LGBTQ+ Hamburg, Germany – The Ultimate Gay Travel Guide

Located in Northern Germany, Hamburg is a huge international tourist destination, offering a range of LGBTQ+ activities and events to enjoy. 

Visited by around 4 million tourists each year, it’s no surprise to hear that Hamburg is a popular destination. The beautiful city and friendly locals make visiting Hamburg a safe and enjoyable experience. 

Is Hamburg LGBTQ+ Friendly?

Hamburg, much like the rest of Germany is incredibly LGBTQ+ friendly.

However, sadly, that wasn’t always the case. In the past members of the LGBTQ+ community in Germany experienced prejudice.

Thankfully, over the past three to four decades recorded incidents of discrimination are on the decline.

We’ve had the pleasure of visiting Hamburg five times as a same-sex couple over the past decade, and while there isn’t as much of a gay scene here as you’d find in the capital of Berlin there’s still a lot to see, do and experience.

Annual LGBTQ+ Events In Hamburg

Hamburg has much more to offer than traditional tourist venues and sightseeing activities.

The city of Hamburg hosts many LGBTQ+ events yearly, where thousands of people gather to enjoy the festivities. Here are a few of our favourites:

Hamburg Pride

Usually held towards the end of July each year, Hamburg Pride is a festival-type event to celebrate those within the LGBTQ+ community. 

The entire city of Hamburg gets involved, with 100’s of stand-alone events taking place in the week leading up to the main parade and festival. There’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

Hamburg International Queer Film Festival

The Hamburg International Queer Film Festival is Germany’s largest film festival and hosts up to 16,000 people yearly. 

The film festival usually takes place in October each year. It offers people within the LGBTQ+ community the to delve into diverse film productions and provides a safe platform for discussion on the films. 

The international film festival is hugely popular and one to add to the bucket list. 

Harbour Pride

Harbour Pride might just be the ticket for those looking to party outside of the city streets. 

It is a 3-day event held in the harbour area of Hamburg. Starting in 2014, the LGBTQ+ community has come together each year to celebrate in style. 

There are lots on offer, with a DJ, parties and other events throughout the 3 days, all celebrated within the beautiful port district of the city. 

Winter Pride 

Join in on the fun at Hamburg’s only LGBTQ+ Christmas Market and Festival. 

The colourful and vibrant Winter Market is only a short distance from the main streets of Hamburg. The market offers traditional mulled wine and Christmas delicacies within the safe and trendy market area. 

LGBTQ+ Friendly Neighbourhoods In Hamburg

If you’re looking to stay in Hamburg, you might be interested in finding out where the LGBTQ+ friendly areas are. Luckily for you, we’ve managed to find a couple of areas that would be perfect. 

St Georg 

Known as Hamburg’s Gay Neighbourhood, this colourful and friendly neighbourhood offers a range of shops, bars and restaurants to explore. 

However, being LGBTQ+ friendly isn’t the only reason to stay within the St Georg area of Hamburg.

There are many other events and activities to explore whilst in this area, like the MKG Museum, and if you’re a fan of 1800s architecture, you’re in for a treat. 

St Georg is the perfect area to settle into whilst visiting Hamburg. You’ll feel right at home and surrounded by supportive and like-minded people. 

St Pauli

Known as Hamburg’s red-light district, St Pauli is where all the action happens. Filled with bars, clubs and theatres, there’s always something exciting going on. 

Although the nightlife and party animal side of you will love St Pauli, you’ll need something else to keep you occupied during the day. 

Thankfully St Pauli has many attractions to visit, such as the St Pauli Bunker, and the Hamburg funfair, and you can even explore the piers situated by the Elbe river. 

The friendly and welcoming people of St Pauli will make you feel right at home. 

LGBTQ+ Friendly Hotels In Hamburg

With Hamburg being an open and friendly city to visit, there’s no surprise that there are many LGBTQ+ friendly hotels. Many are situated within the gay district of the city, but others are a little more obscure and out of the way. Let’s look at some of the most popular spots for gay travellers to stay. 

Hotel Atlantic Kempinski 

Set on the shores of Alster Lake, this beautiful building offers luxury beyond your imagination. 

The Hotel Atlantic is only a short walk away from the gay district of St Georg, perfect for those who are looking to jump straight into the action. 

Better still this hotel has an extensive range of ammenities and facilities including an award winning restaurant, indoor pool and an incredible bar and lounge area, perfect for relaxing.

Book Hotel Atlantic Kempinski 

Reichshof Hamburg

Enjoy the finest that Hamburg offers by staying in the 5-star luxury Reichshof Hotel. 

This hotel is a popular choice for LGBTQ+ travellers given that it’s located close to the gay district.

However, it’s not just the amenities that make this hotel an incredible choice.

The beautiful building encloses a fitness and spa area, a fine dining experience, luxurious hotel rooms with lavish furnishings, and a great view of the busy streets of Hamburg. 

Book Reichshof Hamburg 

The George Hamburg

The four-star hotel The George Hamburg is perfect for gay travellers. Located in the centre of Hamburg’s St Georg’s district this hotel combines historical architecture with a beautifully trendy vibe.

Better still there’s plenty to see and do here including an award-winning restaurant and an incredible rooftop bar!

Book The George Hamburg 

LGBTQ+ Nightlife in Hamburg

Most of you reading those won’t be going to Hamburg for the tourist traps, beautiful scenery and friendly locals. You’ll want to enjoy the nightlife, get to know people and have fun. 

Well, let’s cover some of the best nightlife spots in the city so you can take your Hamburg experience to a different level.

PickUp Bar

If you’re looking for somewhere with cheap drinks, good music and great company, then the PickUp Bar is your go-to place. 

You’ll find a mix of people here, but it’s typically more popular with Hamburg’s young and trendy population. 

Extratour

Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere in this LGBTQ+ friendly bar. Enjoy drinks, music and dancing with your new Hamburg friends until the early morning hours. 

You won’t have to worry about breaking the bank, either. You’ll find cheap drinks to keep the party flowing. 

Bellini Bar

If you’ve done any previous research into Hamburg nightlife, chances are you’ve heard of Bellini Bar. 

Found in the gay district of St Georgs this bar is a must for anyone visiting the city. It’s filled with great music, an unrivalled atmosphere and delicious drinks. This is one spot you don’t want to miss.