Hamburg is a cultural port city known for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Hamburg and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're exploring the museums or enjoying the nightlife.
How much does it cost to travel to Hamburg?
You should plan to spend around $155 (€142) per day on your vacation in Hamburg. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $65 (€60) on meals
- $31 (€29) on local transportation
- $118 (€108) on hotels
A one week trip to Hamburg for two people costs, on average, $2,166 (€1,988). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,083
€994
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,166
€1,988
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One Month
Per person
$4,642
€4,260
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,166
€1,988
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$4,333
€3,976
-
One Month
For a couple
$9,285
€8,520
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Hamburg cost?
A one week trip to Hamburg usually costs around $1,083 (€994) for one person and $2,166 (€1,988) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Hamburg on average costs around $2,166 (€1,988) for one person and $4,333 (€3,976) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Hamburg will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Hamburg on average costs around $4,642 (€4,260) for one person and $9,285 (€8,520) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Hamburg expensive to visit?
Hamburg is a well-known port city that captivates a variety of travelers with diverse travel preferences and spending patterns. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
You can find Hamburg to be very expensive if you're not careful, but methods like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit can help you save money.
On average, budget travelers spend $63 (€58) per day, mid-range travelers spend $155 (€142) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $356 (€326) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Hamburg.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Hamburg is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Braga or Evora.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Hamburg Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Hamburg?
The average Hamburg trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Hamburg travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Hamburg cost?
Hamburg on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$25
(€23)
|
$59
(€54)
|
$123
(€113)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$12
(€11)
|
$31
(€29)
|
$81
(€74)
|
|
Food 2
|
$26
(€24)
|
$65
(€60)
|
$156
(€143)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$17
(€15)
|
$43
(€39)
|
$114
(€104)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$4-12
(€4-11)
|
$10-29
(€9-26)
|
$21-62
(€19-57)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
To manage your travel budget, it's important to set realistic expectations. Many people think they can visit Hamburg on a cheap budget, but most don't enjoy the limitations of a tight shoestring budget. Consider how you like to travel. Do you enjoy hostels, resorts, hotels, or vacation rentals? Do you want to dine out and explore the major attractions? These decisions will determine your budget and itinerary.
Hamburg on a Shoestring Budget?
You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $63 daily average that backpackers get away with.
Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.
Luckily, there are plenty of hostels in Hamburg, such as MEININGER Hamburg City Center, Backpackers St. Pauli, and Instant Sleep Backpacker Hostel. Staying at these hostels means you can score affordable dorm lodging and a lively social vibe, but be prepared for basic amenities. Additionally, the port city boasts excellent public transit, allowing budget travelers to evade costly taxi or Uber trips.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
For couples or families traveling for enjoyment, opting for a mid-range hotel, dining at popular restaurants, and exploring major museums and attractions with entry fees is likely. When visiting Hamburg, most people will want to check out the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Remember, many activities do come with costs. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $155 per person, per day.
In Hamburg, you'll find a broad range of hotels and vacation rentals. If traveling with companions, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or your children, helping to cut costs. Families will want to look for hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. The Madison Hotel Hamburg is a fantastic option for families, and Hotel St Annen is also a great pick. Explore more family and couple-oriented hotels in our hotel guide for Hamburg here.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
If you want a vacation with premium amenities and superior service, brace yourself for a price near $356 daily. Choosing upscale hotels, dining at award-winning eateries, enjoying lavish excursions, and using taxis or private drivers around the port city will require a luxury budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Private Hamburg Walking Tour With A Local, 100% Personalized - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Hamburg
The cost of hotels in Hamburg can be surprisingly wide-ranging. Some hotels charge a lot more because they offer extra luxury and amenities. Prices are also much higher during peak season. Off-season rooms average $82, but the demand in peak summer season pushes that average to around $153. Budget hotels range from $58 to $237, and hostels provide a cheaper option, especially in dorms. Booking early, traveling off-season, or finding special deals can help save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Hamburg for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $118 (€108). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $59 (€54) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Hamburg? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Hamburg include:
- The Madison Hotel Hamburg starting at $120
- Volksschule starting at $96
- Hotel du Nord Hamburg starting at $123
- Henri Hotel Hamburg Downtown starting at $109
- Landhaus Flottbek starting at $104
Thanks to Hamburg's great public transit, staying outside the port city is an option to save on accommodation, but be prepared for the trade-off of extra transportation costs.
