Entertainment in Hamburg

Hamburg is renowned for its musicals. The Stage Theater has three locations in the city – by the port, by the Elbe river, and at the Neue Flora building – which all host popular musicals like The Lion King, Aladdin and Mary Poppins. Get your tickets and get ready to be entertained!

Elbphilharmonie
The impressive Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg’s concert hall, has a programme to suit every taste. Performances include breathtaking classical concerts as well as more contemporary shows by world-famous bands and artists. Most performances sell out quickly, so be sure to get your tickets ahead of time.

Hamburgische Staatsoper
As one of the world’s most famous opera houses, the Hamburg State Opera is steeped in history. With the Hamburg Ballet and Philharmonic State Orchestra also performing here, there’s plenty to see as performances of the highest calibre take your breath away.

Deutsches Schauspielhaus
With the capacity for an audience of 1,200, Hamburg’s Deutsches Schauspielhaus is Germany’s largest theatre venue. Top directors regularly put on powerful plays that capture the audience’s imaginations, while the Junges Schauspielhaus showcase performances specifically tailored for younger audiences.

Imperial Theater
This is the perfect place for lovers of thrilling crime theatre! The Imperial Theater is one of the largest venues in Germany for crime-focused productions, and it has a wide-ranging programme. Whether it’s a captivating classic, a gripping thriller, or a witty crime-comedy, this small-but-mighty theatre in St Pauli is a guaranteed hit.

Thalia Theater
The 1,000-seat Thalia Theater is ready to entertain with the best the arts have to offer. The house ensemble put on a blend of classics and more contemporary pieces, offering a constantly rotating and evolving programme. You can also take a guided tour to delve into the venue’s 170-year history.

Hamburg Dungeon
The shows at the Hamburg Dungeon bring the city’s dark past to life – you’ll be right at the heart of the spooky, eerie, and even gory action. This gruesome attraction captivates young and old with creepy actors, exciting rides, and advanced special effects. However, children must be at least 10 years old to brave this (entertaining) nightmare...

Hagenbeck Zoo
This zoo, now a listed conservation site, sprawls across 25 hectares and is home to more than 210 different animal species. The privately-owned zoo opened in 1907 and has remained in family hands ever since. At the neighbouring Tropical Aquarium, it’s always summer to make sure the many exotic animals that live there feel right at home.

Cinemas
Hamburg also has plenty to offer on the big screen. Watch the latest blockbusters at huge cinema complexes throughout the city, or visit Hamburg’s independent cinemas to find smaller productions. The Passage Kinoat the very centre of Hamburg is a particularly popular option.

Football
With both Hamburger SV and FC St Pauli, the city boasts two tradition-steeped clubs in the upper echelons of German football. Get tickets for a home game and experience the unique atmosphere of the city’s football stadiums. You can also visit Hamburg’s Volksparkstadion and St Pauli’s Millerntor-Stadion on non-match days.

Port Anniversary
Every year, the Port of Hamburg celebrates its birthday over a weekend in May with an event that attracts some 300 ships and over a million visitors. The maritime festival begins with a welcome parade on the Friday, and closes with a leaving parade on the Sunday. Saturday night, meanwhile, is brought to life with a spectacular firework display.

Altonale
Held in June each year, the Altonale culture festival attracts huge crowds with its exhibitions and events. Countless artists from around the world enthrall visitors with a vibrant mix of film, theatre, music, literature, and visual arts. If you’re in Hamburg in summer, this is an event not to be missed!