A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hamburg vs. Sorrento for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Nightlife

Should you visit Hamburg or Sorrento?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Hamburg and Sorrento can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a vibrant, historic, and energetic port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a relaxing, accessible, and laid back small city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Hamburg and Sorrento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hamburg or Sorrento?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sorrento than Hamburg, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sorrento is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Hamburg is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and music. Hamburg is well known for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space. Sorrento is well known for its lemon groves and limoncello, charming cafes, and access to the Amalfi coast. Also, Sorrento is famous for Marina Grande and Marina Piccola.

How is Hamburg different from Sorrento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sorrento and Hamburg. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hamburg or Sorrento?

Hamburg is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Hamburg. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.

Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Hamburg or Sorrento? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sorrento is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Sorrento has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The food is world class and you'll find most Italian classics here including pizza, fine cheeses, and fresh seafood. Many visitors enjoy taking a pasta or pizza making class while they're in town. You'll also find Limoncello everywhere, made from the locally grown lemons, which are impressive in both their size and flavor. Also make sure you allow for plenty of stops at gelato shops.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Hamburg. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).

Is Hamburg or Sorrento Better for Nightlife?

Hamburg is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Hamburg know how to have a good time. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.

If you're looking for night time activities Sorrento has a few options to choose from. The city is known for its laid back atmosphere, but there are still a number of clubs where you can dance the night away. While the main city center has its share of bars and activities, some of the best known clubs are actually a bit outside of the city center. Many visitors dress to impress and don't show up until after midnight, which is when the party really starts.

Is Hamburg or Sorrento Better for Music?

Hamburg is renowned for live music. However, Sorrento is not a live music destination.

Hamburg is a world class music destination. The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.

Sorrento is not a live music destination.

Is Hamburg or Sorrento Better for Resorts?

Sorrento is well known for its resorts. However, Hamburg is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Sorrento. The city offers a wide selection of luxury and budget hotels, particularly in the Piazza Tasso area. Because of its accessibility, many people use it as a base for exploring the area, or stop off for a day or two in route to other towns.

Hamburg is not a resort destination.

Is Hamburg or Sorrento Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sorrento is a small city with a few options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Hamburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Sorrento has a few snorkeling spots. There are snorkeling excursions that you can book in the area, but this is often an overlooked activity for many visitors.

Hamburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hamburg or Sorrento Better for Beaches?

Sorrento is very good for the beach. However, Hamburg is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Sorrento to enjoy the beach. The rugged coastline is filled with dramatic hills and rocky inlets that offer hidden beaches. Many of the most unique beaches can be challenging to access and the beaches closer to town get very crowded. Some of the best beaches in the area include Marina Piccola Beach, Regina Giovanna, and Puolo. Some beaches are public while others are private and come at a price.

Hamburg is not a beach destination.

Is Hamburg or Sorrento Better for Hiking?

Sorrento is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Hamburg is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Sorrento. The area has a number of walking trails that you can explore. Many follow historic donkey trails that once connected the villages and today offer a well-established route with stunning views and pristine landscapes. The trails navigate the region's steep hills and offer a breathtaking look at the rugged coastline.

Hamburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hamburg or Sorrento?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Sorrento and Hamburg.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Hamburg. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Sorrento. Head to the heart of the city around Piazza Tasso for the best shopping opportunities. You can simply enjoy window shopping or pop in one of the many local boutiques or larger European brand stores. Popular items to purchase include leather goods, Limoncello, and inlaid wood items.

Is Hamburg or Sorrento Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Hamburg or Sorrento.

Hamburg is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.

Sorrento is a very family-friendly destination. It makes a good base or first stop for families who want to enjoy the area. It's well connected with transportation and has all the kid approved foods you could need. The whole family will also enjoy taking a pasta making class or going for a swim in the Mediterranean. And make sure you allow plenty of time for everyone to eat their fill of gelato.

Is Hamburg or Sorrento Better for Couples?

Sorrento is renowned for couples. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Sorrento has plenty to offer. This beautiful romantic destination is one of the world's top honeymoon areas. It's a small city that offers access to the many nearby destinations, so it makes a good base or gateway city for visiting places like Capri and the Blue Grotto as well as the Amalfi Coast. You can enjoy romantic hikes full of stunning views, explore by kayak, dine at romantic restaurants, or experience a one-of-a-kind farm tour. If you base yourself in Sorrento, you'll likely be doing a lot of day trips.

