Where to Stay in Hamburg Germany: My Favorite Areas & Hotels 2025

If you’ve read any of my other Hamburg travel guides, you probably already know this, but Hamburg is most likely one of my favorite cities in Germany. If I ever had to pick a German city to live in, I’m pretty sure it would be here.

What I love about Hamburg is the balance. Berlin is a little too wild and grimy, Munich is a little too polished and posh, but Hamburg sits perfectly in the middle. It’s got that alternative, slightly gritty vibe while still being beautiful, historic, and elegant in places, it just works.

Since I grew up in Germany and have plenty of friends in Hamburg, I’ve visited more times than I can count, usually for a long weekend. Over the years, I’ve stayed in lots of different neighborhoods and hotels, which gave me a pretty good sense of what areas are best for visitors. 

That’s why I put this guide together on where to stay in Hamburg, to share my top areas to stay in Hamburg along with my favorite hotels I’ve actually tried and loved.

Where to Stay in Hamburg – My Experience

Since I’ve been to Hamburg more times than I can count (sometimes staying in different hotels, sometimes going back to the same ones if I really liked them or got a good deal), I feel like I’ve got a solid handle on where to stay in Hamburg as a tourist. 

Just to be clear, this isn’t about where I’d rent an apartment or settle down, this is purely from a visitor’s perspective: good hotels in good locations for sightseeing.

Personally, my favorite places to stay are the more central neighborhoods: Neustadt, Altstadt, and HafenCity. These areas not only have some of the best hotels, but they’re also perfectly located for sightseeing. When I stay here I can explore a ton on foot, I’ve got great restaurants and shopping close by, and everything feels super convenient.

On the flip side, two areas I wouldn’t stay in again are St. Pauli and the Schanzenviertel. Don’t get me wrong, I love both neighborhoods for a night out. St. Pauli has the Reeperbahn and a wild bar scene, while Schanzenviertel is more about pubs and restaurants with an alternative vibe. But staying there is definitely not for me. 

I’ve done it before, and I don’t love being kept up by drunk people outside my hotel at all hours. These days, I always book something more central, like in the Old Town or HafenCity, and then just head out to St. Pauli or Schanze when I want the nightlife. That way, I get the best of both worlds.

Best Areas to Stay in Hamburg Germany

Altstadt (Old Town)

The Altstadt is essentially the historic heart of Hamburg and one of my go-to areas to stay. I love how central it is. When I base myself here, I can walk to most of Hamburg’s main attractions like the Speicherstadt, the harbour, the waterfront, and the Alster Lake. 

This is also where you’ll find the Rathaus (town hall), plenty of gorgeous old buildings, and some of my favorite hotels in the city. If it’s your first time visiting Hamburg, I’d say the Altstadt is the perfect choice.

Neustadt (New Town)

Despite the name, Neustadt isn’t exactly “new.” It was considered new back in the 1700s when it was developed, but these days it still feels historic and atmospheric. Neustadt sits right next to the Altstadt, so I also count it as part of Hamburg’s city center. Honestly, I decide between Altstadt and Neustadt based on which hotel deal I find, because the vibe is quite similar. That said, Neustadt does feel a little more upscale, it’s full of boutique shops and has charming cobblestone streets that are lovely to wander through.

Hafencity (Harbour City)

Hafencity is another one of my favorite neighborhoods in Hamburg, and let me tell you why. I’ve only actually stayed here once (a few years ago), but I still find myself coming back to the area every time I visit Hamburg. Hafencity, or “Harbour City,” used to be part of the old port but has been transformed into a sleek modern neighborhood with shiny new apartments, stylish hotels, and lots of cafés and restaurants.

What I love about staying here is the mix, you get modern, often luxurious hotels, plus a fantastic location. It’s right next to the Speicherstadt and the water, but just far enough from the busy city center to feel calmer. At the same time, I can still walk to all the main sights in no time. For me, Hafencity strikes the perfect balance: central but a little quieter, and that’s exactly why I enjoyed staying here.

St. Georg Hamburg

St. Georg is an area that gets mixed reviews, so here’s my honest take. It’s the neighborhood right behind Hamburg’s main train station, and yes, the station area can sometimes attract a few sketchy characters. But beyond that, St. Georg is actually full of cafés, restaurants, and bars, and it sits right by the Alster Lake which is a huge plus in my book.

I’ve stayed here a couple of times, usually closer to the lake, and I had a great experience. The hotels were good, the location was excellent, and it was especially convenient when I was traveling to Hamburg by train (also perfect if you’re interrailing around Europe). So, while some people like to be dramatic about St. Georg, I think it’s a perfectly good option, especially if you stick to the lake side of the neighborhood.

1. Hotels in Hamburg Old Town

The Nikolai Hamburg // Best Overall Hotel in Hamburg

The Nikolai Hamburg is easily one of my favorite hotels in the city. I didn’t stay there on my last trip, but I’ve stayed several times over the years, and every time it’s been fantastic.

