Hamburg: Desire, Prostitutes & The Great Freedom Tour

Hamburg’s infamous Reeperbahn has long been a magnet for those seeking a taste of the city’s notoriously vibrant nightlife and its complex, often controversial history of prostitution. This guided walking tour promises to explore the heart of this distinctive neighborhood, offering insights into the societal attitudes and legal changes that have shaped its evolution over time. From the area’s eclectic shops and traditional pubs to its legendary clubs, the tour provides an immersive encounter with the Reeperbahn’s unique atmosphere, leaving visitors with a deeper understanding of this culturally significant, yet often misunderstood, corner of Hamburg.

Key Points

1. The tour explores the complex history of prostitution in Hamburg’s St. Pauli district, including its evolution from the 19th century ‘sinful mile’ to today’s regulated industry.

2. Participants can enjoy the vibrant culture and entertainment options of the Reeperbahn, from nightclubs and specialty shops to traditional Kiez pubs.

3. The guided tour provides insights into the rich history and changing character of the establishments on the Reeperbahn, a hub of Hamburg’s cultural scene.

4. The Kiez pub experience offers a complimentary drink and an opportunity to observe the unique social dynamics and atmosphere of this iconic local setting.

5. The tour is not suitable for children under 18 due to the mature content and adult-oriented atmosphere, and responsible behavior is required throughout the experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The walking tour of Hamburg’s infamous St. Pauli district and Reeperbahn provides a comprehensive exploration of the area’s history and thriving sex industry, lasting approximately 2.5 hours.

With a local guide leading the way, you will learn about the long-standing business of prostitution in the region.

They’ll explore the famous Reeperbahn, visiting clubs, shops, and bars that line the bustling streets.

The tour includes a welcome schnapps and a stop at a typical Kiez pub where guests can enjoy a complimentary drink.

While not suitable for those under 18, the tour offers an enlightening and immersive experience for adults interested in the unique culture and history of this infamous Hamburg neighborhood.

History of Prostitution in St. Pauli

Hamburg’s St. Pauli district has long been known for its thriving sex industry, with a history of prostitution dating back centuries. During the 19th century, the Reeperbahn area became the epicenter of this business, earning it the nickname the "sinful mile." Today, the Reeperbahn continues to be a hub for sex work, with a mix of brothels, strip clubs, and other adult establishments lining the streets. The industry has had a complex and often controversial history, shaped by societal attitudes, legal changes, and the lived experiences of those involved. As the tour explores, this neighborhood’s relationship with prostitution remains a focal point of both intrigue and debate.

Century	Era	Developments
19th	"Sinful Mile"	Reeperbahn becomes hub of sex work
20th	Legal Changes	Prostitution legalized, regulated
21st	Ongoing Debate	Societal attitudes and industry evolve

Exploring Clubs, Shops, and Bars

Along the Reeperbahn, visitors can explore a vibrant array of clubs, shops, and bars that have long defined this iconic district’s lively atmosphere.

From trendy nightclubs and vintage clothing stores to traditional German pubs and cabaret shows, the Reeperbahn offers an eclectic mix of entertainment options.

Guests can sip on local beers at cozy Kiez bars, browse the latest fashion and music at specialty shops, or dance the night away at one of the area’s iconic nightlife venues.

Throughout the tour, the guide provides insights into the rich history and evolving character of these establishments, offering a glimpse into the Reeperbahn’s enduring appeal as a hub of Hamburg’s vibrant cultural scene.

Kiez Pub Experience

During the tour, visitors get the opportunity to enjoy the lively atmosphere of a typical Kiez pub, where they’re welcomed with a complimentary drink and invited to soak in the authentic local ambiance.

This stop allows participants to experience firsthand the vibrant culture and social scene that defines the St. Pauli district. As they savor their drink, they can observe the interactions between the regulars, gain insights into the local way of life, and develop a deeper appreciation for the unique character of the Reeperbahn neighborhood.

