The Reeperbahn in the St. Pauli district is around 930 metres long and is the centre of Hamburg's nightlife. Known for its variety of bars, clubs, theatres and restaurants, it attracts millions of visitors every year. In addition to the lively nightlife, the Reeperbahn also offers cultural highlights and historical sights.

What makes the Reeperbahn so special

In the 17th century, the Reeperbahn was originally the home of the Reepschläger, who made ship ropes for shipping here. The name "Reeperbahn" is derived from these "Reepschlägern" and the long tracks on which the ropes were made.

Today, the Reeperbahn is primarily known for its nightlife. Numerous live music clubs, such as the "Moondoo" and the "Mojo Club", offer a varied programme for music lovers. Theatres such as the "Operettenhaus" and "Schmidts Tivoli" present musicals and cabaret.

A particular highlight is the "Beatles-Platz" at the intersection of Reeperbahn and Grosse Freiheit, which is reminiscent of the Beatles' early performances in Hamburg. The "Große Freiheit" itself is a side street of the Reeperbahn and is known for its clubs and bars.

Secret tip: For a unique view of the Reeperbahn, it is worth visiting the Dancing Baths. This striking building at the eastern end of the Reeperbahn houses a bar on the top floor with an impressive view.

1. The street measures exactly 930 meters and is therefore not one of the longest, but certainly one of the most famous streets in Europe.
2. Every year, an estimated over 25 million people come to the Reeperbahn – this is more than three times the population of Hamburg.
3. The Davidwache at the corner of Davidstraße is Europe's smallest police station – due to its distinctive architecture, it is also one of the most famous.
4. In the street "Große Freiheit," services of all denominations once took place, long before tolerance was legally enshrined.
5. The Beatles Square with its stainless steel silhouettes reminds us that the Beatles started their career not in Liverpool, but on the Reeperbahn.
6. During the 1970s, the Reeperbahn was featured as a backdrop in countless crime dramas, including "Tatort," and to this day, there are real filming spots to discover.
7. The name comes from the rope makers who once produced ship ropes on long lines here – "Reep" means rope.
8. The "Herbertstraße," known for its shielded construction, is one of only a few streets in Europe that women are officially not allowed to enter.
9. The so-called Dancing Towers mark the entrance to the Reeperbahn – on closer inspection, silhouettes of a moving couple can be discerned.
10. Under the Reeperbahn lies an old air raid bunker from World War II – it is occasionally made accessible during guided tours.

Adults can find a wide range of bars, clubs, and theaters here. For music lovers, there are numerous live music events. Families should note that some areas, particularly Herbertstraße, are not suitable for children. Nevertheless, there are also family-friendly offerings in the vicinity, such as the "Panoptikum," Germany's oldest wax museum.

Access to the Reeperbahn itself is free of charge. The prices for events, clubs and bars vary depending on the offer and location.

Tip: Many clubs offer free or reduced admission on weekdays. It is worth visiting the websites of the respective locations in advance to find current offers.

The Reeperbahn is a public street and therefore accessible around the clock. However, the opening hours of the individual businesses vary:

Day of the week	&Opening times of most clubs and bars
Monday to Thursday	6 pm to 3 am
Friday to Saturday	6 pm to 5 am
Sunday	6 pm to 2 am

The Reeperbahn is a place that unites contrasts. During the day, it seems almost harmless, almost calm, but as soon as darkness falls, its own rhythm unfolds. Between neon lights, music clubs, and theaters, life pulses – loud, colorful, and unfiltered. Here, you can dive into music history, for example, following in the footsteps of the Beatles, or catch a modern musical at the Stage Theatre. You can hop from pub to pub or simply observe the street life, which is often more entertaining than any show.