A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Islamabad vs. Hamburg for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Islamabad or Hamburg?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Islamabad and Hamburg can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Islamabad or Hamburg?

Islamabad

Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan, specially built in the 1960's to replace the former capital, Karachi. Most of the city's population are employees of the government, though many people come from all over Pakistan to enjoy the city's peaceful atmosphere and green spaces, museums, and monuments.

Hamburg

Hamburg is most noted for its port, which is the largest in Germany and the second busiest in Europe. Despite it's size, it is actually located about 100 kilometers from the North Sea on the River Elbe. The popularity of this port has given Hamburg the nickname as Germany's Gateway to the World. The city itself is the second largest in Germany and the metropolitan area has a population of over 4 million people.

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


Which place is cheaper, Hamburg or Islamabad?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, while the average daily cost in Hamburg is $125. 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 Islamabad and Hamburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamabad $20
    Hamburg $58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamabad $40
    Hamburg $116
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Hamburg

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad 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 Islamabad


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: Islamabad Hotel Prices and Hamburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamabad $7.67
    Hamburg $31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad

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

  • Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
  • Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
  • Islamabad Round Trip Airport Transfer & Customizable Day Trip: $95
  • Premium Services: Islamabad Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfers.: $170
  • Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
  • Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
  • Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
  • Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
  • Transit Trip: Islamabad City Exploration Day Tour & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $110

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hamburg

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


  • Short Distance Ubahn Ticket
    $1.82

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hamburg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hamburg:

  • Hamburg Airport(HAM): Transfer to Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port: $649
  • Fredericia Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Hamburg city: $589
  • Hamburg Airport (HAM): Transfer to Fredericia Cruise Port: $589
  • Private One-Way Transfer to or from Kiel Port: $425
  • Private Direct Transfer From Hamburg to Wolfsburg; English Speaking Driver: $289
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg to Hannover with 2h of Sightseeing: $272
  • Rickmer Rickmers Museum Guided Tour with Transfers: $263
  • Hamburg Airport (HAM) to Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $237
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg to Bremen with an English Speaking Driver: $236
  • Round Trip Transfer Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg City by van: $210
  • Hamburg Airport (HAM): Private Transfer to Hamburg hotels: $178
  • Private Transfer From Hamburg City to Berlin City: $153

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Hamburg?

Prices for flights to both Hamburg and Islamabad 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
    Islamabad $15
    Hamburg $37

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
    $16
  • Currywurst and Pommes Frites
    $5.36
  • Donner Kebab and Coke
    $6.43
  • Traditional Hamburg Dinner w/ Beer
    $16
  • Donner Kebab Lunch
    $4.29
  • Sandwich and Coffee Break
    $6.43
  • Fish Sandwich from Fish Market
    $3.75
  • Coffee and Donut
    $4.29

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
  • St. Pauli kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $48
  • Elphi Plaza und HafenCity kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $59
  • Original Musical Dinner Cruise 2024: $117
  • Hamburg Private Food Tours with a Local: 100% Personalized : $186
  • St. Pauli: Guided Food Tour with 5 Tastings: $484
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $592
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $592

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamabad $9.48
    Hamburg $42

Tours and Activities in Islamabad

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

  • Islamabad In & Around Full Day Customized City Tour: $80
  • Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
  • Private Tour: Half Day Islamabad Saidpur Village Exploration Tour: $80
  • Private Tour: Hidden Gems of Islamabad Exploration Tour: $90
  • Guided Top 5 Wonders Exploration Tour: $95
  • Islamabad Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $95
  • City Tour with Faisal Mosque and Lake View Park: $95
  • Full Day Private City Tour Of Islamabad: $99
  • Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour With Meal At Monal Restaurant (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
  • Top Ten Wonders of Islamabad Guided City Tour: $120
  • Private Tour: Guided Day Trip To Murree from Islamabad: $130
  • From Full Day Guided Taxila Ruins Exploration Tour: $150

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
    $3.75

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: $287
  • Safari tour in St Pauli: $33
  • "Cruise in the City" - Sailing Yacht Event, Hamburg/Elbe: $70
  • "Hafengeburtstag Hamburg" 2024. Cruise&Sail from/to Wedel: $182
  • "Highlights of Hamburg" Biketour: $39
  • 1 Hour Kiez Speed Tour for Adults: $19
  • 1-Day Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour of Hamburg Line D: $20
  • 10 secrets of Hamburg's old town - exciting scavenger hunt tour: $34
  • 2 Hours Guided Hamburg E-Scooter Tour: $71
  • 2 Hours Guided Hamburg Segway Night Tour: $93
  • 2 Hours Guided Hamburg Segway Tour: $76
  • 2 Hours Hamburg E-scooter Tour: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamabad $2.88
    Hamburg $19

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: $34
  • Pub Crawl - Ultimate party pub crawl incl. One-hour drinks flat rate: $44
  • Hamburg Pub Crawl including 1 hour flatrate for beer: $51
  • Bachelor(ette) Premium Party with Pub Crawl: $404
  • Private Pub Crawl Tour: $404
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl: $517


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Hamburg, we can see that Hamburg is more expensive. And not only is Islamabad much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Islamabad is in Asia and Hamburg is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Islamabad would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Islamabad 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 Hamburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hamburg than you might in Islamabad.

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


Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Hamburg?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Hamburg. Also, most visitors come to Hamburg for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Islamabad can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Islamabad is generally much warmer than Hamburg. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 32°C (90°F), and Hamburg fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hamburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the summer, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Hamburg. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 207 hours of full sun.

Islamabad receives a lot of rain in the summer. Islamabad usually gets more rain in July than Hamburg. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F) 
    Hamburg 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Hamburg in the Autumn?

Both Hamburg and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Hamburg because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Islamabad is much warmer than Hamburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 26°C (80°F) in October, and Hamburg fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Hamburg during autumn. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 101 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Hamburg. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F) 
    Hamburg 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Hamburg in the Winter?

Both Hamburg and Islamabad during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hamburg this time of year.

It's quite cold in Hamburg in the winter. In the winter, Islamabad is much warmer than Hamburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Islamabad in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Hamburg averages at about 0°C (33°F).

It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the winter, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Hamburg. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 42 hours of full sun.

Islamabad usually gets less rain in January than Hamburg. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Islamabad 14°C (57°F) 
    Hamburg 0°C (33°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Hamburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Hamburg. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hamburg for the natural beauty.

In April, Islamabad is generally much warmer than Hamburg. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 27°C (80°F), and Hamburg fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Hamburg during spring. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Hamburg. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F) 
    Hamburg 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Hamburg and Islamabad

Islamabad Hamburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 0°C (33°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 1°C (34°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in) 15°C (60°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 17°C (62°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 2°C (35°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)