Families visiting Hamburg will find that choosing accommodations with more room can make their trip much more comfortable.
Choosing to travel in the shoulder or low season and avoiding summer will help you save on lodging costs and escape the tourist rush.
Exploring Hamburg on foot is popular among many, so consider staying in a central area. Just keep in mind that this might lead to higher prices.
Transportation Budget in Hamburg
Hamburg has an excellent public transit system. There are trains and buses that make their way around town. If you want to save money and get around quickly, the public transit is the way to go. Also, you'll find taxis and rideshare services around town.
If walking is your preferred way to explore, you'll have a great time here. Most tourist areas can easily be explored on foot.
Public Transit: 
(great)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $31 (€29) per person, per day, on local transportation in Hamburg. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Hamburg is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$31
€29
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Airport Transfer: Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg by Business Car for $99 details
- Private Transfer from Hamburg Airport(HAM) to Hamburg Cruise Port for $54 details
- Arrival Transfer: Airport HAM to Hamburg by Business Car for $96 details
How much does it cost to go to Hamburg? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Hamburg will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
The typical transit costs in Hamburg are outlined below, based on data from actual travelers. These figures provide an estimate of overall transportation expenses in the city. Remember, your personal costs will depend on how you choose to get around, as taxis and hired cars tend to be much pricier than using public transportation.
Food Budget in Hamburg
The food and cuisine in Hamburg is good, but not enough to draw visitors specifically for the restaurants. You'll find a few gems around the port city that are worth visiting. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Hamburg can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Hamburg is $65 (€60) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$65
€60
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Hamburg is around $65 (€60) per person, with previous travelers spending from $26 to $156. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Hamburg are as follows:
- Breakfast: $7 to $20
- Lunch: $10 to $26
- Dinner: $20 to $46
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $10
There are many local dishes in Hamburg. Popular specialties include Bohnen und Speck, which is a dish of green runner beans that are cooked with pears and bacon, Aalsuppe, which is a soup made from almost anything and everything, Bratkartoffeln, which are pan-fried potatoes, and Rote Grutze, which is a summer pudding that is made with berries and served with cream. Open faced sandwiches are also popular. They are often topped with smoked or pickled fish. The American Hamburger is also said to have originated here from Frikadelle, which is a pan fried patty that is made with ground beef, bread, egg, chopped onion, salt and pepper. It is served with potatoes and vegetables instead of on a bun.
If you're traveling with little ones, try to find restaurants that feature a children's menu. This can really cut costs since these meals are often cheaper. Remember, some places don't display kids' options, so it's a good idea to ask the waiter first.
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
Instead of constantly buying drinks, bring along a water bottle. It's also great for the planet.
If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Hamburg, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- St George's Culinary Food Tour for $47 details
- Sternschanze kulinarisch: Die Food Tour for $47 details
- St. Pauli kulinarisch – Die Food Tour for $47 details
Typical food prices in Hamburg, as reported by previous travelers, are outlined below. These costs offer a snapshot of what meals might cost in the city. Your personal expenses will vary depending on the type of dining experiences you choose and the dishes you order.
