Hamburg is a city for live music. Beside the diversity offered by musicals and festivals, acts from all around the world stop here on their European and world tours to pay a visit to our beautiful port city, and the Reeperbahn nightlife district in particular. That’s why Hamburg has a worldwide reputation for its great live music venues.
So, whether you live here and are looking for a great night out next weekend or are planning ahead for a visit and want to catch your favourite live act along the way, these venues make for a great starting point.
Molotow
Molotow has been a Hamburg staple of the independent and alternative music scene for over a decade. Bands like the White Stripes, the Black Keys, the Hives, Mando Diao and the Killers played shows here before they became famous. Come for the show but be sure to stay for the legendary parties and dance the night away!
Located directly on the Reeperbahn, the venue has a well-crafted security concept that makes diverse crowds feel welcome. Plus, the prices are reasonable – and the backyard is a phenomenal hangout in summer.
Address:
Molotow
Nobistor 14
22767 Hamburg-Altona
For more information and event schedule see Molotow.
Nochtspeicher
Nestled between the bustling Reeperbahn and the harbour, this former warehouse (German: Speicher) building has a rich history and even served as Hamburg’s Erotic Art Museum in the early 1990s. Now the barn-like architecture is the perfect stage for americana, folk and singer/songwriter gigs as well as the occasional lecture, while the bar provides the accompanying beverages. For the more intense shows, there is the Nochtwache stage in the vaulted basement.
Address:
Nochtspeicher
Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 69a
20359 Hamburg-St. Pauli
For more information and event schedule see Nochtspeicher.
Mojo Club
Barely noticeable by day, the glamorous Mojo Club lies beneath the pavement right at the foot of the iconic ‘Dancing Towers’. Designed by star architect Hadi Teherani, this club has been hosting exuberant soul, funk and acid jazz parties since the late 1980s. And the stage is frequently mounted by up-and-coming funk and jazz acts and internationally acclaimed and established stars of the scene alike. So, get down and freak out!
Address:
Mojo Club
Reeperbahn 1
20359 Hamburg-St. Pauli
For more information and event schedule see Mojo Club.
Hafenklang
There is a thorn in the side of the Altona fish market’s perfect harbourfront. As soon as dusk falls, this joint becomes the meeting place for members of the local and regional punk rock and hardcore scene, who gather at Hafenklang to catch their international favourites and upcoming support acts. Don’t be mistaken by their looks – they’re mostly harmless and everyone is welcome to have a blast at the show followed by a few cold beers at the surprisingly uplifting afterparties in the upstairs golden salon.
Adress:
Hafenklang
Große Elbstraße 84
22767 Hamburg-Altona
For more information and event schedule see Hafenklang.
Uebel&Gefährlich
This stunning and unique venue has been a vital part of Hamburg’s club and music scene for over twenty years. Uebel&Gefährlich is located on the top floors of an old air-raid bunker from the second world war period, towering above the Heiligengeistfeld. Its thick walls are the perfect hideout to host a wide array of live music events – from hip hop shows to indie rock and electro pop acts – while the ‘tower room’ is home to techno and electro swing parties. Highlight: the lift operator on the elevator ride to and from the venue.
Address:
Uebel&Gefährlich
Feldstraße 66
20359 Hamburg-St. Pauli
For more information and event schedule see Uebel&Gefährlich.
Fabrik
Ottensen’s heritage as a workers’ quarter is quite aptly represented at Fabrik (which translates as ‘factory’) a historic cultural centre and live music venue located in a former factory hall for woodworking machines. Fabrik has been hosting stage plays, political lectures and concerts by international acts since 1971 when the art-deco building opened its doors to the public, all the while keeping true to their early catchphrase ‘culture for everybody’.
Adress:
Fabrik Hamburg
Barnerstraße 36
22765 Hamburg-Ottensen
For more information and event schedule see Fabrik.
LOGO
Rock’n’roll since 1974! For an unbelievable 50 years, LOGO has been a home for loud and heavy acts, offering a stage for internationally successful acts and local, up-and-coming rock bands alike. Located conveniently close to Hamburg’s Dammtor station and university, LOGO also hosts the northern German branch of the international newcomer band contest Emergenza Festival. With a stage exceptionally wide and low, you will never be as close to your old and new favourites as in this unique venue.
Address:
LOGO Hamburg
Grindelallee 5
20146 Hamburg-Rotherbaum
For more information and event schedule see LOGO.
Grüner Jäger
Nestled snugly at the crossroads between the bustling St. Pauli, Schanzenviertel and Karoviertel neighbourhoods, there lies a wooden cottage amonst the greenery and trees of the tiny Arrivatipark. The aptly named Grüner Jäger, which translates as ‘green hunter’, is a hub for culture, the arts and live music. The events range from pub and music trivia nights to cosy singer/songwriter and open stage sessions to indie rock gigs and rap battles, making this creative venue a quaint gem amidst the urban jungle.
Address:
Grüner Jäger
Neuer Pferdemarkt 36
20359 Hamburg-St. Pauli
For more information and event schedule see Grüner Jäger.
Knust
Knust is a dialect word for the first and last bit you cut off a loaf of bread. On a completely unrelated matter, Knust is also the name for a popular music venue just opposite the U3 Feldstraße stop between the lively Schanzenviertel and Karoviertel neighbourhoods. With a capacity of roughly 550 guests, the venue brings life back to this former slaughterhouse. The upper floor gallery provides the perfect view of your favourite indie, punk and rock acts. And in summer, the affordable matinee shows on the adjacent Lattenplatz square are a definite must-see!
Address:
Knust
Neuer Kamp 30
20357 Hamburg-Sternschanze
For more information and event schedule see Knust.
Markthalle
One of the larger venues in Hamburg, the Markthalle saw the rise of many international top rock acts before they were famous: Metallica, Depeche Mode, Guns’N’Roses and AC/DC all entered the stage of this former ‘market hall’ for flowers and vegetables. One of the more memorable stories revolves around Joe Strummer, singer of British punk band the Clash, who was arrested here on stage back in 1980. And ever since then, the great bookings and perfect sound are reason enough for unforgettable rock nights – past, present and future.
Address:
Markthalle Hamburg
Klosterwall 11
20095 Hamburg-Altstadt
For more information and event schedule see Markthalle.
Gruenspan
Founded in 1968 and named after Polish-Jewish resistance fighter Herschel Grynszpan, this club was once one of the first discotheques in the world. After decades of psychedelic rock, disco and house music DJ nights, Gruenspan reinvented itself in the mid-1990s to become a top live music venue, losing none of its prominence in the process. Located prominently on St. Pauli’s famous Große Freiheit street, the building is now also well-known for its pop-art façade, which dates back to the swinging sixties, inviting tourists to stop by and take a selfie.
Address:
Gruenspan
Große Freiheit 58
22767 Hamburg-St. Pauli
For more information and event schedule see Gruenspan.
