Dubbed ‘the gateway to the world’ by its own coat of arms, Hamburg is reputedly the wealthiest city in Germany. A booming shipping and media centre, this cosmopolitan metropole has been a melting pot for centuries. Brilliant for business travellers, culture aficionados and late-night partygoers, its amongst the top destinations in the country for a short break. Hip and lively, the best places to stay in Hamburg reflect the character of the city itself — what more could you ask for?

This has to be one of the coolest cities in the world. Beautiful heritage buildings sit side by side with sleek modern constructions, cultural hotspots abound and the food-and-drink scene is off the charts. Explore the old town on foot for a sense of historic Hamburg, with well-preserved red-brick buildings lining the waterways, and towering steeples rising up into blue skies. St Nikolai Church was once the tallest building the world and is well worth visiting (it contains a very moving war memorial, which includes even the most recent conflicts), as are the striking Rathaus and Kunsthalle — complete with an underground passage. Experience innovative architecture whilst catching a show at the stunning Elbphilarmonie, or delve into the city’s past on the imposing ‘museum mile’. But this city is not just about the buildings it's a very green place too. And one of the jewels in its crown is the stunning Lake Alster, which sits right beside the old town. Take a boat trip around its shores and get a great feel for even more of this stunning city, or hire a windsurf, paddle board or boat and take to the waves yourself.

Come evening, amble around the regenerated warehouse district — Speicherstadt (which holds UNESCO World Heritage status) — to pop into trendy bars, boutiques and eateries. This is also the site of some of the best places to stay in Hamburg. Keen shoppers will adore the weekly St Pauli Nachtmarkt, held each Wednesday, whilst late-night partygoers should gather at the popular Fischmarket. For scenic strolls, promenade along the tree-lined banks of the River Elbe, linking this formidable city to the sea and the world beyond.

The Best Places to Stay in Hamburg

For Luxury

• The Fontenay oozes contemporary glamour, with swish rooms and suites clad in warm golden and soft blue tones. Private balconies boast beautiful views over the trees and Lake Alster beyond. With Michelin-starred dining and a sensational spa, you'll be hard-pressed to leave. Fabulous.
• Fairmont Vier Jahreszeiten is the perfect choice for those dreaming of timeless grandeur. Set in the heart of the city, this impressive property houses lavish guest rooms with sash windows, upholstered headboards atop big beds and marble bathrooms. The double-Michelin-starred Haerlin restaurant is the highlight of an altogether spoiling stay.
• Hotel Atlantic promises five-star opulence. A grand dame of a hotel with an imposing white-painted façade and green roof visible from across the water, this palatial property has long welcomed the city's luxury travellers. Expect elegant contemporary and classic guest rooms and suites, along with a sumptuous spa, private cinema and gourmet cuisine. Exceptional.

For a Design Hotel

• East Hotel, set in a former iron foundry, fuses the best of East and West through understated, thoughtful design and a harmonious palette of red, white and soft greens. Jordan Mozer-designed interiors are superb, Yakshi's Bar is a delight, and the Mandarin Body & Soul spa is ideal for soothing weary travellers. There's a cinema and cool late-night scene, too.
• SIDE has a well-deserved reputation as one of the livelest spots in the city. Sleek, modern design includes rounded seating areas in cream and orange, plus big red bathtubs. There's an extensive spa for unwinding after lively nights at the bar and restaurant. A favourite for design-minded partygoers.
• Gastwerk Hotel has been transformed from a red-brick 1896-built industrial construction to a modern, loft-style hotel by design duo Iwan Schwethelm and Sybille von Heyden. Soft lighting creates a warm, cocoon-like atmosphere in rooms with exposed brick walls, steel, polished wood and concrete. A cutting edge ode to this city of contrasts.

