Quick answer
Hamburg boasts a vibrant cocktail scene, with prices ranging from €9 to €20 per cocktail, and Le Lion stands out as a legendary choice. Whether you're seeking innovative creations or classic concoctions, Hamburg's bars offer something for every palate.
- Best overall
- Le Lion • Bar de Paris
- Top pick
- Le Lion • Bar de Paris
Top verdicts
- Le Lion • Bar de Paris: Hamburg's cocktail crown jewel and a mandatory stop for any cocktail enthusiast visiting the city.
- The Chug Club: The most fun you'll have at a cocktail bar in Hamburg.
- Tipsy Baker: The highest-rated cocktail bar in Hamburg on Google at 4.8 stars, and r/hamburg locals keep bringing it up.
Hamburg has quietly assembled one of Europe's most impressive cocktail scenes. A port city with a long tradition of international spirits trade, it's home to Le Lion — where bartender Jörg Meyer invented the Gin Basil Smash in 2008, now served at bars from Brooklyn to Bangkok.
Area map
1. Le Lion • Bar de Paris
All 12 spots at a glance
| # | Name | Style | Price | Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Le Lion • Bar de Paris | €13–€18 per cocktail | Rathausstraße 3, Altstadt | |
| 2 | The Chug Club | €10–€14 per cocktail | Taubenstraße 13, St. Pauli | |
| 3 | Tipsy Baker | €10–€14 per cocktail | Esplanade 29/30, near Stephansplatz | |
| 4 | The Boilerman Bar Hafenamt | €11–€15 per cocktail | Osakaallee 12, HafenCity (25hours Hotel) | |
| 5 | The Bohemian | €12–€16 per cocktail | Deichstraße 36, Altstadt | |
| 6 | Clockers | €12–€16 per cocktail | Paul-Roosen-Straße 27, St. Pauli | |
| 7 | Christiansen's Fine Drinks & Cocktails | €10–€14 per cocktail | Pinnasberg 60, St. Pauli | |
| 8 | Botanic District | €12–€16 per cocktail | Hegestraße 14-16, Eppendorf | |
| 9 | Puzzle Bar | €13–€18 per cocktail | Versmannstraße 2, 15th floor, HafenCity | |
| 10 | Skyline Bar 20up | €13–€18 per cocktail | Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 97, Empire Riverside Hotel | |
| 11 | Kleines Phi | €9–€13 per cocktail | Feldstraße 42, near Schanze | |
| 12 | Bar Noir at Tortue | €14–€20 per cocktail | Stadthausbrücke 10, Neustadt |
1Le Lion • Bar de Paris
restaurant
Verdict: Hamburg's cocktail crown jewel and a mandatory stop for any cocktail enthusiast visiting the city.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- restaurant in Rathausstraße 3, Altstadt
- Strengths
- Rathausstraße 3, Altstadt
- Price / value
- €13–€18 per cocktail
- Why it made the list
- 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.
- 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.
🕐 Opening 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
“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.”
— Editor's note
“Le Lion in Hamburg is solid and also home of the Gin Basil Smash.”
— Editor's note
“Bar Le Lion — fantastic cocktails and atmosphere, invention of the basil smash coming from here.”
— Editor's note
2The Chug Club
restaurant
Verdict: The most fun you'll have at a cocktail bar in Hamburg.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- restaurant in Taubenstraße 13, St. Pauli
- Strengths
- Taubenstraße 13, St. Pauli
- Price / value
- €10–€14 per cocktail
- Why it made the list
- 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.
- 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.
🕐 Opening 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
“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.”
— Editor's note
“The Chug Club — Tequila back alley themed. Fantastic.”
— Editor's note
3Tipsy Baker
restaurant
Verdict: The highest-rated cocktail bar in Hamburg on Google at 4.8 stars, and r/hamburg locals keep bringing it up.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- restaurant in Esplanade 29/30, near Stephansplatz
- Strengths
- Esplanade 29/30, near Stephansplatz
- Price / value
- €10–€14 per cocktail
- Why it made the list
- 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.
- 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.
🕐 Opening 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
🌐 Website
“Another fantastic addition that I forgot about — Tipsy Baker — right outside Stephansplatz U-Bahn.”
