🕐 Hours
Mon5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Tue5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Wed5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Thu5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Fri5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Sat1:00 PM – 1:00 AM
SunClosed
What to order: Le Lion • Bar de Paris, located at Rathausstraße 3 in Altstadt, is a legendary cocktail bar where cocktails cost €13–€18 and boasts a 4.6-star rating. What to order: The Gin Basil Smash — invented here in 2008 by Jörg Meyer, it's now a modern classic served worldwide. Fresh basil, gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup — deceptively simple, perfectly balanced. Also try the bartender's choice; the team can read your preferences and craft something bespoke.
"Le Lion if you like a classic Speakeasy Bar. They normally let you in in casual clothes, but I really recommend at least something not too shabby, just to be sure and for the atmosphere."
— r/hamburg · Best Cocktail Bars in Hamburg thread, 2022
"Le Lion in Hamburg is solid and also home of the Gin Basil Smash."
— r/cocktails · Cocktail bars around Europe thread, 2024
"Bar Le Lion — fantastic cocktails and atmosphere, invention of the basil smash coming from here."
— r/cocktails · Cocktail bars around Europe, 2024
tabiji verdict: Hamburg's cocktail crown jewel and a mandatory stop for any cocktail enthusiast visiting the city. The David Lynch-esque speakeasy atmosphere near the Rathaus is intimate and electric. Le Lion is the bar that put Hamburg on the global cocktail map, and it consistently delivers. Dress a notch above casual — you'll feel the room.
🕐 Hours
Mon6:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Tue6:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Wed6:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Thu6:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Fri6:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sat6:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sun6:00 PM – 1:00 AM
What to order: The Chug Club, located at Taubenstraße 13 in St. Pauli, offers cocktails for €10–€14 and boasts a 4.7-star rating, known for its chug-sized servings. What to order: The concept is chug-sized drinks — 2-3 smaller servings instead of one large cocktail, so you can taste more. Go for the tasting menu set where drinks are tuned to complement each other. The mezcal and tequila selection is outstanding, but they also serve classics without the agave lean.
"You could try the chug club. It's 2-3 chugs sized drinks (hence the name) and they have a strong mezcals/tequila theme. You can also order tasting menu alike sets which are tuned so they complement each other."
— r/hamburg · Best Cocktail Bars in Hamburg thread, 2022
"The Chug Club — Tequila back alley themed. Fantastic."
— r/cocktails · Cocktail bars around Europe thread, 2024
tabiji verdict: The most fun you'll have at a cocktail bar in Hamburg. The chug format is genius — smaller pours mean you get to try more flavors in one visit. The St. Pauli back-alley location adds character, and the mezcal program rivals any in Germany. Perfect for groups or adventurous drinkers who want to try everything.
💰 €10–€14 per cocktail
📍 Esplanade 29/30, near Stephansplatz
📌 Google Maps →
🕐 Hours
Mon5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Tue5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Wed5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Thu5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Fri5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sat6:00 PM – 2:00 AM
SunClosed
What to order: Tipsy Baker, near Stephansplatz at Esplanade 29/30, serves cocktails for €10–€14 and boasts a 4.8-star rating, celebrated for its bakery-inspired creations. What to order: Their creative house cocktails change regularly. The bartenders here love experimentation — ask for their current favorite or the weekly special. The bakery-inspired cocktails (hence the name) incorporate unexpected pastry and baking flavors into drinks.
"Another fantastic addition that I forgot about — Tipsy Baker — right outside Stephansplatz U-Bahn."
— r/hamburg · Best Cocktail Bars in Hamburg thread, 2022
"Ganz klar Tipsy Baker / Stephansplatz"
— r/hamburg · Beste Bars in Hamburg thread, 2025
tabiji verdict: The highest-rated cocktail bar in Hamburg on Google at 4.8 stars, and r/hamburg locals keep bringing it up. The location right by Stephansplatz U-Bahn makes it easy to find. No-frills focus on excellent cocktails at reasonable prices. This is where Hamburgers go when they want a great drink without the fuss.
💰 €11–€15 per cocktail
📍 Osakaallee 12, HafenCity (25hours Hotel)
📌 Google Maps →
🕐 Hours
Mon5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Tue5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Wed5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Thu5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Fri5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sat5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
SunClosed
What to order: The Boilerman Bar Hafenamt, located inside the 25hours Hotel at Osakaallee 12 in HafenCity, offers cocktails for €11–€15 and boasts a 4.6-star rating, specializing in elevated highball drinks. What to order: Their signature highball drinks are the standout — elevated takes on whisky highballs with house-made syrups and unexpected flavor combinations. The bar also does a mean Old Fashioned. The HafenCity location inside the 25hours Hotel adds a cool industrial harbor atmosphere.
