2 Days in Hamburg Germany: My Perfect Weekend in Hamburg 2025

I absolutely love spending a weekend in Hamburg. Even though it doesn’t have quite as many “must-see” tourist attractions as Berlin, it’s still my favorite of all the major cities in Germany.

In winter, Hamburg turns super cozy with some fantastic Christmas markets (and honestly, Christmas in Germany is always a good idea). In summer, the whole city comes alive with its nightlife. All the bars and restaurants spilling out into the streets, people hanging around the Alster lake or down by the Elbe riverfront. Hamburg just has that fun, energetic vibe that makes being outside such a joy.

I also think Hamburg is a little underrated internationally, most tourists just make a beeline for Berlin, but it’s so worth adding to your trip. 

That’s exactly why I’m putting together this 2 days in Hamburg itinerary: a little guide to how I like to spend my perfect weekend in Hamburg. Hopefully, it’ll give you some ideas and convince you to put Hamburg on your next Germany itinerary. Let’s get into it!

A Weekend in Hamburg Germany – My Experience

Just last winter I went on a little Christmas trip to Hamburg and it turned out so beautiful. Around Christmas time I always try to come home to Germany, and usually I’ll combine a couple of cities into one trip. That time, I did both Berlin and Hamburg, which worked out perfectly.

I spent 2 days in Hamburg at the end of November mainly to see friends and, of course, to hit up the Christmas markets. Since I’ve been to Hamburg plenty of times before, I already knew there isn’t tons of sightseeing compared to Berlin or Munich, so I figured 2 days would be just right.

On the first day we wandered around Hamburg’s old town. We visited the Speicherstadt (those gorgeous red-brick warehouses and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Landungsbrücken, and the fish market. After that we made the rounds at a couple of Christmas markets and honestly, they were lovely, festive, and absolutely worth it.

On the second day we switched gears and headed for the Schanzenviertel and St. Pauli. Those neighborhoods are much more about pubs, restaurants, and nightlife. We had a great time hopping between little bars and eateries, and of course we couldn’t skip the Reeperbahn. It’s sort of a “when in Hamburg” thing, and we wrapped up the day at the Christmas market right by the Reeperbahn, which was quirky, lively, and hilarious.

All in all, it was such a fun weekend. For me, Hamburg is a perfect winter stop in Germany, especially if you’re planning a Christmas itinerary. But honestly, 2 days here is plenty.

Everything You Need to Know for 2 Days in Hamburg

Where to Stay in Hamburg:
Hamburg has quite a few cool neighborhoods, but if it’s your very first visit, I wouldn’t overcomplicate things. Stay in the city center, either the Altstadt (Old Town) or Neustadt (New Town). They’re right next to each other, and from there you’ll have Speicherstadt, the Christmas markets, and most of the main sights at your doorstep. My number one pick here is Tortue Hotel Hamburg, which I recently stayed at and loved.

Hamburg Red Light District:
Hamburg’s red light district, the Reeperbahn in St. Pauli, is absolutely part of the city’s identity. This is the beating heart of Hamburg’s nightlife and culture, it’s not just about sex work, it’s bars, clubs, music, cabaret, and a little bit of chaos all rolled into one. Don’t judge it before you see it. Locals embrace it, and honestly, it’s a must-see.

Pack Accordingly:
Hamburg in winter can be cold, rainy, and often just a little moody weather-wise. Definitely bring a rain jacket, warm layers, and thick socks. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than walking around the Christmas markets with wet, freezing feet, I’ve learned that the hard way.

Get an eSIM:
I swear by eSIMs when I travel. The moment I land, one click and I have data, no more fiddling with physical SIM cards. I use SimLocal, and it’s super easy to set up. That way I always have data for navigation, public transport, and of course finding the best food spots. (Sign up here for SimLocal and don’t forget to use my discount code GIRLONAZEBRA.)

Cash Is Still King:
This is Germany after all, so yes, cash is still king. Many small restaurants, bars, and especially Christmas market stalls are cash only. I usually make sure to carry at least €50–€100 with me. Mulled wine, sausages, and sweet snacks add up quickly when you’re wandering around the markets.

