Hamburg's most iconic district is arguably not its city centre, but St. Pauli. Around the world-famous Reeperbahn, the city comes alive at night, especially on weekends when crowds party into the early morning hours. The good vibes spill over into the nearby Schanzenviertel, a popular hangout for Hamburg's young, creative and alternative scene.
Although St. Pauli's red-light district still exists, it no longer defines the area. In the early 1960s, an unknown band called The Beatles kickstarted their career here – and today, the Reeperbahn boasts Europe's highest density of live music clubs. Between countless bars, restaurants, nightclus, variety theatres and musical stages, there's someting for every taste.
Musicals play a central role in Hamburg's cultural life – from global hits like Disney's The Lion King and MJ - The Michael Jackson Musical to local productions and new creative formats. This rich cultural offering makes Hamburg the third-largest musical theatre city in the world, after New York and London.
Overall, the city offers more than 60 theatres, over 100 music clubs, around 60 museums and nearly 30 cinemas. From alternative subcultures to grand stages, Hamburg's cultural landscape is as diverse and vibrant as the city itself.