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Pink Thai Soup Dinner and Spring Rolls
€15
-
Currywurst and Pommes Frites
€5.00
-
Donner Kebab and Coke
€6.00
-
Traditional Hamburg Dinner w/ Beer
€15
-
Donner Kebab Lunch
€4.00
-
Sandwich and Coffee Break
€6.00
-
Fish Sandwich from Fish Market
€3.50
-
Coffee and Donut
€4.00
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Hamburg
It's evident that Hamburg is a hotspot for tourists, largely due to its music, museums and attractions, nightlife, and family-friendly activities.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Hamburg typically cost an average of $43 (€39) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$43
€39
There are several neighborhoods in Hamburg that are worth exploring. Specifically, if you're interested in shopping you should head to Monckebergstrabe, west of the central train station. There are also some fascinating churches in the area that are worth visiting. The city hall is nearby and worth a visit as well. In HafenCity there are several interesting museums such as the International Maritime Museum, Speicherstadtmuseum, the Spice Museum, and Automuseum Prototyp. Other attractions include the "Hamburg Dungeon" and the "Miniatur Wunderland". In the harbour area there are a variety of boat tours or ferries that offer a scenic view of the city. Popular parks include Planten un Blomen and Alter Botanischer Garten.
If you want to get out on the river you can take either a ferry or tour boat. There are a handful of boat tours that last upwards of an hour or can be as along as three hours. You can pick these up at Jungfernstieg on the Inner Alster Lake. The cheapest and shortest tours cost roughly 15 euros. If you're interested in seeing some of the art and culture that Hamburg has to offer, then there are plenty of opportunities to see theatre, opera or musicals around town. You can also visit the Laeiszhalle, which is the main classical music hall in Hamburg.
Museums and Attractions:
Many people visit Hamburg specifically to see its famous museums and landmarks. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.
Music:
The music scene in Hamburg is popular and draws a crowd. The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.
Shopping:
Shopping here is an experience not to be missed. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.
A nice way to explore destinations in Hamburg is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Reeperbahn Tour In St. Pauli for $24 details
- Hamburg Craft Beer Tasting Tour in German for $61 details
- Yacht Sailing After Work Tour of Hamburg Harbor for $63 details
Below are a few common prices for sightseeing and activity entry fees in Hamburg, all of which are based on the reports of previous travelers. These figures should give you a rough estimate of what you can expect to pay. Keep in mind, though, your costs will vary depending on the activities you choose and whether you take advantage of free or budget-friendly options.
Nightlife Budget in Hamburg
In Hamburg, the nightlife buzzes with energy, and visitors love to spend their evenings enjoying the local bars, clubs, and parties. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $19 (€17) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Hamburg per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$19
€17
Sure, nightlife is part of the adventure, but cutting down on cocktails can make a surprising difference in your travel budget.
Be aware of your surrounding and stay safe if you're out at night and drinking. You could become a target for pickpockets or other crimes. Stay in groups and with people you trust.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Hamburg. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Pub Crawl - Drink & Dare for $17 details
- Pub Crawl Hamburg - Ladies Night for $20 details
- Reeperbahn Pub Crawl with Shots and Games for $32 details
Traveling in Hamburg
The Speicherstadt in Hamburg, Germany
Hamburg is most noted for its port, which is the largest in Germany and the second busiest in Europe. Despite it's size, it is actually located about 100 kilometers from the North Sea on the River Elbe. The popularity of this port has given Hamburg the nickname as Germany's Gateway to the World. The city itself is the second largest in Germany and the metropolitan area has a population of over 4 million people.
Hamburg has an oceanic climate that is influenced by the nearby coast. It may snow once or twice a year and low temperatures usually hover around freezing during the winter months of December, January and February. The summer months have highs that stay around 20 degrees Celsius. This is a pleasant time to visit the city.
Neighborhoods & Around
Hamburg is made up of seven boroughts and 104 quarters. The seven boroughs are Altona, Bergedorf, Eimsbuttel, Hamburg-Mitte, Hamburg-Nord, Harburg and Wandsbek. Hamburg-Mitte is "Hamburg Centre" and it includes the urban center of the city. The quarters in this area are Billbrook, Billstdt, Borgfelde, Finkenwerder, HafenCity, Hamm, Hammerbrook, Horn, Kleiner Grasbrook, Neuwerk, Rothenburgsort, St. Georg, St. Pauli, Steinwerder, Veddel, Waltershof and Wilhelmsburg. Perhaps among the more interesting to tourists are Hamburg-Altstadt and Neustadt, which are the "old town" and "new town" areas.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.