Hamburg’s Best Beer Halls

Hamburg’s distinct character owes everything to its status as Germany’s biggest, most bustling, port. Hamburg is a city built on the maritime culture of brisk international trade and no-holds-barred nightlife. It’s no surprise that it’s become one of Europe’s most popular stag-do destinations, renowned for its dusk ‘til dawn party scene.
 
Of course, there’s more to Hamburg than its famous nightlife. Germany’s second city is rich with more than enough cultural and architectural intrigue to keep the most abstemious of visitors entertained. But, for those who are eager to explore Hamburg’s famous drinking culture, its lively beer halls are the best places to start your night. And quite possibly end it too.
 
Hamburg’s vast, bustling beer halls prove beyond all doubt that enjoying a drink or two is the perfect way to get into the travelling spirit.  Alongside hearty steiners of a quality local lager, Hamburg’s beer halls typically offer a tempting menu of honest, beer absorbing ballast, including all manner of sausages, schnitzel and sauerkraut.


Groninger Privatbrauerei
 
Willy-Brandt-Straße 47, 20457 Hamburg, Germany
 
The embodiment of everything you’d hope for from an authentic German beer hall, Groninger is a vast, buzzing emporium where the locally brewed beer flows freely, accompanying large portions of hearty traditional beer hall fare like homemade meatloaf, pot roast and sausages. Nab one of the tables with a built-in grill and you can even cook your own sausages. 
 

Klimperkiste
 
Esplanade 18, 20354 Hamburg, Germany
 
Legend has it that Klimperkiste was a favourite haunt of the Beatles during their formative stint in Hamburg, and there’s no denying that this cosy little bar is among the city’s most welcoming drinking dens. It’s easy to imagine the Fab Four enjoying its offbeat but friendly atmosphere. Klimperkiste’s intimate dive bar ambience makes it a great end of the night hang out spot and a distinctive alternative to the city’s vast beer halls.
 

Blockbräu
 
Bei den St. Pauli-Landungsbrücken 3, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
 
Comprising an atmospheric cellar-style brewery/restaurant and a scenic rooftop terrace offering views of the Elbe, Blockbräu is the archetypal Hamburg beer hall and a great choice for large groups. The beer is brewed on site and the food is traditional and tasty.
 

Hofbräu Hamburg Esplanade
 
Esplanade 6, 20354 Hamburg, Germany
 
Hofbräu Hamburg Esplanade offers an authentic slice of Bavarian beer hall culture in the heart of Hamburg, complete with lederhosen-clad waiters and steiners that are big enough to give your forearm a thorough work out. The food won’t win any prizes for refinement but ticks all the beer hall boxes – think hefty portions of meat and potatoes. The pork knuckle is particularly good. A classic German Hofbrau, this cavernous cafeteria-style restaurant is apparently big enough to cater for up to a thousand punters, yet still gets pretty rammed, even on midweek nights.
 
 

Where to Stay in Hamburg

Our hostel in Hamburg is perfectly located in the heart of Altstadt, opposite Hauptbahnhof station. Replete with stylish arty design touches, it’s a cool, relaxed and affordable place to stay and a great location for visitors intent on making the most of Hamburg’s beer halls and bars.