"'Le Lion' and by far. If you like it a bit more casual 'Boilerman'."
— r/hamburg · Best Cocktail Bars in Hamburg thread, 2022
"The Boilerman Bar Hafenamt is, without question, the best bar in Hamburg. It's my go-to place — cozy, familiar, and always welcoming."
— TripAdvisor · Top Hamburg Clubs & Bars, 2026
tabiji verdict: The more casual counterpart to Le Lion — perfect for when you want world-class cocktails without the speakeasy dress code. The HafenCity harbor location inside the 25hours Hotel gives it character, and the Boilerman concept (elevated highballs) is unique in Hamburg. Consistently described as cozy and welcoming. Great solo bar option.
🕐 Hours
Mon5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Tue5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Wed5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Thu5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Fri5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sat3:00 PM – 2:00 AM
SunClosed
What to order: The Bohemian, located at Deichstraße 36 in Altstadt, serves cocktails for €12–€16 and boasts a 4.7-star rating, renowned for its imaginative and boundary-pushing cocktails. What to order: Go for the creative menu — The Bohemian is known for imaginative, boundary-pushing cocktails that look as good as they taste. The menu rotates, but their creative house cocktails with unusual ingredients (think smoked herbs, fermented fruits, savory elements) are always the highlight. Ask the bartender for their recommendation.
"The Bohemian — for the creative menu."
— r/cocktails · Cocktail bars around Europe thread, 2024
"Le Lion. The Bohemian. These are not in Schanze tho."
— r/hamburg · Best Cocktail Bars in Hamburg thread, 2022
tabiji verdict: Located on historic Deichstraße — Hamburg's oldest street — The Bohemian brings creative cocktail artistry to a stunning setting. Since 2021, the focus has been on in-house creations where imagination knows no bounds. If Le Lion is the classical master, The Bohemian is the avant-garde artist. Perfect pairing with Le Lion for a two-bar Altstadt evening.
🕐 Hours
MonClosed
TueClosed
Wed7:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Thu7:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Fri7:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sat7:00 PM – 3:00 AM
SunClosed
What to order: Clockers, located at Paul-Roosen-Straße 27 in St. Pauli, offers cocktails for €12–€16 and boasts a 4.7-star rating, specializing in precise, ingredient-driven cocktails. What to order: Clockers specializes in precise, ingredient-driven cocktails. Their menu often features seasonal specials with locally sourced botanicals. The bartenders are happy to craft something off-menu based on your spirit preference. Great Negroni variations.
"Clockers"
— r/hamburg · Beste Bars in Hamburg thread, 2025 (multiple mentions)
tabiji verdict: A proper neighborhood cocktail bar in the heart of St. Pauli. Clockers has built a loyal following with its precise, no-nonsense approach to cocktails. Only open Wednesday through Saturday, which keeps it feeling intentional rather than commercial. The 4.7 rating from 454 reviews tells the story — consistently excellent, never gimmicky.
🕐 Hours
MonClosed
Tue8:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Wed8:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Thu8:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Fri8:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sat8:00 PM – 3:00 AM
SunClosed
What to order: Christiansen's Fine Drinks & Cocktails, located at Pinnasberg 60 in St. Pauli, serves cocktails for €10–€14 and boasts a 4.6-star rating, famous for its staggering spirits selection, especially gin. What to order: Christiansen's is famous for its staggering spirits selection — one of the largest in Hamburg. If you love gin, ask to explore their gin menu. Their classic cocktails (Manhattan, Sazerac, Martini) are textbook-perfect. For gin lovers, this is paradise — the selection is genuinely world-class.
"If it's still open — the Christiansen is a fantastic cocktail bar, with a fantastic selection of drinks."
— r/hamburg · Bars with good gin selection thread, 2025
tabiji verdict: Hamburg's definitive spirits library. Christiansen's has been serving serious cocktails on Pinnasberg since before the craft cocktail boom, and it shows in their depth of knowledge and bottle selection. If you're a gin nerd, whisky enthusiast, or rum collector, this is your bar. The St. Pauli location means easy bar-hopping to Chug Club or 20up afterward.
