How to plan a trip to Hamburg?

Hamburg is the country’s second largest city and one of Germany’s must-see destinations. You’ll see that among its network of canals the city hides numerous wonders such as the red-light district of Sankt Pauli or one of the largest harbours in the world. There’s plenty to do. In this post we’ve help you plan your trip to Hamburg so you can enjoy every second of it and get the most out of your stay.

From choosing the best time to travel to the most typical dishes to try in the city’s restaurants, here are the key steps to take when organising your trip. We also tell you the best way to get there, how to find accommodation and the essential sights to see. Take note and don’t miss out on the details, as we’ve got plenty of travel tips that will be of great help to you.

1. Prepare your travel documents for Hamburg

If you are planning a tourist trip to Hamburg, and you are not travelling from a European country, you will need to present the following documentation:

• Passport: your passport must be valid for at least three months after the intended date of departure from the Schengen area and have been issued within the last ten years.
• Schengen visa (if required depending on your nationality): for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) citizens of countries that do not have a visa waiver need to obtain a Schengen visa, which allows access to all member countries of the agreement. It can be obtained either at the embassy or online, and costs €80.
• Travel Insurance: You must have travel insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation for a minimum of 30,000 euros. The insurance must be valid in all countries of the Schengen area
• Proof of Accommodation: this can be a hotel reservation, a letter of invitation from a resident in Germany, or any other document proving where you will be staying during your visit.
• Proof of Sufficient Financial Means: you must prove that you have enough money to support yourself for the duration of your stay, at least €45 per day per person. This can include recent bank statements, letters of sponsorship or travellers cheques
• Travel Itinerary: although not always mandatory, it is advisable to have an itinerary of your trip, including return flights, as proof of your intention to leave the Schengen area after your visit.

If you are travelling for reasons other than tourism, such as business or study, you will need to apply for a different visa, which you can check on the embassy’s website.

In addition to European countries, there are others that are exempt from presenting the visa, such as Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bermuda, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Great Britain, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, United States, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

Just as some travellers are required to take out travel insurance, European citizens can apply for the European Card to be covered for possible medical needs.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

2. Choose the date to plan your trip to Hamburg

The ideal time to visit Hamburg is summer, from June to August, when the warm weather invites you to spend the day outdoors, exploring the city’s parks, canals and streets. These months also see major events such as the Alstervergnügen Festival, which fills the city with music.

Spring and autumn are also good times to visit the city, even if the weather is a little cooler. On the plus side, you’ll find it easier to find accommodation as prices are more moderate and there are fewer tourists. During this time of year, in May to be exact, there’s also Hafengeburtstag, a festival commemorating the harbour with nautical parades and fireworks.

3. Find out how to get to Hamburg

Hamburg is a major European commercial hub, and as a result, it’s very well connected. These are all the options for getting to the city:

• Car: is a perfect option for touring Germany and travelling at your own pace. The motorway network connects all major European and German cities with Hamburg. This option is not recommended if you don’t plan to leave the city during your stay, as you’ll struggle to find parking or have to pay for private parking.
• Bus: Several international bus lines such as FlixBus offer direct services to Hamburg from European cities. It is a cheap option, however, it is also one of the slowest.
• Train: Hamburg Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) connects to the German rail network (Deutsche Bahn), offering routes to and from other German and European cities. You can choose between regional trains and high-speed trains (ICE).
• Flight: The main gateway is Hamburg Airport (Flughafen Hamburg), which receives flights from numerous international and European cities. Remember that with the Passporter App you can buy your tickets directly through Skyscanner.
• Cruises: There is also the possibility of arriving in Hamburg by sea, as several northern European cruise ships stop in the city.

Hamburg Airport is conveniently located about 8.5km north of the city centre. To get to the centre we took the S1 S-Bahn line, which runs every 10 minutes, costs €3.3 and takes about 25 minutes. Taxis and bus services are also available at the airport. Taxis offer a more direct and convenient, though more expensive, option, while buses are a cheaper alternative.

Once in the city you can get around on foot or by public transport. Hamburg offers an efficient and well-integrated public transport system that includes U-Bahn (underground), S-Bahn (city train), buses and ferries. With the Hamburg CARD you can make unlimited use of public transport and benefit from discounts at various tourist attractions. We also encourage you to rent a bicycle.

4. Find the accommodation that matches your expectations to enjoy Hamburg

Although Hamburg is a somewhat expensive city, it is possible to find cheaper options close to the centre. Strategic location is key to saving time and money on travel. Though exploring lesser-known neighbourhoods can reveal Hamburg’s authentic charm at more affordable prices. Whatever you decide, we encourage you to read up on accommodation and other people’s reviews to avoid surprises.

When we travel we always like to check out the Passporter App to see where other travellers have stayed and compare prices and reviews directly on Booking. The key is to be prepared so that the accommodation matches your expectations.