This intimate pub experience complements the broader exploration of the area’s history and transformation, providing a well-rounded understanding of the multifaceted nature of this iconic Hamburg district.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Meeting Point Details

The tour meeting point is located at the square in front of the Dancing Towers, on the corner of Reeperbahn and Zirkusweg, directly opposite the BrewDog bar and within sight of the St. Pauli U-Bahn station, marked by a clock with a red base.

This central location is easy to find and serves as a convenient starting point for the 2.5-hour walking tour through Hamburg’s infamous St. Pauli district and the Reeperbahn.

Participants should arrive at the meeting point on time, as the tour is likely to sell out and will depart promptly.

The guide will be waiting at the clock to greet the group and begin the in-depth exploration of this vibrant, historic, and sometimes notorious neighborhood.

Booking Information

Interested participants can reserve their spot on the ‘Desire, Prostitutes & The Great Freedom Tour’ and pay nothing today, thanks to the ‘reserve now & pay later’ booking option.

This tour is likely to sell out, so it’s recommended to book early. The cost is $20.79 per person.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Reserve now & pay later to secure your spot
$20.79 per person
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Tour is likely to sell out, so book early

Age Restrictions

This tour isn’t suitable for children under 18 years of age. Participants who appear intoxicated may also be excluded from the tour.

Glass containers are prohibited on the Reeperbahn from Friday to Sunday, 10 PM to 6 AM, and on public holidays.

The tour explores the history and business of prostitution in the St. Pauli district, which is known for its adult entertainment venues. Given the mature content and adult-oriented atmosphere, the tour is restricted to those who are of legal age.

The organizers reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone who seems inebriated, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of the tour for all participants. Responsible behavior is required throughout the experience.

Glass Container Prohibition

On the Reeperbahn, glass containers are prohibited from Friday to Sunday between 10 PM and 6 AM, as well as on public holidays. This restriction aims to maintain order and prevent potential incidents in the lively entertainment district.

The reasons behind this glass container ban are:

1. To reduce the risk of injuries from broken glass.
2. To minimize the chances of glassware being used as weapons.
3. To promote a safer environment for both visitors and local residents.
4. To align with the overall efforts to keep the Reeperbahn area clean and well-managed.

Participants on the ‘Hamburg: Desire, Prostitutes & The Great Freedom Tour’ are expected to comply with this regulation to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

The tour allows participants to take photos, but they must be mindful of others’ privacy and avoid capturing sensitive scenes. Glass containers are prohibited on the tour during certain hours for safety reasons.

Are There Any Safety Precautions for the Tour?

The tour has several safety precautions. It’s restricted to participants 18 and older, and intoxicated guests may be excluded. Glass containers are prohibited on weekends and holidays. The guide provides oversight to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

What Should I Wear for the Tour?

For this tour, visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes and casual attire. Avoid wearing anything too revealing or provocative, as the focus is on learning about the area’s history, not partying. Dress modestly and appropriately for the walking tour.

Can I Leave the Tour Group at Any Point?

Participants can generally leave the tour group at any point, but they should inform the guide beforehand. Leaving the group without notice may result in being excluded from the rest of the tour or activities.

Is the Tour Wheelchair/Disability Accessible?

The tour isn’t explicitly advertised as wheelchair/disability accessible. Participants should contact the tour operator to inquire about accommodations, as accessibility may depend on the individual’s needs and the tour’s logistics on a given day.

Recap

The Great Freedom Tour in Hamburg’s St. Pauli district provides an immersive experience exploring the complex history and evolution of prostitution in the city. Guided by a local, the tour delves into the area’s vibrant nightlife, eclectic shops, and traditional pubs, offering insights into the societal attitudes and legal changes that have shaped this controversial yet culturally significant neighborhood.

The tour includes a complimentary schnapps and a stop at a Kiez pub, delivering an authentic encounter with Hamburg’s distinctive Reeperbahn atmosphere.

You can check if your dates are available here: