Altona & St. Pauli

Altona and St. Pauli are west of central Hamburg. Altona used to be an independent city and emerged as fisherman's village in the 16th century. It existed under Danish rule west of Hamburg (downstream on the Elbe), competing with it in trade and militarily. Because of a liberal regime jews, calvinists, mennonites and catholics settled there. Altona was the second biggest harbour for Denmark after Copenhagen and an important port for Danish trade. During its widest reach the Danish crown ruled a vast area from Altona to North Cape to Iceland. Altona became part of Prussia (Germany) in 1864 and absorbed into Hamburg in 1937. Between them stood Hamburgischer Berg, a buffer zone that became Hamburg's borough of St. Pauli (named after the parish) in the 19th century. St. Pauli absorbed a part of the former fortifications of Hamburg, which were replaced by a ring of parks along the border of Neustadt.

Get in

Several S- and U-bahn lines link Altona and St. Pauli with the central part of the city. If you're coming by train from elsewhere, you will possibly find Altona railway station useful. Altona railway station is the second biggest in Hamburg after Hauptbahnhof in Mitte. For drivers, Altona and St. Pauli are easily accessed from A7 north of Elbe.

See

Altona

Despite having a history almost as long as that of Hamburg, there is little of it left in Altona. Despite the promising name, the Altona-Altstadt has very little of old to offer. For some remains of it, head north up Max-Brauer-Allee and venture into the streets branching out east. Especially nice is the Lornsenplatz. The district is in general a green, residential one, with a lot of post-war construction that is admittedly of little interest.

Unless you want to fish out for nicer of the preserved historic buildings mixed with Neubau, you can safely head for the riverbank south from Bahnhof Altona, passing by (and perhaps visiting) the district's town hall and museum.

• 1 Altonaer Museum. Dedicated to Altona's, Hamburg's and northern Germany's cultural history. (updated Mar 2015)
• 2 Altona City Hall (Rathaus Altona). Built in 1898, when Altona still was a separate city. It's an impressive building with influcences of Italian renaissance. (updated Jun 2019)

• 3 Dockland. Walk 136 steps to the roof of this building to get a wonderful view of the harbour. The six-storey glass and steel building has the shape of a parallelogram and is reminiscent of a ship bow. (updated Jun 2019)

• 4 Altonaer Volkspark (S2 + S21 Stellingen (from there 10-15 min walk)). This used to be the city park of the independent town of Altona. Unlike Hamburger Stadtpark, this park has been left in a more natural state. On the northern edge of the park is Volksparkstadion, the home stadium of the football team HSV, as well as the multi-purpose Barclaycard Arena. (updated Jun 2019)

Harbour area

Dock "Elbe 17" in Hamburg harbour

• 5 Landungsbrücken (St. Pauli Piers). The most touristy part of Hamburg's harbour, close to the metro station with the same name. Piers connected with several bridges swim on the water adapting to the tide. There tourist boats land and you will find souvenir shops, restaurants, and snack bars. The sailing ship Rickmer Rickmers can be visited. The old passenger docks, from which (among many others) many of the emigrants to the Americas from eastern Europe left in the 19th century. Today they are a tourist hotspot, as the departure point for harbour tours and many public transport ferries. The stroll eastwards along the water from the S-Bahn station "Landungsbrücken" all the way to the HafenCity is very pleasant (although there is a large construction site halfway down, which was to be finished in late 2018). (updated Feb 2018)

The U-434 moored in the port of Hamburg

• 6 U-434, St. Pauli Fischmarkt 10 (S1-S3 to Reeperbahn. Then walk 700m to Fischmarkt), ☏ +49 40 32004934. M-Sa 09:00-20:00; Su 11:00-20:00. One of the biggest non-nuclear Soviet submarines, moored near to the Fischmarkt. Guided tours are possible. €9 adults, €6 children. (updated Jul 2018)

• 7 Alter Elbtunnel (St. Pauli Elbe Tunnel) (you find the tunnel at Landungsbrücken in the building having the biggest green dome; signs to "Aussichtspunkt Steinwerder" also point to it). Completed in 1911, it links both sides of the river Elbe. A lift or stairs bring you the 24 m down into the tunnel. You then walk through one of its two 427-m-long pipes having 12 m of water over your head. At the other side, you again walk up the stairs or take a lift. The tunnel is decorated with ceramic arts of maritime motifs (e.g. fish, mussels, seals, old boots). For pedestrians and bicycles it is free and open all day and night, every day. Even cars can pass though the tunnel (only M-F 05:30-20:00 for €2) being brought down with four lifts.  

• 8 Museumshafen Oevelgönne. Historical boats. Admission free.  

Sankt Pauli

Sankt Pauli is one of the most populous district in Europe and a melting pot of all different people, thousands of stories and interesting histories. The Reeperbahn street is perhaps its most defining feature, being a centre of the local nightlife and the city's "red light district". From vaudeville to prostitutes, from bars to sex-shops, you can find an assortment of attractions. Plus, it is frequently visited by a lot of travelers to go shopping for a huge variety of sex-related articles and toys. This is probably one of very few places worldwide where all shopkeepers give you serious and open advice on all kinds of sex-related articles.

The Nobistor border post between St. Pauli (Hamburg) and Altona (under Danish rule) until 1864, now on Reeperbahn inside the city of Hamburg.

Common sense and caution are advised here, as in any such area. It's relatively safe and a definite touristy place to see. A lot of people go there for dinner, live music, theatre, musicals or other non-sex related activities. You are likely to be accosted by prostitutes offering their services. If you are not interested, it is best to just ignore them.

The local football club F.C. St.Pauli has a leftist, antifascist fan base, in opposition to right wing hooligans. The team plays in the 2nd Bundesliga, and is one of the most popular teams in Germany. The outstanding character of the area, its inhabitants and also the football club can best be pointed out by the person of the ex-club-president who is also the director of two non-sex-related theatres on the Reeperbahn and a well-known figure in Hamburg's and even Germany's gay community. If you get the chance for a ticket of a match, don't miss it.

• 9 Hamburger Dom (take the U-Bahn to Feldstraße or Sankt Pauli). Three times a year (Mar, Aug, and Nov). A large fair held at Heiligengeistfeld fair ground. With three fairs (spring, summer and winter) per year it is the biggest and the longest fair throughout Germany and attracts every one approximately ten million visitors per year.  

Reeperbahn during daytime

• 10 Reeperbahn. A street and entertainment district in Hamburg's St. Pauli district, one of the two centres of Hamburg's nightlife (with Schanze) and also the city's major red-light district. In German it is also called die sündigste Meile (the most sinful mile) and nicknamed Kiez. The Reeperbahn Festival is among the largest club festivals.  
• 11 Panoptikum, Spielbudenplatz 3 (U3 St. Pauli), ☏ +49 40 310317. M-F 11:00-21:00, Sa 11:00-00:00, Su 10:00-21:00. A wax cabinet with a history of over 125 years and as such the oldest in Germany, though it has been in its current location since the 1950s. Not as big and famous as Madame Tussauds in London, nevertheless the figures have been created with love for details. Some of the older figures aren't as detailed, though that's because there were less tools and knowledge about working with wax figures back then. (updated Jun 2019)

• 12 Flakturm IV (Feldstraße Bunker), Feldstraße. Right at the Heiligengeistfeld is a World War II bunker, visible from far away due to its size. Nowadays the building houses different media companies and agentures, and there's a dance club on the upper floor. (updated Jun 2019)

• 13 Sankt Pauli Museum, Davidstraße 17, ☏ +49 40 439 2080. (updated Jun 2019)
• 14 St. Pauli Archiv, Paul Roosen Straße 30, ☏ +49 40 3194772. Archive for the city district and history workshop. Arranges very interesting themed walks around St. Pauli. (updated Jun 2019)

Streets and squares

• 15 Hafenstraße (Hafenstraße at Balduintreppe, between Landungsbrücken and the fish market). The street was a place for squatters in the 1980s and was well known by the media when there were "battles" between the Autonomous movement and the police. Some squats still exist there, though the "80s-Myth" is dead. You can go to the Punksbar "onkel otto" or eat at the "VoKü" ("Volxküche" - a group cooking event, at which the meal is served free of charge or at cost).  
• 16 Beatles-Platz (Beatles Square) (at the corner of Reeperbahn and Grosse Freiheit). There is a sculpture honouring the Beatles. Also in the Reeperbahn area are clubs where the Beatles played at various times from 1960 to 1962, including the Indra club and Star Club.  
• 17 Grosse Freiheit (Great Freedom). In the pedestrian street there are a lot of bars and clubs - a great place to go in the evening, although it's very crowded and it may get a bit dangerous in the weekend. On weekdays, it is harmless here - a low-budget tip is, 99 Cent Bar, which offers really many drinks for basically €1. On the weekend, you will have to pay an entrance fee of €1 but it's still the best place to go drinking on a budget. The street was named in 1610 after the fact that Count Ernest of Schaumburg and Holstein-Pinneberg had granted religious freedom to non-Lutherans such as Mennonites and Roman Catholics to practice their faith here and commercial freedom for handcrafters not enrolled in the else compelling guilds. Today it is part of the red light district.  
• 18 Hans-Albers-Platz. Between Reeperbahn and Herbertstraße there's a memorial for an actor who was advertising the Kiez (Reeperbahn). Especially the movie Große Freiheit Nummer 7 helped making the Kiez famous. (updated Jun 2019)

• 19 Herbertstraße. The epicenter of the red-light district, this short street runs parallel to Reeperbahn is closed off by gates from both ends. Adults only and photography is strictly banned. (updated Jun 2019)

• 20 Spielbudenplatz. The place got its name from the entertainers putting up shows here for sailors from all over the world back in the day. For example Mr. Hagenback (who opened the zoo park in the city) showcased his sea lions here. Today it is surrounded by several venues including St. Pauli theater, Schmidt's Tivoli , Schmidt's Theater and Operettenhaus. (updated Jun 2019)

Schanzenviertel

Schulterblatt Street in Schanzenviertel

This neighbourhood is between Sankt Pauli, Eimsbüttel, and Altona. Get out Sternschanze station and walk down Schanzenstraße southward to reach the vivid centre of Schanzenviertel. Students and immigrants from all around the world and young creatives give this quarter a unique and urban flair. Schanzenviertel has become very popular among even wealthy people. This led to rising living costs on the one hand and a variety of exquisite boutiques on the other. The Schulterblatt street with the Rote Flora building and its galore of bars and restaurants represents the centre of Schanzenviertel.

• 21 Rote Flora. This building used to be the last squatted house in Hamburg, it's now left to the squatters for free by the owner. During the week, it is turned into a café, concerts of various styles or other events may also take place. On some days there is cheap (mostly vegan) food available. You can sometimes find fantastic parties for small prices on Friday and Saturday. (updated Jul 2017)

Karolinenviertel

The Karolinenviertel (also known as Karoviertel) can be compared to the Schanzenviertel, and is comprised of a variety of 19th- and 20th-century tenements, which often feature external iron-wrought fire stairs and colourful local stores, giving the area a somewhat American vibe. Locals who favour the area claim that the Schanzenviertel became too popular - and thus crowded - but the Karoviertel is far from quiet. The main attractions are unique apparel shops, some of which are second hand. To get there take the HVV to either Feldstraße (Heiligengeistfeld) or Messehallen subway station.

Ottensen

Zeisehallen in Ottensen

The former village Ottensen, bordered by the River Elbe in the south and the Altona Station in the east, is not unlike Schanzenviertel, a very hip place to live. In the 1970s and 1980s, Ottensen was mainly populated by Turks, working-class people, and political activists. Nowadays, it is one of the most expensive neighbourhoods. Its situation and the architecture let many inhabitants even today speak of Ottensen as a village. The Fabrik, an alternative concert hall, is situated at Barnerstraße. Only a few blocks away lies Zeisehallen, a factory building that is now home to a movie theatre, a gallery, a restaurant, and a bookshop.

Ottenser Hauptstraße and Bahrenfelder Straße, crossing at the Spritzenplatz, offer a huge variety of small shops and bistros.

• 22 Christianskirche. Baroque church in Ottensen. (updated Mar 2015)
• 23 Zeise Hallen, Friedensallee 7-9. The halls were built in 1857 for the Zeise company manufacturing ship parts. The company went bust in 1979, and nowadays the cultural heritage building is used as a cultural center with a movie theater. (updated Jun 2019)

Blankenese

Blankenese was a fishing village on the Elbe to the southwest of Hamburg. It lies in a valley between two of the only ridges in the area that runs straight down to the river. This upbeat suburb of Hamburg has more millionaires than any other German city. On sunny weekends, the place will be full of Hamburgers there to enjoy the tiny beaches, the winding streets, and the charming houses. Blankenese is among the most picturesque parts of Hamburg.

To get there, take the S1 to Wedel or the S11 to Blankenese. The train station lies at the top of the valley, on Bahnhofstraße. Go straight across Bahnhofstraße and your will find the banks, an Italian gelateria and café, the market square (markets open early and close at 13:00 on W, F, and Sa), the bakeries, grocery store, and post office.

Parks

• 24 Planten un Blomen (U1 Stephansplatz and S21 + S31 Dammtor). Daily open until 23:00, in April until 22:00. Greenhouses are open during the summer season (Mar-Oct): M-F 09:00-16:45, Sa Su and holidays 10:00-17:45, winter season (Nov-Feb) M-F 09:00-15:45, Sa Su, holidays 10:00-15:45. This park is partially on the old city wall of Hamburg. Already in the 1930s the former zoological park was remodeled into a bird and entertainmentpark for the Lower German Garden Exhibition (Niederdeutsche Gartenschau). Afterwards it was rebuilt for three international garden shows in 1953, 1963 and 1973. The botanical garden was turned into a park landscape, and was moved to Klein Flottbek in Altona in 1979. The tropical greenhouses built in 1962/63 are still there. ;In the summer months there are daily shows for kids with clowns, magicians and circus artists as well as theater. In the music pavillion there are concerts every evening. (updated Mar 2015)
  • Gardens
    • Japanese garden (1988) with tea house
    • Rose garden (1993)
    • Apothekergarten
    • Tropical greenhouses - free entry
  • The lake of the park
  • The tea house
• 25 Jenisch park (Down the river Elbe close to Teufelsbrück). The oldest landscaped park in Hamburg. Two museums, Jenisch House and Ernst Barlach House, are in the park. Flottbek River flows through the park and into the Elbe at Teufelsbrück. (updated Jul 2017)
• 26 Baurs Park. Nice park with views to the Elbe river. (updated Jul 2017)
• 27 Loki Schmidt Garten (Botanischer Garten der Universität Hamburg), Ohnhorststraße (S-Bahn S1 station Klein Flottbek, buses 21 and 115). Daily open from 09:00 to about 1 hour before sunset. For a century and a half, the botanical garden was situated in the current Planten un Blomen park, where the tropical greenhouses still remain. In 1979, the botanical garden was relocated to its current place in the Klein Flottbek district. In the southern part of the park there are several themed gardens with medical plants, farm plants, plants featured in the Bible, conifers, fragnant plants, poisonous plants, threatened plants, crops, roses and a desert garden. The central part is dedicated to the science categorizing plants. There you can see plants from temperate parts of the world; Eurasia, North America and far southern South America. In the Alpinium there are plants from the high mountain areas of Europe. The park is named Loki Schmidt garden after the biologist Loki Schmidt, wife of the former German federal chancellor Helmut Schmidt. Free. (updated Jul 2017)

Do

Theater

• 1 St. Pauli Theater. It opened in 1841 as the Urania Theater and took its present name in 1941.  
• 2 Schmidt Theater, info@tivoli.de. Schmidt Theater is a private theater at Spielbudenplatz. It consists of two venues, the Schmidt Theater itself and the Schmidts Tivoli (also known as Grosses Haus), which is just a stone's throw away.  

• 3 Schmidt-Theater, Spielbudenplatz 24. Theatre, variety, cabaret, concerts, and satirical revues. (updated Mar 2015)

• 4 Schmidts Tivoli (Grosses Haus), Spielbudenplatz 27. Avant-garde shows and high-class musicals. The world-famous musical Cabaret and the successful musical compendium Fifty Fifty were staged here. (updated Mar 2015)

• 5 Pulverfass, Reeperbahn 147 (S1-3, Reeperbahn), ☏ +49 40 249791. daily 20:30 and 23:30. Doors open at 19:30. Travestieshow 

• 6 Operettenhaus, Spielbudenplatz 1 (U3 St. Pauli), ☏ +49 1805 4444 (Ticket-Hotline €0.14/min). €49.90 - 161.90. (updated Jan 2017)

Harbour cruises

• Hafenrundfahrten. From Landungsbrücken, you can make boat tours into the harbour, available from various companies and take around an hour. Big ships provide more comfort, but smaller ships also go through the Speicherstadt. Both are well worth the money. Inquire about English language tours. 

A HADAG Hafenrundfahrt making its way through the icy water in winter

• HADAG Ferries. A low-budget alternative for a boat tour on the river Elbe. A part of Hamburg's public transport system (HVV). If you have already bought a HVV day ticket, the ride is free. Most tourists take ferry 62 from Landungsbrücken to Finkenwerder, via Neumühlen with the museum harbour Oevelgönne. The whole ride to Finkenwerder and return takes about an hour, and on weekends with good weather this ferry will be very full. In Finkenwerder, you can continue with another ferry to Teufelsbrück (Line 64 which is also part of the HVV) or just walk around on this island, which is a quarter of Hamburg. It has nice old houses, some places to eat and a great view of the harbor business as it is close to the container terminal. Another route from Landungsbrücken is the ferry line number 72 in the Hafencity to the station Elbphilharmonie. You have a good view to the harbour with the Überseebrücke and Sandtorhöft. (updated Feb 2018)

Fitness

• 7 On Stage, Am Felde 56 (Close to Altona train station), ☏ +49 40 35 54 07 0, info@on-stage.de. M-F 08:00-22:30, Sa Su 10:00-20:00. Fitness center and dance studio. €15 day pass. 

