For your next stay in Germany, you want to know which are the dangerous and safest neighborhoods in Hamburg to stay in.

Hamburg is a dynamic and multicultural city that attracts millions of visitors every year. However, many travelers wonder:

• Is Hamburg a dangerous city?
• Are there areas to avoid or dangerous neighborhoods?
• What are the best places to stay?

It is true that it is important to find out in advance to avoid choosing your hotel in a red-light district of Hamburg or in a dangerous area for tourists.

This article is a study on visitor safety in Hamburg with a map and list of dangerous and safest neighborhoods to stay in.

It was compiled by synthesizing data from statistics, rankings, and press articles ( statista.com , merkur.de , harburg-aktuell.de ). It is a factual study without any bias or discriminatory remarks.

Is Hamburg dangerous?

According to statistics, Hamburg is not one of the most dangerous cities in Germany. It is safer than Berlin or Frankfurt but more dangerous than Munich.

According to official reports, the crime rate has decreased in recent years. But while the number of murders in Hamburg is at its lowest since 1959, acts of violence have massively increased.

Hamburg is therefore not a safe city. This is confirmed by the Numbeo.com ranking . Indeed, with a crime index of 42.29, Hamburg is the 53rd most crime-ridden city in Europe out of 131 ranked cities.

However, Hamburg is considered relatively safe compared to other major European cities such as Athens , Brussels , Rome , London or Paris.

Is Hamburg safe for tourists?

Hamburg, located in northern Germany, is the country's second largest city and has a long history as a seaport and trade center. The city attracts many tourists for its historic architecture, including Hamburg Town Hall and St. Michael's Church, as well as its many parks and green spaces.

But visitors also come to Hamburg to enjoy its vibrant nightlife, numerous bars, clubs and restaurants.

However, as in most large cities, some areas are less safe than others for tourists (see detailed list below).

Map of Hamburg neighborhoods

With almost 2 million inhabitants, Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany after Berlin. It is divided into 104 neighborhoods divided into 7 arrondissements (districts):

• Altona
• Bergedorf
• Eimsbüttel
• Hamburg Center
• Hamburg North
• Harburg
• Wandsbek

Here's a map to help you identify dangerous areas in Hamburg and the best places to stay listed below: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UeWMv7UtDiSsXoQk8

Most dangerous neighborhoods in Hamburg

Hamburg is a vibrant and diverse city, but like any big city, there are neighborhoods that are considered less safe than others.

Summarizing the data from the latest statistics, here are the most dangerous areas of Hamburg that tourists should avoid:

• Sankt Georg
• Harburg
• Rahlstedt
• Altona
• Eimsbüttel
• Bergedorf
• Barmbek-North
• Unknown territory
• Neugraben
• Heimfeld
• Wilstorf
• Hausbruch
• Langenbek

Hamburg's red light district

Hamburg's red-light district is located in Sankt Pauli, along the Reeperbahn. It's an area to avoid as it can be dangerous at night. Indeed, it's a place where fights, assaults, pickpocketing, and other illegal activities occur.

Other areas to avoid in Hamburg

Without being dangerous neighborhoods, tourists are recommended to avoid the following 3 areas, particularly at night, to avoid encountering petty crime:

• star jump 
• Wilhelmsburg
• Hauptbahnhof (station area)

Best neighborhoods to stay in Hamburg

For a tourist stay , the best area to stay in Hamburg should be the closest to tourist attractions, museums, restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Therefore, it is recommended to choose your hotel or apartment in the center of Hamburg, in the Altstadt or Neustadt districts.

These two districts are the most touristy and the most central. So you won't waste time on transport because you can visit Hamburg on foot and better enjoy your evenings partying and drinking beer.

The Altstadt, or Old Town, is Hamburg's oldest and most historic district. Located on the south bank of the Elbe, stands out for its medieval architecture, half-timbered houses and red brick facades. As you stroll through the cobbled streets of the Altstadt, you can admire historical monuments such as St. Nicholas Church, St. Peter's Church and the Rathaus and Hamburg City Hall.

And it is also in this district that the Hamburg Christmas market is held.

Here is a very well-located hotel in the heart of Hamburg's old town, ideal for exploring everything on foot: TORTUE HAMBURG – Schöner als die Fantasie

Where to stay near the Hamburg stadium?

If you are going to attend a football match in Hamburg or a concert, are you wondering which district is closest to the stadium?

Hamburg's football stadium, commonly known as Volksparkstadion, is located in the Bahrenfeld district in the west of the city.

Here's a very well-located hotel, just a 10-minute walk from the Barclaycard Arena and the Volksparkstadium: Arena Hostel & Monteurzimmer