Only have one day in Hamburg? You can expect an action-packed, enjoyable visit to Germany’s famous port city. The second largest city in Germany after Berlin, the city known officially as the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, packs in plenty.
Over centuries, this city has reinvented itself time and time again. And found itself ast the centre of many historic moments. From being the centre of free trade in Europe at one point, the being effectively reduced to scorched Earth during WW2 and being the place that the Beatles cut their teeth.
Despite all of this, Hamburg doesn’t make the German itinerary of many travellers. Berlin and Munich usually steal an unfair share of visitation. Both great cities in their own right. But we think Hamburg deserves a spot on any German itinerary. And hopefully our one day in Hamburg itinerary below will show you why.
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Getting to Hamburg
Arriving by air to Hamburg
Hamburg is an easily accessible city to most in Europe. And just because it’s a port city, it doesn’t mean you have to grab a boat or a ship to get here.
The nearest airport is Hamburg Airport. A hub for the Eurowings brand, you’ll also find the likes of British Airways and Ryanair flying into Hamburg. Direct trains run from the airport to Hamburg and can take between 20-30 minutes depending on where you’re planning to step off. We use Skyscanner to compare and book our flights and did so when booking our flights from London to Hamburg.
Arriving by train to Hamburg
We departed Hamburg by train to Berlin. This journey took us a little over 2 hours and is a well worn track between the two biggest German cities.
Bremen is the closest major city to Hamburg. A train will take around an hour to get you here from Hamburg. Hannover is a little further afield. It will take you around 1 hour and 15 minutes from Hamburg by train.
We book our train trips via Omio, who have a comprehensive coverage of the German train network.
Looking for other German travel options? Be sure to read our itinerary for Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
Getting around for your one day in Hamburg
For this one day in Hamburg itinerary, the easiest way to get around is by foot. It’s an easy way to explore the city and take in all the highlights.
The main areas of the city you’ll explore are generally very flat and with good walking paths. For some of our Hamburg itinerary suggestions, the walking itself is actually part of the attraction!
Otherwise, there are great connections via the S-bahn and U-bahn which will help you get around. We suggest using Google Maps to work out the easiest routes.
Things to do with one day in Hamburg
Where to stay in Hamburg
One of our most favourite hotel chains in Europe is the 25hours brand. We’ve had the opportunity to stay at five of the 25hours properties over the years. We love the intersection of creativity, local influence and value that these properties provide.
25hours Hafencity definitely reflects this and provides a wonderful experience. From the friendly check in experience, to the simple, but funky interior designs of the room, the 25hours brand is yet to disappoint us.
The location for a visit to Hamburg is also just right, amongst the newly gentrified Hafencity area.
Where to start your one day in Hamburg
Hamburg City Hall
Starting your visit in Hamburg Central makes the most sense. So head to the Hamburg City Hall. This building is an icon. The building is home to the local Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg government. Situated on Rathausmarkt square, it’s about as central as you get. Take a stroll around here as well as the nearby Binnenalster, the lake you can spot from the square.
Head to Speicherstadt
Now I’m always a sucker for the ‘world’s biggest’ type landmarks. And on the surface of it, perhaps the sound of a visit to the ‘world’s biggest warehouse district’ might not sound like your type of excitement. But with that said, Speicherstadt is most definitely worth a look. The warehouses sit along the river and make up quite a lot of Hamburg’s architecture. That, and playing a significant role as a major free port.
The Speicherstadt was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015, so in my opinion, well worth the visit!
Take in views from above
Continue your stroll on your one day in Hamburg towards St Nikolai. Otherwise known as the Church of St Nicholas, this church was established in 1195, but like most of Hamburg during WW2 however, the church was wiped out. This left behind only its crypt and tower.
What remains below serves as a memorial to what was left behind. Within the tower itself, you can ride the elevator to the top for views out over Hamburg. The view is spectacular, providing unrivalled views over the city.
Visit the oldest street in Hamburg
The Deichstrabe is your next destination. Containing some of the oldest buildings in Hamburg, this street is known for being the oldest in Hamburg too. It gives you some sense of what Hamburg was like given the modernity of much of the rest of the city. Dotted with bars and cafes, it’s a popular area for both local and tourists.
The Deichstrabe is located near to the Nikolaifleet, a famed canal that is lined with stunning older buildings. From here, you can even get a sneak peek at your next destination, the Elphi.
Visit the Elphi
The Elphi, or for those who prefer it’s full name, the Elbphilharmonie is a stunning, yet controversial building in Hamburg. Potentially it’s most famous building, the building is modelled on a sail, appropriate given the city’s seafaring roots.
The building itself earned controversy for overshooting it’s budget. Depending on who you speak to, this was anything in the order of four to ten times initial estimates!
Whatever its cost, it now brings some world famous musicians to Hamburg, and cuts an impressive sight on the skyline of the city. A wander around the building is equally eye catching. If you’ve only one day in Hamburg, a visit here is a must.
Lunch on your one day in Hamburg
All that walking and exploring around Hamburg would have no doubt worked up an appetite. And you can’t come to Hamburg and not try Fischbrotchen. So for lunch, take a stroll along the Elbe and pick one of the stands selling these delectable fish bites. For our Australian readers, they are similar to a fish cocktail, but a little smaller and tastier. Grab a few and sit along the river watching the boats go by.
Walking underwater
Amongst the stunning Elbi, resilient St Nikolai and picturesque views along Nikolaifleet, Hamburg is filled with interesting and unique architecture. The next to add to your one day in Hamburg itinerary is underwater.
The Elbe tunnel is a pedestrian and vehicle tunnel which transports people 24 metres down via a lift. Upon exiting the lift, you’ll be presented with a remarkably stunning, white tiled tunnel. Cars and bikes do use this tunnel, so be sure to stick to the walkways on the side of the tunnel. It’s a throwback to another era, and a very cool piece of architecture to enjoy.
This tunnel is over 400m long and takes you from Hamburg central to the dockyards. Now there isn’t much excitement in the dockyards, the wander through the tunnel is the experience here.
There is a kiosk above ground on the other side however, where you can enjoy an ice cream or beer, so knock yourself out there!
For the rest of your afternoon, you might want to visit the Hamburg Museum, stroll the streets admiring the stunning buildings like Chilehaus or South Africa Haus. HafenCity has plenty to offer, with a unique Hamburg view around every corner.
Your night in Hamburg
When night falls in Hamburg, the city really comes to life. If you’re in Hamburg on a weekend, you can be sure to find many hen’s or stag parties. Hamburg is a party city after dark. And that makes a lot of sense when you think about the maritime history of the city. People visiting only briefly before they head onto the next port, looking for a good time.
The famous area of St Pauli is known for being home to the biggest adult district in the world – yes, bigger than Amsterdam’s red light district. And whilst there’s all sorts of shenanigans that go on behind fenced off areas, there are also many bars and pubs you can start your night at.
There are countless spots to enjoy dinner and a drink or three along in the famous Reeperbahn district. There’s probably more bars and pubs to entertain you on just one day in Hamburg, but perhaps you can make a pub crawl of it!? In any case, it’s an absolutely pumping area, and you’ll be entertained well into the wee hours.
We hope you enjoy your one day in Hamburg. It’s a great city with plenty to do and see. Have you been to Hamburg? What did you like most?
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