A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Manchester vs. Hamburg for Music, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Manchester or Hamburg?

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 Manchester and Hamburg can help you decide which place is right for you.

Manchester

Manchester is a cultural, vibrant, and dynamic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Manchester and Hamburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Manchester or Hamburg?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Manchester than Hamburg. While Hamburg is larger than Manchester, Manchester has more sights and attractions for tourists. Manchester is better known for its food and big city activities, while Hamburg is more popular for its music and impressive beauty. Hamburg is more touristy than Manchester and is popular for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space. Manchester is well known for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. Also, Manchester is famous for The National Football Museum.

How is Manchester different from Hamburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the very good sights and museums in either Manchester or Hamburg.

Many visitors head to Manchester specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Hamburg can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

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

Manchester is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Manchester is an experience not to be missed. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

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 Manchester or Hamburg Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is very good in both Manchester and Hamburg.

Many people head to Manchester for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.

Hamburg has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Manchester or Hamburg Better for Music?

Hamburg is very popular for live music. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its live music scene.

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.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Manchester. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Hamburg?

If you're looking to go shopping, Manchester and Hamburg both offer plenty of very good spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Manchester. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.

Hamburg is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.

Is Manchester or Hamburg Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Manchester or Hamburg.

Manchester is a very family-friendly destination. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

Hamburg is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Is Manchester or Hamburg Better for Couples?

Manchester is well known for couples. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Manchester frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.

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 Manchester or Hamburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Manchester is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

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 Manchester or Hamburg Better for Students?

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

Manchester is very popular with students. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

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

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

Manchester and Hamburg both offer very good public transit to get you around.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Manchester. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

Public transit in Hamburg can get you to some places easily. There are trains and buses that make their way around town.

Is Manchester or Hamburg a more walkable city?

Hamburg is great for its walkability. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

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

Manchester is a somewhat walkable place. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Hamburg or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Hamburg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Manchester and Hamburg. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Manchester than in Hamburg. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Manchester, and 1-3 days is enough time in Hamburg.

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

One day in Manchester or Hamburg?

Because Manchester is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With live music and food around the vibrant port city of Hamburg, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hamburg, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Manchester or Hamburg?

Because Manchester is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Manchester has to offer.

With food and shopping around the destination of Hamburg, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this port city.

Five days in Manchester or Hamburg?

Manchester 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, a popular port city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Manchester or Hamburg?

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

Hamburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin.

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

Which is Bigger, Manchester or Hamburg?

Hamburg has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Manchester. When comparing the sizes of Manchester 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 Manchester 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 Manchester or Hamburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Manchester as well as Hamburg. The summer months attract visitors to Manchester because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hamburg this time of year.

In July, Manchester is generally around the same temperature as Hamburg. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 16°C (62°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, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Hamburg. Manchester gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 207 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets less rain in July than Hamburg. Manchester gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Hamburg in the Autumn?

Both Hamburg and Manchester are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Manchester this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hamburg for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Manchester is around the same temperature as Hamburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Hamburg fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Manchester usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hamburg during autumn. Manchester gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 101 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Manchester usually receives more rain than Hamburg. Manchester gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Manchester or Hamburg in the Winter?

Both Hamburg and Manchester during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Manchester for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Hamburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hamburg can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Manchester. In the winter, Manchester is much warmer than Hamburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manchester in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Hamburg averages at about 0°C (33°F).

In the winter, Manchester often gets more sunshine than Hamburg. Manchester gets 53 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 42 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets more rain in January than Hamburg. Manchester gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Hamburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Manchester and Hamburg. Many visitors come to Manchester in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Hamburg for the natural beauty during these months.

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

Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Hamburg during spring. Manchester gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Hamburg and Manchester