It’s been three years since I moved to Hamburg, and this is the first article on my blog about the city that has become my home. But I am ready to fix this oversight and share with you all the best things to do (and, more importantly, to eat) in one day in Hamburg.
I wrote this itinerary to include some major attractions, a few hidden gems, and lots and lots of delicious food. One day in Hamburg is not much, but this guide will help you make the best of it!
Tips for Spending One Day in Hamburg
- This guide has time stamps. They are only for you to have an idea of how long each attraction takes. They are not written in stone, feel free to switch things up and spend more or less time at each spot if you feel like it.
- I planned this itinerary for one day in Hamburg so you can walk the whole way from start to finish. However, if it proves difficult, you can use public transport or a bike. There are many spots in Hamburg where you can rent a city bike.
- If you want to take public transport, use HVV or HVV Switch app. There are vending machines in the metro and at some bus stops, but the app is the easiest, most convenient way to buy tickets. If you are taking more than 2 rides in a day, buy the all-day ticket (8.18 EUR) or 9-am-day-ticket (6.98 EUR).
Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links which means if you buy something by clicking the link I will earn a small commission at absolutely no extra cost to you.
9.00 — Breakfast at Cafe Paris
It may sound strange that I am sending you to a French bistro to start off your one day in Hamburg, but you have to trust me on this one! Cafe Paris is a Hamburg institution, located on a little side street near Hamburg City Hall. First opened in 1882, it is beautifully decorated in Art Nouveau style. To paint you a picture: white-tiled walls, green leather banquettes, and the star of the show — the tiled ceiling with a beautiful painting.
Despite the cafe being French, I’d say the breakfast is typically German: eggs, bread with butter and jam, cheese and cold cuts selection. Probably, the most popular item on their menu is breakfast for two served on a 3-tier platter. It includes croissants, eggs, lox, and champagne to name a few. At 27EUR per person, it’s not cheap, but definitely worth it.
Insider tip: They are open all day, but breakfast is when they are busiest. It’s best to make a reservation. (I was able to get a table without a reservation a couple of times, but if I had only one day in Hamburg, I wouldn’t risk it).
10.00 — A Walk around City Hall, Alster Lake, and Surroundings
A minute’s walk from Cafe Paris
From Cafe Paris walk to Rathausmarkt, the central square of Hamburg. Here’s what to see here!
City Hall (Rathaus)
The City Hall dominates the square in front of it to the point of barely fitting into a picture, even a horizontal one. It is 133 meters (436 feet) long and 112 meters (367 feet) tall. The Neo-Renaissance building was meant to express the wealth and prosperity of the city of Hamburg. According to the Hamburg City website:
“Construction started in 1886 when 4,000 wooden poles were drilled into the muddy shores of the Alster Lake in order to support the weight of the building.”
Apart from being extremely photogenic, it actually plays an important role in the city’s life: Hamburg’s parliament and senate assemble here.
You can only go inside on a guided tour.