And speaking of expectations, here’s a list of the city’s best neighbourhoods and what to expect in them:

• Altstadt: this is the historic heart of the city, ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in history and be close to major attractions. Prices can be steep, often exceeding €140 per night.
• Neustadt: right next to the historic Old Town, this modern area offers a perfect combination of accessibility and contemporary ambience, with slightly more affordable prices than the Altstadt.
• Sankt Georg: known for its inclusive and bohemian atmosphere, it offers a mix of tranquillity and urban living with more affordable accommodation options, ideal for couples and families.
• HafenCity: the modern face of Hamburg, but with similar prices to the city centre. It offers a unique experience with its avant-garde architecture and proximity to the port.
• Sankt Pauli: ideal for nightlife enthusiasts, this neighbourhood offers lower-priced accommodation and is located close to the epicentre of Hamburg’s entertainment.

5. Choose the activities you want to do in Hamburg

If you want to know more about what to see in Hamburg, we recommend you to visit this post where we give you all the information you need to organise your itinerary: Things to do in Hamburg Germany

But we’ve also put together a selection of the must-sees in Hamburg to give you an idea of what to expect in the city.

• Miniatur Wunderland: the world’s largest model railway, a wonder for all ages. Price: Adults 20€, Children (0-15 years) free of charge.
• Speicherstadt: is the port’s warehouse district and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admission is free, but museums in the area have their own fees.
• Elbphilharmonie: an icon of modernity and music, its observation deck offers stunning views of the city and harbour. Access to the square is free, but concerts require a fee.
• Planten un Blomen: a beautiful city park with themed gardens, greenhouses and water shows with lights. Free admission
• St. Michaelis Kirche: this is Hamburg’s main church and offers panoramic views from its tower. Entrance to the church is free but climbing the tower costs €8.
• International Maritime Museum: here you can explore maritime history through its exhibitions in a historic building. Price: Adults €15, Children free.
• Kunsthalle Hamburg: one of Germany’s most important art galleries, with works from the Middle Ages to modern times. Price: Adults €14, Students €8.
• Reeperbahn: the famous red light district and nightlife centre, full of bars, clubs and theatres. Free admission to the area, with varying costs for events and venues.

6. Where and what to eat in Hamburg?

Hamburg’s cuisine reflects the culinary richness of northern Germany, which is notable for its use of fresh ingredients from the sea and traditional recipes. Hamburg’s cuisine combines robust flavours with simple ingredients. They make extensive use of vinegar and have some curious dishes, such as the following:

• Fischbrötchen: a fish sandwich, typically herring, salmon or cod, served on fresh bread with various toppings.
• Labskaus: this is a hearty dish that mixes brined beef, potatoes, beetroot and onion, often accompanied by a fried egg and pickled herring.
• Aalsuppe: this broth is prepared with a variety of vegetables and sometimes meat or fish, and is an example of the region’s ‘soup kitchen’.
• Franzbrötchen: similar to a croissant, this rolled-up sweet is full of cinnamon and sugar, making it a favourite breakfast or snack option.
• Rote Grütze: a refreshing dessert made with red berries and served with vanilla sauce or cream, perfect for summer days.

7. Organise a trip with friends to Hamburg

A trip to Hamburg with friends can be the perfect opportunity to forge bonds and create unforgettable memories thanks to its vibrant nightlife and rich cultural offerings. However, coordinating everyone’s preferences can present a challenge. But don’t worry, because we’ve got the solution to avoid friction and conflict during your trip.

Download the Passporter App and start organising trips together with your friends today. Create an itinerary for Hamburg, invite your friends, get inspired by the experiences of other travellers and create your ideal route together. You can also share your experience through the photos you take during your trip. To help you even more, we have prepared an article with useful tips for travelling with friends: Group travel: The best way to travel with your group of friends.

8. Tips for planning a trip to Hamburg

• The currency in Germany is the euro.
• You can pay by card in the vast majority of shops.
• Waking up early will allow you to enjoy the city with fewer people and give you plenty of time to explore.
• Germany uses plug type F, with 230V voltage and 50Hz frequency. Be sure to bring an adaptor if your devices have different specifications.
• If you are travelling from the European Union, you will not need a visa to travel to Germany. A passport is enough.
• The official language is German, but in tourist areas you can communicate in English and other European languages.
• Get the Hamburg Card for free public transport and discounts at many tourist attractions.
• The water in Hamburg is safe to drink.
• Hamburg is a safe city, but it is always wise to keep an eye on your belongings.
• Book flights and accommodation in advance to get the best prices.
• Find out about events or festivals during your visit.
• Sign up for Passporter and discover our Hamburg travel itinerary. Using Passporter to plan trips is free and helps you to get inspiration from other travellers 🙂
• Protect yourself against medical emergencies: travel insured.

9. How to prepare what to see on your trip to Hamburg?

Download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travellers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
• Organise your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and information about the trip.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you feel like visiting each day.
• Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums.
• Book your flights, accommodation, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app so that you always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documentation.
• Make any modifications you need and you’re all set for your trip.
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travellers with your experience. You can also share your experience on how to plan your trip to Hamburg.

If you have doubts about how to create your itinerary, you can consult our post: Plan & manage your travel itinerary.

10. Frequently asked questions about a trip to Hamburg