Escaping New York: Prowling the Streets of Hamburg, Germany

Berlin gets tons of attention (it’s an amazing place, and more soon on this German city), but Hamburg shouldn’t be ignored, as it’s a fabulous town as well. I spent two short days there on a press trip, thanks to Hamburg Tourism, and much of my time was focused on the maritime city’s livable neighborhoods, as well as hip areas packed with restaurants and bars.

You might have heard of the infamous Reeperbahn in St. Pauli. Like New York’s once gritty areas, Hamburg’s have changed over the years too. Although the street still has remnants from its red-light district past, bars and nightclubs now line the bustling boulevard and adjacent side streets. You’ll still see a handful of strip clubs, sex shops, and a sex museum, however, so some seediness remains.

One of my favorite outings in Hamburg was taking a Beatles tour through St. Pauli with Stefanie Hempel. As a Beatles fan, I was intrigued by the fun facts (I had no idea that the group had a strong Hamburg connection), and I was taken by her lovely voice paying tribute to the British band. She sang a selection of their hits and shared anecdotes as we made stops throughout the St. Pauli neighborhood. The fascinating tour and stellar weather made for a perfect night out. Take a walk with me through the streets of Hamburg.

Have you visited Hamburg, Germany? More about Hamburg coming soon….