A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Hannover vs. Hamburg for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Food

Should you visit Hannover or Hamburg?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Hannover and Hamburg. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Hannover

Hannover is a dynamic, diverse, and vibrant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a historic, energetic, and cultural port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and shopping.

Hannover and Hamburg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Hannover or Hamburg?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Hannover than Hamburg. While Hamburg is larger than Hannover, Hannover has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hannover is better known for its historical sights and big city activities, while Hamburg is more popular for its museums, music, shopping, and impressive beauty. Hamburg is more touristy than Hannover and is popular for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space. Hannover is well known for its many parks and gardens as well as its accessibility to the German train system. Also, Hannover is famous for The Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen.

How is Hannover different from Hamburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hannover
Hamburg

Hamburg is a great port city for its historical sights. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Hannover offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll see many of the city's sights along the Red Thread Trail in the city center. Make sure you check out the New Town Hall, the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen, and the Lower Saxony State Museum as well.


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

Hannover
Hamburg

Both Hannover and Hamburg offer notable local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Hannover. You'll find classic tearooms, food halls, fine dining restaurants, and markets. Try all of the classic German sausages or sample international dishes in this dynamic city.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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 Hannover or Hamburg Better for Nightlife?

Hannover
Hamburg

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find high quality options in both Hannover and Hamburg.

The nightlife in Hannover has something for everybody. There are many students who keep the nightlife scene active. From beer halls to jazz venues, you'll find a diversity of options around town.

Hamburg offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Is Hannover or Hamburg Better for Music?

Hannover
Hamburg

Hamburg is very popular for live music. However, Hannover is not a live music destination.

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

Hannover is not a live music destination.


Is Hannover or Hamburg Better for its Old Town?

Hannover
Hamburg

Hannover is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

Hannover offers a nice historic old town area. Check out the half-timbered buildings, the old churches, and the charming streets around old town.

Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hannover or Hamburg?

Hannover
Hamburg

Hamburg is a great port city for shopping. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

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

Hannover offers some nice shopping areas. Head to the 14th-century Market Church (Marktkirche) and wander around the nearby streets for some of the city's best shopping. Also make sure you check out the city flea market. In addition to boutiques and independent shops, there are also major department stores and large shopping malls in the area.

Is Hannover or Hamburg Better for Families?

Hannover
Hamburg

Hamburg is a great port city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Hamburg is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Hannover is a family-friendly place to visit. Like many German cities, there are a number of activities geared specifically to kids. Check out the Sea Life Center or the Hannover Zoo. If you're willing to get out of town a bit, there's also Serengeti Park Hodenhagen or Rasti-Land theme park, which has rides and games.


Is Hannover or Hamburg Better for Couples?

Hannover
Hamburg

Hannover and Hamburg both notable destinations for a couple.

Hannover is a nice destination for couples. Romantic settings around town include Herrenhäuser Gärten, Berggarten, and Maschpark.

Hamburg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Hannover or Hamburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hannover
Hamburg

For backpackers, both Hannover and Hamburg are notable places to visit.

Plenty of backpackers visit Hannover. Some people use the city to split up longer train trips. There are a couple of hostels in town if you decide to stay a night or two.

Plenty of budget travelers 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 Hannover or Hamburg Better for Students?

Hannover
Hamburg

Hannover is well known for students. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Hannover is very popular with students. There are a few great universities in town including Leibniz University, which attract international students. There's also a nice nightlife and easy accessibility to the rest of Germany.

It's common for students to visit Hamburg. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.


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

Hannover
Hamburg

Hannover and Hamburg both offer high quality public transit to get you around.

Public transit in Hannover is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has 12 city trains and 38 bus lines.

Hamburg has some very good public transit options. There are trains and buses that make their way around town.

Is Hannover or Hamburg a more walkable city?

Hannover
Hamburg

Hannover and Hamburg are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Hannover is very walkable. There are some nice walkable parts to the city.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Hamburg or Hannover?

