Beatles Square | Photo: Flickr, Michael Panse CC-BY-SA 2.0Große Freiheit
In the 1960s, the Beatles had their first gigs in the Indra club. This one, as well as the Kaiserkeller and the Star Club, helped the five-member band to the success they could celebrate a little later. All these establishments are located on the 'Große Freiheit', a side street of the Reeperbahn. Since September 11, 2008, the 'Große Freiheit' runs from the 'Beatles-Platz' to the Reeperbahn. The Beatles-Platz with its round, dark floor covering, visually resembles a vinyl record - a tribute to the famous band and the significance of Hamburg in the global success of the Beatles.
Entrance to 'Zur Ritze' | Photo: Flickr, Sten Dueland CC-BY-SA 2.0Ritze
The windowless pub 'zur Ritze' has its own boxing ring in the basement. The boxing ring is still used today. The entrance door is adorned with spread female legs. The pub 'zur Ritze' is probably the most famous on the Reeperbahn. On the walls, there are pictures with autographs of well-known personalities like Udo Lindenberg. In the basement, legends such as Henry Maske or the Klitschko brothers have fought, but also some Hamburg pimps.Molotow Music Club
Founded in 1990, the club is mainly known for its indie rock, punk, and post-rock concerts. Bands like The Killers, The White Stripes, Die Toten Hosen, or Mando Diao played there before they became famous. The club had to move several times. From the dangerously dilapidated Esso houses at Spielbudenplatz, the club temporarily moved to Holstenstraße in 2012, before relocating in 2014 to the China Lounge on Nobistor, next to the Beatles-Platz. Currently, the club is again looking for a new home, as the China Lounge is intended to be demolished to build a hotel.The notorious red-light district in Hamburg
The Herbertstraße can only be crossed on foot, and only if you are a man. Women or children who want to take a peek will quickly be disappointed, as privacy screens block curious eyes. In Herbertstraße, scantily clad ladies sit in the windows of the brothels. In other nightclubs like Susis Show Bar or the Dollhouse, one finds scantily clad ladies and gentlemen dancing on stages and poles. Burlesque art can be found at The Bunny Burlesque St. Pauli. Europe's oldest SM club Club de Sade has been gathering lovers of kink since the 1960s.Panoptikum
If you want photos with Helene Fischer or Otto Walkes, you go to Germany's oldest waxworks. At the Panoptikum, you can also come across international stars and historical figures. A strong stomach is needed for the horror scene or the medical-historical cabinet. Today, all exhibits are made of wax and dressed in valuable costumes. However, at the opening of the Panoptikum, one could also admire living people such as little people or giants.Musical and Theater
In addition to the Stage theaters on the Elbe or in the harbor, one can also sway along with musicals at the Operettenhaus in St. Pauli. From November 12, 2023, the musical Dance of the Vampires is performed there, replacing the hit musical Hamilton. Since 2003, the St. Pauli musical 'Heiße Ecke' has been playing at Schmidts Tivoli on Spielbudenplatz. The theater also continually offers new productions in various genres such as crime, comedy, or drama. Likewise, children's theater or readings take place. The St. Pauli Theater is a protected historic building; it is one of the oldest theaters in Germany.
St. Pauli Night Market | Photo: Flickr, Martin Abegglen CC-BY-SA 2.0St. Pauli Night Market
For those like me who always sleep through the weekly market, here's a stroke of luck. The St. Pauli weekly market doesn't start until 4:00 p.m. every Wednesday and is open until 10:00 p.m. (in summer until 11:00 p.m.). In addition to fresh and regional products, live music performances invite you to linger in the lounge chairs. Anyone who gets hungry can buy one of the many fresh dishes at the night market.
Dancing Towers | Photo: Flickr, Melanie Richter CC-BY-SA 2.0Dancing Towers
The most unpopular architectural project, known as the Dancing Towers or Tango Towers at the eastern entrance to the Reeperbahn, was strongly criticized by local residents for its too modern design, as they felt it changed the character of the neighborhood too much. The idea behind the design was to create an association of music and sex, in keeping with the Reeperbahn. On the ground floor, you'll find the famous Mojo Club and Reeperbahn Radio, while the top floor houses the Rooftop Bar and the Restaurant Clouds. The other interior spaces are office areas.Major Events
The Reeperbahn Festival has been held every September since 2006. This is where the music and creative industries meet for concerts and art events, attracting thousands of visitors. The Schlagermove, a festival for (party) Schlager, takes place every year at the beginning of July. The Harley Days are held at the end of June / beginning of July and culminate with a ride over the Reeperbahn, following many rockin' open-air concerts and daring shows. The St. Pauli Christmas Market takes place every year from mid-November.