Hamburg is a wonderfully cosmopolitan city where a person can experience many genres of cafes and bars. There is a thriving gay district in this city where the bar and café owners welcome customers from all walks of life.

Coffee Bars

Piazza, which is situated on the Schulterblatt, is a very popular and well-priced option. There are many Portuguese and Spanish owned premises in this area and many are well worth visiting.

Transmontana is also on this street and is a cozy Portuguese owned café that serves Sagres beer in the evenings.

The Alex Café, which is in central Hamburg next to the Alster River, is a popular choice and tends to become crowded at weekends. This is a good place for a short stop to have an afternoon cake. The food here is what can generally be expected from a big chain and, as such, does not afford an authentic taste of Germany.

Lange Reihe

This is the heart of the gay community in Hamburg and is filled with bars and cafes, most of which are jointly visited by both straight and gay people. All places in this area are gay-friendly.

Live Music Bars

Molly Malone is situated on Hans-Albers-Platz (close to the Reeperbahn which is the red light district) and is very popular with the young crowd.

Meanie Bar is also a popular choice and is a retro bar that hosts alternative live acts in its cellar.

Bars and Cocktail Bars

Christiansen's Fine Drinks & Cocktails is an award winning bar that won the Playboy Bar of the Year 1998 and the Best Bartender 2000 among other accolades. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday 8 p.m. until late.

ZaZa Bar is in the trendy Winterhude district and attracts people from all walks of life--from the very trendy to office workers who are attracted by the special offers such as Monday night "happy hour." ZaZa Bar is open from 5 p.m. until late.

Ice Cream Parlour

The Eiscafe Venezia is situated in Altona and is located alongside a pedestrianized shopping area. This charming little ice cream parlor sells homemade wares and is ideal for families. Both locals and tourists enjoy sitting outside in the summer and watching the world pass by.