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.”