8 days in Hamburg & Istanbul Itinerary

As the country's biggest port and one of the busiest in all of Europe, Hamburg has a well-deserved reputation as Germany's Gateway to the World.

Hamburg is known for museums, historic sites, and nightlife. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: see the interesting displays at Miniatur Wunderland, get a sense of history and politics at Hamburg Town Hall, appreciate the extensive heritage of Speicherstadt, and make a trip to Rathausmarkt.

To find maps, where to stay, traveler tips, and other tourist information, use the Hamburg itinerary planner.

Istanbul, Turkey to Hamburg is an approximately 7-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of car and train. The time zone changes from Turkey Time to Central European Standard Time, which is usually a -2 hour difference. Traveling from Istanbul in December, expect slightly colder with lows of 2°C in Hamburg. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 26th (Mon) to allow time for the flight to Istanbul.

A physical and cultural bridge between Europe and Asia, the transcontinental city of Istanbul serves as a living reminder of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires.

Istanbul is known for sightseeing, historic sites, and museums. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: admire the striking features of Hagia Sophia Mosque, admire the masterpieces at Chora Museum, browse the eclectic array of goods at Kapali Carsi, and explore the ancient world of Basilica Cistern.

To see other places to visit, maps, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read Istanbul day trip tool.

Traveling by flight from Hamburg to Istanbul takes 7 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and car. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 2 hours traveling from Hamburg to Istanbul. Plan for a bit warmer nights when traveling from Hamburg in December since evenings lows in Istanbul dip to 7°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Fri) so you can travel back home.