Berlin or Hamburg: Which city is better for my next vacation

Are you planning a holiday in Germany and want to know if you should visit Berlin or Hamburg? Well this post is for you. We compare everything you need to know for visiting both destinations to help you decide which one is better for you.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, so if you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Thank you for your support

Berlin or Hamburg: Some background

Before we delve into the Berlin vs Hamburg showdown here is a bit of background on each city.

Berlin

Berlin is the capital of Germany, and is also the biggest city in Germany. It is also the greenest city in the country with about 30% of the city being green space or woodland.

Berlin is very multicultural, with 4 universities and a number of private institutions enticing international students each year. But more than that people from 190 countries live in Berlin with the highest numbers coming from Poland and Turkey. This obviously has a major impact on things like culture and cuisine which we we go into later on in this article.

Trying to decide if Berlin is worth visiting? Here is a helpful guide.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a major port city located in the Northern part of Germany. It is the second largest city in Germany and consists of hundreds of canals, lots of beautiful parkland.

Hamburg is the 3rd largest port in Europe, which is good going for a city that isn’t actually located on the sea. In fact, ships need to travel about 109 kms along the River Elbe to reach Hamburg.

Trying to decide if Hamburg is worth visiting? Here is a helpful guide.

Berlin or Hamburg: which one is better for accommodation

Choosing your accommodation is a big deal when planning a trip, but between Berlin and Hamburg which one has the better options?

Berlin

There are some great choices when it comes to accommodation in Berlin. First time visitors will appreciate the central location and close proximity to key tourists sights in Mitte. There are also a number of bars and restaurants in the area.

You also have the uber cool setting of Kreuzberg, with it’s alternative vibe. Or Friedrichshain if you are wanting to party the night away.

Basically you will find something to suit all tastes. From hostels to 5 star hotels Berlin has it all when it comes to accommodation.

Hamburg

Hamburg also has a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. If you want to be close to a lot of the tourist hotspots we recommend staying in Altstadt. It’s central and a very good base for getting around Hamburg.

You also have the party areas of St Pauli or the hip and happening neighbourhood of Altona. Whatever you are looking for when it comes to accommodation you will find it in Hamburg.

Berlin or Hamburg?

Berlin and Hamburg are pretty on par when it comes to accommodation options. If we had to decide we would choose Berlin as the winner though, because it is the German capital and a bigger city meaning there is way more choice.

Berlin or Hamburg: which one is better for attractions

When deciding on a new city we always try to weigh up the tourist attractions and things to do. Here is a breakdown of some of the best things to do in Berlin and Hamburg to help you decide.

Berlin

As Berlin is the capital of Germany there is a lot to see and do here, particularly when it comes to exploring the fascinating history. Here are some of the top things to do in Berlin.

For more information on planning a Berlin itinerary you can read this guide.

Reichstag

The Reichstag is an unmissable attraction in Berlin. It’s the seat of the German Parliament, and is actually open to the public. You do need to book a ticket online in advance but this is free, and very much worth the effort.

Brandenburg Gate

The Brandenburg Gate is one the most recognisable structures in Berlin, so is very much worth a visit.

East Side Gallery

Not only is the East Side Gallery the world’s largest open air gallery, but it is also the longest continuous section of the Berlin Wall that exists today.

Here you will see all those famous cartoons and political drawings that you may now associate with the wall. It’s also a very Instagrammable place in Berlin.

Berliner Dom

This is one of the more European style buildings in the city. It’s a striking cathedral located right by Museum Island, and certainly worth visiting during your trip to Berlin.

TV Tower

For some of the best views of Berlin you should visit the TV Tower. It’s a striking part of the city skyline as you can see the TV Tower from most parts of the city. It is also the tallest building in Germany.

It sits at a height of 368 metres, although that includes the antenna. The observation deck is 203 metres above ground.

Alternatively if you want some cool photos with the TV Tower in it, head to the Park Inn Hotel. Here you can pay a small fee (around 6 Euros) to get a lift up to the top of the hotel and admire the view.

Checkpoint Charlie

Ok admittedly Checkpoint Charlie is a slightly overrated tourist attraction, but still an important part of history and worth a visit in Berlin. And in case you weren’t aware, Checkpoint Charlie was one of the most well known crossing points between East and West Berlin during the Cold War.

Museum Island

This one is a must for museum lovers. Berlin’s Museum Island is a UNESCO world heritage site, with some pretty impressive architecture. There are 5 large museums here, that you can visit, although you will need to set quite a bit of time aside to see everything here.

