Altona sits on the western side of Hamburg, along the Elbe, and is best known to visitors through two overlapping quarters: the historic centre of Altona itself and St. Pauli, the district around the Reeperbahn. The area has a young, lively character, with a concentration of bars, clubs and music venues, and a riverside stretch to the south where the Elbe opens up.
For a visitor, the practical question is which quarter to base yourself in: the nightlife core around St. Pauli, the alternative Schanzenviertel, the more residential streets of Altona proper, or the riverbank where the views are. This guide covers those areas, what kind of traveller each suits, and the general accommodation levels you will find, so you can compare live prices for your dates.
Best areas to stay in Altona
1. St. Pauli
St. Pauli is the district built around the Reeperbahn and the Große Freiheit, and it is the natural base if nightlife is part of why you are coming. The area has a youthful character and many facilities supporting a party lifestyle, so you will find a wide range of youth hostels here alongside hotels that cater mainly to trade-fair business visitors. It is also where you find larger, design-led places to stay, including a hotel near the Reeperbahn and the harbour with floor-length panoramic windows.
It suits first-time visitors who want to be in the middle of things and nightlife-focused travellers, and it is well connected: the Reeperbahn has its own train station, and trams run from the area toward Wedel or Blankenese. Expect noise at night in the streets closest to the bars.
2. Schanzenviertel
The Schanzenviertel is the trendy quarter, with hip shops and bars, and it is where several of the area's hostels are located. It suits budget travellers and younger visitors who prefer a neighbourhood feel over the Reeperbahn strip, and the accommodation here is mostly small-scale hostel-style places, some with kitchens and a few dozen beds.
It is a good compromise if you want to be near St. Pauli's nightlife without sleeping on top of it, and one hostel in the area sits close to the football stadium.
3. Altona centre and the Altona station area
The historic centre of Altona, around the Altona station, is more residential and practical than St. Pauli. You find economy and mid-range hotels here, including places within a short walk of the station, which makes it a sensible base if you are arriving by train or moving around the city by S-Bahn.
It suits visitors who want quieter nights, families, and anyone prioritising transport connections over being in the middle of the nightlife. Distances to the station are short, and the area connects easily to the rest of Hamburg.
4. The Altona riverbank
Further south, along Altona's riverbank on the Elbe, you find a range of accommodation with a view, and a price to match. This is the splurge end of the area, and it also includes one of the few camping options in Hamburg, located right at the Elbe and well suited to ship spotters.
It suits visitors who want the river and the views, and campers, but it is further from the bar-and-club core, so you will rely on transport to reach St. Pauli and the centre.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: hostels, including a large number of youth hostels in St. Pauli and several in the Schanzenviertel, some with kitchens and dormitory beds; there is also a campsite on the Elbe at Falkensteiner Ufer.
- Mid-range: conventional hotels, some with suites and modern styling, found around Altona and the station area; rates can rise sharply during trade fairs.
- Splurge: design-led and upscale hotels, particularly in St. Pauli near the Reeperbahn and harbour, and riverside accommodation in southern Altona where you pay for the view.
Best area for a first visit
St. Pauli is the best base for a first visit. It puts you within walking distance of the Reeperbahn and the harbour, has its own train station and tram connections, and offers the widest choice of accommodation, from hostels to design hotels. If you would rather sleep away from the noise, the Altona station area is the calmer alternative with good transport.
Frequently asked questions
Is St. Pauli noisy at night?
It can be, since the district's youthful character and party facilities mean bars and clubs are concentrated around the Reeperbahn and Große Freiheit. If you are sensitive to noise, choose a base in Altona centre or the Schanzenviertel instead.
Where do budget travellers tend to stay?
St. Pauli has a wide range of youth hostels, and the Schanzenviertel also has several hostels, some with kitchens. Camping is possible at the Elbe, at Falkensteiner Ufer.
How do I get around from these areas?
St. Pauli is served by the Reeperbahn train station, and trams run from there toward Wedel or Blankenese. The Altona station area is within walking distance of the station, which connects you to the rest of Hamburg.
When do prices go up?
Hotels in the area cater to business visitors of the trade fairs, and prices can rise sharply during trade-fair periods. If your dates are fixed, book early.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide.