For those feeling stuck with Berlin’s agenda and open for a fresh clubbing vibe, look no further, because Hamburg is about to become your new fave clubbing destination.
The leisure possibilities offered by a city like Hamburg are endless: a diverse clubbing culture, thriving underground scene, thousands of flavours to try in its restaurants and people from all over the world joining the locals. Hamburg has a lot to offer! And among all that, we’ve selected a dozen clubs, bars and restaurants that you can’t miss, after covering the main tourist attractions such as St. Michael’s Church, the Speicherstadt or the Elbe Philharmonic Hall.
1. PAL Hamburg – Until dawn with the finest techno
Why you should go: PAL Hamburg is one of the leading electronic music venues in the German city. For the past decade, the club has been attracting local and international clubbers with its sublime line-up of artists: FJAAK, Hector Oaks, Adana Twins or Trym are just some of the DJs you can find every week at PAL. Its resident artists don’t leave anyone indifferent either, with DJs such as Lucinee adding a strong beat to their nights.
Atmosphere: Don’t be fooled by its iconic exterior, this venue is all about pure underground clubbing – dark, loyal and ethereal. The night will be so great that it will pass in the blink of an eye.
Music: PAL Hamburg’s music ranges from techno and hard-techno, to house, electro and disco at their Kinky Sundays, one of Hamburg’s top clubbing nights.
Recommendations: Don’t wait too long to go, as queues can get quite busy depending on the event.
2. Uebel & Gefährlich – Why not dance in a bunker?
Why you should go: No matter how experienced clubber you are, we can assure you that if you check out Uebel & Gefährlich, you’ll never have seen anything like it. Impressive inside and out, this historic WWII bunker has evolved into a museum, club, and music venue. It has several rooms that have been the meeting point for concerts, electronic music nights and even film screenings.
Atmosphere: Enigmatic, secretive, exciting. Locking yourself in a bunker to experience music at its fullest is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Music: Very varied. From rap or jazz in their concerts to experimental or techno in their electronic sets with collectives such as Bunker Rave or Turmstrasse. All under one roof!
Recommendations: Take the lift!
Prices: Prices are around 20€ for club nights, and can go up to more than 30€ for concerts.
3. Südpol – A place to lose track of time
Why you should go: Some of the clubs in Hamburg still maintain their popularity with word of mouth only. And that means they are doing something right. This is the case of Südpol, located in an old building on the Billekanal in Hammerbrook. It was recently restored with the help of the Hamburg Department of Culture and several volunteers, and is known for its party concepts, which can last from 3h to 48h. Only for the bravest.
Atmosphere: Trendy, open. Südpol breathes freedom and respect!
Music: Although its music programme focuses on electronic music – especially techno and queer – you can find punk concerts and even cinema.
It is divided into two dance floors: the ‘Unten’, the main room with more purist techno, and the ‘Oben’, with more house and alternative influences.
Recommendations: Respect its basic rules – No photos, no videos! We also recommend you to come in summer to enjoy the open courtyard.
Prices: The price of tickets in Südpol start at 20€
4. Fundbureau – Urban and friendly in equal amounts.
Why you should go: Fundbureau has grown its reputation since 1997 to be one of Hamburg’s most famous nightclubs, always adapting to new trends and the needs of the public. It is located in the neighbourhood near the port, in Sternbrücke, within walking distance of the city centre. It has an urban exterior with brick walls and graffiti.
Atmosphere: Trippy. Grunge. Cosy. A place to escape your responsibilities and meet your next favourite friends among a crowd of all ages.
Music: Fundbureau focuses on electronic music genres such as techno, trance, psytrance, house or minimal. The decor goes along with it to create the perfect rave vibe.
Recommendations: They used to hold their original night market. Hopefully, they’ll be back in business and you’ll be able to pick up some vintage relics for your outfits.
Prices: Some of their parties don’t have a pre-sale, but for the rest, ticket prices are usually around €10.
5. Ms Stubnitz – Floating in music…and in the water!
Why you should go: We’ve all fantasised about partying on a boat. You know it, we know it. But the Ms Stubnitz is another level. This floating club boat was used for fishing since 1964, but after the German reunification, it was sold to a group of artists who transformed it into a cultural, musical and artistic space, until today. It has visited other cities such as Riga, Bruges, London and Copenhagen, but is anchored in Hamburg until 2026.
Atmosphere: Post-industrial. Maritime. Original. Someone might have to pinch you to make you realise you’re experiencing music in such an iconic and historic place.
Music: From electronic to punk, rock, experimental rap, hip-hop, depending on the day and the concert/party taking place.
Recommendations: Find your place among its wide range of events. The experience will be truly unique.
Prices: Depends on the day or event, but tickets average 12-18€.
6. Katze – The cat will be your new favourite animal
Why you should go: Katze is located in the popular neighbourhood of Sternschanze. This place, with its familiar cat logo, will become your favourite place if you are one of those who enjoy outdoor terraces, especially during the summer. Besides being one of Hamburg’s top bars during the day, in the evenings it hosts DJs and live music events on a regular basis, and hosts karaoke nights and other activities on special nights. Its good vibes will capture you!
Atmosphere: LGTBIQ+ friendly, casual, young. The ideal spot to find your new best friend or soul mate!
Music: Eclectic mix of musical styles!
Recommendations: Don’t leave without trying one of their cocktails.
Prices: Their beers are around 3-4€, but if you’re into cocktails you’ll get them for 8-10€. Caipirinha Happy Hour!
7. Pelican Bar – The yummiest cocktails in the city
Why you should go: Do you collect cocktails like stickers? Pelican Bar is an expert in them. Nestled in the heart of the city, it stands out as it offers a whole different drinking experience hosted in their several comfy couches and armchairs for lounging. Whether you’re looking for a place to chill with your colleagues or an exciting night out, Pelican Bar is a good spot. Don’t miss the special offers of their Happy Hour!
Atmosphere: Modern, friendly and knowledgeable. Pelican Bar is sure to be a hit with locals and tourists alike!
Music: On some of its DJ nights, Pelican will have you enjoying electronic music with Latin and Southern flavours, ideal for its cocktail atmosphere.
Recommendations: Ask the staff for recommendations, they are always willing to make suggestions on what to drink so you can find the perfect match! Although we highly recommend their caipirinha!
Prices: The average price of their drinks is around 8-12€
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8. Chug Club – Save water, drink tequila!
Why you should go: The Chung Club is one of St. Pauli’s most popular cocktail bars. It has earned its reputation for being an expert in tequila and mezcal and is known for its “chugs”, which are small but delicious mini-cocktails that allow you to try different flavours in a mini format and find the right one for you.
Atmosphere: Unique atmosphere, with dim lighting and vintage decor Mexican-oriented!
Music: Nobody will ever remember. They went to a tequila bar!
Recommendations: Try their own tequila-based spirit made of red hibiscus and named LUPITA Margarita!
Prices: Their chug costs 4.5€, shots cost 3€ and their cocktail menu has different formats that go up to 12.5€.
9. Skyline Bar 20up – The bar with the most breathtaking view in Hamburg
Why you should go: Don’t know how to impress your next date? Take them to Skyline Bar 20up. Located on the 20th floor of the Empire Riverside Hotel, this rooftop bar has one of the best views of the German city and its river Elbe. It is also close to other iconic places to visit such as the Elbphilharmonie, the Town Hall, and the exciting Miniatur Wunderland.
Atmosphere: Elegant, sublime and surprising. Its 90-metre-high location and 7-metre-high panoramic windows will leave you with a great feeling that you won’t easily find elsewhere.
Music: Lounge music of all kinds to enjoy the conversation
Recommendations: The occasion calls for it – look smart and stylish and enjoy the view while dining with some of Hamburg’s most renowned chefs, specialising in sushi.
Prices: Cocktails are between 13-16€. The cost of the food will vary depending on what you order, so check the menu to make sure before you go.
10. Standard – The italian aperitivo culture right at your door!
Why you should go: Good weather, good food and drinks, meeting friends… These are factors that many would attribute to a country like Italy. Inspired by all this, Standard was created, emerging like one of the most suitable places to enjoy the vibes of the sunny country in Hamburg. The restaurant takes reservations for four or more people!
Atmosphere: Mediterranean and cosy. At Standard you’ll feel like you’ve travelled all the way to the wonderful Italian coast without leaving Hamburg.
Music: Come there not for music, but for the vibes!
Recommendations: This restaurant has such a defined brand that it even has its own clothing and decoration shop – check it out because what they have it’s really cool!
Prices: Take a look at their menu to see what to order before you visit.
Bonus: What else does Hamburg have to offer?
Hamburg is one of the most diverse European cities in terms of food and music on the continent! In addition to our recommendations, we can’t finish this article without mentioning others such as Café Paris Hamburg, the vegan paradise of Froindlichst, the magical nights offered by Hafenklang or the unique vibes in Hamburg’s Jazz clubs.
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