10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Hamburg

The Alter Elbtunnel is one of Hamburg’s top architectural attractions, and the impressive subterranean tunnel stays open all night. Constructed in 1911 to connect central Hamburg with the shipyards, the tunnel was considered a marvel of engineering at the time.

In the 1970s, new bridges saw the tunnel fall out of favour with commuters. However, the site remained popular with pedestrians (especially visitors), who descend via a 24-metre lift. Keep an eye out for impromptu art exhibitions as you stroll the 426-metre tunnel through the River Elbe.

Speicherstad, one of the world’s largest warehouse districts, showcases the stark Gothic Revival architecture of the 19^th century. Narrow canals slice through a maze of towering red-brick warehouses, which once served as the epicentre of the old port of Hamburg.

While most travellers visit during the day to see Miniatur Wunderland and the Hamburg Dungeon, it’s an interesting – albeit spooky – place to see at night. Jump on the Night Watchman historical tour to learn about the district’s intriguing past. Alternatively, embark on an evening canal cruise to see the warehouse lights shimmer off the water in this atmospheric part of the city.

Schmidts Tivoli is Hamburg’s premier performing arts space. Located in bustling St Pauli, this contemporary glass-enclosed edifice hosts regular modern folk theatre shows. Performances range from stand-up comedy to musicals and plays. If you’re feeling peckish, waiters can bring tasty treats (the currywurst is a must-try) straight to your seat.

Almost all Schmidts Tivoli performances are in German, so it’s crucial to understand the native tongue. Non-German speakers might prefer visiting Elbphilharmonie Hamburg instead. This stunning riverfront concert hall runs regular musical performances, including opera, orchestra, and jazz.

Savoy Filmtheatre in Hamburg is a must for film buffs with a penchant for vintage charm. First opened in 1957, the endearing old cinema retains its original retro style, despite recent renovations. From the neon-lit façade to the glamorous cocktail lounge and grandiose theatre hall, it’s a lovely spot to catch a flick.

The single-screen, 327-seat cinema plays a rotating roster of classic, contemporary, and new-release blockbusters. The venue screens each film in its original language, so you’ll find plenty of English options on any given night. Film geeks should know Savoy is one of only four German cinemas to run select films in the traditional 70 mm format. The theatre opens 30 minutes before the first performance.

Planten un Blomen is Hamburg’s most beloved urban park, filled with glistening lakes and leafy trees. Its serene Japanese gardens lure stressed-out city-dwellers to their quaint teahouses and immaculately manicured bonsai. There’s also a scenic ice-skating rink during the colder months.

While the best time to visit is generally during daylight hours, it’s worth popping in at night to see its impressive fountain light show. With a spectacular combination of water, music, and light, the event attracts a steady stream of locals and tourists during summer. The free daily spectacle kicks off at 10 pm from 1 May to 31 August. Bring a bottle of wine and some snacks.

Loveboat Hamburg is a boisterous floating disco that cruises around Hamburg harbour. On select summer nights, up to 500 revellers pile onto the modern catamaran for a night backed by EDM tunes. As the midsummer sun sets over the horizon, partygoers cram into its panoramic central stage to boogie the night away – think glistening harbour views but with techno beats.

The intermittent event caters to partygoers young and old. If you're not a fan of techno music, several Hamburg operators run more traditional evening harbour cruises.

Le Lion is a classy cocktail bar in Hamburg known for its refreshing gin basil smash. The longstanding venue claims to have invented this beloved citrusy tipple, which has become one of the summertime staples of choice around the globe. While we can’t authenticate that claim, it’s safe to say their signature drink goes down a treat.

The moody, 2-storey venue boasts sleek low-lit décor, with elegant lion sculptures and dark damask-patterned walls. While it’s a tad on the pricey side, the sultry spot is a top choice to mingle with Hamburg’s socialite crowd.

Große Freiheit 36 is Hamburg’s most celebrated contemporary live music venue. A highlight of the buzzing St Pauli party scene, this packed music hall has a legendary reputation for putting on impressive shows. Musical genres range from rock to pop and hip-hop to electro. 

During the 60s, back when it was known as Kaiserkeller, the venue played a pivotal role in The Beatles’ rise to fame. It’s been enthralling punters under the Große Freiheit 36 (or just Freiheit) name since 1985. Since then, Freiheit has hosted big-name acts like Daft Punk, the Black Eyed Peas, Coldplay, and Robbie Williams.  

Reeperbahn is Hamburg’s notorious neon-lit strip and red-light district. To night owls, it doubles as a pumping party district full of bars, restaurants, and clubs. Check out Große Freiheit 36 or Indra Club to see where The Beatles played during their formative years.

Late-night workers roam the walled-off Herbertstrasse street, while adult shops, strip clubs, and erotic museums trade throughout the district. In December, the cheeky Santa Pauli Christmas Market takes place featuring strip shows and naughty holiday gifts.

St Pauli is a lively entertainment district on the north bank of the River Elbe in Hamburg. While the infamous Reeperbahn is its wild heart, you’ll stumble upon a dizzying array of bar-filled back-alleys in every direction – great for a bar-hopping adventure. Numerous companies offer nightlife tours if you’d rather go with a pre-planned flow.

Kickstart your evening with a tipple at StrandPauli, a hip harbourfront venue with rustic chic décor. Next, meander to Große Freiheit street to imbibe at its numerous low-cost bars (Bar 99 Cent does extremely cheap beers). Once you’re done, try Barbarabar to sip with the local set or Wunderbar to tap into the LGBT community. Otherwise, just stagger around and pop in where you please.