What I love about it most is the combination of location, atmosphere, staff, and value for money. Honestly, I always feel like it’s a bit of a steal considering how nice the hotel is. 

The staff have always been super friendly, and every time I’ve stayed I’ve ended up with a beautiful room overlooking the Elbe River. Maybe I just got lucky, but I’ll take it! They also welcomed me with a drink in the bar (usually sparkling wine or a beer), which is such a nice touch.

The hotel itself is set in a historic building right by the waterfront in the Old Town, which means I can walk pretty much everywhere, the Altstadt, Neustadt, and even Speicherstadt are all within 10 minutes. So between the location, the service, and the value, The Nikolai is definitely one of the best hotels in Hamburg in my book.

Book Here: The Nikolai Hamburg

Fraser Suites Hamburg // Best Place to Stay in Hamburg for Christmas Markets

Fraser Suites in Hamburg’s Old Town is another fantastic hotel I came across on my recent trip. I actually had it on my shortlist of places to stay, but my plans shifted last minute and I ended up somewhere else. Still, this is definitely a hotel I’ll consider for my next visit.

The Fraser Suites are set inside a beautiful historic building right in the heart of the Old Town. Inside, it’s packed with amenities: a sauna, steam room, fitness center, a restaurant, and even a play area for kids.

What really makes it stand out for me though is the room setup. Many of the rooms are essentially suites, with a separate living area and bedroom, plus a kitchenette with a fridge, sink, microwave, and coffee machine. 

That’s such a game changer if you’re traveling with family or kids. I personally love having at least a kitchenette, it makes mornings so much easier when you can prepare your own coffee, keep drinks cold, or quickly throw together snacks for the little ones before heading out to explore.

Book Here: Fraser Suites Hamburg

Premier Inn Hamburg

My go-to budget option in Hamburg’s Old Town has to be the Premier Inn. Honestly, I think this is the hotel I’ve stayed at the most over the years. Back when I visited mainly to see friends or family, I didn’t care about staying somewhere super fancy (and I still don’t), I just wanted something modern, clean, and comfortable. The Premier Inn ticks all those boxes.

The rooms are always spacious, the beds are super comfortable, and overall the hotel just feels solid and reliable while being new and modern. Nothing flashy, but definitely not shabby either. And the location on top is absolutely unbeatable.

So if you’re looking for great value for money, a central spot, and all the basics done really well, the Premier Inn is a top choice.

Book Here: Premier Inn Hamburg

2. My FavoriteAccommodation in Hamburg Neustadt

Tortue Hamburg // My Top Luxury Hotel in Hamburg

Tortue Hamburg is where I stayed on my most recent trip, and to be honest, it’s not usually my style. It’s upscale, it’s fancy, and it feels very exclusive, but since I was in Hamburg for a special occasion, I figured I might as well treat myself.

From the moment we arrived, I knew this was going to be one of the best hotels I’d stayed in for a long time. The staff were super friendly, the atmosphere was elegant without being stiff, and the whole place just had this luxurious vibe that just felt fancy.. 

We had a Deluxe Double Room, which was spacious and beautifully designed, and the bed was so comfortable that I fell asleep almost immediately (after a late-night arrival, that was heaven).

My absolute highlight though was the Brasserie Tortue, the hotel’s restaurant. I loved sitting out in the courtyard, it honestly felt like being transported to Paris for an evening. The food was fantastic, the service was spot on, and yes, it was a little on the pricier side, but absolutely worth it. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, I’d recommend coming here just for dinner or drinks, it’s that good.

Book Here: Tortue Hamburg Hotel

Adina Apartment Hotel Hamburg // Best Places to Stay in Hamburg for Families

Honestly, I think an apartment setup is the best when you’re traveling with family, whether that’s kids or parents. It just makes life so much easier, and it’s pretty much always how we do it. 

On my family holidays we almost always book apartments or holiday homes, because having a living space to hang out together, separate bedrooms for everyone, and a proper kitchen just makes the trip so much smoother. We’ve done this on ski trips, on our big Australia road trip, and even during a winter in Europe, it just works.

That’s why I wanted to include an apartment-style option here, and the Adina is perfect for that. You get separate bedrooms, a full kitchen, and a spacious living room, basically everything you need to feel at home while still enjoying Hamburg.

Book Here: Adina Apartment Hotel Hamburg

3. Top Hamburg Hotels in Hafencity

25 Hours Hotel Hamburg

My go-to place to stay in Hafencity is definitely the 25hours Hotel. The location is fantastic, the facilities are great, and the whole vibe is super trendy. It’s not one of those plain business hotels with zero character, this one feels more like a boutique spot with personality, which I really enjoy. 