Hamburg is a nice destination for couples. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.

Is Hamburg or Sorrento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sorrento is renowned for backpackers. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Sorrento is a very popular small city to visit for backpackers. Because its a small city with accessible transportation, you'll find a decent number of hostels that make it an affordable base for exploring the area. You can hit many nearby sights as day trips or use this as a first stop off point as you make your way along the coast.

It's common for backpackers to visit Hamburg. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.

Is Hamburg or Sorrento Better for Students?

Hamburg is a port city with good options for students. However, Sorrento is not popular with students.

Hamburg is popular with students. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.

Sorrento is not popular with students.

Is Hamburg or Sorrento Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Hamburg and Sorrento.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Hamburg. There are trains and buses that make their way around town.

Public transit in Sorrento is fairly effecient and thorough. Buses travel around town and you can also visit nearby areas using the Circumvesuviana train line, EAV and Sita buses, Cooperativa Tasso minibuses, or one of the many ferry companies.

Is Hamburg or Sorrento a more walkable city?

Hamburg and Sorrento both are superb when exploring on foot.

Hamburg is a very walkable destination. Most tourist areas can easily be explored on foot.

Sorrento is very walkable. The old town is fun to walk around and window shop, but bring good walking shoes as the area has a lot of hills.

For even more information, also check out Is Hamburg Worth Visiting? and Is Sorrento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sorrento or Hamburg?

How long in Hamburg or Sorrento?

Both Hamburg and Sorrento have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sorrento than in Hamburg. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Hamburg, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sorrento.

Families should spend more time in Sorrento than Hamburg. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Sorrento, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Sorrento than Hamburg. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Sorrento that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sorrento than Hamburg if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Sorrento.

One day in Hamburg or Sorrento?

The port city of Hamburg offers museums and nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Sorrento, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This small city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Hamburg or Sorrento?

Hamburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hamburg, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Sorrento, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Hamburg or Sorrento?

Hamburg is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Sorrento is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sorrento has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Hamburg or Sorrento?

Hamburg is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sorrento. In Sorrento, you'll find shopping and nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin, The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hamburg and Sorrento, we can see that Sorrento is more expensive. And not only is Hamburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hamburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hamburg and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Sorrento would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sorrento than you might in Hamburg.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hamburg Expensive? and Is Sorrento Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hamburg or Sorrento?

Hamburg has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Sorrento. When comparing the sizes of Hamburg and Sorrento, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Hamburg or Sorrento?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Hamburg or Sorrento in the Summer?

Both Sorrento and Hamburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Hamburg for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Sorrento in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hamburg is cooler than Sorrento. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hamburg in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Sorrento averages at about 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Sorrento. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hamburg. Hamburg usually receives less sunshine than Sorrento during summer. Hamburg gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hamburg usually receives more rain than Sorrento. Hamburg gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hamburg or Sorrento in the Autumn?

Both Sorrento and Hamburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Hamburg in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sorrento for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Hamburg is generally much colder than Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Hamburg average around 10°C (50°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Hamburg often gets less sunshine than Sorrento. Hamburg gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun.

Sorrento gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hamburg usually gets less rain in October than Sorrento. Hamburg gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hamburg or Sorrento in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hamburg and Sorrento. Most visitors come to Hamburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Sorrento because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Hamburg can be very cold during winter. Hamburg is much colder than Sorrento in the winter. The daily temperature in Hamburg averages around 0°C (33°F) in January, and Sorrento fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Hamburg usually receives less sunshine than Sorrento during winter. Hamburg gets 42 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Sorrento receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Hamburg usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Hamburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hamburg or Sorrento in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hamburg as well as Sorrento. The spring months attract visitors to Hamburg because of the natural beauty. Additionally, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Sorrento this time of year.

In the spring, Hamburg is much colder than Sorrento. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hamburg in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Sorrento averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Hamburg often gets less sunshine than Sorrento. Hamburg gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun.

Hamburg usually gets less rain in April than Sorrento. Hamburg gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sorrento and Hamburg