During the 40% of my life when I’m not traveling, I’m enjoying the rainy northern European city which I currently call home: Hamburg, Germany. Located in the north of Germany, this city is as nordic as Germany gets and is the home of many things, Franzbrötchen (Germany’s version of a cinnamon bun) and Karl Lagerfeld being my favorites. It’s a beautiful escape from the lovely chaos of traveling and is one of the greenest cities I’ve ever lived.
It’s not home forever, so I’m truly soaking up every moment of being a “Hamburger” and exploring the city for all it has to offer. If you’re planning a Germany tour or a stop in Hamburg on your Europe trip, here is a full one-day itinerary to help you experience the best of Germany’s “pearl” in one day.
Take an Early Morning Walk by the Harbor
Whenever exploring a new city, I love to start my day with a walk somewhere iconic about that destination. For Hamburg, that’s undeniably its harbor along the Elbe River, one of the oldest and most important trade routes of Europe. If you happen to be in town on a Sunday, you’ll definitely want to head to the Fischmarkt in the early AM; this farmers market has been a traditional part of Hamburg’s port life for centuries.
BREAKFAST: Mutterland
If you want a taste of authentic German food made from local ingredients (seriously, everything comes from farms surrounding Hamburg) then head to Mutterland. From the butter to the bacon, everything in this market and café is sourced from local farmers and made in-house. It’s my absolute favorite breakfast and brunch spot in Hamburg — so far. During non-travel weeks, I’m usually doing my AM rounds on social media and drinking too many cappuccini in this café’s corner.
If you’re in the mood for something sweet, try the German pancakes. They make carbs worth it. Looking for more breakfast and brunch ideas in Hamburg? Head to my guide.
Hamburg Boat Tour
If you’re a first-timer in Hamburg, then the perfect introduction to the city which has more bridges than Venice, Italy (yes, it’s true) is a boat tour. It’s a touristy thing to do but it shows you Hamburg in the way it is meant to be seen — from the water.
You can find a lovely variety of Alster boat trips here.
Visit the Hamburg Rathaus
Easily one of the most beautiful architectural marvels of Hamburg, the Rathaus is a must-see for Hamburg visitors. They have tours in English once a day and it’s totally worth it — if you think the outside is spectacular, wait until you see the grand ballroom. I would be fine living in it, really.
Shop on Neuer Wall
If you’re a shopper (I consider it my therapy sometimes, it’s fine) then Neuer Wall steet is a must stop. First, I suggest going to the Alsterhaus and Unger — Hamburg’s most iconic department stores and then make a stroll down the main street of Neuer Wall, where you’ll find everything from COS to Prada.
LUNCH: Atelier F
Located off of Neuer Wall and dubbed Hamburg’s go-to French-American kitchen, the incredibly diverse and lush menu at Atelier F makes it one of my fave lunch spots Hamburg. Nestled alongside a canal, the location and views are unbeatable.
I usually indulge in a salmon burger with sweet potato fries (my weaknesses in life).
Talk a Stroll Around the Alster Lake
Located in the center of Hamburg, the gorgeous outer Alster lake is always full of runners, walkers, sailors, kayakers, paddeboarders and everyone in between. It’s a gorgeous experience yearround and a fantastic way to experience Hamburg the way locals do. You’ll also get a prime view of Hamburg’s pristine villas which give you major real estate goals.
If you’re feeling extra ambitious, try paddleboarding on the Alster as a daytime activity. I love doing this when the sun is out and shining (a rarity in northern Europe which must be taken advantage of).
If you’re lacking any energy at this point, grab an espresso at Cafe Cliff along the way. It’s a perfect midday pick-me-up and will fuel the rest of your walk around the Alster, plus watching the sail boats drift by on the water as your drink wonderful caffeine is pure relaxation time.
Visit HafenCity and Speicherstadt
Taking a walk between Speicherstadt and HafenCity is the perfect way to experience both old and new Hamburg.
Speicherstadt is undoubtedly one of my favorite places in Hamburg, especially around dusk and early evening when it gets dark. It’s a gorgeous display of Hamburg’s old architecture and allows you to grasp its critical role in European trading history.
HafenCity, on the other hand, is a celebration of modern and sustainable Germany. If you want to witness the summit of modern European architecture, this is a must-see.
DINNER: COAST by East
Finish off your tour of Hamburg by visiting one of the city’s most coveted dinner spots: COAST by East. It’s a global fusion of food and flavors and whether you’re a fan of THE BEST SUSHI EVER or perhaps craving northern Italian cuisine, Coast by East offers it. Make a reservation in advance though; it’s hard to get a table here during tourist seasons.