The rooms are stylishly designed (a little quirky too), not the most spacious in Hamburg, but perfectly comfortable. Plus, being within a 5-minute walk of Speicherstadt makes the location unbeatable.

Book Here: 25 Hours Hotel Hamburg

JUFA Hotels Hamburg // Best Hamburg Hotel to Stay with Kids

JUFA Hotel is another favorite and one of the most popular hotels in Hafencity. It’s set right on the waterfront, with modern rooms that have incredible views over the Elbe. 

The best part is, it’s extremely family-friendly. The hotel has multiple nautical-themed play areas and playgrounds, making it the top pick in Hafencity if you’re traveling with kids.

Book Here: Jufa Hotels Hamburg

4. My Favorite Hamburg Hotels in St. Georg

Reichshof Hotel Hamburg

I’ve stayed at the Reichshof Hotel in Hamburg a few times, and it’s definitely one of the best in the area. The big highlight for me here is always the location, it’s right next to Hamburg’s main train station. Every time I’m coming in or out of the city by train, I usually stay here. Often when I’ve flown into Hamburg and had a connection via train back home (near Düsseldorf), this hotel has been my go-to.

The hotel itself is upscale yet manages to feel both modern and historic at the same time. Whoever designed it did a fantastic job, the lobby and bar area are absolutely beautiful and make you want to linger around instead of rushing off.

The rooms are modern, comfortable, and fit perfectly with the overall design and historic character of the building. I’ve never stayed long enough to use all the amenities, but the staff has always been super friendly, and I’ve never had anything less than a great stay. If you want comfort and convenience right by the train station, I’d recommend this hotel without hesitation.

Book Here: Reichshof Hotel Hamburg

Cab20 Hamburg Hotels // Best Cheap Hotel in Hamburg

Cab20 is one of the most budget-friendly places to stay in Hamburg. It’s basically a capsule hotel, which I know isn’t everyone’s cup of tea in Europe, but having stayed in plenty of them in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, I actually really like them.

A capsule hotel is kind of a mix between a hostel dorm and a private room. You get your own little pod, which is surprisingly cozy and comfortable, but you won’t have much space to spread out your things. Personally, I think it’s a great setup if you’re traveling on a budget and don’t plan on spending much time in your room anyway.

If you’re sightseeing all day and just need a clean, comfortable, and affordable place to crash at night, Cab20 is perfect.

Book Here: Cab 20 Hamburg Hotels

FAQs About Staying in Hamburg City

Where to stay in Hamburg for foodies?

If food is your main mission, I’d recommend staying in Altstadt or Neustadt. Both have loads of restaurants within walking distance, from traditional German spots to more modern and international ones. That said, even though I personally wouldn’t stay in St. Pauli, it’s still worth mentioning for foodies, especially around the Landungsbrücken and the harbourfront where you’ll find some of Hamburg’s best seafood.

What is the best hotel to stay in Hamburg?

If we’re talking about luxury, it has to be the Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten. I’ve never stayed there myself (it’s a bit too upscale for my budget), but it’s often listed as not just the best hotel in Hamburg, but one of the best in Germany.

What are the best places to stay in Hamburg for families?

For families, I’d go with an apartment stay rather than multiple hotel rooms. Having a kitchen is a lifesaver when you’re traveling with kids, and it just feels more practical. You’ll find plenty of family-friendly apartments in all the central neighborhoods.

What are the best cheap places to stay in Hamburg?

Hamburg has a big backpacker scene, so there are hostels all over the city. If you’re looking for budget-friendly options, you’ll find plenty around St. Pauli or Schanzenviertel.

Final Thoughts on the Best Hotels in Hamburg

Hamburg has some fantastic hotels, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury stays, and what I really love is that even the upscale hotels here don’t feel insanely expensive compared to cities like Munich, where prices in the center are often double.

For me, the best neighborhoods to stay in are Altstadt, Neustadt, Hafencity, and St. Georg. They’re all close to each other, walkable, and well-connected by public transport, so at this point I usually just choose based on the hotel rather than the area itself.

I know some people love staying in St. Pauli or Schanzenviertel, and I get it, they’re fun and popular but I personally just don’t love staying in either of them. I am fully aware that not all of St. Pauli is the Reeperbahn and red light district but I just like staying somewhere more central.

Whenever I want to go out for drinks and dinner I can always take the public transport to those neighborhoods and then at the end of the night head back home.

I hope this little travel guide on where to stay in Hamburg Germany could help you a little, find the night place to stay in Hamburg for you.

Check Out My Other Hamburg Travel Guides

Best Time to Visit Hamburg: When to Visit Hamburg

Is Hamburg Worth Visiting: My Honest Review

2 Days in Hamburg: My Perfect Weekend in Hamburg

Food in Hamburg: My Favorite Things to Eat + Restaurants

Things to Do in Hamburg: My Favorite Activities

Where to Stay in Hamburg: The Best Areas & Hotels