My 2 Day Hamburg Itinerary – A Weekend Hamburg Trip

Day 1: Speicherstadt, Hafencity & St. Pauli

Morning

On my very first morning in Hamburg the weather was (shockingly) decent, so I decided to start with my personal favorite spot: the Speicherstadt. It’s honestly my happy place in Hamburg, the red brick warehouses, the little bridges, the canals… it’s one of those areas where I could just wander for hours.

I’ve walked through the Speicherstadt many times, but one thing that’s still on my radar is doing a boat cruise through it. If walking around isn’t your thing, this could be an even better way to take it all in.

I also have a cool recommendation for breakfast, do yourself a favor and stop at Speicherstadt Kaffeerösterei. It’s inside one of the warehouses, you can watch the coffee roasting happen right in front of you, and the coffee is excellent. I’ve been a few times now and their cakes are dangerously good too.

Click Here: Ticket for Speicherstadt Boat Cruise

Midday

In the afternoon, I always love doing a harbor tour. Some people will say they’re overrated, but I totally disagree. I did one a while back and had the best time, we spent an hour out on the water with a captain/guide telling us all about Hamburg. Seeing the city from the Elbe gives you such a different perspective, and I’m a sucker for this type of thing (I did the same in Amsterdam and loved it).

Right after that, we went to Miniatur Wunderland. And listen, you’ll either think this place is the coolest thing ever or totally ridiculous. Personally, I found it hilarious and impressive. It’s basically the world’s largest model railway with mini versions of everything, real cities, airports, even whole landscapes. If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll absolutely love it. Even as an adult, I had such a fun time.

Click Here: Join a Hamburg City Harbour Tour

Evening

For the evening we headed straight to St. Pauli, home of the infamous Reeperbahn. I just love the vibe here, it’s gritty, lively, and full of surprises. 

Since it was winter, we strolled along the Reeperbahn, ducked into a few pubs for drinks, and ended up at Thomas Read. It’s a great Irish pub with live music and a big outdoor area, always packed and great for a night out and some drinks.

A friend of mine who lives in Hamburg played tour guide that night, but if you don’t have a local connection, you can also book one of the guided Reeperbahn tours, they’re supposed to be really fun (I’ll drop some links below).

We wrapped up the night at the Reeperbahn Christmas Market, mulled wine in hand, and snacked on sausages and Reibekuchen (potato pancakes). Honestly, it was the perfect winter evening in Hamburg. We kept it relatively tame, but if you want to go big, this is definitely the neighborhood for it, there’s always something happening until the early hours.

Day 2: Fish Market, Altona Lake & Sternschanze

Morning

If you’re in Hamburg on a Sunday, start your morning at the Fish Market in Altona. It’s only open from 5:00–9:30 AM, which sounds brutal, especially after a night out, but honestly it’s the most Hamburg thing you can do. I hadn’t been in years, and when I finally went again on my last visit, I loved it and I had the best time.

We saw market shouters (Marktschreier) yelling out deals, live bands playing in the old auction hall, and a general buzz of chaos that somehow just works. I grabbed a classic Fischbrötchen (which is basically a fish pattie in a german bread roll), as well as a very strong coffee, and instantly felt more alive. If you’re even slightly hungover, this is the cure.

Midday

After the fish market and a bit of food-fueled recovery, we headed back into the Old Town to wander around for a while. From there, it’s easy to make your way to the Alster Lake for some fresh air.

We grabbed another coffee at Planten Coffee, a small but lovely spot just around the corner, and then went for a walk around the lake. Even in winter, wrapped up in big coats, it felt cozy and peaceful. In summer it’s a whole different story, there are loads of joggers, rowers, paddleboats, and people everywhere enjoying the sun. Either way, it’s a beautiful place to see a different, calmer side of Hamburg.

Evening

In the evening we made our way to my favorite area in Hamburg: the Schanzenviertel. This neighborhood is lively, alternative, and full of bars, pubs, and restaurants, the kind of place where you could easily spend an entire night hopping from spot to spot (which is exactly what I usually do).