Topography of Terror

The Topography of Terror is located in a former Gestapo Headquarters, and is a museum that gives a very raw account into the rise and fall of the nazi party. It’s difficult at times, but that is why you should go.

DDR Museum

For an interactive experience on life in East Berlin visit the DDR museum. It provides a fascinating insight and you can sit in a Trabant.

Charlottenburg Palace

Berlin has over 30 palaces but the most popular is Charlottenburg Palace. It is free to explore the gardens but you do need to pay for entry if you want to see the inside.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a harbour city so many of the best things to do revolve around here. There are also some great museums, and buildings you can explore. Here are some of our highlights.

For more information on planning your Hamburg itinerary you can read this guide.

Visit St Michael’s Church 

St Michael’s is one of our highlights when visiting Hamburg because views are amazing. It’s also one of the most famous churches in Hamburg.

To get to the top you do need to climb the 400 plus steps to the viewing platform, but there is a lift as well in case you were wondering.

Do a Harbour Boat Tour

I don’t think you can visit Hamburg without doing a harbour boat tour. There are several companies offering tours around the harbour, so you have a lot to choose from.

Miniatur Wunderland

One of the coolest museums to visit in Hamburg is the Miniatur Wunderland. It’s home to the world’s largest railway exhibition, and there are several intricate displays to checkout.

Rathaus

The Rathaus is a must visit building in Hamburg. It’s the Town Hall Building located in the centre of the city, and it is well worth a visit. You can have a look inside at the lobby, or even visit a restaurant in the basement.

It’s also the perfect backdrop in December for the Christmas Markets.

St Pauli Fischmarkt

St Pauli Fischmarkt isn’t just a place full of fresh fish. I mean it has that, but it is so much more. It’s a cute little market where you can buy clothes, fruit and veg, and much more. It opens on Sunday morning, and once you are done shopping head to the fish auction hall where you can grab some brunch and live music performances.

Elbphilharmonie

The Elbphilharmonie, which opened in 2017 is a concert hall that fits 2100 spectators inside. It’s one of the most acoustically advanced venues ever built, and is home to the Elbphilharmonie Orchestra.

The building itself is really cool, and looks a bit like the sails on a ship. There is an observation deck at the top, as well as a cafe, both of which are open to the public.

International Maritime Museum

If you are a fan of all things maritime related this museum is for you. The International Maritime Museum is a private collection of model ships, construction plans, uniforms, and maritime art. The museums has over 40,000 artefacts and over a million photographs.

It was born from one man’s passion for all things nautical, and is a popular tourist attraction today. It’s also located in Kaispeicher B, which is the oldest warehouse in the Speicherstadt.

Chocoversum (chocolate museum) 

The chocoversum is a must for anyone who loves chocolate. You get to learn all about the chocolate journey from cocoa bean to chocolate bar. But the most important bit is that you can do some tastings along the way.

You also get the opportunity to decorate your own chocolate bar. If you are planning on doing this tour just check with the English versions are on as most are in German.

Reeperbahn and St Pauli

I know that your first thoughts on spending time in St Pauli or the Reeperbahn might be negative. After all it is marketed as the incredibly seedy part of town. There is a lot more to it though.

It’s great for nightlife and many locals visit for fun nights out. There are also cool bars and restaurants so it’s very much worth a visit.

Explore the beach

If you get on the ferry from Landungsbruken to Finkenwerder (Line 62) you can hop off at Ovelgonne and head to the beach.

On a warm day you will find kids building sandcastles and dipping their toes in the water, with cranes and tugboats in the background. There are also some lovely bars and cafes there which makes it all the more appealing on a summer’s day.

It’s a great place to walk around and explore or just sit and take in the view. I should also add that the houses here are just incredible.

Berlin or Hamburg?

When it comes to attractions there is a lot to do in both Hamburg and Berlin. We favoured Berlin though because of the history element. I mean you have to see the Berlin Wall once in your life!

Berlin or Hamburg: which one is more picturesque

Germany is a beautiful place with so many beautiful locations, but you might be wondering if Berlin or Hamburg is the prettier city.

Berlin

We found Berlin to be a bit cold in terms of design and beauty. Given its history it is obviously not hard to understand why. It’s very different architecturally to other European cities including Hamburg.

There are a lot of beautiful elements though, you have the Brandenburg Gate, and Charlottenburg Palace which are incredibly beautiful. But overall we found bits of the city to be quite sterile.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a beautiful city. You have the stunning harbour setting, as well as the European style architecture in the city centre. There are a number of canals that snake their way through the city, which also add to the atmosphere.

