Reeperbahn District in Hamburg

Reeperbahn Street, Hamburg, Germany

Although I’m not keen on strip clubs or erotic theaters, I still must mention the Reeperbahn District, Hamburg’s most visited Hot Spot. It is Europe’s biggest red light district and is home to the legendary nightlife mile. I seem to be reminded again of New Orleans’ Bourbon Street, as I did with Dresden’s International Dixieland Festival. (On the right, I have two comparative photographs of the two cities.) The street transforms at night with bars, restaurants, cabarets and clubs popular for locals and travelers.

You might be wondering where its name came from. In the 18^th century, heavy hempen ropes, that were used for sailing ships, were produced on this very street. So, Reep translates to “heavy rope.”

Before I continue on to Reeperbahn’s Hot Shots along the street, I want to bring to your attention the Reeperbahn Festival happening on September 25-28, 2013. It is Germany’s biggest club festival for the musical culture and music industry. Its madness could probably be equivalent to New Orleans' Mardi Gras. Around 2,800 professional performers from 35 nations play over 400 programs at 70 venues along Reeperbahn Street for 4 days. Simultaneously, there are Fine Art, Digital Art, and Urban Art exhibits at local galleries.  It sounds like a great event and I would love to go to one day.

Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA

Here are four of the most famous corners of Reeperbahn Street:

• Große Freshet / Reeperbahn is the location of the newly-built Beatles Square where the English rock band first wooed their German audiences along this street’s music clubs.

• Spielbudenplatz / Reeperbahn has great music and performance theaters, along with the oldest wax figure museum of Germany.

• Davidstraße / Reeperbahn corner is home to the most famous police station in Germany.

• Herbertstraße / Reeperbahn is the most notorious street for prostitutes sitting in windows. The street is closed off by a wall and it is strongly discouraged for women to enter, although no illegal. Apparently, the ladies can get hostile to those just looking and not paying.

There are a few tips to follow when roaming Reeperbahn Street. The party fun doesn’t start until 8-9 p.m., so maybe take a nap before heading out on the town. Although the streets are safe, they are also very crowded and full of sneaky pickpockets. So, beware of your belongings. And especially for the tourists, if you are lured into a strip club with a free entry, don’t be surprised at your 20 euro drink inside.