Hamburg is one of Germany’ biggest and coolest cities, so it makes sense that it has a nightlife scene to match. After spending the day at different museums or soaking up sunshine by the port, end the evening at one of Hamberg’s hottest bars in Old Town. Offering everything from absinthe to old-school cocktail lounges, there is something for everyone.
If you are looking for speakeasy-style in a smokey, dark atmosphere with comfortable sofas and good company, Luba Luft is just the place. The bar staff know their stuff and the cocktails they create are top-notch. From authentic Moscow Mules (in copper mugs, of course), to a zinging whiskey sour, everything is mixed to perfection. It can get a bit crowded, but there’s usually a corner you can call your own.
Summer or winter, Christiansen’s is the place to be in the Old Town. The pub-style venue has a huge menu of international cocktails, both in its bar and for clientele sitting outside. The list is pretty much endless and covers all of the classics, plus some more inventive concoctions. If you still can’t find something you fancy, the staff are more than happy to whip something up based on your preferences.
Right across from the underground station, Knust is a former slaughterhouse turned live music venue that regularly features the latest in live and indie music. The concert space is large and offers notable acoustics, meaning that it attracts both famous bands, such as the The Decemberists and The National, and the not so famous. It’s a great place to discover new, up-and-comers and meet like-minded music fans.
Opening hours: Check venue’s site.
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Goldfischglass
Bar, German, Cocktails, Wine, Beer
it might seem an unusual name, but Goldfischglas is an accurate description of this quirky venue. The bar has been crafted with a shallow water tank, home to several small fish. It’s a bit of a gimmick, but the bar has good enough drinks and atmosphere to make up for it. There’s a large menu of standard and mixed drinks and the crowd is always fun. It tends to get packed, especially on the weekends, so be sure to get there early if you want a good spot.
Absinth Bar does what its name suggests and serves up a healthy dose of absinthe, alongside a large selection of spirits. Interiors are dark and slightly gothic, and the background of jazz classics definitely adds an appropriately French vibe. The origins of the bar began when a couple of friends wanted to open an absinthe bar. They educated themselves on everything about the “Green Fairy”, and Absinthe is the result. If you have any questions, don’t be afraid to ask the knowledgeable staff for a suggestion.
A little slice of Paris in Hamburg. Drawing on the speakeasy trend, this secret spot require a little role playing to get through the door. Ring the bell and wait for the doorman. It’s worth the charade, behind the entrance lies a French-style saloon, complete with velvet walls and jazz, transporting drinkers to Paris’s glamorous Bell Epoque period. The drinks don;t come cheap, but they are well-made and there’s an interesting selection.
Opening hours: Mon – Sat 6pm – 3am; Sun 6pm – 1am
Klimperkiste
Bar, Pub, Pub Grub, Cocktails, Wine, Beer
Image courtesy of M&V Bar
If you are looking for a quiet place to sip your pint, check out Klimperkiste, a quaint pub offering local beers and well-made cocktails. Staff is friendly and the clientele is a mixed bag of tourists and locals. The ambiance is low-key and cool, a relaxed place to end your day.
Bar, Gay Bar, LGBTQ Bar, Pub Grub, Wine, Cocktails, Beer
One oft he best LGBT bars in Hamburg, M&V Bar extends a warm welcome to everyone, inviting them in to enjoy well-mixed drinks and a friendly atmosphere. Locals rave about the martinis, shaken every night by handsome bartenders who know what they are doing. In the summer, take advantage of the outdoor seating area.
Opening hours: 5pm – 2am
Zimmerwohnung
This is what drinks with your eccentric uncle would be like, if he was also a staple of the Hamburg night life scene. 3-Zimmer-Wohnung means ‘three-room flat’ and the interiors are deliberately designed to feel homey and inviting. There’s a youthful vibe, with a foosball table, comfy sofas and different rooms to explore, but the underlying style is undeniably quirky-cool. With a gnome for a mascot, what do you expect?
Though Hamburg may be far from the USA, Old Mac Donald is a quintessential American sports bar tucked in Old Town. Decorated with memorabilia imported from the States, this bar is perfect for Americans looking for a taste of home while visiting Germany. The menu is simple but effective – good beer and a selection of burgers, ranging from small to an all-American king-sized.
What do Frank Sinatra and I have in common? We are both from New Jersey. While the Garden State is beautiful, I love exploring and traveling to new places. During my undergraduate career, I studied in both Siena and Bologna. After completing my BA in History and International Relations at The College of New Jersey, I moved back to Bologna, where I worked as the Student Life Assistant for an American study abroad program. In 2014, I moved to London to pursue my MSc in History of International Relations at the London School of Economics. When I am not in lecture, I enjoy baking, exploring London's museums and watching old films.
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