Sports

• Football: 8 Hamburger SV, Volksparkstadion, Sylvesterallee, ☏ +49 40 415 51887. Die Rothosen (The Red Shorts) play soccer in 2. Bundesliga, the second tier. Volksparkstadion has a capacity of 57,000 for domestic games and 51,500 for internationals and occasionally hosts concerts. In 2024 it hosted matches in the UEFA Euro Finals. (updated Jul 2024)
• Football: 9 FC St Pauli, Millerntor-Stadion, Harald-Stender-Platz (U3: St Pauli), ☏ +49 40 317 8740. The Kiezkicker ("Neighbourhood Kickers") were promoted in 2024 and now play soccer in Bundesliga, the top tier. Millerntor-Stadion has a capacity of 29,500 and is also used for concerts. (updated Jun 2024)

Buy

Alter Elbtunnel (St. Pauli Elbe Tunnel)

On Reeperbahn the convenience stores are open pretty much day and night and you can buy what you need.

Places to go for shopping are Ottensener Hauptstraße west of, and Große Bergstraße east of the Altona railway station as well as the Mercado shopping center.

Vintage and second-hand fashion

• 1 Hot Dogs, Marktstraße 38 (U-Bahn Feldstraße/ U-Bahn Messehallen). Best assorted true vintage and deadstock clothing of the past 15 to 90 years you will be able to find at Hot Dogs. (updated Mar 2015)
• 2 Kleidermarkt, Max-Brauer-Allee 174 (S-Bahn Holstenstraße). New and second-hand. (updated Mar 2015)

Eat

The Fischmarkt

Budget

Given the character of this part of the city, it's hardly surprising that you will find a lot of affordable eateries here.

• 1 St. Pauli Fischmarkt (Walking from Landungsbrücken down the river Elbe). For Germans, it's a classic to eat bread with fish on St. Pauli Fischmarkt, especially very early in the Sunday morning (meaning 05:00 - 09:30) when visiting Hamburg. If for breakfast or as an after-party snack may depend on your inner clock, but if you are a fresh fish lover it is absolutely worth it since this fish was just fished during the night in Nordsee. (updated Sep 2022)
• 2 Joker, Reeperbahn 153. Great for a quick bite before going out in the area. Try the Oriental Chicken! (updated Sep 2022)
• 3 Lühmanns Teestube, Blankeneser Landstraße 29 (take the S-Bahn to Blankenese, and walk west on Blankeneser Landstraße from the station). M-F 09:00-23:00, Sa 09:00-18:00, Su 10:00-23:00. Friendly local café. Light fare and local specialties, wonderful pies, and baked goods. Their Cornish tea with fresh scones is worth trying. €5-15 (March 2015). (updated Sep 2022)
• 4 Feldstern, Sternstraße 2 (U-Feldstraße). M-F from 12:00, Sa Su from 09:00. Cozy pub/restaurant with affordable German food and outside seating in the summer. Nice lunch menu from 12:00-16:00 on weekdays. (updated Sep 2022)
• 5 Ristorante Borsalino. M-F 12:00-15:00 and 18:00-00:00; Sa 18:00-00:00. Sternstraße 125, three minutes from S-Bahn station Sternschanze in the trendy neighbourhood of Schanzenviertel. Pizzas start from €6, fresh pasta is around €7-10 (try Pasta Mista), the meat dishes are delicious (it is right next to the "Schlachthof"-Slaughterhouse) and the four course menu is at €19.50. From 12:00-15:00 they serve a lunch menu for €6.50. Reservations recommended. 
• 6 Kombüse, Bernhard Nocht Str 51, ☏ +49 40 63947918. 16:00-23:00. Mexican meets Hamburg punk/alternative. Excellent fresh ingredients. Vegan & veggie options (but also meat for the carnivores), with a huge range of hot sauces. Prices are low (€10.50 or less as of April 2015) and portions are huge. (updated Sep 2022)

Döner

• 7 Köz Urfa, Paul-Nevermann-Platz 2-4 (just outside the Altona train station), ☏ +49 40-30035826. 08:00-03:00. (updated Sep 2022)
• 8 Lokmam, Susannenstraße 16. It is not without reason that a lot of Turkish people love this place. Take the S11/S31 subway and get out at Sternschanze. From there Lokmam is seven minutes away. (updated Sep 2022)
• 9 Pamukkale Grill and Restaurant, Susannenstraße 34-35. One of the oldest Doener stores in Hamburg. Operates a takeaway bistro and a restaurant. (updated Sep 2022)

