The Westin Bar Elbphilharmonie ★ 4.3
€€€hafencityDaily 18:00 to 24:00
The Westin Bar inside the Elbphilharmonie building in Hamburg's HafenCity sits on the 11th floor with views over the Elbe and the Speicherstadt.
Tip: Hotel guests get bar priority; non-guests welcome from 18:00. Drinks list focused on signatures.
Le Lion Bar de Paris ★ 4.8
€€€altstadtMon to Sat 18:00 to 03:00
Le Lion Bar de Paris on Rathausstrasse in Hamburg's Altstadt is the city's classic speakeasy since 2007, with a buzzer door and the 2008-invented Gin Basil Smash.
Tip: Ring the buzzer at Rathausstrasse 3; smart dress code. Cash and card accepted.
Christiansen's Fine Drinks ★ 4.6
€€€st-pauliMon to Sat 20:00 to 04:00
Christiansen's on Pinnasberg in Hamburg's St Pauli has poured classic cocktails behind a discreet street-front since 1997, with 850+ spirits and a small dark dining room.
Tip: Closed Sundays. Weekend nights run until 04:00; weekday nights close at 02:00.
The Chug Club ★ 4.4
€€st-pauliTue to Sat 19:00 to 02:00
The Chug Club on Taubenstrasse off the Reeperbahn in Hamburg is the city's tequila and mezcal specialist, with a tasting-flight programme and an underground room.
Tip: Open Tue to Sat from 19:00; tasting flights available with reservation.
Tom's Saloon ★ 4.3
€€st-georgWed to Sun 22:00 to 06:00
Tom's Saloon on Pulverteich in Hamburg's St Georg gay village is the city's classic leather and cruise bar since 1976, with darkroom and a long Friday-Saturday late session.
Tip: Strict dress code Friday and Saturday; the cruising area opens after 22:00.
Cafe Gnosa ★ 4.4
€€st-georgDaily 09:30 to 24:00
Cafe Gnosa on Lange Reihe in Hamburg's St Georg has anchored the gay village since 1986 with all-day cafe, brunch and a late-evening cocktail bar.
Tip: Open daily; weekend brunch from 09:30. Walk-in only.