Gay Hamburg Hamburg City Guide

Seamlessly merging metropolitan flair with maritime charm and hosting the most exciting architecture in all of Germany, Hamburg, while at its core is a wealthy industrial port city, at its heart is so much more. The city’s canal-marbled landscape has much in the way of culture to offer, including charming coastal towns, unspoiled beaches and romantic ancient castles, making it a popular destination for hip young Germans and savvy travellers. The smelting factories and trade warehouses of the past have metamorphosed into modern spaces for creative boutiques, daring galleries and world-class restaurants, and the former red light district of St Georg now boasts Europe’s most liberal gay scene, vanilla, fetish and all. Every July, Hamburg Pride takes over, spreading love across the whole city including other alternative gay hubs such as St Pauli in Reeperbahn. Other noteworthy events include Hamburg International Queer Film Festival, Harbour Pride and Winter Pride, because who needs an excuse really? Read our definitive Hamburg gay travel guide to discover the best of what to see in Hamburg.

The best hotels in Hamburg

Let’s kick start this Hamburg gay city guide with a roundup of the best hotels. The eclectic 25hours Hotel is found in three spots around Hamburg, but the branch in HafenCity is the most eccentric. The nautical interior design aesthetic is meticulously crafted, with sailor’s artefacts in each room, making guests feel like modern-day seafarers themselves. Taking their design concept to a wholly different place is hip hotel Sir Nikolai, sitting among the city’s picturesque canals. Unless you come dressed for a black tie event it’s likely the décor at Sir Nikolai with steal your thunder, covered as it is in bejewelled velvet furnishings, marble and mahogany surfaces and elaborate golden accents. In addition to trying the hotel’s bar with a balcony view and the Japanese izakaya restaurant, guests don’t have to venture far to get a culture hit because the famed art museum trail known as kunstmeile is right outside!

Despite the name, SIDE Design Hotel Hamburg ain’t no side bitch! Recently re-opened after extensive renovation, this ultra-contemporary minimalist lodging – with ceiling-to-floor glass windows, sleek yet colourful spa with pool, and gym facilities – is a main bae through and through, particularly among gays with taste.

Travellers looking for fun vibes should opt for the Henri Hotel Hamburg Downtown, a 50s style hotel located in a restored period building in the retail district next to the central rail station. Henri Hotel’s spacious suites and studios feature 50s throwback furniture and wooden flooring throughout. Amenities include breakfast and snacks in the lounge area and a wellness centre complete with steam bath and sauna, spa services and fitness room. Nearby, close to Alster Lake, are the Eric Vökel Boutique Apartments, an upscale selection of suites designed in either Nordic and Mediterranean styles and each fitted with fully-equipped kitchens, dining spaces and private bathrooms. Notable Hamburg points of interest in the vicinity include the Speicherstadt and Chilehaus.