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Netherlands
Musicals, theatre and concerts
Hamburg is known as a Mecca for entertainment and with 40 theatres and concert halls it certainly measures up to cities like London and New York. Visit one of the spectacular musicals or treat yourself to a bold cabaret performance. Prefer something classic? Watch an opera or ballet at one of the elegant concert halls – there is no excuse to be bored in Hamburg at night.
Brightly lit announcements of popular musicals are posted on the shore of the Landungsbrücken, and cosy theatres on the famous Reeperbahn lure in spectators for a comedy or dramatic play. In the evening, an impeccably dressed audience gathers in the Altstadt, ready for an evening of classical music in one of the opera houses. From frivolous to profound – the exuberant nightlife reflects the diversity for which this colourful port city is famous.
A classic night out
Opera fans must visit the Hamburg State opera. The history of Germany's first public opera house dates back to 1678, to the days of the Enlightenment. The old concert hall was completely destroyed in 1943 but was rebuilt a few years later. Just like in the old days the programme is aimed at a broad audience, which is also reflected in the prices. Frequent classics include Macbeth, King Lear and Faust. There are also performances of operas composed specifically for children, such as Hansel and Gretel.
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Hamburger Staatsopera, Große Theaterstraße 25, Hamburg, Germany
Performance on the water
There is no shortage of blockbuster performances in the Hanseatic city: the most popular Broadway shows quickly find their way to Hamburg. The most interesting venue is the Theater im Hafen on the banks of the Elbe, and a great evening can also be had in the Thalia Theater, the Deutsches Schauspielhaus and Das Schiff. Those who are keen to see beautiful sets and lavish costumes and hear uplifting music can check the programmes on offer at the various stages.
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Theater im Hafen, Norderelbstraße 6, Hamburg, Germany
Cabaret and plays
Charming, original and outstanding quality: Hamburg’s smaller theatres also boast a world-class reputation. Many of these venues are found in the St. Pauli district, which many years ago was a haven for sailors looking for a good time and still is a popular entertainment district in Hamburg. One of the well-known venues is the stylish St. Pauli Theatre, the oldest in Hamburg, where you can see modern plays. For an evening of cabaret, visit the Schmidt Tivoli just one door down on the Reeperbahn.
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St. Pauli Theater, Spielbudenplatz 29, Hamburg, Germany
Photo credits
- For centuries, a household name in Hamburg: Nico Tillmann, Flickr
- Don’t miss the Theater im Hafen: Vladimir Kruzhinov, 123rf
- Plays and cabaret on the Reeperbahn: André-Pierre du Plessis, Flickr