A night out in Hamburg is an experience you won’t easily forget. Although Berlin is regarded as Germany’s (and Europe’s) star city in terms of nightlife, we can confidently say that Hamburg is hard to beat.
The Sankt Pauli neighbourhood (or to be more precise, the Reeperbahn and the surrounding area) is the epicentre for nights without end. A traditional working-class district, and an early haunt of the Beatles, which today is home to the majority of the city’s bars and clubs.
For an alternative option, the Sternschanze and Karoviertel districts offer night-time entertainment for all tastes: from snack-bars that open till late to smart cocktail bars, and a music hall that was converted into a social centre in 1989.
In this post, we give you the best ideas for an unforgettable night out in Hamburg.
The best bars in Hamburg
Sankt Pauli is Hamburg’s nightlife district, and most of the city’s bars are there. Here we give you a few tips for your next trip:
Strand Pauli: a tropical-themed bar with wonderful views of the Elbe. The floor is covered in sand to evoke a beach ambience, and at night the lighting produces a magical atmosphere that continues well into the early hours.
Central Congress: the closest you’ll ever be to a night out in a scene from the Cold War. The bar has an enormous conference table, perfect for holding conversations.
Zum Silbersack: this little bar, on a corner of the Reeperbahn, is the living history of Hamburg. It has been in existence since 1949, and its popularity remains intact: it is full practically every night. Beer, home-made food, and pop music are its stock-in-trade.
Le Fonque: a landmark in the dynamic Sternschanze neighbourhood. A music bar with a collection of violins and a red décor that is sure to make a powerful impression.
The best clubs in Hamburg
Sankt Pauli is home to Hamburg’s main dance halls. The streets at right angles to Reeperbahn have a diverse collection of nightclubs with something to suit all tastes.
Halo: one of the big names of Hamburg’s night scene. Just a stone’s throw from the Reeperbahn, it has a varied range of international DJs. Friday night is the highlight of the week, with its “Uniscene Experience” aimed mainly at university students.
Mojo: also in Sankt Pauli, but at the far eastern end of the Reeperbahn, one of the city’s most legendary dance venues. It opened in the early 90s, and nurtured the local hip hop culture.
Bansal: currently one of Hamburg’s most popular clubs. Although it specialises in house music and techno, it does not neglect many other types of electronic music. It begins to liven up from around 1.00 a.m.
Angel Club Hamburg Blue House: this club, situated on the river bank in Sankt Pauli, touches nearly all the bases, offering hip hop, jazz, electronic or house music. Attracting a motley clientèle, it begins to fill up after midnight, and stays that way until dawn.
Where to eat in Hamburg
Hamburg’s gastronomic scene is one of the most vibrant in Germany. It has everything from traditional restaurants specialising in fish and seafood to modern bistros serving international fusion cuisine. Here are some ideas:
1700: A Spanish corner in this German city, located in the Barceló Hamburg hotel. Specialising in contemporary Spanish cuisine, and with a comprehensive tapas menu, 1700 also boasts one of the best wine cellars in the city, with almost two thousand bottles from all over the world.
Fischereihafen Hamburg: a restaurant specialising in high-quality fish and seafood. A veritable Hamburg institution, run by the same family since the 1980s. It has a classic, sophisticated style, and stunning views of the port.
Marend: modern Tyrolean cuisine in Hamburger Dom. In fact, its décor contrasts strikingly with the attractions outside: dominated by wood, soft lighting, and minimalist flower arrangements, it provides the setting for a menu with substantial meals. The speciality is knödel, dumplings filled with meat, vegetables or cheese.
Erika´s Eck: a classic establishment in the Sternschaze area, open all night. Very popular with people leaving the clubs, who stop off on their way home for one last beer and a schnitzel.
Where to stay in Hamburg
The Barceló Hamburg hotel is one of the best options for accommodation in Hamburg. Built in a modern, urban style, it stands right in the city centre, and therefore offers easy access to all the places of interest, cultural life and places to eat and drink. 1700, its restaurant, offers contemporary Spanish cuisine, and has an impressive wine cellar with wines from all over the world.
Hamburg also has hotels run by some of the major international chains.