Berlin or Hamburg?

In our opinion Hamburg is the more picturesque city. There are several beautiful photo spots, and stunning architecture (especially around the warehouse district) making it the clear winner.

Berlin or Hamburg: which one has the better vibe

I know measuring a city by ‘vibe’ is an ambiguous statement but hear us out.

Berlin

Berlin has this super cool, chic, and creative vibe. There is this air of not giving a toss or conforming. It’s very edgy with modern ideas. There are also some super cool neighbourhoods and bars that feel almost exclusive.

Hamburg

Hamburg has a much more chilled out vibe. No one is trying to be cool like in Berlin. There are seedy elements to the city, such as the Reeperbahn, but you also have a lot of culture which evens it out.

Berlin or Hamburg?

They are both incredibly different cities so it just depends on what you are looking for. We preferred the arty vibe of Berlin, but appreciated the more laid back elements of Hamburg.

Berlin or Hamburg: which one is easier to get to

Obviously how easy it is to get to a city will have a bit impact on whether or not you visit. Here is a breakdown of Berlin and Hamburg.

Berlin

Considering it is the capital of Germany Berlin is a very popular destination. The main airport is Berlin Brandenburg Airport which opened in 2020. Here you have several European and international flights.

The airport is very well connected when it comes to public transport. The quickest and easiest way to get into Berlin city centre is to get the Airport Express from station T1-2. Trains depart 4 times an hour, and take around 30 minutes to get you into Berlin Central Station. From here you then make your way to your hotel/ destination by using the S Bahn (to the outskirts of Berlin) or U Bahn (Berlin city) networks.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a pretty easy city to get to. There are several regular flights between German and European cities. Airlines like Ryanair and Easyjet both have frequent flights to the city, which is great if you are looking for cheap flights.

Some bigger airlines also fly to Hamburg, so getting here has never been easier.

Getting from the airport to the city centre is quick and easy. If you are wanting to take public transport get on the S-Bahn which runs every 10 minutes. This will take you to Hamburg Central Station in about 25 minutes.

Berlin or Hamburg?

Berlin is the 3rd busiest airport in Germany which means there are more flights available. Hamburg is 5th when it comes to busiest airports. Both airports are easy to get to with decent facilities. Berlin is probably a little better but not by much.

Berlin or Hamburg: which one is easier to get around

Here we look at whether Berlin or Hamburg is the easier city to get around.

Berlin

Berlin has a very reliable public transport network. Which is definitely good news, considering how spread out it is. The U-Bahn is probably going to be your main port of call when it comes to getting around in the city. It operates 10 different lines and takes you to almost every corner of the city.

Buses and trams are also a good way to get around the city, although we recommend using these alongside Googlemaps to help you work out where you need to get off. Buses are found all over Berlin, however trams are only found in the eastern part.

You can purchase single tickets on public transport or purchase a 24 hour, or 7 day ticket. Tickets are valid on all forms of public transport – just make sure you have paid for the right amount of zones.

Hamburg

Hamburg is also a pretty easy city to navigate. There are some parts which are pretty walkable, although you probably will need to use public transport as part of your trip.

For tourists, the best option is to purchase the Hamburg Card. The cheapest option is a one day ticket for a single person which costs €11.90, up to 5 days for €46.90. This card will include all your public transport costs including getting you to and from the airport. All you need to do is carry the card with you and present it when asked.

The card will cover you for the bus, ferry the S-Bahn (suburban train) and the U-Bahn (city subway). You will probably end up using the U-Bahn the most when getting around the city.

Berlin or Hamburg?

Hamburg is probably a little bit easier to get around only because it is a smaller city. But public transport is efficient and easy to use in both places.

Berlin or Hamburg: which one is better for history

If you are fascinated by history when you travel, this section is for you.

Berlin

Berlin is definitely a must for history buffs. The city has such a deep and fascinating history from the days of Prussian royalty, to Nazi Germany, and of course the divide with East Berlin. These days though the city is a cultural, social, and economic powerhouse.

History lovers will enjoy the multiple museums, and sights like the Berlin Wall. There are also a number of historical tours you can take.

Hamburg

Hamburg has an interesting history as a city. It’s actually been referred to as the’ Free City’ as it didn’t pay taxes for a few centuries.

IT also has a strong maritime history that you can brush up on at some of the museums.

Berlin or Hamburg?

Berlin is definitely the winner when it comes to history. It’s modern history is particularly interesting as it was a key location in the Cold War.

Berlin or Hamburg: which one is better for food

Let’s be real, food is one of the best things about travel. Which is why we have added this very important section on food in Berlin and Hamburg.

Berlin

If you like food, particularly street food you will love Berlin. It’s very multicultural with influences from around the world. In fact they do some of the best Doner Kebabs we have ever tasted.

You can find your traditional currywurst and schnitzel style dishes here, but the real foodie experiences are in the local restaurants and street food hotspots.

Hamburg

If you like your seafood Hamburg is a great option. It has long been a port city, and this has meant that culinary influences from all over the world are seen throughout the city.

Hamburg isn’t just sausages and pretzels. It’s also home to some top quality restaurants. One of the highlights in the Portuguese quarter where you can find tasty European bites. You also have some of the more upmarket seafoood restaurants like Parlament or Fischereihafen

Berlin or Hamburg?

Both cities have great food options but our favourite is Berlin. There is just a little bit more choice here as it is a bigger city.

Berlin or Hamburg: which one is better for nightlife

If you like to party on your travels an important factor to consider when choosing a destination will of course be which one has better nightlife.

Berlin

Clubbing in Berlin is a big deal, and it is home to some of Europes coolest nightclubs. The city is all about late night entertainment.

The good news for those not into clubs though is that Berlin also has a lot of quirky bars, particularly cocktail bars.

Basically you will find something to suit your taste when it comes to nightlife in Berlin.

Hamburg

Hamburg too has some of the best nightlife in Europe. Again catering to all tastes. If you are looking for a wild night out St Pauli is one of the best areas. Yes there are some sleazy elements with sex shops and erotic bars, but there are also some cocktails bars, jazz bars, and Irish bars to enjoy. Unsurprisingly it is very popular with stag and hen dos.

The nearby area of Sternschanze is another great place to go with cocktail bars, and trendy cafes. So whatever you are into you are sure to find it in Hamburg.

Berlin or Hamburg?

Hamburg nights out are great, but Berlin is just that little bit better – especially if you are into clubbing. Maybe it’s just that additional air of cool that comes with late nights in Berlin.

Berlin or Hamburg: which one is better for culture

If you love culture, you might be wondering if Berlin or Hamburg is the better destination for your trip.

Berlin

Berlin is a hotspot for artists and filmmakers. You can almost feel the creativity wafting through the air as you walk the streets. There are also a number of museums where you can learn about the world, and history.

Berlin played a major role in the Cold War, with the city being split in two, and this history has certainly shaped a lot of the culture in the city today.

It’s a very unique experience, and very different to the rest of Germany.

Hamburg

Hamburg is one of the best places in Germany when it comes to culture, music, and art. For starters the Elbphilharmonie concert hall has really put Hamburg firmly on the map for music and culture in Europe. It has over 50 museums, 45 theatres, and about 100 music venues and clubs. So it’s definitely a must for culture lovers.

Berlin or Hamburg?

Deciding on Berlin or Hamburg when it comes to culture is a tough call. It ultimately comes down to preference. Berlin is more modern when it comes to culture and Hamburg is maybe a bit more reserved and traditional. Classical music is a big deal in Hamburg, whereas art and film are more of a thing in Berlin.

Berlin or Hamburg: which one is better for safety

You want to feel safe when travelling to a new city, so in this section we weigh up if Berlin or Hamburg is the safer destination.

Berlin

We didn’t encounter any issues with safety in Berlin, although there were some areas we visited that felt slightly sketchy, particularly at night. For instance getting off the U-Bahn, at some of the stations there were large groups of men gathered around which would be a bit intimidating for a lone female traveller.

Apart from this though it was generally fine. You do need to keep your wits about you, like you would anywhere though. Try to avoid looking lost or like a tourist, as you may get targeted for things like pickpocketing or petty theft.

Hamburg

In our experience we found Hamburg to be pretty safe. Like any busy European city there are areas to avoid, and you should always take precautions, but as a whole tourists don’t have that many issues here.

Petty theft and pickpocketing are quite common, especially around the Reeperbahn. That’s definitely not a reason to avoid it though, just have your wits about you.

Speaking of the Reeperbahn, it can feel sketchy at times, but we never felt unsafe here. In the day it is generally quiet, and you might see a bit of homelessness, and in the evenings it is crowded with tourists and locals alike

Berlin or Hamburg?

