The Ultimate 3-Day Hamburg Itinerary: Must-See Sights & Local Tips

So you've got three days in Hamburg? Good choice. This city isn't just about the harbor—it's a mix of historic charm, modern architecture, and a vibe that's uniquely its own. I've visited Hamburg half a dozen times, and each trip taught me something new. Let's cut to the chase: here's a practical, no-fluff itinerary that balances must-sees with local secrets. We'll cover everything from the iconic Elbphilharmonie to where to grab the best Fischbrötchen without the tourist markup.

Day 1: Diving into Hamburg's Historic Core

Start your first day early to beat the crowds. Hamburg's center is compact, but there's a lot to soak in.

Morning: The Elbphilharmonie and Its Plaza

Head straight to the Elbphilharmonie at Platz der Deutschen Einheit 1, 20457 Hamburg. This concert hall is a masterpiece, but here's the trick: the plaza on the 8th floor offers a free panoramic view of the city and harbor. You need a ticket, though—book it online on their official website a few days in advance. Slots open at 9 AM, and they go fast. I missed out once and had to queue for an hour. The view? Absolutely worth it, especially on a clear morning. The building itself is open from 9 AM to midnight, but the plaza access is from 9 AM to 6 PM. While you're there, peek into the lobby; the wave-like design is mesmerizing.

Afternoon: Speicherstadt and HafenCity Wander

From the Elbphilharmonie, it's a short walk to Speicherstadt, the world's largest warehouse district. The red-brick buildings over canals are iconic. Don't just snap photos—visit the Speicherstadt Museum (Am Sandtorkai 30, 20457 Hamburg) for a glimpse into its history. Entry is €5, open 10 AM to 5 PM. Then, stroll into HafenCity, the modern extension. It feels a bit sterile compared to the old town, but the architecture is impressive. If you're into miniatures, Miniatur Wunderland is here (Kehrwieder 2-4/Block D, 20457 Hamburg). Tickets are €20, and it's open 9:30 AM to 6 PM, but book online to skip the lines. Honestly, it's crowded; I prefer the quieter Maritime Museum nearby.

Evening: Dinner at a Local Fischbrötchen Stand

For dinner, skip the fancy restaurants around the harbor. Walk to Brücke 10 at Landungsbrücken (Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 78, 20359 Hamburg). It's a simple stall, but their herring Fischbrötchen (around €4) is the real deal. Open until 10 PM. Grab one and eat by the water as the ships pass by. If you want a sit-down meal, try Old Commercial Room (Englische Planke 10, 20459 Hamburg) for traditional Labskaus—it's a mashed potato and corned beef dish, an acquired taste but very Hamburg. Reservations recommended.

Day 2: Maritime Adventures and Urban Exploration

Day two is all about Hamburg's maritime soul and its edgier side.

Morning: International Maritime Museum

Start at the International Maritime Museum in HafenCity (Koreastraße 1, 20457 Hamburg). Open 10 AM to 6 PM, tickets €15. It's nine floors of ship models, maps, and naval history—overwhelming for some, but if you're into seafaring, you'll love it. I spent two hours here and barely scratched the surface. Pro tip: focus on the top floors for interactive exhibits. The museum is less crowded in the morning, so you can take your time.

Afternoon: St. Pauli and the Reeperbahn

After lunch, take the U-Bahn to St. Pauli. The Reeperbahn is Hamburg's famous entertainment district. During the day, it's tame—check out the Beatles-Platz to see where the band started. But here's my take: the area can feel seedy. If that's not your thing, head to the nearby Schanzenviertel for indie shops and cafes. For a unique experience, visit the St. Pauli Elbtunnel (open 24/7, free). Take the historic elevator down and walk under the Elbe River to the other side. The tunnel is a bit dingy, but it's a local secret with great views back to the city.

Evening: Nightlife and Local Beer

For evening drinks, avoid the tourist traps on the Reeperbahn. Instead, go to Gröninger Privatbrauerei (Fischertwiete 2, 20095 Hamburg), a brewery with unfiltered pilsner since 1896. A beer costs around €5, and they serve hearty German food. Open until midnight. If you're up for more, the Sternschanze area has cool bars like Katze (Schulterblatt 56, 20357 Hamburg) for a relaxed vibe. I ended up chatting with locals here—way better than the crowded clubs.

Day 3: Green Spaces, Lakes, and Farewell Flavors

Your last day should be chill. Hamburg has plenty of green escapes.

Morning: Planten un Blomen Park

Start at Planten un Blomen (St. Petersburger Straße, 20355 Hamburg), a sprawling park near the city center. It's free and open from 7 AM to 11 PM. The botanical gardens are lovely, but the water light concerts at night are the highlight—unfortunately, you might miss them if you're leaving. Instead, enjoy a morning stroll. I like the Japanese garden section; it's peaceful and rarely busy. There's a cafe inside, but bring your own coffee for a picnic.

Afternoon: Alster Lakes Boat Tour

From the park, walk to the Inner Alster Lake. For a boat tour, head to Alster-Touristik (Anleger Jungfernstieg, 20354 Hamburg). A one-hour tour costs €18, and they run every hour from 10 AM to 6 PM. It's a relaxing way to see the city from the water. If you're on a budget, just walk around the lake—the path is scenic and free. I once rented a paddleboat for €15 per hour; it's fun but tiring if you're not into exercise.

Evening: Farewell Dinner at a Brauhaus

For your last meal, go traditional. Hofbräu Wirtshaus Hamburg (Speersort 1, 20095 Hamburg) is a Bavarian-style beer hall with live music. A schnitzel with beer costs around €20. Open until 1 AM. It's touristy, but the atmosphere is lively. For something quieter, try Schifferbörse (Kajen 12, 20459 Hamburg) for fresh seafood. Reservations are a must on weekends.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Hamburg Trip

Let's get into the nitty-gritty. Hamburg is easy to navigate, but a few pointers can save you hassle.

Getting Around: Public Transport Made Easy

Hamburg's HVV system is efficient. The U-Bahn and S-Bahn cover most areas. A single ticket starts at €3.30, but the Hamburg Card is better for tourists. Buy it at any station or online. For short trips, consider renting a StadtRAD bike—there are docks everywhere, and it's €1 for 30 minutes. I used it to zip between Speicherstadt and HafenCity; faster than walking.

Where to Stay: Accommodation Options

Here's a quick table of recommendations based on my stays and local advice:

I stayed at Superbude once—it's no-frills but clean, and the area is vibrant. For luxury, the Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten is iconic, but pricey.

Money-Saving Advice

Hamburg can be expensive, but you can cut costs. Many museums offer free entry on Thursdays evenings—check the Hamburg Tourism website for details. Eat at markets: the Fischmarkt on Sunday morning (5 AM to 9:30 AM) has cheap fish sandwiches and a lively atmosphere. Avoid dining in HafenCity; prices are inflated. I once paid €15 for a mediocre coffee there—lesson learned.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

That wraps up your 3-day Hamburg itinerary. Remember, this city has layers—don't rush. Take time to wander the side streets, chat with locals, and maybe even get lost once or twice. It's how I discovered my favorite spots. Safe travels!