Europe has so many amazing but different cities. The difference between Amsterdam and London for example is huge in all aspects so there are many places to get away for a good city break. Two of these places which have similarities are Amsterdam and Hamburg. Here we’ll put these cities against each other in a battle and show you which city is better to visit: Amsterdam or Hamburg?
Since Amsterdam is not as huge as Paris or London it falls into a secondary-sized city category, and in fact, Hamburg is bigger. Both offer a more quiet, less chaotic charm as opposed to huge buildings and busy streets spread over hundreds of square miles. So let’s dive into Amsterdam and Hamburg
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and a city not like most other capital cities, visually it looks very different, it doesn’t have skyscrapers and packed streets of businessmen running around, it has its own quiet charm.
Amsterdam is splashed with history, culture, and is very laid-back and relaxed for a capital city. It has a green town feel to it so it may seem quieter than other cities but it also has its wild side too, which would appear much louder than other cities in that aspect if you’re seeking adult fun.
Hamburg
Hamburg is a bustling metropolis and Germany’s second-largest city. In the northwest of Germany it is known as the “Gateway to the World,” Hamburg offers lots of activities, a stunning waterfront, a vibrant food scene, and real German culture.
Hamburg has an iconic harbour, world-class museums, and lively nightlife, so Hamburg has certainly got that big-city excitement without it being a capital. It also has a popular airport so transfers through here are very regular in Europe.
Here we compare Amsterdam vs Hamburg to see which European city is better to visit. The comparison scoring will be judged across six categories to help you decide what’s best for you. Let the battle commence in Amsterdam vs Hamburg!
- Activities and things to do
- Scenery
- Families
- Restaurants
- City life and culture
- Nightlife
1. Activities and Things to Do
Amsterdam is a capital city so things to do aren’t hard to come by here. From the world-renowned Rijksmuseum to the Anne Frank House, history buffs will find plenty to take in. If you’re into art then check out the Van Gogh Museum or take a leisurely stroll through the Jordaan district, which has some cool alternative galleries.
If you want something less cultural then there are some great canal cruises and cycling tours that offer a different view of the city. See the history of Heineken beer at the Heineken Museum or get a great city view from the A’Dam Lookout observation Skydeck. The nightlife is legendary too so it is worth sampling.
Hamburg also has plenty of things to do that cover all interests. Check out the iconic Miniatur Wunderland, the world’s largest model railway, or visit the Port of Hamburg and take a harbour tour to take in the relaxing maritime vibes. Visit the cool Speicherstadt district, the largest warehouse district in the world, filled with warehouses, museums, and cafes. There are plenty of good parks too plus the Volksparkstadion or the Millerntor-Stadion for a local passionate football match.
The St. Pauli district and the renowned Reeperbahn Street is famous for its nightlife. This area also allows entrance to a cool 426m long free, pedestrian tunnel made in 1911 called the Alter Elbtunnel. There’s a good amount of things to do in both but Amsterdam has the bigger unique and historical attractions to win this one.
Winner: Amsterdam
2. Scenery
Amsterdam’s iconic canals, lined with charming slim and tall houses, create a calm, different kind of city vibe. The historic architecture, big green parks, and diverse street life make every corner a postcard-worthy scene. The city’s streets are usually good for leisurely walks, especially in Spring and it’s a great place for chilled canal cruises.
Hamburg is sat on the banks of the Elbe River and has a stunning waterfront. The city’s harbour is busy with activity, massive ships and sailboats are everywhere. The Alster Lakes provide a relaxing retreat within the city, where you can enjoy boat rides or simply relax by the water. So overall there’s a riverside maritime feel with a good touch of green but the centre is also big buildings and busy streets. Since Amsterdam’s unique city scenery is so different and charming it takes the win here.
Winner: Amsterdam
3. For Families
Amsterdam has a family-friendly side and a good chunk of that comes from its wide-age-range attractions. The NEMO Science Museum, the ARTIS Royal Zoo, and the hands-on exhibits at the Van Gogh Museum are all good entertainment for younger visitors.
Vondelpark offers loads of space in the centre for family picnics and outdoor games. One thing that’s hard to escape in Amsterdam however is the ‘adult-orientated’ side. Sometimes you will spot a glance of certain establishments that you might not want the kids to see haha.
Hamburg is another great destination for a family visit. The city offers a good number of family-friendly attractions, such as the Hagenbeck Zoo, which houses worldwide animals. The Miniatur Wunderland and the Hamburg Dungeon provide deep educational experiences for adults and kids of all ages. Hamburg is a little more spread out and is generally safer to navigate kids around while finding the right entertainment.
Winner: Hamburg
4. Restaurants
While I do love a trip to Amsterdam it is not generally known for its local flavours and famous cuisine besides the odd sweet dishes. Amsterdam is good in the international cuisine scene, with a good number of restaurants along the canals. Don’t miss the chance to try Dutch pancakes or sample the famous Dutch cheeses.
Hamburg, despite being home to the Hamburger, is a foodies paradise in Germany, known for its diverse food scene. Hamburg’s strength is its seafood, thanks to its coastal location. The Fischmarkt is a seafood paradise, offering fresh catches straight from the North Sea. Besides that, you will find good German cuisine alongside plenty of international dishes to satisfy your taste buds.
Don’t miss trying the famous Hanseatic seafood dishes or the local specialty, Fischbrötchen (fish sandwich). The city also has a few Michelin-starred restaurants for the fine dining crowd, so that good quality, local food edges it here.
Winner: Hamburg
5. City Life and Culture
Amsterdam is definitely culturally rich. It has world-class museums, historic sites, and a cool arts scene throughout its quirky back streets. The city definitely has an open-minded atmosphere there’s a tolerant, accepting culture. There’s plenty of good international jobs here too as it’s a hub for big companies with a centrally convenient location in Europe. The experiences to be had are more unique here and there’s generally a better cultural vibe overall
Hamburg, as such a large city, is buzzing with life. The city has plenty of surrounding neighbourhoods that are both fancy and alternative. Hamburg is also home to world-class museums, including the Hamburger Kunsthalle and the International Maritime Museum.
The harbour offers a getaway from the hustle and bustle too but the city overall isn’t really bursting with unique personality. If you take away the language it can sometimes feel generic.
Winner: Amsterdam
6. Nightlife
I’ve had some of the best nights out in Amsterdam. From cosy brown cafes and lively pubs to trendy nightclubs, the city has something for everyone. The Red Light District comes alive at night, and the canal-side bars are a great backdrop for a night out. Try The Leidseplein District for a good range of places, ideal for a bar/pub crawl and a late one too.
Hamburg’s nightlife scene is also quite legendary in Europe. The St. Pauli district has numerous bars, clubs, and live music venues. The Reeperbahn, Hamburg’s famous entertainment street, comes alive at night on another level, offering a mix of bars, theatres, and adult entertainment venues all on one street.
This is an area where you can easily find a good set of bar options close together unlike some other cities. While Hamburg offers a lot people do travel from afar to sample Amsterdam’s crazy nightlife. I had a stag do here and it still goes down in memory as an all-time great.
Winner: Amsterdam
Conclusion – Which is better Amsterdam or Hamburg?
Both Amsterdam and Hamburg have their own unique attractions and experiences to offer. Amsterdam excels in its worldwide landmarks, its picturesque city, premium culture options and its crazy nightlife so you really can have a contrasting trip here.
Hamburg excels in terms of restaurants, a good range of German cuisine and its well spread out family-friendly, urban atmosphere.
As always it depends on what you’re after but Amsterdam is the clear winner for me with a 4-2 score across multiple categories so it would be the Amsterdam I chose if I could only visit Amsterdam or Hamburg.