About St. Pauli
History of St. Pauli
Initially in the 17th century, St. Pauli Hamburg was known as “Hamburger Berg” and was a result of urban development near Altona and Hamburg. This area was later allotted as a field of free fire of artillery in 1620. Eventually, it was named as St. Pauli after the existing Church of St. Paul. In Hamburg St.Pauli was frequented by sailors in the past for pleasure. It was regarded as the ‘sinful mile’ for its different centres of relaxation and amusement, bars, clubs, theatres and its popular red light district area on the street called Reeperbahn. It gets its name from the ropemakers (“reepers” in German) from the olden days, who were moved here from the main business district area for the smell and noise that went into rope making.
St. Pauli Hamburg also has a history of societal challenges and conflicts around areas like Haffenstrasse, Rote Flora and Bambule. In 1980, it was home to Chinatown and its community, which was shutdown by the Nazis in 1930. A huge number of Chinese and Asian people still continue to live in St. Pauli till date. The Chinese have been trying to retrieve their old position since the 2010s.
St. Pauli Nightlife
Presently, St. Pauli hosts a large number of International DJs and live music shows. Post 1960s, Reeperbahn changed its status from being just a red light district area to a hub of pubs, theatres, restaurants and art galleries. It is also home to a number of widely famous clubs like Mojo Club, Molotow, Gun Club, Komet, Prinzenbar and Grosser Freiheit 36. Tourists can also indulge in cheaper options like the small yet cosy pubs available alongside the road. St. Pauli in Hamburg also hosts the Reeperbahn Music Festival in late September that draws around 25,000 visitors to the Festival’s concerts, art exhibitions and music conventions. Another notable highlight of St. Pauli is the BeatlesPlatz Square where 5 life sized figures stand near the Grosse Freiheit street. Even though it is a party destination, St. Pauli is a great option when it comes to living there. The Guardian listed St. Pauli as one of the top 5 places to live in the World.
Attractions In St Pauli
Set up in 1703, the Fischmarkt of St. Pauli Hamburg is an eminent tourist attraction that also sells flowers, souvenirs, fruits and clothes apart from fish. Visitors can also treat themselves with a cup of coffee or a fish sandwich after a rough night of partying on Saturday. The opening hours are from 5 am - 9.30 am in summer (Sundays) and from 7 am - 9.30 am in winter (Sundays).
Located in Spielbudenplatz, the night market of St. Pauli Hamburg is an essential spot when you want to pamper yourself with food, good music gigs and other events. This place is well known for its array of food stalls and is the focal point of high quality produce like fish, vegetables, fruits and meats. St. Pauli Nachtmarkt is set up on Wednesdays from 4pm and continues till 10 - 11 pm.
The Dancing Towers or Tanzende Türme are two skyscrapers located on the eastern side of Reeperbahn in St. Pauli Hamburg. These towers representing a dancing couple, are 85 and 75 metres high and cost a whopping 180 million euros to be constructed. This major tourist attraction is also home to the popular Mojo Club, an office space, a radio station and restaurants.
The History Museum of Hamburg was initially opened in 1908 and later at its present location in 1922. This athenaeum displays exhibits on fashion, music, art, theatre, remains from old buildings and old train models. Indulge in the tours and exhibitions held at the museum and immerse yourself in the rich and magnificent history of St. Pauli Hamburg. The operational timings are from 10 am - 5 pm (except Tuesdays).
The Sankt Pauli Museum is one of the most eccentric museums in Germany that takes the tourists on a journey of St. Pauli’s story from rags to riches, and how it developed from being just an infamous red light district area to a party destination that is home to big names like the Mojo Club and Grosse Freiheit 36. The exhibits displayed here are a prominent proof of the transformation of the city and its working class people over time.
The Flakturm IV was constructed on Feldstrasse in 1942 by 1000 labourers in 300 days. It is one of the largest bunkers in the World and is 38 metres high. Even though the holding capacity of this bunker was 18,000, 25,000 people were able to make space during the air raids of Hamburg in 1943.
St. Pauli FAQs
Why is St Pauli so famous?
St. Pauli Hamburg is famous for its nightclubs, theatres, restaurants, pubs, cabarets and red light district area in Reeperbahn. Even the St. Pauli football team is well known for its ideologies like banning right - wing patriotism and showing intolerance against racism, facism and homophobic mentality.
What is the best time to visit St Pauli?
The best time to visit St. Pauli is during spring because there are a lot of events and activities going on at that time. St. Pauli Hamburg is very crowded during spring for its pleasant weather; and tourists can enjoy the open cafes and a huge number of events. The soothing spring weather of Hamburg makes it a good option to visit during this season because of its low accommodation rates and low fare flights.
Where is St Pauli located?
St. Pauli is situated in central Hamburg - Mitte Borough.
How long do you need to spend at St pauli market?
It takes roughly around 3 - 4 hours to explore the St. Pauli market. Here, visitors can try the local delicacies served at the restaurants and stalls set up there. It is also a great place for shopping and tourists can buy souvenirs for their friends and family back home from here.
What are the opening timings of Sankt Pauli Museum?
The Sankt Pauli Museum remains open from 11 am - 6 pm (Monday - Wednesday); 11 am - 9 pm (Thursday); 11 am - 11 pm (Friday); 10 am - 11 pm (Saturday) and 10 am - 6 pm (Sunday)