The beating heart of Hamburg’s pulsating nightlife scene, the famous entertainment district known as the Reeperbahn can be explored on a number of adults-only guided tours.
(Photo: Kult Kieztouren – SCOOPCOM GmbH / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
Spanning a mile-long stretch of the city’s St. Pauli district, the Reeperbahn is packed with revellers every night of the week who come to let their hair down in this legendarily permissive quarter. The neon-lit streets are lined with nightclubs, restaurants, bars and pubs – not to mention somewhat less salubrious establishments – all (or almost all) of which can be discovered on the many organised tours that propel you head-first into this hedonistic entertainment hot-spot. Here are 5 of the best.
Insider Tour of the Reeperbahn & St. Pauli
Self-styled as being far removed from a traditional city guided tour, this 100-minute exploration of St. Pauli’s famous red-light district features a mix of well-known local names, TV stars and entertainers. Over the course of the tour, you’ll visit the area’s most famous sights including Davidwache police station, a BDSM dungeon and even a sex shop, while learning all about its always colourful and often notorious history. Along the way, you’ll also encounter bodyguards, bouncers, drag queens, and more. This tour is in German language only. From €23 per person.
Reeperbahn “Lust & Laster” Tour
(Photo: Lucky Time / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
See the Dancing Towers on the Reeperbahn, discover the location of the distinct’s most expensive urinal, and find out where Angela Merkel, Barack Obama and the Queen shook hands during this immersive 2-hour tour. Other highlights include unearthing the mystery of why there is a glass bottle ban in the neighbourhood, and why there are 5 Beatles at Beatles-Platz. The tour comes to a close on Hamburg’s most famous party mile, the “Große Freiheit”, where you’re free to throw yourself into the city’s legendary nightlife, with one local speciality drink and 1 shot included. From €395 per group (max 10 people).
Reeperbahn Small-Group Walking Tour
On this 2-hour small-group tour, you’ll be shown around Reeperbahn by a knowledgeable and entertaining guide. Departing during the evening, you’ll be taken to the infamous red-light district, now also home to popular bars, clubs, and other nocturnal hot spots. There’ll also be stop-offs to see other notable landmarks and places of interest including the Beatles-Platz, Hans-Albers-Platz, and Herbertstraße. As the tour proceeds, you’ll be regaled with fascinating tales and facts about the area and the characters who have frequented it down the years. The tour price also includes a complimentary shot in a bar at the end. From €23 per person.
In the Footsteps of “Olivia” Reeperbahn Tour
(Photo: Lucky Time / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
This 2-hour tour is themed around Germany’s most famous drag queen, Olivia. With a local by your side, you’ll walk through the red light district and past the Herbertstraße, stopping to soak up the sights as you listen to stories and anecdotes told by your expert guide. You’ll also get to discover the famous party miles, the Hans-Albers-Platz, and the Große Freiheit, where you can also find the bars where Olivia plies her trade. At the end of the tour, you’re treated to an inclusive free shot or speciality drink. From €395 per group (max 10 people).
Red- & Bluelight – Private guided Reeperbahn Tour
Save time researching the history of the Reeperbahn and let a private guide reveal stories that you wouldn’t find in a guidebook during this 2-hour tour. Discover the area’s links to The Beatles, find out about rules that only exist in the Reeperbahn, and get plenty of insightful travel tips along the way. Notable stops include visiting one of the “yellow” signs which you can find all over the Reeperbahn. Included in the tour price are alcoholic beverages. From €255 per group (max 15 people).