Falafel

• 10 Falafel factory, Schanzenstraße 101 (next to S-Sternschanze). €2.60-3.10 (March 2015). (updated Sep 2022)
• 11 Azeitona, Beckstraße 17-19. There you can also get other great oriental food and smoke a shisha. price €2.50 (March 2015). (updated Sep 2022)
• 12 Falafelstern, Schanzenstraße 111 (next to S-Sternschanze). price €3-3.50 (March 2015). (updated Sep 2022)

Mid-range

• 13 Bullerei, Lagerstraße 34, B (At Sternschanze station), ☏ +49 40 3344-2110, info@bullerei.com. Modern and cool steak restaurant. (updated Sep 2022)
• 14 Delta Bistro, Lagerstraße 11 (on an intermediate floor within the wholesale storehouse of a large restaurant supplier). Surprisingly cozy atmosphere. High quality meat and fish, but the menu offers some vegetarian dishes, too. Dishes are huge and the preparation quality comes close to star-awarded locations. It is advisable to reserve a table in advance, especially on Fridays and Saturdays in the autumn and winter months. Main dishes are from €12 to 20 (March 2015). (updated Sep 2022)

Splurge

• 15 Fischereihafen-Restaurant, Große Elbstraße 143, ☏ +49 40 381816. Große Elbstraße 143. Excellent view of parts of the port and the river Elbe. Many celebs have dined here, including English royals. (updated Sep 2022)

Drink

The Karolinenviertel is a cozy oasis of local urban life nestled between the fairgrounds and the Millerntor stadium

Glass bottles are banned in the neighborhood of St. Pauli from Friday night until Monday morning. Violating the ban can apparently result in a fine up to €5000. Alcohol is still permitted on the street and vendors can still sell drinks in cans or plastic bottles.

Live music (Rock)

• 1 The Academy, Hans-Albers-Platz 16 (right off the Reeperbahn). People in wheelchairs not always welcome. (updated Mar 2015)
• 2 Molly Malone, Hans-Albers-Platz 20 (right off the Reeperbahn). (updated Mar 2015)
• 3 Lehmitz, Reeperbahn 17. free entry. (updated Mar 2015)
• 4 Thomas Read, Nobistor 10. Irish pub. (updated Mar 2015)
• 5 Molotow/Meanie bar, Spielbudenplatz 5 (Reeperbahn). A retro bar and a great little venue in the cellar hosting alternative live acts. (updated Mar 2015)
• 6 Knust, Neuer Kamp 30. Concert location and club (updated Mar 2015)
• 7 Headcrash, Hamburger Berg 13. Concert location and club. free entry. (updated Mar 2015)

Party

On Fridays and Saturdays there is huge number of parties. You have to go to the Reeperbahn, but it will cost a lot and often the parties there are not more than "normal". There are different subcultures and good underground parties you should look for. In the summertime, you can get a free open-air goa. Lots of electronic stuff, like Drum'N'Bass. Look for a "Drumbule" soundsystem party. Hamburg used to have a great Hip-Hop culture, but it is declining. Most parties don't end until the early hours on weekends. Some of the clubs are having an open end, depending on the party.

Sometimes it is helpful to check out the monthly magazine Prinz which is available for €1 in most supermarkets and newspaper outlets - in there you will find most of the events that are happening in Hamburg. It's written in German.

If you are interested in electro parties here are some good clubs to go to:

• 8 Baalsaal, Reeperbahn 25. St. Pauli, ext to the Spielbudenplatz. Usually house and electro, sometimes drum'n'bass. 
• 9 Uebel und Gefährlich, Feldstraße 66. In a former bunker from World War II, it can be found near St. Pauli in Feldstraße. Easy to reach with the metro U3. Music used to be more hard house and electro but is changing nowadays from day to day. (updated Mar 2015)
• 10 Tunnel, Große Freiheit 10. Opens Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00. If you are more into Trance, Techno and Schranz the Tunnel might be a good place. Around €10. (updated Mar 2015)
• 11 Moondoo, Reeperbahn 136. For upscale clubbing check out the club Moondoo right in the middle of the Reeperbahn. The door policy is strict, but the DJs are usually excellent (especially Saturdays). (updated Mar 2015)

