48 hours in Hamburg

Sightseeing in Hamburg

To experience the real Hamburg it would takes weeks, if not months, to get an intimate understanding of the city. Most of us don't have that much time, so whether you're visiting the city as part of a culture trip, romantic weekend or stag party, it's important to plan ahead.

With some clever planning you can experience Hamburg's Old World atmosphere and pulsating nightlife with some insider tips from HostelsClub.

Where to go for breakfast?

There is no way better to start your Hamburg weekend than to have a traditional German Frühstück. Obviously breakfasts are available in most German hostels, but if you prefer to start the day in an independent fashion, there are certainly no shortage of breakfast cafes on offer.

• Combine a perfect breakfast with a gorgeous view over the Elbe at the Restaurant Engel am Anleger Teufelsbrück.

• Omas Apotheke at the Sternschanze is a superb breakfast option if you're on a tight budget.

• Late risers can have a super breakfast at Café Absurd in St. Pauli, which is conveniently available till 6PM.

Sightseeing in Hamburg

Hamburg has a stunning architectural landscape with a dynamic range of modernist and baroque buildings on show. Wonderfully varied and with a tremendous sense of history, some of these remarkable landmarks will appear on your camera during a long weekend in Hamburg.

• Van-der-Smissen Street in the Dockland distict of Hamburg is a majestic Sci-Fi office and its an outstanding example of modernist architecture and has become a progressive icon of the city.

• The Palmaille dates back to the seventeenth century and it's a wonderful place to explore on foot. Providing one of the most idyllic ways to discover the city, visitors will enjoy some vivid examples of North German architecture.

• The Michel (St. Michael Church) is the most famous building in Hamburg. Dating back to the seventeenth century, visitors are free to climb up its 453 stairs towards the observation deck, where you can take a deep breath and enjoy magnficent views of the city.

• Close to the St. Michael Church lies the Grocers' Apartments (Krameramtsstuben) and this is arguably the best place to experience the old Hamburg. Most of these historic residences have been remarkably well-preserved and now host art galleries, restaurants and boutique shops.

The Alsterarkaden is a beautiful spot in the heart of the city. Built in a classic Venetian style, the district is perfect for a leisurely, romantic stroll underneath the charming arcades.

Hamburg Nightlife

Hamburg has an unique, exciting and occasionally seedy nightlife for those wanting to have a good time on holiday.

• A night tour of the Reeperbahn leads you deep into the "Geile Meile", which is a popular entertainment district in Hamburg. Große Freiheit meanwhile is a popular area with discos, clubs and bars.

• If you like good music, cheap drinks and hedonistic vibes, the Hamburger Berg with its sprawling pubs and bars is an excellent choice for clubbers.

• St. Pauli Fischmarkt is home to the underground electro Golden Pudel Club - it comes highly recommended if you want to party all night long.

• Theater im Hafen meanwhile home to the fascinating of the world famous musicals on the other side of the Elbe.

Fish sandwich tour for Sunday

Fresh fish in Hamburg is like the white sausage in Munich or currywurst in Berlin, and it's the perfect tonic after a long night clubbing.

• Großen Elbstraße is home to fish sandwiches and a popular delicatessen shop Frischeshop Wilhelm Goedeken. Their local fish sandwiches are widely recognised as some of the best in Hamburg.

• At the museum harbour Ovelgönne you will discover the beach restaurant Sutsche, where you can enjoy fish sandwiches and a beautiful view over the River Elbe.

• Nordsee Restaurant Landungsbrücken offers fresh fish sandwiches, herring, fried fish and North Sea shrimps.

Hamburg is an extremely popular weekend destination, so we highly recommend you book a hostel in advance. Likewise it's always wise to book an early ticket for major theatre performances, and if you're extremely clever, an early reservation in restaurants is highly recommended too ;-)