Knust ★ 4.4
€€sternschanzeMost nights 19:00 to late
Knust on Neuer Kamp in Hamburg's Karolinenviertel runs indie, rock and singer-songwriter shows in a 600-capacity room from a former slaughterhouse since 1976.
Tip: Cloakroom mandatory; the courtyard terrace runs in summer. Most shows 20:00 to 23:30.
Laeiszhalle ★ 4.6
€€€neustadtMost nights 20:00
Laeiszhalle on Johannes-Brahms-Platz in Hamburg's Neustadt is the city's classical music hall since 1908, with a Grosse Saal seating 2000 for symphony and chamber concerts.
Tip: Box office open Tue to Fri 14:00 to 18:00; tickets also via Eventim.
Elbphilharmonie ★ 4.8
€€€hafencityMost nights 19:30 or 20:00
Elbphilharmonie on Platz der Deutschen Einheit in Hamburg's HafenCity opened in 2017 with a 2100-seat Grosser Saal, hosting classical, jazz and contemporary at the Elbe.
Tip: The Plaza viewing deck at 37 metres is free with a timed ticket; concert tickets via box office or online.
Schmidts Tivoli ★ 4.5
€€€st-pauliMost nights 19:30 or 20:00
Schmidts Tivoli on Spielbudenplatz in Hamburg's Reeperbahn quarter has run the cult musical Heisse Ecke about St Pauli since 1999, plus variety, comedy and cabaret.
Tip: Heisse Ecke runs Wed to Sun; book online via tivoli.de. Two million attendees since premiere.
Lounge & Bar 20up ★ 4.4
€€€st-pauliDaily 18:00 to 02:00
Lounge & Bar 20up on the 20th floor of the Empire Riverside Hotel in Hamburg's St Pauli sits 90 metres above the Elbe with views over the harbour, Elbphilharmonie and Michel.
Tip: Open from 18:00 daily; busy Fri and Sat from 21:00. Smart casual at the door.
Tower Bar Hotel Hafen Hamburg ★ 4.3
€€st-pauliDaily 18:00 to 24:00
Tower Bar on the top floor of Hotel Hafen Hamburg on Seewartenstrasse runs a 360-degree harbour view over the Elbe, the Michel and the Hamburg skyline.
Tip: Open from 18:00 daily; the south-facing window seats face the Landungsbruecken below.