Cafes

Museumshafen Oevelgönne

• 12 Cafe Klatsch, Glashüttenstraße 17. A small cafe serving breakfast and other tidbits in a very cozy environment with friendly staff. (updated Mar 2015)
• 13 La Tazza d'oro, Ottenser Hauptstraße 53. (updated Mar 2015)
• 14 MarYSol, Ottenser Hauptstraße 36. A tapas bar. (updated Mar 2015)
• 15 Piazza (in the "Schulterblatt" (Schanze)). You will find a lot of bars and cafés here, many of Portuguese or Spanish background. (updated Mar 2015)

Bars

• 16 Christiansen's Fine Drinks & Cocktails, Pinnasberg 60, ☏ +49 40 3172863, fax: +49 40 3172863, bar@christiansens.de. Award-winning bar (Playboy Bar of the Year 1998, Best Bartender 2000, Marcellinos Top 10, etc.), open M-Sa at 20:00. (updated Mar 2015)
• 17 BPSchanzen1. A tiny bar that houses many different DJs. The atmosphere is very friendly and good music is played. It's opposite the house that is occupied by various leftist fractions. (The yellow building with all the graffiti, named 'rote Flora'.) (updated Mar 2015)
• 18 Gun Club, Hopfenstraße 32. 21:00-04:00. Grungy but friendly punk bar in a cellar just off the Davidstraße. Came second in Hamburg Mexikanercontest (Mexikaner is a shot drink very similar to a bloody mary), and it shows - definitely the recommended drink here. (updated Apr 2015)
• 19 Komet (Musik Bar), Erichstraße 11. 21:00-?. 1950s, 60s and 70s rock, soul, R&B and similar in an entirely appropriate setting with cinema couches, pulp film posters and a (rather decrepit) Wurlitzer. (updated Apr 2015)
• 20 Eldorado, Wohlwillstraße 50, ☏ +49 1511 0364351. 20:00-03:00. 1960s and 1970s music in entirely period setting, with wallpaper and ceiling that seem to be completely original and at least 40 years old, and furniture to match. (updated Apr 2015)
• 21 Shebeen, Hein-Hoyer-Straße 78. 20:00-04:00. Cheap & cheerful bar with minimalist decoration celebrating St.Pauli FC and other friendly clubs. It's a hangout of the St.Pauli Ultras. Outsiders very welcome, but if you don't agree with what St.Pauli stands for, this is not the place to be. After matches it can get a bit rough if the competition decides to come visit. (updated Apr 2015)
• 22 Washington, Bernhard-Nocht Str 79, ☏ +49 160 726 4680, info@washingtonbar.de. Relaxed bar covered in Hunter S. Thompson quotes with atmosphere to match. Small dance floor with DJ who plays everything from psychedelic jazz to German hip-hop. Excellent selection of gin&tonics. (updated Apr 2015)
• 23 Zur Ritze, Reeperbahn 140. Zur Ritze is fairly easy to find. It's near the Beatlesplatz at Reeperbahn; follow the signage down a small alley to the almost legendary door. The bar is almost always open, and it's a beautiful place to sit and talk all night. Having a nice night here won't break the bank, and it's a place to meet people who have made the Kiez the place it is today. The walls are full of photos, and in the basement there's a boxing ring where you can see local boxers training, and sometimes there are matches. (updated Jun 2019)

LGBT

• 24 kir, Barnerstr. 16 (Altona). Gay party called "Love Pop" on Wednesdays and every 2nd Friday in the month from 23:00. 

Beach clubs

• 25 Strandperle, Oevelgönne 60 (unmittelbar am Elbstrand), ☏ +49 40 8801112, info@strandperle-hamburg.de. M-F from 10:00, Sa Su from 09:00. Considered the only "true" beach club right at the Elbe river bank with undisturbed views of the passing ships. (updated May 2018)

• 26 Karo Beach, Neuer Kamp 31 (U3 Feldstraße), ☏ +49 40 468992413, d.lorenzen@teamgeist.com. daily 12:00-22:00 during the summer. Beachclub in Karo-Viertel. Big sand beach but no water, also family friendly. (updated May 2018)

• 27 Strand Pauli, Hafenstraße 89 (350m from U/S-station Landungsbrücken), ☏ +49 40 22613105, reservierungen@strandpauli.de. Apr-Oct: M-F from 11:00, Sa Su from 10:00; Nov-Mar: M-F from 17:00, Sa Su from 10:00. Beachclub on different floors right at Elbe, hence great views of the river from almost all places. (updated May 2018)

• 28 Hamburg del Mar, St.-Pauli-Landungsbrücken/Parkdeck (at U/S station Landungsbrücken next to the entrance to Alten Elbtunnel), ☏ +49 40 43180072, info@hamburg-del-mar.de. daily from 12:00. Beach club right at the Elbe bank, next to Dock 3. View to Elbe just from the front row. (updated May 2018)