🕐 Hours
MonClosed
Tue5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Wed5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Thu5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Fri5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sat5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
SunClosed
What to order: Botanic District, located at Hegestraße 14-16 in Eppendorf, offers botanical-themed cocktails for €12–€16 and boasts a 4.5-star rating, using fresh herbs, flowers, and house-made tinctures. What to order: The botanical-themed cocktails use fresh herbs, flowers, and house-made tinctures. Try their gin-based garden cocktails or any seasonal creation featuring local herbs. The atmosphere matches the concept — lush greenery and an apothecary-meets-greenhouse vibe.
"Botanic District, Eppendorf"
— ginfluencers.com · 10 Bars to Visit in Hamburg, 2020
tabiji verdict: If you want to escape the St. Pauli bar scene, Botanic District in Eppendorf is worth the trip north. The botanical concept is fully committed — from the greenhouse-style interior to the herb-forward cocktails. It's a quieter, more refined experience than the city-center bars, and the Eppendorf neighborhood itself is lovely for an evening stroll. Great date-night pick.
💰 €13–€18 per cocktail
📍 Versmannstraße 2, 15th floor, HafenCity
📌 Google Maps →
🕐 Hours
MonClosed
Tue6:00 PM – 12:30 AM
Wed6:00 PM – 12:30 AM
Thu6:00 PM – 12:30 AM
Fri6:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sat6:00 PM – 2:00 AM
SunClosed
What to order: Puzzle Bar, located on the 15th floor at Versmannstraße 2 in HafenCity, serves culinary-inspired cocktails for €13–€18 and boasts a 4.5-star rating, known for borrowing techniques from high-end cooking. What to order: Puzzle Bar is known for culinary-inspired cocktails — drinks that borrow techniques from high-end cooking. Their cocktails often feature sous-vide infusions, foams, and unexpected flavor pairings. The view from the 15th floor of HafenCity is stunning, so go early enough to catch the sunset over the harbor.
"Puzzle Bar if you like fancy drinks that are inspired by high class cooking."
— r/hamburg · Best Cocktail Bars in Hamburg thread, 2022
"Puzzle Bar — most of all for the view of the city."
— r/cocktails · Cocktail bars around Europe thread, 2024
tabiji verdict: Hamburg's most impressive cocktail-with-a-view experience. Perched on the 15th floor in HafenCity, Puzzle Bar delivers both visual and gustatory drama. The culinary cocktail approach — borrowing from fine dining techniques — sets it apart from the more traditional bar scene. Reservations recommended, especially for window seats. Best at sunset.
💰 €13–€18 per cocktail
📍 Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 97, Empire Riverside Hotel
📌 Google Maps →
🕐 Hours
Mon6:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Tue6:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Wed6:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Thu6:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Fri6:00 PM – 1:30 AM
Sat6:00 PM – 1:30 AM
Sun6:00 PM – 1:00 AM
What to order: Skyline Bar 20up, located at Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 97 in the Empire Riverside Hotel, offers cocktails for €13–€18 and boasts a 4.4-star rating, offering panoramic views of Hamburg's harbor and skyline. What to order: Classic cocktails done well — a good Old Fashioned or Martini pairs perfectly with the panoramic views. The bar program is solid but the real draw is the view of Hamburg's harbor, Elbphilharmonie, and city skyline from the 20th floor. Go for sunset.
"If you want to go for a posh hotel bar, I'd recommend the 20-up inside the Empire Riverside Hotel."
— r/hamburg · Solo female in Hamburg — safe bars thread, 2025
tabiji verdict: Hamburg's most iconic skyline bar. With 5,400+ Google reviews, 20up is the most-visited cocktail bar on this list — and for good reason. The panoramic view from the 20th floor of the Empire Riverside Hotel is breathtaking, especially at sunset. The cocktails are well-executed if not groundbreaking. Come for the view, stay for the atmosphere. Open every day including Sunday — rare for Hamburg's cocktail scene.
What to order: Kleines Phi, located near Schanze at Feldstraße 42, serves well-crafted cocktails for €9–€13 and boasts a 4.5-star rating, driven by heart, experience, and creativity. What to order: Heart, experience, and creativity drive the menu here. The cocktails are well-crafted at prices that won't break the bank. They also serve food alongside drinks. Try their house specials or ask for a recommendation based on your favorite spirit.
"Heart, experience and mind — that's the secret recipe for a successful bar in Hamburg. At least for the Kleine Phi."
— hamburg-travel.com · Official Hamburg Cocktail Bars guide
tabiji verdict: The value pick on this list. Kleines Phi near the Schanze district delivers quality cocktails without the premium price tag of the Altstadt or HafenCity bars. It's unpretentious, the bartenders clearly care about their craft, and the Feldstraße location puts you in the heart of Hamburg's alternative scene. Perfect for starting (or ending) a Schanze night out.
