How to Spend 3 Days in Hamburg

From craft beer tastings to scenic boat cruises, there’s plenty to do in Hamburg. Bike through different neighborhoods, see some street art, and venture out to the countryside—here’s how to spend three days in this northern German port city.

Day 1: City overview

Find your bearings in Hamburg with an introductory tour. For maximum flexibility and quick and easy transportation, purchase a hop-on hop-off bus pass that stops at top attractions such as St. Michael’s Church and the St. Pauli Fish Market—or go for a combo bus/boat package. Active travelers might prefer to see the Alster lakes and cycle along the Jungfernstieg promenade on a guided bike tour. Or, join a walking tour for an intimate glimpse of a neighborhood such as the Speicherstadt, HafenCity, the red-light district of Reeperbahn, or St. Pauli. 

Day 2: Culture tours and pub crawls

Discover Hamburg’s vibrant modern-day culture with a street art walking tour—follow a guide to see a variety of murals in neighborhoods such as Schanzenviertel and St. Pauli. Alternatively, connect with a local host for tips on what to do and where to go, and create a custom itinerary based on your interests. Later, embark on a sunset sailing cruise, then enjoy some local flavor on a pub crawl in Reeperbahn or a craft beer tasting in Sternschanze and St. Pauli. 

Day 3: Countryside escapes

Explore beyond Hamburg’s city limits with a day trip to the countryside. Learn about German history and culture from a guide while wandering around the 1,000-year-old town of Buxtehude and UNESCO-listed Lübeck. Tours often include landmarks such as Holsten Gate, St. Mary’s Church, the Town Hall, and Buddenbrook House.