How long in Hannover or Hamburg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hannover and Hamburg. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hamburg than in Hannover. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Hannover, and 1-3 days is enough time in Hamburg.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hamburg than Hannover 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 Hamburg.


  • How many days in Hannover or Hamburg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hannover 1-2 
    Hamburg 1-3

One day in Hannover or Hamburg?

In Hannover, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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.


A weekend in Hannover or Hamburg?

In Hannover, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hannover has to offer.

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.

Five days in Hannover or Hamburg?

Hannover is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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.

A week in Hannover or Hamburg?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hannover. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hannover. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Germany, The Best Oktoberfest Tours in Germany, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Hamburg or Hannover?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hannover is €155, while the average daily cost in Hamburg is €117. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Hannover and Hamburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hannover 85
    Hamburg 54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hannover 170
    Hamburg 108
Compare Hotels in Hannover and Hamburg

Looking for a hotel in Hannover or Hamburg? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Hannover


Hotels in Hamburg


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Hannover Hotel Prices and Hamburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hannover 23
    Hamburg 29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hannover

Also for Hannover, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Direct Transfer From Wolfsburg to Hamburg; English Speaking Driver: $292
  • Private Transfer From Hannover to Hamburg With Sightseeing Stops: $273
  • Private Transfer From Hannover to Hamburg, English Speaking Driver: $214
  • Private Transfer From Hanover City to Bremen City: $95

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hamburg

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Hamburg:


  • Short Distance Ubahn Ticket
    1.70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hamburg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hamburg:

  • Hamburg Airport(HAM): Transfer to Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port: $655
  • Fredericia Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Hamburg city: $594
  • Hamburg Airport (HAM): Transfer to Fredericia Cruise Port: $594
  • Private One-Way Transfer to or from Kiel Port: $385
  • Private Direct Transfer From Hamburg to Wolfsburg; English Speaking Driver: $293
  • Rickmer Rickmers Museum Guided Tour with Transfers : $269
  • Rickmer Rickmers Museum Guided Tour with Transfers: $266
  • Hamburg Airport (HAM) to Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $239
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg to Bremen with an English Speaking Driver: $237
  • Private Transfer From Hamburg To Bremen With a 2 Hour Stop: $236
  • Round Trip Transfer Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg City by van: $212
  • Hamburg Airport (HAM): Private Transfer to Hamburg hotels: $179

Is it cheaper to fly into Hannover or Hamburg?

Prices for flights to both Hamburg and Hannover change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Hannover 49
    Hamburg 35

Typical Food Prices in Hamburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hamburg:


  • Pink Thai Soup Dinner and Spring Rolls
    15
  • Currywurst and Pommes Frites
    5.00
  • Donner Kebab and Coke
    6.00
  • Traditional Hamburg Dinner w/ Beer
    15
  • Donner Kebab Lunch
    4.00
  • Sandwich and Coffee Break
    6.00
  • Fish Sandwich from Fish Market
    3.50
  • Coffee and Donut
    4.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hamburg

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hamburg.

  • St George's Culinary Food Tour: $48
  • Sternschanze kulinarisch: Die Food Tour: $48
  • St. Pauli kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $49
  • Elphi Plaza und HafenCity kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $59
  • Original Musical Dinner Cruise 2024: $118
  • Hamburg Private Food Tours with a Local: 100% Personalized : $187
  • St. Pauli: Guided Food Tour with 5 Tastings: $489
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $597
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $597

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hannover 35
    Hamburg 39

Tours and Activities in Hannover

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hannover.