🕐 Hours
Mon5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Tue5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Wed5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Thu5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Fri5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sat5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sun5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
What to order: Bar Noir at Tortue, located at Stadthausbrücke 10 in Neustadt, specializes in refined, classic cocktails with a French-inspired twist for €14–€20 and boasts a 4.2-star rating. What to order: Bar Noir at the boutique Tortue Hotel specializes in refined, classic cocktails with a French-inspired twist. Their spirits selection leans towards premium French and German distillates. Try the Martini or any house creation — the bartenders have the training to pull off classics flawlessly.
"Bar Noire / Tortue, Neustadt."
— ginfluencers.com · 10 Bars to Visit in Hamburg
tabiji verdict: The most luxurious bar on this list. Bar Noir inside the Tortue Hotel is where Hamburg's well-heeled crowd drinks after theater or a Speicherstadt dinner. The dark, moody interior is gorgeous, the cocktails are impeccable, and the open-every-day schedule (including Sunday) is a rare find. Pricier than most, but the ambiance justifies it for a special occasion.
FAQs
What is the best cocktail bar in Hamburg?
Le Lion • Bar de Paris is widely considered the best cocktail bar in Hamburg and one of the finest in Germany. Located near the Rathaus, it's known for inventing the Gin Basil Smash — now a modern classic served worldwide. The speakeasy-style interior, impeccable service, and expertly crafted cocktails make it a must-visit. Runner-ups include The Chug Club for its unique tequila/mezcal focus and Tipsy Baker for consistently top-rated drinks near Stephansplatz.
How much do cocktails cost in Hamburg?
Cocktails in Hamburg typically cost €10–€16 at most quality cocktail bars. Budget-friendly options like Kleines Phi and The Chug Club offer drinks from €10–€13, while premium venues like Le Lion, Puzzle Bar, and 20up charge €13–€18. Hotel bars like Bar Noir at the Tortue can go higher. Happy hour deals exist at some venues — check individual bar schedules. Compared to London or NYC, Hamburg's cocktail scene offers excellent value.
What neighborhoods have the best cocktail bars in Hamburg?
St. Pauli and the Reeperbahn area have the highest concentration of cocktail bars, including The Chug Club, Christiansen's, Clockers, and 20up. The Altstadt (Old Town) near the Rathaus has Le Lion and The Bohemian. HafenCity offers The Boilerman Bar and Puzzle Bar with harbor views. Eppendorf has the botanical-themed Botanic District. For a cocktail bar crawl, start in St. Pauli — you can hit 4-5 excellent bars on foot.
When do cocktail bars open in Hamburg?
Most Hamburg cocktail bars open between 5 PM and 7 PM on weekdays, with some opening later (8 PM) on weekends. Peak hours are typically 9 PM to midnight. Many bars stay open until 1–2 AM on weeknights and 2–3 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. Some bars like Clockers are only open Wednesday through Saturday. Monday closures are common — check hours before heading out. Le Lion opens at 5 PM daily except Sunday.
Do I need reservations at Hamburg cocktail bars?
Reservations are strongly recommended for Le Lion (especially Friday/Saturday), Puzzle Bar, and The Bohemian. Most other bars operate on a walk-in basis, though you may queue briefly at The Chug Club or Clockers on weekend nights. Tipsy Baker is first-come-first-served but fills up quickly. For a guaranteed spot at premium venues, book 1-2 days ahead. Weekday evenings are generally easy to walk in everywhere.
What is the Gin Basil Smash?
The Gin Basil Smash is a modern classic cocktail invented at Le Lion in Hamburg in 2008 by bartender Jörg Meyer. It combines gin, fresh basil, lemon juice, and simple syrup — muddled and shaken, then double-strained. It's now served at bars worldwide and is considered Hamburg's most significant contribution to cocktail culture. Ordering one at Le Lion, where it was born, is a pilgrimage for cocktail enthusiasts.
Are Hamburg cocktail bars dressy or casual?
Hamburg cocktail bars range from smart-casual to upscale. Le Lion is the most formal — you won't be turned away in jeans, but locals recommend dressing up slightly for the atmosphere. Bar Noir at the Tortue and 20up lean upscale-casual. Most other bars (The Chug Club, Clockers, Tipsy Baker, Christiansen's) are relaxed — clean casual wear is perfectly fine. St. Pauli bars tend to be the most laid-back in dress code.
