St. Pauli Underground Culture

Hey, let me tell you about St. Pauli, you know, that famous district in Hamburg everyone talks about! Before I share my experience, you've got to know a bit about its history. This neighborhood has always been Hamburg's rebellious child, starting as a hangout for sailors back in the day. It's pretty wild to think that this place has been the heart of Hamburg's alternative scene for over a century!

So, the most famous part of St. Pauli is this street called the Reeperbahn, it's literally been the center of Hamburg's nightlife since forever! And get this, during World War II, when the Nazis were trying to shut down everything fun in Germany, they couldn't completely stop St. Pauli. The district just kept doing its thing, staying true to its free-spirited nature. That's what makes this place so special.

Okay, now let me tell you about my visit, it was absolutely mind-blowing! The whole place just buzzes with this incredible energy. You've got street art everywhere, music pouring out of bars, and the most diverse crowd you'll ever see. I actually tried visiting this famous street called Herbertstraße during the day with my friends (fun fact: it's the only street in Hamburg that still has the vibe like Amsterdam's Red Light District), but we found out it only opens after 6:30 PM.

You won't believe this, but right on the Reeperbahn, there's this huge store called Boutique Bizarre, it's actually Europe's largest sex shop! The whole area is super open-minded about everything. Like, there's this really unique thing about Herbertstraße, it has these barriers at both ends with signs in German and English, and it's been that way since the 1970s. It's pretty fascinating how they've preserved these historical elements while still keeping the area modern and vibrant.

Oh, and if you're planning to visit (which you totally should!), here's a pro tip: take the U3 to either St. Pauli or Reeperbahn station, it's super easy to find. Just remember that the real action starts after sunset, especially around 6:30 PM when everything opens up. And hey, even though it's generally safe, maybe stick with your friends if you're staying out late, you know, just like any other party district!

I've got to say, visiting St. Pauli was definitely one of the highlights of my trip to Hamburg. It's about experiencing this amazing community that's been fighting for freedom of expression for generations. Just make sure to be respectful when you visit, after all, we're guests in their neighborhood. Trust me, you're going to love it as much as I did!