For River Views

• Louis C Jacob Hotel is an elegant property on the banks of the Elbe. Expect classic guest rooms with big beds, cosy armchairs and river views, as well as a fabulous Michelin-starred Jacob's restaurant with glittering chandeliers and a sense of timeless charm. The bar is another highlight.
• Strandhotel Blankenese, a sleek design-focused hotel, also overlooks the river. Contemporary spaces are decorated in rich purple and terracotta hues, with bold wallpapers and crips white linens. Gather at the riverview terrace for tea and cake throughout the day. A cool spot in a heritage building.
• The George is a chic, British-inspired hotel on the banks of the Elbe. Interiors have patterned wallpapers, inviting leather chairs and prints of British icons. There's a popular Mediterranean restaurant, a soothing spa and a lovely roof terrace. A quirky choice.
• Zollenspieker Fährhaus is a stylish riverside spot on the edge of the city. Pick this place for the modern interiors and the sense of space, if you're looking to retreat to quieter climes after a day in Hamburg. The restaurant specialises in fresh seafood and regional dishes, and barge trips can be organised by the friendly team.

For an Old Town Gem

• Sir Nikolai is a fabulous four-star hotel in Hamburg's charming Altstadt district. Think original artwork, vintage rugs, polished marble bathrooms and quirky design touches in rooms filled with character. A splendid city stay, complete with Japanese-influenced grills at Izakaya restaurant and cracking cocktails served by the fire in the library. Gorgeous.
• Henri Hotel, the popular brand's first creation, is a stylish old town spot, with spacious rooms featuring bold patterns, retro furniture and modern bathrooms. Gather in the cosy lounge for breakfasts and head out to explore historic Hamburg on foot before unwinding with soothing treatments at the rooftop spa in the late afternoon. Cool yet understated.
• 25 Hours Altes Hafenamt sits just across the water from the old town, in the regenerated HafenCity district. Rooms have an industrial feel, with high ceilings, and a grey, dusky pink and faded teal colour scheme; shared spaces feel more pared back. Devour delicious Middle Eastern food at Neni, and borrow bicycles to zip around at your own pace.

For Families

• Hotel Boston HH has long been a favourite of business travellers for its sleek interiors and downtown location. It's also a wonderful choice for familiy holidays, however, with big family rooms and two-bedroom apartments for those seeking their own kitchen and living areas. Pick this place for the modern feel and appealingly central setting.
• Hotel Volksschule is a converted red-brick school building near the city centre. Modern rooms boast big windows, modern bathrooms and a pared-back charcoal and red palette. Twin rooms are ideal for kids, as are big buffet breakfasts and bicycles. Kayaking on the canals will delight families with older children.
• Landhaus Flottbeck, in Hamburg's serene western suburbs, is a great choice for families. Interiors range from cosy cottage style to sleek Scandi-inspired design, and there's a great gourmet restaurant and bar onsite. Borrow bicycles to zip around town as a family, or enjoy exploring the many nearby parks. Elegant and relaxed, yet also pet and child-friendly.

For Great Value

• Hadley's B&B has individually decorated rooms with parquet flooring, modern art and quirky touches. The best spaces feature mezzanines and reading nooks. Shared bathrooms keep rates appealingly affordable, and this is a good choice for groups of friends, families or sociable solo travellers. Expect hearty breakfasts at the cafe.
• 25 Hours Hafencity, housed in a former shipping yard, has an industrial, maritime theme. Expect clean lines, lots of polished wood and elements of the old shipyard incorporated into communal spaces. Bunk rooms are very affordable, and guests can congregate in the relaxed living areas, meeting rooms, restaurant, bar and sauna. Hip yet unpretentious.
• Fritz im Pyjama is a small boutique hotel in central Hamburg. Airy rooms feature bold wallpapers behind cosy beds, and big sash windows welcoming lots of light. The atmospheric lounge is ideal for drinks before wandering out to the restaurants and bars of lively Schanze. A well-priced little hotel.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY HOUSE

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel information

• Fly to Hamburg-Fuhlsbüttel Airport, and hop aboad a bus, train or taxi to the heart of the city. For those arriving by rail, Hamburg has five major train stations — Hauptbahnhof (central station), Altona, Dammtor, Harburg, Bergedorf — and great connections across Europe.
• The city is well-connected by public transport, but the wider region is brilliant for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car and explore beyond the boundaries of the town.
• Visit during the summer months, with temperatures averaging around 23°C between May and early September. You'll find fewer crowds and great hotel deals outside the school holidays in spring and autumn.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Berlin.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in Germany.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

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