Weekend Trip to Hamburg

Hamburg - 1 Day Trip

One of my favorite cities in Germany is Hamburg. Maybe it is because of its rich maritime history, eclectic architecture, canals, world-class museums, vibrant nightlife, and shopping options make it an irresistible tourist destination. Hamburg is a big city to be explored in just one day. As my time was limited, so I decided to explore important sites in Hamburg.

The best way to see Hamburg and discover its many hidden gems is on foot. It is a pedestrian-friendly city and you will enjoy your one day in Hamburg more when exploring the city by walking. Many of the major attractions in these areas are within comfortable walking distance of each other.

What to see in Hamburg in one day?

City Hall

The Hamburg Town Hall is definitely one of the must-see attractions in Hamburg. You will not miss the City Hall, with the famous 112 meters high tower. The square in front of it offers different street artists and fast food stands. Lots of shops to shop at no matter what your budget is. The bad thing is that the Hamburg city center is almost empty at evenings. Bars, restaurants and shops are all closed but the beautiful architecture, elaborate decor and a museum with a rich history make for an interesting visit, and the water fountain in the inner courtyard offers a tranquil and picturesque rest spot.

Hamburg with its City Hall and its 112 meter high tower 

JUNGFERNSTIEG & BINNENALSTER

Jungfernstieg is a waterfront promenade that is nestled between Binnenalster and the Town Hall. It was the first street to be paved in Germany in 1838. In the old days, rich families used to bring their unmarried daughters (Jungfern in German) for a stroll in search of a prospective groom. Thus, it acquired the name ‘Jungfernstieg’.

Given that Hamburg is home to the highest concentration of millionaires in Germany, it’s easy this place has so many designer boutiques. Fortunately for people like us, there are more affordable options here, in the Alsterhaus department store or the Europa Passage shopping mall.

The Binnenalster (Inner Alster) is the smaller part of the Alster Lakes and is one of the best places to view Hamburg’s cityscape. The lakes are actually part of the river Alster and are separated from each other by the Kennedy Bridge. The Binnenalster is situated a short stroll from Hamburg’s main shopping area and the central station. It also has a water fountain that spouts water around 40 meters in the air.

Small sailboats and rowboats, hired from yards on the shores of the Alster, are very much a part of the summer scene. It is a perfect place to unwind during sightseeing. Take a relaxed stroll along the water or sit down on one of the several benches to take in the magnificent scenery.

Alster Lake

One of the most known places in Hamburg is also the Alster Lake. Locals like it for its relax atmosphere and good views, while tourists manly come here to embark on the tourist boats, which show Hamburg from another perspective. The ride will take you through many water canals, for which Hamburg has more than 2300 bridges. This high number makes Hamburg the city with the biggest number of bridges in the world.

Fischbrötchen

Fischbrötchen is a simple bun sandwich that is prepared with fish (traditionally with pickled or soused herring) and topped with onions, pickles, and remoulade. Other kinds of seafood like mackerel, shrimp, crab, and salmon can also be used. Being a seafood lover, I gobbled several fischbrötchen during our stay in Hamburg and would totally recommend the traditional herring one because it is simply divine!

Some of the best places to have the fischbrötchen are Brücke 10, Fischbrötchen König by the St. Pali Piers, near the harbor.

ST. PAULI LANDING BRIDGES

No day of sightseeing in Hamburg would be complete without paying a visit to the iconic St. Pauli Landing Bridges (Landungsbrücken), undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Hamburg. The Landing Bridges comprise of ten floating pontoons, measuring 700 meters in total. The long passenger hall, which forms part of the complex, was built in 1907–09.

The Landing Bridges initially served as a place for steamships to dock before heading overseas. Today, the complex consists of the Art Nouveau reception halls, with archways to the pontoon, two corner towers, and cupolas. New pontoons were added after the complex suffered heavy damage during World War II.

Most of the Hamburg harbor cruises depart from here. The buskers, souvenir stands and boat companies touting their tours create a colorful hustle and bustle. Numerous restaurants, bars, and food kiosks are also found along the St. Pauli Landing Bridges.

Elbe Philharmonic

Everyone who likes culture will love the fact that Hamburg is the perfect place to be in for concerts, operas, theater performances and musicals. Hamburg is actually the place for musicals in German language. Culture in Hamburg has a big importance, so no wonder that one of the city’s main attractions is the new Elbe Philharmonic. It is still under constructions, but even now it already looks splendid. The guided tour is already available and costs from 3 to 5 EUR/pp.

Elbe Philharmonic

Fish Market

If you are visiting Hamburg on Sundays, don’t miss out on the famous fish market. Hamburg and Northern Germany use lots of seafood in its culinary and just when walking around the fish market, you will realize, what all can be caught in the Northern Sea.

Due to the famous fish market, all the seafood in Hamburg is freshly served 

Although it was a short stop, but it had a big impact on me. It is different because of its tidiness and a mixture of new and old. The diversity in architecture and its people are just icing on the cake. I guess a big help to this positive perception was also a nice, sunny weather. One day was certainly not enough to see it all, but it was long enough to realize, I will visit it again for sure.