Founded by soul singer Angie Stardust back in the early 1990s, the nightclub with the motto 'The Art of Night' has become a Hamburg institution. Located upstairs in Schmidts Tivoli Theater, the club lost none of its plush charm during recent renovation work. Angie's house band is accompanied by different guest singers on a regular basis, and they always lure their audience onto the dance floor. This is the place to come if you are looking for good music, delicious drinks with endearing names, and a crowd that includes people over 30. TRANSPORTATION: U3 St. Pauli

Hamburg's premier jazz address, offering every style from swing to modern jazz. As is befitting for a 'real' jazz club, Birdland is housed in a cellar, in this case a veritable rabbit warren of small rooms. The stage is only partially visible from most tables, and the air tends to get smoke-laden very quickly. On the plus side, Birdland sets the standard for the North German jazz scene. Local bands and musicians make up the mainstay of the club's program, but exciting acts from America and Europe can also be enjoyed here. Thursday evening's jam session (no cover charge) continues throughout the summer break when the club is otherwise closed. TRANSPORTATION: Bus 20 (Unnastrasse)

A fun nightspot that hosts a variety of entertainment, ranging from the renowned Ballroom Orchestra of Hamburg to Heinz Junghans Jazzmen. This legendary Hamburg jazz house is a great place to enjoy an after-dinner drink and hear some good live music. TRANSPORTATION: S-Bahn Stadthausbrucke or U3 Rodingsmarkt

The Downtown Bluesclub has made its home in the magnificent country house Landhaus Walter, situated in one of Hamburg's biggest parks and a popular destination in its own right. The Bluesclub hosts blues musicians from all over the world in a grand hall with vaulted ceiling. Hungry guests can dine in the salon or beer garden. Every Sunday brunch is presented with music (Frühschoppen). TRANSPORTATION: U3 Borgweg

Housed in a renovated factory building in Altona, Fabrik is one of Hamburg's most popular locations. Although also it hists pop and rock bands, the majority of concerts are jazz or world music. Saturday nights are dedicated to dancing. A moderate selection of drinks, but not much in the way of snacks; it's best to eat in one of the many ethnic restaurants in the neighborhood first! TRANSPORTATION: nearest station Altona