A Hamburg City break christmas makes it ultra magical

s we move into winter 2024/25 and thoughts turn to Christmas holidays I thought this would be a perfect time to highlight the wonders of the beautiful German port city of Hamburg. A city with a fantastic maritime history and also home to some stunning traditional Christmas markets to explore. Of course Germany has always been famous for its traditional Christmas markets for many years alongside Austria but I was very surprised when I visited Hamburg a few years ago.

Hamburg is the 2nd largest city in Germany after Berlin (who knew, I didn’t) . The city also runs alongside the river Elbe and is the country’s largest port. Hamburg’s gay scene is divided into two main areas: around St Georg, with the Lange Reihe shopping street linking most of the gay bars and gay cafés; and St Pauli, close to Reeperbahn Station. Reeperbahn is the city’s nightlife centre and ‘red light’ district where many nightclubs (straight and gay) are located, which to me means well you can experience the very best of both worlds.

You will also gladly notice the city has a few gay saunas and gay cruise clubs near the city’s Hauptbahnhof. Hamburg gay scene cannot be compared to its big brother Berlin as it is no match in scale but when compared to little Belfast then it is massive, it is very active and attracts guys from throughout Europe and beyond year round.

The city is not short either on offering annual LGBT community events or festivals to enjoy and is well known for its summer Leather Party, the city also hosts Hamburg gay Pride and a gay film festival every year.

For something different you might want to try a Christmas markets Cruise with the likes of Iglu Cruise line or Fred Olsen. Of course, like me you can just book cheap options and book low-cost flights with the likes of Easyjet, Eurowings or splash out on business class fares via Lufthansa or BA really it’s up to yourself.

Hamburg has long been famous for its food markets - the fish markets have been exported around the world - but the secondlargest city in Germany also does a mean Christmas Markets season. Hamburg’s main Weihnachtsmarkt is held in front of the Town Hall with a large Christmas tree highlighting the location. But there are a variety of other ‘styles’ of market dotted around the city, with for example the ‘Santa Pauli’ festival on the Reeperbahn offering the mind-blowing concept of the world’s first erotic Christmas market. Yes, EROTIC is as interesting as it suggests I promise.

Now I know not everyone loves Christmas markets but I promise you Hamburg is way more than just a city which celebrates the Big Red and White bearded man they call Santa, the city has some of the very best Gastro bars I have ever experienced and the shopping is also top notch. In typical German fashion sausage is a firm favourite (no Pun intended well maybe) and well I’m not going to complain about that but being a port Fish is also fresh and delicious not to mention in abundance too.

So what does this epic city offer the LGBTQ traveler? Well quite a lot in fact much more than even I expected when I first completed research about potential city friendly options in Europe outside of the usual gay Mecca cities of Barcelona, Amsterdam or even Berlin.

When it comes to hotels or other types of accommodation I have to strongly recommend the German brand Motel One for both Comfort and Value and well its a 5- min walk from all that is

Gay about Hamburgs nightlife and the local subway is just opposite the hotels welcoming doors.

If you’re the type of traveler who likes style and comfort then the 4star George Hotel Hamburg is the property for you with stunning views across the river, well appointed rooms and one of the best Italian styled restaurants on site, what’s not to love. You are still only 1015 mins walk from the gay bars and clubs and the subway again is close by. Hamburg really offers you that European style night out from late food to cocktails, music bars and late night clubs and one of the most famous and highly recommended venues is Toms Saloon named after Tom of Finland, an ex client and now famous gay style icon. Daniels Company bar is also highly rated and recommend or try Piccadilly Bar which is one of the original gay venues in the city with a famous smoking bar.

You will notice many of the bars can be small and dark or unassuming from the outside but when you get inside they come alive just like WunderBar and Belleni cocktail bar full of colour, character and atmosphere which at the end of the day is definitely what you want from a holiday. Pink Inc is the city’s largest Queer venue so if you like dance music and a place which caters for large numbers this is the spot for you. With regular theme nights and famous DJs , drag and dance performers it’s a spot offering something for everyone.

Now you all know when I visit any city which is highly welcoming to the LGBTQ community I always have to check out if they offer any kind of gay sauna or male only saunas and well Hamburg surprised me with the amount offered from modern large venues to smaller more intimate ones with genuine interest from staff to tourists . Dragon Sauna has to be the largest and most visited with an excellent wellness service and onsite restaurant.

Men’s Heaven is another sauna which would be worth a visit due to its weekly events like Foam parties and even Hair Bear Sundays. Like I always say you get out what you put in when travelling so research the city and see if its for you because Hamburg really does have something for everyone and I like the fact it has some real depth to its community and that its not just all in your face ultra modern plastic barbie pink blinding you street after street.

Personally I think choosing to go to Hamburg in the winter is a fabulous decision because it’s so beautiful in the typical German style of Christmas but the backdrop of the city against the stunning river and historical port and buildings really do make it a magical time to visit.

Thank you all for what has been interesting 2024 for many reasons and I hope to continue my travel writing into 2025 as long as you will have me.

Happy Christmas and New Year to you all. Gavyn Andrews