  • Guided tour of the New Town Hall in Hanover: $11
  • On the trail of crime - Hannover's Crime Tour: $19
  • Hanover: SEA LIFE Entry Ticket: $21
  • SEA LIFE Hannover Ticket: $21
  • Hop-on hop-off tour in Hanover in a double-decker bus: $22
  • Fritz Haarmann murder tour through Hanover's old town: $33
  • Hanno(ver)nascht Culinary city tour: $41
  • Culinary bike tour: $42
  • Hanover: Private Walking tour with A Guide (Private Tour): $121
  • Virtual reality experience in Langenhagen: $132
  • Personal Travel and Vacation Photography Tour in Hannover: $198
  • Hanover Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $254

Typical Entertainment Prices in Hamburg

Here are a few typical costs in Hamburg for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Tower at St. Michael's Church
    3.50

Tours and Activities in Hamburg

Here are a few actual costs in Hamburg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Hamburg Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $290
  • Safari tour in St Pauli: $33
  • "Cruise in the City" - Sailing Yacht Event, Hamburg/Elbe: $75
  • "Hafengeburtstag Hamburg" 2024. Cruise&Sail from/to Wedel: $184
  • 1-Day Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour of Hamburg Line D: $20
  • 2 Hours Guided Hamburg Segway Night Tour: $94
  • 2 Hours Guided Hamburg Segway Tour: $76
  • 2H Hamburg E-scooter Tour: $32
  • 2H Hamburg Night Segway Tour: $86
  • 2H Hamburg Segway Tour: $67
  • 3 Hour Guided Hamburg Segway Tour: $94
  • 3-H Hamburg E-Scooter Tour: $81

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hannover 34
    Hamburg 17

Sample the Local Flavors in Hamburg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Hamburg:

  • Night Pub Crawl through The Repperbahn: $22
  • Weekend Night Pub Crawl through the Reeperbahn: $35
  • Hamburg Pub Crawl including 1 hour flatrate for beer: $52
  • Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $407
  • Private Pub Crawl Tour: $407
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl: $521


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hannover and Hamburg, we can see that Hannover 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 Hannover would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hannover 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 Hannover Expensive? and Is Hamburg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hannover or Hamburg?

Hamburg has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Hannover. When comparing the sizes of Hannover and Hamburg, 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 Hannover or Hamburg?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Hannover or Hamburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hannover as well as Hamburg. Many travelers come to Hannover for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Hamburg in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hannover is generally around the same temperature as Hamburg. Daily temperatures in Hannover average around 18°C (64°F), and Hamburg fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hamburg. In the summer, Hannover often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hamburg. Hannover gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 207 hours of full sun.

Hannover usually gets less rain in July than Hamburg. Hannover gets 62 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hannover 18°C (64°F) 
    Hamburg 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Hannover or Hamburg in the Autumn?

Both Hamburg and Hannover are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Hannover in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Hamburg for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Hannover is around the same temperature as Hamburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hannover averages around 10°C (51°F) in October, and Hamburg fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Hannover usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hamburg during autumn. Hannover gets 104 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 101 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hannover usually receives less rain than Hamburg. Hannover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hannover 10°C (51°F) 
    Hamburg 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Hannover or Hamburg in the Winter?

Both Hamburg and Hannover during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Hannover for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Hamburg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Hamburg can be very cold. Hannover can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Hannover is much warmer than Hamburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hannover in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Hamburg averages at about 0°C (33°F).

In the winter, Hannover often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hamburg. Hannover gets 42 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 42 hours of full sun.

Hannover usually gets less rain in January than Hamburg. Hannover gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hannover 1°C (33°F) 
    Hamburg 0°C (33°F)

Should I visit Hannover or Hamburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hannover and Hamburg. The spring months attract visitors to Hannover because of the activities around the city. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Hamburg this time of year.

In April, Hannover is generally around the same temperature as Hamburg. Daily temperatures in Hannover average around 8°C (47°F), and Hamburg fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Hannover usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hamburg during spring. Hannover gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hannover usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hamburg. Hannover gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hannover 8°C (47°F) 
    Hamburg 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Hamburg and Hannover

Hannover Hamburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 0°C (33°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 1°C (35°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 1°C (34°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 5°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (39°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 8°C (47°F) 50 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 15°C (60°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 62 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 10°C (51°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 2°C (35°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)