The Best Hostels and Cheap Hotels in Hamburg, Germany

Choose between private rooms and dorms at this funky outpost of the hip Generator hostel chain. Decor is simple and functional, guaranteed not to keep you awake at night. With a convenient location close to Hamburg’s central station, the property is particularly good for large groups – and a dedicated booking coordinator makes the reservation process even easier. One of the highlights of staying here is the Helter Skelter bar, with local craft beers on tap, street-food style snacks and live music. You might be tempted never to step out.

Here’s a friendly, family-run hotel with pedigree – it dates from 1961 – offering a range of sound-proofed rooms. Despite shared bathrooms, it’s more discreet than a lot of the competition in this non-stop city, guaranteeing privacy, peace and quiet. Wake each morning to breakfast in the newly renovated breakfast room, with its large sun terrace for the warmer months. The hostel has its own car park – free for guests – secure parking for bikes and motorbikes, and, within 15 minutes’ walk, a tram stop for trips to the centre.

Drawing inspiration from Hamburg’s history as a major European port, Meininger hotel incorporates natty nautical details into its design – look out for industrial-themed murals and quirky wood and metal furnishings. Staying here you’re in the centre of the city, and close to neighbouring Altona train station. The nearby Sternschanze quarter is the place to find bars, restaurants and plenty of nightlife. If you fancy spending an evening in, there’s a game zone to keep you entertained, complete with pool and table football.

What used to be the factory of Hamburg-based, luxury-goods company Mont Blanc is now the unique, budget base Pyjama Park Hotel & Hostel. There’s nods to local creatives in its interior design: look out for head-turning murals by city-born artist Kid Overhead among works from other German and Swiss artists. There’s plenty of choice, accommodation-wise – 17 private rooms as well as mixed dorms. There’s no eating on site, but breakfast is served at neighbouring restaurant Jill, from granola to croissants and weekend brunch. Alternatively, head to Schanzenviertel district, where you’ll find a host of indie cafes and cosy bars.

Close to Hamburg central station, MAC City Hostel is ideal for budget-conscious travellers who want to explore the city and have good transport links. Rooms are clean and basic, with shared bathrooms and luggage storage. Make the most of the free snacks, drinks and wifi in the communal lounge, and consider bike rental organised by the hostel – it’s a quick and easy way to get around the city. If you’re looking for a cosy night in, there are board games and puzzles.

Hostels can be effortlessly cool, and Cab 20 is the proof – an essay in natural materials that make the place feel warm and inviting. It can also lay claim to being Germany’s first cabin hostel – all the rooms are in private cabins. Each of these has a queen-size bed, free wifi and wireless charging stations. They’ve also thoughtfully added built-in Bluetooth speakers and storage systems that’ll swallow up your luggage, so you’ve got plenty of room.

Hafen means harbour – and if you want to make the most of Hamburg’s marine setting, this is where to base yourself. It has unrivalled views of the River Elbe and the aforementioned harbour, and if you pick the right room – just ask when reserving – you can wake to take in tranquil aquatic expanses. There are further photo-worthy outlooks from the hotel’s Tower Bar and Port restaurant. Top tip: Hotel Hafen is dog-friendly so you bring your furry mate along, too.

With its setting beside one of the city’s historic canals, Innside Hamburg Hafen is a funky, fun place to base yourself for a weekend. There’s plenty of light pouring through large windows, and graffiti-inspired murals throughout add pops of colour and character. If you fancy lazing over a drink, there’s a sun terrace overlooking the canal where you might also like a bite to eat. When not out on the town, make the most of your down time – there’s board-game rental, a monthly “sofa concert” and a Finnish sauna to soothe post-party limbs.

Glossy and sophisticated but also family-friendly, the Scandic Hamburg Emporio has memorably cool rooms with statement art and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. If travelling with children, book the Superior Family room, which includes a pull-out sofa bed for the young ones. The on-site restaurant has a kids’ menu, and is open for lunch and dinner. When looking after little ones has exhausted you, head off for some relaxing “you” time – the hotel has not one, but two saunas.

What’s in a name? In this case, one of Hamburg’s main exports: beer. The Niu Keg recalls an age when more than 400 breweries operated in the city. Throughout the hostel, you’ll stumble upon references to Germany’s best-known beverage, ranging from stylised barrel patterns on the floors to circular barrel shelves on the walls. Rooms fall into three sizes: the Tripster, the Townster and the Hipster – the largest of the three. This includes a double bed and seating area with a pull-out sofa, finished with fun, nautical-style design details.