Apparently according to data Berlin is actually safer than Hamburg. In our experience if you stick to the tourist areas, and have your wits about you in either city you should be ok.

Berlin or Hamburg: which one is better for couples

Are you travelling to Germany and want to know if Berlin or Hamburg is better for a romantic break. Here are our thoughts.

Berlin

Berlin has some excellent date night spots including world class bars and restaurants. It’s a fun place to explore for a romantic mini break with it’s grungy alleyways, cool museums, and trendy neighbourhoods.

Hamburg

Hamburg has some top quality nightlife, great restaurants, and tons of cool activities you can do as a couple. It’s also incredibly scenic with so many beautiful sunset spots. The architecture and atmosphere is also perfect for just strolling around and taking in the beauty.

You can book an evening cruise, enjoy some fine dining, or just head to your hotel spa for some papering. Whatever you want to do as a couple Hamburg has you covered.

Berlin or Hamburg?

Hamburg is our favourite when planning a romantic break. It’s a nicer looking city which adds to the atmosphere when you are strolling hand in hand with your significant other.

Berlin or Hamburg: which one is better for families

If you are travelling with kids you might be wondering if Berlin or Hamburg is the better choice for family travel.

Berlin

Berlin is a great option for families because it has a lot of fascinating history to learn about. It also has a palace that you can explore as well as a number of top class museums.

The DDR Museum is very interactive, and you also have museum island where you can learn about natural history and much more.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a good choice when it comes to travelling with kids. There are so many activities you can partake in to keep them entertained.

You have tons of museums to visit. Some highlights include the Miniatur Wunderland. It’s a favourite for kids and adults alike. You also have the Chocolate Museum which is recommended for kids 6 and over.

Hamburg also has some great parks, and family friendly festivals and events all year round.

Berlin or Hamburg?

Personally we think Hamburg is a slightly better option if you are travelling with kids. There is just a little bit more to keep them entertained. The Miniatur Wunderland and Chocolate Museum are incredibly exciting and you also have boat tours, and a lot of green spaces to explore.

Berlin or Hamburg: which one is better for solo travel

Solo travel is an incredibly rewarding experience, however safety and things to do have a huge impact on where you decide to go among other things. Here is our breakdown on Berlin or Hamburg in terms of solo travel.

Berlin

There is so much to see and do in Berlin. So if you are travelling by yourself you will find many things to do. There are especially a lot of group tour options which is great if you are looking to meet like minded travellers.

For a large city it is generally safe which makes it a good place for solo travel. It’s also very easy to get around.

Hamburg

Hamburg is generally a safe city, particularly if you are sticking to the tourist areas. For that reason it’s a great place for solo travel.

There are lots of things to see and do, and if you are wanting some company you can also do group tours. There are lots of cool tours in Hamburg like food tours, and cycling tours.

Basically you won’t be bored if you visit the city solo.

Berlin or Hamburg?

Both cities are great for solo travel and are pretty on par when it comes to attractions, safety, and getting around.

Berlin or Hamburg: which one is cheaper

Costs are a serious consideration for any holiday, and so you might be wondering if Berlin or Hamburg is cheaper.

Berlin

We were actually pleasantly surprised when it came to costs in Berlin. That’s not to say it is super cheap either, but it’s not too bad for a capital city.

We budgeted about €100 per person for day, not including accommodation. You could probably get away with a bit less, but we wanted to have nice meals and go out for a few cocktails in the evenings.

Accommodation will set you back around €120 plus per night for something mid range. Just make sure you book this well in advance

Hamburg

Hamburg is a little bit cheaper than Berlin. Accommodation in the mid range will set you back somewhere between €80 – €150 per night. It can be cheaper if you are willing to stay further out.

For everything else we budgeted around €100 per person per day but didn’t spend close to that. Food and drink are all moderately priced, as are tourist attractions.

Berlin or Hamburg?

Hamburg is definitely the cheaper city. Berlin is the capital of Germany and for that reason things are a little bit more expensive here. Accommodation is also more expensive in Berlin. It’s not a huge difference but if you are counting your pennies Hamburg is the cheaper option.

Berlin or Hamburg: which one is better for nature

If you are a nature lover you might be wondering if Berlin or Hamburg is the better destination.

Berlin

Berlin is a pretty green city, which is good news for nature lovers. One of the cool things we found was that a lot of the green spaces were very much about nature reclaiming what is theirs. One example is the Natur-Park Südgelände, which is a park that was once a railway yard. Nature has since taken over and it has become the perfect example of nature taking back its space.