We had dinner at Oma’s Apotheke, one of those iconic pub-style places where the food is hearty and the beers keep coming. Reviews are a bit mixed these days, but I personally had a great time here. I had a great schnitzel, plenty of drinks, and the atmosphere was lively too. If you’d rather go for something a little less hectic, Feldstern is another spot I really like, with a cool setting and excellent food.

Afterwards, we ended up at Haus 73 (Dreiundsiebzig), right next to the Rote Flora. It’s quirky, a little random, and very Hamburg. There’s a rooftop, several different rooms, and at one point we found ourselves in a space that looked like a mini theatre with drinks in hand. Totally unexpected but exactly why I love this city.

Where to Stay in Hamburg Germany

When it comes to staying in Hamburg, location really does matter. The city technically has a city center (Neustadt and Altstadt), but a lot of the fun happens in other neighborhoods like St. Pauli (where the famous Reeperbahn is) or the Schanzenviertel with all its bars, cafés, and alternative vibe. So you kind of have to decide what you’re after, classic sightseeing, Christmas markets, and waterfront walks, or late-night adventures and neighborhood hangouts.

If I were coming to Hamburg City for the very first time, I’d personally stay in the city centre, Neustadt or Altstadt. From here, I’m close to the main sights, the harbour, and the bigger Christmas markets in winter. It’s just the most convenient base, especially when I want to mix sightseeing with some cozy evenings by the water.

That being said, I’ve stayed in a few different hotels in Hamburg and had great experiences at all of them. Here are some I’d happily recommend:

Book Here: Tortue Hamburg Hotel

Book Here: Reichshof Hotel Hamburg

FAQs About 2 Day Itinerary Hamburg

How many days in Hamburg do I need?

Since Hamburg is less sightseeing-heavy than, say, Berlin, and more about atmosphere and vibe, I think a weekend in Hamburg (2 days in Hamburg) is the perfect amount of time.

Is Hamburg worth visiting?

Absolutely. Hamburg is actually my favorite city in Germany, it has such a cool and unique atmosphere. The old town is beautiful, and neighborhoods like St. Pauli and Schanzenviertel are full of energy and character. Definitely worth checking out for a couple of days.

What to do in Hamburg?

Start with the old town and its impressive Rathaus (town hall), then wander down to the waterfront and harbor area. Don’t miss the Speicherstadt (the old warehouse district), Landungsbrücken, and if you’re into history, Hamburg has plenty of naval history to explore.

Is Christmas in Hamburg worth it?

Yes, Christmas in Germany is always worth it, and Hamburg puts its own spin on things. You’ll find classic, traditional Christmas markets, but also quirky ones like the infamous Christmas market in the red light district, which is about as Hamburg as it gets.

Final Thoughts on a 2 Day Hamburg Itinerary

I really think 2 days in Hamburg is just right. I’ll be honest, Hamburg doesn’t have as many “tick-the-box” tourist sights as Berlin. But for me, that’s not how I decide whether a city is worth visiting anyway. It’s more about how a place feels.

And Hamburg feels fantastic. The waterfront and harborfront (including the Speicherstadt) are stunning, the old town is gorgeous, and areas like St. Pauli and Schanzenviertel are simply fun.

Would I make Hamburg my only Germany destination? Probably not. But as a 2-day stop, it’s perfect. Come here, enjoy the vibe, and I promise you’ll leave loving it too.

I hope this little travel guide on 2 Days in Hamburg itinerary will help you plan your next trip to Germany.

Check Out My Other Hamburg Travel Guides

Best Time to Visit Hamburg: When to Visit Hamburg

Is Hamburg Worth Visiting: My Honest Review

2 Days in Hamburg: My Perfect Weekend in Hamburg

Food in Hamburg: My Favorite Things to Eat + Restaurants

Things to Do in Hamburg: My Favorite Activities

Where to Stay in Hamburg: The Best Areas & Hotels