After a day of museums, rain, and walking among soccer fans in Hamburg, you may need a drink. In fact, this could be considered a cultural pilgrimage as the city is famous for its nightlife as the launch pad for the Beatles and home to the famous red light district, the Reeperbahn.
From trendsetting stops to old-school classics, here are the 7 best bars in Hamburg.
01
of 07
Skyline Bar 20up
This trendy bar is located on the 20th floor of the Empire Riverside Hotel’s gleaming glass tower. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a long bar give you a breathtaking view of the city, coastline, and harbor (even the bathrooms offer panoramic views). This is a shining example of the “new St. Pauli.”
Address: Empire Riverside Hotel, Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 97, 20359 Hamburg
Telephone: 49 (40) 31119 – 70 470
Prices: cocktails 11.50 euros
Hours: 6:00 pm – 2:00 / 3:00 am
Dress code: smart casual
02
of 07
Atlantic Bar
This classic bar, located in the Kempinski Hotel on the shore of Alster Lake, looks like it was straight out of a 1930s Hollywood movie. Its original Art Deco interiors, ball gown waiters, and light melodies of a pianist create the atmosphere for an elegant evening.
The Kempinski Hotel is where celebrities stay when in Hamburg, so keep your eyes and ears open; Phil Collins once surprised guests at the Atlantic Bar with an impromptu concert.
You can choose from over 200 cocktails, but the classics are what they are known for. If you miss the days of smoke and alcohol, visitors can enjoy fine cigars in the exclusive Smokers’ Lounge.
Address: An der Alster 72-79, 20099 Hamburg
Telephone: 49 40 2888 862
Prices: cocktails 9 euros +
Hours: 8:00 pm – midnight (weekends have extended hours)
Dress code: smart casual
03
of 07
3 room apartment
This popular bar feels like being at home with friends. The name translates to “three-room apartment” and the decor is deliberately worn and welcoming.
Although it may look like your Onkle Karl apartment with a bedroom, living room, and kitchen, this is a youthful place. Better than your best friend’s house, it comes complete with a foosball table, playstation, and a gnome for a pet.
Address: Talstraße 22, 20359 Hamburg
Telephone: 49 160 90361519
Prices: beers 4 euros; Special cocktails 9-10 euros
Hours: 10:00 until late
Dress code: casual
04
of 07
Zwick St. Pauli
Like a local Hard Rock Café, this Hamburg-centric bar is all about music. At the corner of the Reeperbahn, rare guitars and band posters line the wall and a drum kit stands proudly in the center.
This is a labor of love for former musician Hugo Egon Balder and his business partner, Uli Salm, who likes to take apart one of his guitars on the weekend and conduct impromptu jam sessions. Music is alive in Hamburg.
Address: Millerntorplatz 1, 20359 Hamburg
Phone: 49 40 3179 2116
Prices: beers 3.50 – 4.40 euros; shots 2.80 euros
Hours: 11:30 am until late
Dress code: casual
05
of 07
BernsteinBar
Fresh from its latest renovation, the BernsteinBar was once a brothel. Today it emits more of a 70s vibe with earth tones and cozy banquet sofas. Delicious cocktails, wine and local Astra beer are offered.
Address: Bernstorffstr. 103, 22767 Hamburg
Phone: 040/181 60 560
Prices: special cocktails 9-10 euros
Hours: 10:00 until late
Dress code: casual
06
of 07
Parliament
Located in the vaulted basement of the Rathaus (town hall), this bar is part of a stylish restaurant, but it’s worth stopping for a drink. The pillars separate the dining room from the bar and the service is top notch.
Address: Bernstorffstr. 103, 22767 Hamburg
Telephone: 49 040 – 70 38 33 99
Prices: special cocktails 9-10 euros
Hours: Monday to Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. M.
Dress code: smart casual
07
of 07
Dripbar
After all the nostalgia, Dripbar is all about progression. It has been called the most creative bar in Hamburg with its unusual drinks and even more interesting processes.
Dripbar uses a slow drip process, similar to modern cold coffee. Try the Salty Peanut Old Fashioned which has rum-dripping peanuts for up to 72 hours. Also on the menu are cold drip coffee and classic cocktails.
Address: Antonistraße 4, 20359 Hamburg
Prices: cocktails 9 – 13 euros
Hours: 6:00 pm until late
Dress code: smart casual
