Hamburg St. Pauli Tour: The Harbour, Reeperbahn & Beatles
Discover Hamburg’s alternative side—music, port life, and counterculture—in the harbour and St. Pauli. We start at the Elbphilharmonie and Landungsbrücken, take a ferry across the Elbe, visit the Old Elbtunnel, then walk through the notorious Reeperbahn and finish at Beatles-Platz.
Basic Information
Total time
2h 15m
Language
English (check the calendar for availability)
Price
„Pay what you wish” tours do not have a fixed price. It is up to you to evaluate your guide’s work and reward it. Some people give 10€, others 50€ depending on their satisfaction and abilities.
Meeting point
Elbphilharmonie Entrance (Opposite Coffee Fellows) Nearest public transport: Kehrwiederspitze metro station; U-Bahn Baumwall metro station
Ending point
Beatles-Platz
Additional info
☂︎ This tour is organised by Walkative Hamburg guides. Look for the guide with the yellow umbrella.
❗During the tour we take a ferry ride across the river (Note: If you have a Day Transport ticket, Hamburg Card, or DeutschlandTicket, the ferry ride is included. Otherwise, a ticket costs €2.10.) There are some days when ferry can't be used.
❗Our tours run no matter the weather. High or low temperatures, rain or snow is not a reason for us to cancel our tours. We are always here for you. The only reason for cancellations are extreme weather conditions (like heavy storms…), guide's sudden sickness or no minimum number of people (5) to run the tour, but we will always let you know using the data you provided during registration for the tour.Booking rules
Booking is obligatory. Our pay as you wish tours are designed for individual travellers and small groups. We don’t accept parties of more than 7 people on them. If you travel in a party of 8 or more (school groups, bigger groups of friends etc.), please choose a paid option of 18€ per person or book a Private Tour. For more information on the latter, please contact us.
About the tour
Hamburg is a city shaped by water, trade, and music. These three powerful forces have created a fascinating mix that continues to attract people from all over the world. Known for its grand port, elegant architecture, and vibrant cultural life, Hamburg also has a side that doesn’t fit into postcard-perfect images. It’s a city of contrasts, where old sailors’ pubs stand next to trendy bars, where alternative culture thrives, and where a small band from Liverpool played before taking over the world.
If you want to experience the real Hamburg—the one with raw energy, rebellious spirit, and fascinating history—this is the tour for you!
A District of Sailors, Outsiders, and Rock & Roll
Hamburg’s St. Pauli district has always been a place for those who lived outside the rules. In the 19th century, sailors from all over the world filled its bars, bringing new ideas, stories, and… music. The neighborhood grew around the harbor, becoming home to merchants, immigrants, and dock workers, who shaped its unique character.
Thanks to this explosive mix of people and their rough energy by the 20th century, St. Pauli had become Germany’s most famous entertainment district, known for its wild nightlife, clubs, cabarets, and the notorious Reeperbahn, Hamburg’s legendary red-light district. This “Sinful Mile” was where sailors spent their nights before heading back to sea, and where, in smoky bars, The Beatles played some of their earliest gigs, shaping their sound before they became legends.
But St. Pauli is more than just nightlife—it’s a neighborhood with a strong sense of community, a countercultural and working-class identity, and a history of activism, squatting movements, and leftist politics. While gentrification has been changing the area, St. Pauli continues to retain its rebellious spirit and unique character.
See Hamburg Like Never Before!
This tour is for those who want to go beyond Hamburg’s polished tourist spots and experience the city’s true character. From the harbor to the backstreets of St. Pauli, from historic tunnels to legendary music clubs, this walk takes you through the places that shaped Hamburg’s rebellious, creative, and unforgettable spirit. Join us and discover Hamburg like never before!
Highlights
- 1
Elbphilharmonie
Hamburg's stunning modern concert hall, an architectural icon with breathtaking views over the harbor.
- 2
Landungsbrücken
The city’s lively waterfront, a bustling harbor promenade with views of massive passing ships.
- 3
Harbor Ferry Ride
A unique way to experience Hamburg's port from the water, crossing the Elbe River.
- 4
Old Elbtunnel
An impressive engineering marvel from 1911 that runs deep beneath the Elbe River.
- 5
Reeperbahn
Hamburg’s legendary “Sinful Mile,” the city's famous nightlife hub and red-light district.
- 6
The Beatles’ Story
Explore the clubs where the band played their earliest gigs, shaping their legendary sound.
7St. Pauli District
A neighborhood with a rebellious spirit, countercultural identity, and a rich history of activism.
Map
Elbphilharmonie Entrance (Opposite Coffee Fellows) Nearest public transport: Kehrwiederspitze metro station; U-Bahn Baumwall metro station
