The Hamburg survival guide...
Many visitors to Hamburg flock to experience Europe’s largest red-light district. The Reeperbahn (Ropemaker street) is located in the historic dockside St Pauli district.
The Reeperbahn starts to get lively around 5pm each day. By late evening the street is heaving with people. The north-side of the street tends to be known as the naughtier side with a contrast of dark alleys and colourfully lit streets.
Grosse Freiheit Street (‘big freedom’) has neon-lights boasting clubs with live sex shows. Shifty doorman stand on guard trying to tout the passing public.
It’s worth noting that entry to some clubs can be cheap but you’ll be stung by the price of drinks once inside - so find out details before you enter.
South of the Reeperbahn you’ll find various good theatres and cabaret shows as well as various sex shops like Condomerie (Spielbudenplatz 18), which has a huge collection of sex toys and condoms. You will notice laughing crowds looking in the window at a gigantic condom where the owner of the shop offers men €100 gift voucher if anyone can fill it! Apparently two men have – the mind boggles!
The Erotic Art Museum is located on Bernhard-Nocht-Strasse which displays erotic art and other items of a sexual nature.
Although this all sounds rather sleazy, the Reeperbahn is actually a great party area with fabulous little bars and lounges. And it also has the very cool element of being home to some great gigging venues. It was here that The Beatles were first introduced as newcomers, at the club Grosse Freiheit 36 in 1959. They then went on to play numerous solo gigs around the Reeperbahn.
Delegates can be assured that it is one of Hamburg’s safest areas. On the south side is the ornately tiled ‘Davidwache’. the base for 150 police officers keeping watch on this area alone. So, find a bar, sit back, and watch the action of the The Reeperbahn whilst slugging back on a bottle of St Pauli beer…which has the image of a buxom prostitute on!
Water way to see city
One of the best ways to view the city is to take an Alster Lake cruise.
The lake was created some 700 years ago when the Elbe river was dammed, creating the maritime feel of the city.
The Alster is now divided into an outer lake and an inner lake by the Kennedy bridge and the Lambardsbrücke.
ATG Alster-Touristik (www.alstertouristik.de) offers interesting two-hour canal trips where you cruise past stately villas and gardens and get a fantastic panoramic view of the Hamburg skyline.
For delegates who fancy an energetic challenge you can hire your own rowboat or canoe. Head to Segelschule Piper, opposite the Atlantic Hotel, for boat hiring information.
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Source: Flight Daily News
