Hamburg is easy to explore in short stages. Most sights are close together, and between the Landungsbrücken, the Speicherstadt and the old town you often walk only about 15 minutes. These plans are suggestions. Pick what suits you.
Hamburg in one day
Morning: the port from the water. Start at the St. Pauli Landungsbrücken with the classic harbor tour. In one hour you see container terminals, large freighters and, when the tide allows, the canals of the Speicherstadt.
Midday and afternoon: Speicherstadt, HafenCity, Elbphilharmonie. From the Landungsbrücken it is a short walk to the Speicherstadt, the UNESCO World Heritage warehouse district. Right next to it is HafenCity with the Elbphilharmonie and its public viewing platform, the Plaza. If you want to learn more, book the Speicherstadt and HafenCity tour.
Evening: lights on the water. At dusk the harbor lights cruise leaves from Pier 1. The Speicherstadt is lit up and HafenCity glows. A great way to end your first day.
Hamburg in two days
Day one as above. On day two you explore the city center and spend the evening in St. Pauli.
Day 2, daytime: old town and Alster. City Hall, the Deichstraße, the main churches and the Michel show how the Hanseatic city grew. The old town walking tour connects the key stops. Afterwards, take a walk along the Inner Alster and the Jungfernstieg.
Day 2, evening: Kiez and Reeperbahn. The Reeperbahn tour shows St. Pauli with its history, its stories and the rules every visitor should know (ages 18 and up). If you want to keep partying, join the Reeperbahn club tour.
Hamburg in three days
A third day makes the trip more relaxed. A few ideas that go well together:
- World Heritage and Kontor houses: The World Heritage tour links the Speicherstadt with the Kontorhaus district and the Chilehaus.
- Schanze: street art, small shops and cafés. The street art tour ends with a drink in a cult bar.
- On the weekend: the party boat sets off, for example on Saturdays, for three hours of partying on the Elbe, with buffet and drinks included.
Tips for your planning
- Mind the tide: whether a boat goes through the Speicherstadt depends on the water level. The team at the Landungsbrücken will tell you on the day.
- Weather: the boats run in almost any weather, and you sit sheltered on board.
- Traveling as a group? For companies, clubs and school classes we plan boat, bus and guide from a single source. Offers for groups
Updated on Oct 9, 2026