• 29 Dock 3, St.-Pauli-Landungsbrücken/Parkdeck (at U/S station Landungsbrücken next to the entrance to Alten Elbtunnel), ☏ +49 40 98765155, info@dock3beachclub.de. Apr-Oct: daily from 11:00. Beach club right at the Elbe bank, next to Hamburg del Mar. View to Elbe just from the front row. (updated May 2018)

Sleep

The historic villas of Blankenese are picturesquely spread over the green hillsides, with winding streets leading down to Hamburg's most popular beach

Due to the district's youthful character and many facilities supporting the party lifestyle, St. Pauli has a wide range of youth hostels. At the same time, the local hotels cater to business visitors of the trade fairs. Further south at Altona's riverbank you will find a range of accommodations with a view and a price for it.

Budget

Hostels

• 1 AO Hostel Reeperbahn, Reeperbahn 154 (Reeperbahn train station and the Große Freiheit street), ☏ +49 40 6442104. Check-out: 10:00. 
• 2 Backpackers St. Pauli, Bernstorffstr. 98, ☏ +49 40 23517043. 
• 3 Schanzenstern, Bartelsstraße 12, ☏ +49 40 4398441. In the middle of the trendy quarter of Schanzenviertel, 50 beds. 
• 4 Instant Sleep Backpacker Hostel, Max-Brauer-Allee 277, ☏ +49 40 43182310, fax: +49 40 43182311, backpackerhostel@instantsleep.de. 45 beds, provides a kitchen. Also in Schanzenviertel. 
• 5 Kiezbude, Lincolnstraße 2, ☏ +49 40 74214269, kontakt@kiezbude.com. Peter, the owner has done a tremendous job of turning an old brothel into a very unique hostel. The rooms might remind you of their former purpose but are very clean and convenient. 
• 6 Schanzenstern Altona, Kleine Rainstraße 24-26, ☏ +49 40 39919191, fax: +49 40 39919192, info@schanzenstern-altona.de. 70 beds. 
• 7 Superbude St. Pauli, Juliusstraße 1 - 7, ☏ +49 40 807915820, info@superbude.de. Cool area with lots of hip shops, bars and near the football stadium. Large and clean, safe neighborhood. (updated Mar 2015)

Economy hotels

• 8 Meininger Hotel, Goetheallee 11 (S-Bahn: Hamburg Altona), ☏ +49 40 414 314 008, fax: +49 30 666 36 222, welcome@meininger-hotels.com. Double rooms start at €45 per person, dormitory starts at €18. Breakfast €5.90. Distances: 0.5 km Bahnhof Altona. 

Camping

• 9 Elbe Camp, Falkensteiner Ufer 101, ☏ +49 40 812 949, info@elbecamp.de. One of few options in Hamburg for campers. Beautifully located right at the Elbe river. Great for ship spotters. (updated Nov 2018)

Mid-range

• 10 NH Hamburg City, Feldstraße 53-58, ☏ +49 40 432320. 119 suites available in a modern style. Rooms from €99. (updated Mar 2015)

• 11 Stadthaushotel, Holstenstraße 118, ☏ +49 40 389920-0, fax: +49 40 389920-20. 13 rooms. 

• 12 Egon Hotel Hamburg City, Königstraße 4, ☏ +49 40 3118210, fax: +49 40 311821101, info@egonhotel.com. 

• 13 Hotel-Hamburg-Altona, Hahnenkamp 8, ☏ +49 40 39908954, info@hotel-hamburg-altona.de. dbl from €75. 

The architecture of the Radisson gives it an almost American ambiance

Splurge

• 14 East Hotel, Simon-von-Utrecht Str. 31. Designer hotel with one of the best lounges/bars in town. Very trendy and stylish. 
• 15 Empire Riverside Hotel, Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 97 (tramway S1 in direction Wedel or Blankenese and get off at Reeperbahn), ☏ +49 40 31-1190. A hotel in St. Pauli designed by David Chipperfield near Reeperbahn and the harbour. Each rooms is designed with a floor-length panoramic window that allow for a great view from any point in the room. 
• 16 Radisson Blu, Marseiller Straße, 2 (next to Dammtor), ☏ +49 40 35-020, info.hamburg@radissonblu.com. 4-star hotel next to the Botanical Gardens by Dammtor station, the upper floors have stunning views of the city and gardens. Connected to Conference Center Hamburg (CCH) and through it to the fairgrounds. Prices skyrocket during trade fairs.