Jetlagged first day in Hamburg
 

We arrive at noon into Hamburg after departing our hometown at 1:15p connecting in Atl to a 5:35p to Amsterdam arriving 8:30a then dparting to Hamburg at 10:45a. My husband and I will probably be tired as we have had no luck sleping in our past 4 overseas flights. So what to do after getting an early checkin to our hotel( Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten).............powernap or keep going. We have kept going in previous trips, had an early supper and early to bed. Thinking of trying it differently this time after reading some trip reports where short nap approach was used.

Second question is, what 1 or two sightseeing thing to do in our exhausted state. Two years ago we arrived at 8 am to Paris, immediately took a train to Strasbourg, visited the Cathedral, climbed up the steps, had an amazing lunch and boarded a canal cruise and preceded to take turns falling asleep. So I am thinking a ferry trip on first day is not the best choice. Suggestions? HOHO Bus?

Lastly, we only have Friday and maybe 1/2 day Saturday in Hamburg, besides the ferry trip, suggestions? Walking tour recs?

While I've not been to Hamburg, my usual approach for arrival day (after an overnight flight) in Europe is to rest as much as possible on the plane. On arrival, we check in, skip the nap, stay awake and moving, and do a slightly early dinner and bedtime. This approach works well for me, but is not for everybody.

I stay outdoors and moving as much as possible as the fresh air and daylight seem to help. On a few trips, I've done guided walking tours in the afternoon to help with the outdoors and moving part, but to not have to navigate during the time of day when I'm the most tired. So far I've not fallen asleep while moving.

Anything where you sit down (a ferry, a train, a bus tour) would, to me, be an invitation to fall asleep. Your experience may vary, of course.

A boat cruse of the huge harbour might be relaxing...

I never, ever nap (not even after a nearly 40-hour trip to India that involved 6 different flights). I also never take a boat ride or a HOHO bus because the engine sounds and motion just wipe me out. I just keep moving (slowly) outside, stay hydrated, and make frequent stops at cafés. I also take a half a Donormyl when I board the plane, which lets me get at least a couple of hours of sleep.YMMV.

Sorry, can't help with Hamburg. It's been years since I've been there.

KryaS-a guided walking tour may just be the ticket.

Danon-I plan to do a boat cruise of the harbour, but that will be next day when not so prone to fall asleep

StCirq-I have not heard of Donormyl. Many I know take an Ambien or Melatonin on overseas flights. What is YMMV?

Your mileage may vary. Donormyl is a mild French sleeping pill.

The experts say, take a nap of 15 to 20 minutes maximum. Set your alarm. If you sleep longer, you will feel dizzy afterwards.

What you can do:

In any case, there will be some walking involved which will keep your bloodstream running.

Of course, you can climb the tower of Hamburg's main church, St. Michaelis (452 steps or 52 steps + elevator).

You can take a guided tour (in English) through the City Hall (one of Hamburg's main attractions).

Why not taking the public ferries on the river Elbe? There is some walking involved, so you will not fall asleep on the boat. Besides, the wind and the fresh air will refresh you.

I very much like your plan Traveller1959 of the nap, climbing the steps and taking the Rathaus tour. Then an early dinner and early to bed.

It was a warm, sunny day (in the mid-70's) in Strasbourg when we took turns falling asleep on the slow moving canal tour. Hopefully a ferry ride on the harbor will refresh us as you say. What is typical weather for this time of year?