Spending a day in Hamburg means strolling through a diverse set of neighborhoods. The city has so many stories to tell! Start your visit in the vibrant and eclectic Schanzenviertel - “Schanze” for the locals. This neighborhood is characterized by street art, bustling streets and many boutique shops. One of the district’s highlights is Rote Flora, an occupied former theater which stands as a symbol of Schanze’s rebellious spirit. Get lost in the streets and have coffee at either Blanco or Trader. Hungry for more? Then grab lunch at Bullerei, a former cattle market transformed into a hip restaurant by celebrity chef Tim Mälzer and his partner.

From here, it’s easy to walk into the neighboring district Karolinenviertel. A tad smaller, but no less captivating. Walk through the Marktstraße and find a series of vintage shops, art galleries and artisanal eateries. Everything feels creative here and locals warmly welcome tourists walking around. This beautiful Hamburg neighborhood is home to many local markets and events, so you might be lucky and bump into one.

As the sun starts to set, make your way to UNESCO world heritage Speicherstadt. This is Hamburg’s iconic warehouse district, a symbol of the city’s maritime legacy. Red-brick buildings and canals will welcome you with all their charm. What used to be the hub of Hamburg’s trade scene, is now a bustling part of the city. A must-see is the famous Wasserschloss viewpoint, as well as the Speicherstadt Museum. If you’re lucky with the weather, book and enjoy a boat trip on the canals.

The final stop of this day out in Hamburg is an iconic one. Welcome to HafenCity - the main harbor area - and its famous Elbphilharmonie building. This area is perfect for pedestrians strolling around to find gourmet restaurants and upscale shops. For lunch, we recommend Coast restaurant. The view on the world-renowned concert hall is amazing. Talking about the Elbphilharmonie, did you know that the glass façade resembles the waves of the Elbe river which it is built on?

End your day in Hamburg in style by staying at The Westin, located in the concert hall. Yes, you read that right! This five star hotel has the most unique location in the whole of Hamburg and therefore is our top hotel recommendation - take a note: the spa is included for hotel guests. It’s just the most magical feeling: opening the door to your room and having an A+ view over Hamburg all to yourself.

Lübeck is blessed with water surrounding the old part of the city. The network of waterways leaves you with picturesque views anywhere you go. Book a self-drive boat trip with Boat Now or float along the hidden corners of Lübeck. For those feeling a bit more active, kayaking and canoeing are available as well.

Once the sun starts to set, find yourself a spot to relax next to the water. Many locals come here to recharge batteries and to feel a connection to nature within the city. Find “An den Obertrave 50” on the map for an ideal spot. Thank us later.

… and of course, we can’t skip a good food recommendation. As you’re close to the see, the fish is delicious here. Try to grab a table at Fangfrisch and taste their famous fish & chips or the local catch of the day. After dinner, head to InterCity Lübeck for a good night sleep and to reflect on a weekend with many impressions.