Hamburg’s weather is unpredictable (like Melbourne, Australia) so if you are heading out exploring you need layers, sunnies and an umbrella.
Being the second biggest city in Germany, and with the busy river and port, there is lots to see and do in Hamburg.
If you are lazy and on a budget, like myself, here is what I suggest to keep you entertained as a tourist for 2 days, and get an experience of Hamburg.
Jump on the Metro or a Bus
This is a great way to live like a local and experience Hamburg. It’s also a very efficient way to get around the city. I didn’t like the “Hamburg Card” as I thought EUR25 was expensive for 2 days of travel and SOME attraction discounts.
Instead, get the 1 day off peak (after 9am) travel card (EUR6/day), or if you have 2-5 people get the off peak Group Travel card (EUR11/day). Best value.
Visit City Hall
Stunning inside and out and full of history. The true pearl of Hamburg (so I was told).
Walk Around the City Centre
So many canals, shops and cafes. A great experience of Hamburg.
Visit the Port/ Elbe River
Unfortunately often packed with tourists, this is a great view into the heart of Hamburg – their Elbe river and port. It is such an important driver of their economy and fascinating to watch.
Walk the Elbe Tunnel
Old Elbe Tunnel or St. Pauli Elbe Tunnel (German: Alter Elbtunnel (coll.) or St. Pauli Elbtunnel (official name)) which opened in 1911, is a pedestrian and vehicle tunnel in Hamburg, Germany. The 426 m (1,398 ft) long tunnel was a technical sensation; 24 m (80 ft) beneath the surface, two tubes with 6 m (20 ft) diameter connect central Hamburg with the docks and shipyards on the south side of the river Elbe. This meant a big improvement for tens of thousands of workers in one of the busiest harbours in the world.
Planten un Blomen
Next to St Paul’s metro station, this parkland is lovely for a stroll, especially if the weather is nice.
The Parkland has themed gardens, a lake & Japanese tea house, plus concerts & fountain shows in Summer.
Stop for a pretty good coffee
You will have your pick of better-than-average coffee places. I really liked:
Stockholm Espresso Club
The Coffee Shop
and Marinehof had awesome lemon cheesecake…
Other places to consider
If you are feeling less lazy, you might also like to visit the Miniature Museum (EUR13/person), Hafencity – a historical area on the river with converted old warehouses, and St Michael’s Church – Hamburg’s most famous Lutheran church. It is a landmark of the city and it is considered to be one of the finest Hanseatic Protestant baroque churches.
Enjoy Hamburg, and if you are after the best Vietnamese food I’ve had, get the train to “Sierichstraße” and walk 3 minutes to Ky Lan.