Hamburg

Hamburg is one of the greenest cities in Europe, and the city itself has a number of parks and natural spaces to enjoy. If you are wanting to experience nature a little bit more you can visit places like the Hamburg Botanical Gardens as part of the University of Hamburg.

For real nature though you will need to venture out of Hamburg to see places like Klövensteen Forest.

Berlin or Hamburg?

Both cities are pretty green and have a lot of parks and natural spaces. That being said they are both cities and to experience proper nature you do need to travel further afield.

Berlin or Hamburg: which one is better in summer

Summer is usually peak travel season in Europe, and Berlin and Hamburg are both popular destinations. But which one is better?

Berlin

Berlin is a great choice for your summer holidays. The atmosphere in the city changes, as festivals and events takeover and people flock to the outdoors. Temperatures are around 15 – 25 degrees celsius on average, and days are much brighter and longer.

Hamburg

Summers in Hamburg can be really beautiful. The weather is mild averaging between 12-25 degrees celsius. That being said we did experience a few days of over 30 degrees celsius so keep that in mind.

Summers are brilliant because the city really comes alive. You can sip drinks by the harbour or visit the makeshift beaches. There are also lots of outdoor festivals and activities to enjoy.

Berlin or Hamburg?

Personally we think Hamburg is the better summer destination. There is something really lovely about sitting near the harbour sipping a cocktail. There are also some cool beach type spots where you can relax and enjoy the sunshine.

Berlin or Hamburg: which one is better in winter

If you are travelling to Germany in the winter months of December – February you might be wondering if Berlin or Hamburg is the better choice.

Berlin

Berlin is a great winter destination, in part because come December you have the Christmas Markets. Smells of mulled wine and gingerbread waft through the city.

In January and February despite the colder weather, there is still a lot to do. There are lots of museums to visit, and you can cosy up in a cafe or a bookstore.

Temperatures average between minus 5 and 4 degrees celsius. So make sure you dress appropriately.

Hamburg

Hamburg is another great city to visit in the winter months. Again you have the Christmas Markets that takeover the city in December.

There are several museums you can visit on those colder rainier days as well as cool coffee shops and bars.

Temperatures are similar to Berlin although can sometimes be a degree or two colder. It is also more rainy than Berlin at this time of year.

Berlin or Hamburg?

Berlin is a little bit more atmospheric in the winter months. It also has slightly better weather in terms of warmth and rainfall.

Berlin or Hamburg: which one is better for the Christmas Markets

Germany is renowned for having some of the best Christmas Markets. But is Berlin or Hamburg better?

Berlin

Berlin has a number of amazing Christmas Markets dotted around the city. You have all your classic themed markets as well as some themed ones too. One of our favourites has to be at the Charlottenburg Palace, with its royal feel.

Hamburg

Hamburg also has a ton of Christmas Markets to explore. In fact if you want a full guide to the Hamburg Christmas Markets you can read about them here.

Hamburg like Berlin has many themed markets. You have your more traditional winter wonderland style markets, as well as more modern takes around Hafen City. But our absolute favourite markets have to be the Santa Pauli markets.

Located in the Reeperbahn area of the city these very ‘adult Christmas markets’ are a much sexier take than your usual mulled wine and gingerbread. Although you can still find those here.

Berlin or Hamburg?

Berlin and Hamburg both have excellent Christmas Markets. We think Hamburg is slightly better but only because of the Santa Pauli markets. Sometimes you get a bit bored with your usual choices so this want sexed up version of Christmas is certainly very different.

Berlin or Hamburg: which one is for me

Congratulations you have made it through this article! So is Berlin or Hamburg the place for you?

Berlin

Berlin exudes cool, it’s the capital of Germany and has an incredible history. It’s the perfect city break for those wanting to party, learn about the past and much more.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a bit more laid back, there is still a party element to it, but it isn’t as serious as Berlin. It’s great for those wanting to eat some great seafood, visit some top class museums, and enjoy some time by the harbour.

Berlin or Hamburg?

Honestly both Berlin and Hamburg are great places to visit. A lot of tourists tend to flock to Berlin, but Hamburg is one of those places that definitely deserves a look in.

Ultimately it depends on what you are interested in. For world class food, fashion, and entertainment head to Berlin.

But for a more laid back, authentic experience head to Hamburg.

Or do both!

Hopefully this guide has been helpful for you planning your next city break.

Don’t forget to pin it for later!

Happy travels!