5 reviewed party hostels · from €15.00/night · Hostelworld rated
Hamburg’s nightlife doesn’t just start when the sun goes down: it kicks off on the Reeperbahn, a street that’s been the city’s party backbone for decades. By 11 PM, the pavement is packed with groups spilling out of bars, clubs, and late-night kebab stands. Pyjama Park St. Pauli, a short walk from the action, is one of the few hostels where you can book a private room with its own theme, making it a solid pick if you want a bit of privacy without sacrificing the vibe.
The hostel scene here is smaller than Berlin’s but punches above its weight. Most places cluster around St. Pauli or the alternative Schanze district, where you’ll find everything from no-frills crash pads to spots like Instant Sleep, which organises its own pub crawls. Expect a mix of international backpackers, stag dos, and locals slumming it for the night: all fuelled by cheap beer and the promise of a 6 AM currywurst.
Rated by Hostelworld score · Prices per dorm bed per night
The Generator Hamburg is in a central location with many attraction site close to it. There is a lounge for meeting people and an in-house bar where you can share drinks with friends. We also have DJ nights where we bring you DJs for your entertainment and warming you up for a great nightlife before stepping out.
With superb staff and a clean environment, the Backpackers ST. Pauli is a place to visit. They are poised to serve you and attend to your hostels needs in Hamburg. With activities ranging from live music to clubbing and to cap it all, a movie theatre just opposite the building, you are assured of a great nightlife.
The hostel is unarguably rated as the best value you can possibly get for your money. With lots of amenities on site, lively bar, barbeque facilities, serene garden and mini golf course, you are at the best place you can possibly be at Jugendherberge Hamburg Horner Rennbahn. It's a home away from home.
Friendly and social hostel with amazing and helpful staff. The hostel features a spacious common area where guests can meet each other. A cool on-site bar is always bustling from people. If you are too lazy to cook, chose some of the tasty meals prepared in their restaurant.
Fun social hostel with a great location, nearby the most popular local bars and clubs. Highly recommended for young travellers and groups. The beautiful terrace with nice views is a perfect place where you can chill and meet other backpackers. Lively and buzzing on-site bar, always crowded with people.
Organised nights out with a local guide
This crawl starts at 9 PM with free shots at the meeting point, then hits four bars on the Reeperbahn, including a pirate-themed tavern and a 70s disco. The €15 ticket includes a free welcome drink and VIP entry to a club later in the night. Expect a mix of backpackers and stag groups: loud, fun, and very social.
A themed crawl that leans into St. Pauli’s racy reputation. The tour visits three bars and two clubs, with free shots at each stop. The €20 ticket includes VIP entry to a club and a guided walk through the area’s red-light district. Starts at 8:30 PM and runs every Friday and Saturday.
How Hamburg's nightlife zones break down
The heart of Hamburg’s nightlife, St. Pauli is where you’ll find the Reeperbahn, lined with neon signs, strip clubs, and bars. By day, it’s a bit seedy, but at night, it transforms into a chaotic playground. The streets around Davidstraße and Hans-Albers-Platz are the busiest, with everything from underground techno clubs to touristy pubs.
A short U-Bahn ride from St. Pauli, Schanze is Hamburg’s alternative district. Think graffiti-covered walls, indie cafés, and bars that spill onto the pavement. Schulterblatt is the main drag, packed with students and backpackers. It’s quieter than St. Pauli but has a more local feel: great for daytime exploring and early evening drinks.
West of the city centre, Altona is where Hamburg’s creative crowd hangs out. The Elbstrand, a small beach by the river, is perfect for a daytime beer, while the bars along Friedensallee attract a mix of locals and expats. It’s less touristy than St. Pauli but still has a few late-night spots like Elbphilharmonie’s rooftop bar, open until midnight.
Where the hostel pub crawls end up, and where to go on your own
A former bunker turned techno club, Uebel & Gefährlich is the go-to for serious electronic music. The sound system is brutal, the crowd is a mix of locals and backpackers, and the outdoor terrace is perfect for a breather. Entry is €10–15, but it’s free if you arrive before midnight on Fridays. Expect a queue after 1 AM: bring cash for the cloakroom.
Not a club, but a hostel with its own bar that spills into the street on weekends. The themed private rooms are a draw, but the real action happens downstairs, where backpackers and locals mix over €3 beers. They host occasional DJ nights: check their board for impromptu parties. It’s a five-minute walk from the Reeperbahn.
A multi-level club with everything from chart hits on the ground floor to deep house in the basement. The crowd is young and international, and the dress code is strict: no trainers or sportswear. Entry is €12, but it includes a free drink. Open until 8 AM on weekends, so it’s a solid last stop if you’re not ready to sleep.
A dimly lit, intimate club playing techno and house until 6 AM. The crowd is older than at Halo, and the music is less commercial. Entry is €8, and drinks are €5–6. It’s tucked away on a side street, so look for the red lanterns above the door. Gets busy after 2 AM.
A legendary indie and rock club with live bands and DJ sets. The upstairs bar is cheap (€3 beers), and the downstairs venue hosts everything from punk gigs to 90s throwback nights. Entry is €5–10, depending on the event. It’s a 10-minute walk from the Reeperbahn, near the Schanzenviertel.
A pub crawl that hits four bars and a club on the Reeperbahn. Starts at 9 PM with free shots, then moves to themed bars like a pirate tavern and a 70s disco. The €15 ticket includes VIP entry to a club and a free welcome drink. Meet at the hostel bar of Instant Sleep: look for the guide in a bright orange shirt.
A dive bar that’s been a St. Pauli institution for decades. The crowd is a mix of old-school locals and backpackers, and the jukebox is packed with rock and punk classics. Beers are €3.50, and the bar staff don’t tolerate nonsense: perfect if you want a no-frills night out. Open until 5 AM.
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