The Europa Passage is located 280 meters from the Rathaus.
Brands: Calvin Klein, Pandora, Levi´s, Tom Tailor.
Ballindamm 40, 20095
4. Hamburger Meile
The Hamburger Meile has more than 150 stores. It was renovated in 2010.
Brands: Bench, Bonita, Vero Moda, Gina Laura.
Hamburger Str. 27, 22083
Plan your Trip
Hamburg has easy train access from various cities in Germany. Famous cities nearby: Bremen, Hannover, Berlin, Lübeck, Schwerin.
Distances
Bremen – 127 km (79 miles)
Hannover – 151 km (94.1 miles)
Berlin – 292 km (182 miles)
Lübeck – 69.3 km (43 miles)
Schwerin – 111 km (69 miles)
Potsdam – 287 km (178 miles)
Braunschweig – 199 km (124 miles)
Hamburg Germany Map
Book Your Trip
Book Your Accommodation
Book your hotel with Booking.com as they consistently provide the cheapest and lowest rates.
Book Your Flight
Find cheap flights to Germany by using Momondo. Momondo is a flight search engine that searches a lot of different airlines, including many budget carriers.
Book a Train Ticket
Check the train routes and schedules with Omio. Omio is an authorized Deutsche Bahn ticket seller, which compares and combines transport options for complete flexibility.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, and cancellations. It’s a protection in case anything goes wrong. You can book your travel insurance with Travelexinsurance.com.
See also
10 Suggested Itineraries for Germany + Top Destinations
Outlets & Department Stores in Germany: Shopping Guide