— Editor's note
“Ganz klar Tipsy Baker / Stephansplatz”
— Editor's note
4The Boilerman Bar Hafenamt
restaurant
Verdict: The more casual counterpart to Le Lion — perfect for when you want world-class cocktails without the speakeasy dress code.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- restaurant in Osakaallee 12, HafenCity (25hours Hotel)
- Strengths
- Osakaallee 12, HafenCity (25hours Hotel)
- Price / value
- €11–€15 per cocktail
- Why it made the list
- 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.
- 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.
🕐 Opening 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
“'Le Lion' and by far. If you like it a bit more casual 'Boilerman'.”
— Editor's note
“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
5The Bohemian
restaurant
Verdict: Located on historic Deichstraße — Hamburg's oldest street — The Bohemian brings creative cocktail artistry to a stunning setting.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- restaurant in Deichstraße 36, Altstadt
- Strengths
- Deichstraße 36, Altstadt
- Price / value
- €12–€16 per cocktail
- Why it made the list
- 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.
- 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.
🕐 Opening 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
“The Bohemian — for the creative menu.”
— Editor's note
“Le Lion. The Bohemian. These are not in Schanze tho.”
— Editor's note
6Clockers
restaurant
Verdict: A proper neighborhood cocktail bar in the heart of St.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- restaurant in Paul-Roosen-Straße 27, St. Pauli
- Strengths
- Paul-Roosen-Straße 27, St. Pauli
- Price / value
- €12–€16 per cocktail
- Why it made the list
- 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.
- 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.
🕐 Opening 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
“Clockers”
— Editor's note
7Christiansen's Fine Drinks & Cocktails
restaurant
Verdict: Hamburg's definitive spirits library.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- restaurant in Pinnasberg 60, St. Pauli
- Strengths
- Pinnasberg 60, St. Pauli
- Price / value
- €10–€14 per cocktail
- Why it made the list
- 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.
- 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.
🕐 Opening 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
“If it's still open — the Christiansen is a fantastic cocktail bar, with a fantastic selection of drinks.”
— Editor's note
8Botanic District
restaurant
Verdict: If you want to escape the St.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- restaurant in Hegestraße 14-16, Eppendorf
- Strengths
- Hegestraße 14-16, Eppendorf
- Price / value
- €12–€16 per cocktail
- Why it made the list
- 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.
- 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.
🕐 Opening 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
“Botanic District, Eppendorf”
— ginfluencers.com · 10 Bars to Visit in Hamburg, 2020
9Puzzle Bar
restaurant
Verdict: Hamburg's most impressive cocktail-with-a-view experience.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- restaurant in Versmannstraße 2, 15th floor, HafenCity
- Strengths
- Versmannstraße 2, 15th floor, HafenCity
- Price / value
- €13–€18 per cocktail
- Why it made the list
- 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.
- 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.
🕐 Opening 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
“Puzzle Bar if you like fancy drinks that are inspired by high class cooking.”
— Editor's note
“Puzzle Bar — most of all for the view of the city.”
— Editor's note
10Skyline Bar 20up
restaurant
Verdict: Hamburg's most iconic skyline bar.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- restaurant in Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 97, Empire Riverside Hotel
- Strengths
- Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 97, Empire Riverside Hotel
- Price / value
- €13–€18 per cocktail
- Why it made the list
- 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
- 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.
🕐 Opening 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
“If you want to go for a posh hotel bar, I'd recommend the 20-up inside the Empire Riverside Hotel.”
— Editor's note
11Kleines Phi
restaurant
Verdict: The value pick on this list.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- restaurant in Feldstraße 42, near Schanze
- Strengths
- Feldstraße 42, near Schanze
- Price / value
- €9–€13 per cocktail
- Why it made the list
- 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.
- 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.
🌐 Website
“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
12Bar Noir at Tortue
restaurant
Verdict: The most luxurious bar on this list.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- restaurant in Stadthausbrücke 10, Neustadt
- Strengths
- Stadthausbrücke 10, Neustadt
- Price / value
- €14–€20 per cocktail
- Why it made the list
- 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.
- 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.
🕐 Opening 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
“Bar Noire / Tortue, Neustadt.”
— ginfluencers.com · 10 Bars to Visit in Hamburg
Frequently asked questions
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.