Insider tips Hamburg: Love is Love in Hamburg

Meet Holger! Editor and big-time traveller who loves to meet people from all over the world. Holger doesn't want to call himself a professional host, but he loves the idea of helping people with smaller budgets discovering his nice hometown, and enjoying the pleasure of traveling. 

What makes Hamburg a favorite gay destination?

First of all: Hamburg is Germany’s most-loved and even the nicest town. Hamburg is Germany’s gate to the world! People from over 180 nations live here in this green harbour town with more bridges than Venice. People from Hamburg, they're very open-minded, liberal-minded. We are also known for readiness for help. Our openess is the most important attribute! 

What is the best gay event that takes place in Hamburg?

Maybe the CSD/Gay Pride in July/August or International Queer Film Festival (in October) – or very special The Schlager Move in summer…

What is your favorite gay establishment to grab a bite for lunch? a nice dinner?

Hamburg is the town with most decorated restaurants in Germany. Sexual preference is never a problem for where you like to eat! Cafe Gnosa is an Institution and very famous for its homemade cakes! Das Dorf in St. Georg or Brodersen in Rothenbaumchaussee offer a lot of typical german classic food, very trendy is also the brasserie Cox or the DaCaCiao in the George Hotel same neighboorhood.  

Best gay bar for a cheap beer?

The M&V Bar in Hamburg’s popular gay area St. Georg is definitely one of the hotspots: a modest neighborhood bar for everybody!

Best gay bar for a refreshing cocktail?

The Cloud Bar or the 20up Bar in the River Side Hotel in St. Pauli is not marked as gay bars, but they offer good cocktails and the nicest view over town or harbour at night!

Which famous LGBTQ personality is from Hamburg?

Ballet Legend John Neumeier! Fashion Legend Karl Lagerfeld, but is this important? We all are special and unique persons!

Ready to go dancing--what is the best gay dance club?

The Wunderbar is an institution in St. Pauli with popular current pop, Disco classics and German Schlager. Always good and open atmosphere! But we have a lot of alternate locations/clubs for dance/house parties like The Nachtasyl, Camp 77, Schmidt’s Tivoli or the Hühnerposten!

Which gay bar offers the best happy hour on a Wednesday?

Prices are pretty fair everywhere in Hamburg!

Where to start a gay tour in Hamburg?

Definitely St. Georg and St. Pauli!

Best place to socialize with the local gay community?

Maybe The M&V Bar, Schmidt’s Tivoli… maybe at the Supermarket or the famous Markt at Isestrasse. But open your eyes, open your heart and open your mouth and talk!

Best place to be surrounded by the local gays?

St. Georg!

How gay-friendly is Hamburg?

I would definitely say 100%! (at least, I hope!)

A gay place for brunch on weekends?

Tons of restaurants offer Brunch!

What are your favourite gay venues in Hamburg?

The M&V Bar! Unpretentious and easy access to guys!