Hamburg is not a very big city. And most of the attractions are within a small radius. However, it could be a drag to get around on foot all day. And it is time consuming. Public transportation (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, Bus) is reliable and mostly clean. But boring.
Hamburg is a great place for bikes. Though not as custom-made as the inner cities of Copenhagen or Amsterdam, it is still easy and safe. Even if you are not an experienced biker. The city bikes (StadtRad) are a good option. Easy to register, the first 30 minutes are free and there are a lot of hire stations (see map here). But there is nothing like having your own bike – at least for a couple of days. Trust me, you will need a good rental bike.
There are not many Bike Rentals in Hamburg. Zweiradperle is the best. It is a bike shop and café – close to the train main station. They offer super nice rental bikes (Electra bikes!) and very well organised guided bike tours. The owners are very friendly and quick to give you good tips. They rent out helmets, locks and give you free maps. There are also kid’s bikes for rent.
This place has become really popular in the last couple of months. Especially their guided bike tours through the city and beyond, which are awesome. So, you should plan ahead and make a reservation in advance.
Alright, saddle up and remember to lock your bike at all times.