From Fancy Cocktails to Drag Queens and Strippers

Germany is well known for grey, rainy days and often rather cold people. Especially northern Germany has got this reputation of being, well, not the nicest of all places. I grew up in nothern Germany so I'll first tell you a bit more about the region I come from.

Greetings

Moin Moin! That's how you will often be greeted by the people up here. Generally, you can't go wrong with a smile and saying it back. Very often, people will seem a bit distanced though (I won't lie). Small Talk is a rather difficult thing for some of the Germans, so don't take it personal if someone seems a bit standoffish. If you take some time to talk to them, they will pretty surely warm up.

Be aware of possible language barriers, a lot of elderly might have difficulties talking English: I can only speak from my own experience. My grandparents, for instance, still struggle with the word FaceBook.

The City

The most popular city up in northern Germany is with no doubt Hamburg. This major port city with over 1. 7 million people regularly welcomes tourists from all over the world. People come for many reasons, here are some fun facts:

• It is the second-largest city in Germany.
• Hamburg has more bridges than London, Amsterdam and Venice combined! This definitiely has a great influence on the flair you will find in this city. Very Maritime.
• There is a massive diversity when it comes to food. But be sure to not miss a nice, fresh 'Fischbrötchen'. Here you'll find some of the best seafood in Gerrmany.
• Hamburg is packed with culture. More about the 30+ museum in another post...

Nightlife

So you've read the title - from fancy cocktails to transvestites and strippers. You've probably guessed that Hamburg is nothing like the 'typical' town. Hamburg's nightlife belongs to the best of Europe. With its' diversity in places to go, music, people and drinks there is one thing for sure: you will never ever get bored.

There is no way I could cover each club or bar and every place you should go to so I'll just tell you a bit more about some of the 'hottest' areas to go to.

Highclass by the water



Hamburg is quite funny - it seems like it is filled with business people from Frankfurt on the one side, and then you have the alternative Berlin-type people on the other. Since there is something for everyone, Hamburg offers many fancy cocktail bars and lounges. Especially by the water, you can find incredible rooftop bars with breathtaking views. Do expect to pay a bit more, maybe even ridiculously amounts, for drinks. But I mean, once in a while you have to treat yourself. And why not treat yourself with a gorgous view and drinks? There are quite a few bars that I could list here but have a look at Skyline Bar 20UP, Tower Bar and Clouds.

Go alternative at Sternenschanze

This is the place you will find the Berlin-type people. Young, colourful and fun, that probably describes this place and the people best. Very alternative vibes and lots of beer. A lot of students come here and I'm sure you'll feel welcomed in no time. Not too many tourists make their way here as they tend to stick to the Reeperbahn. For an alternative night out here, definitley head over to Astra Stube.

The famous Reeberbahn





Last but not least, the place where you will find strippers, sexshops, cheap clubs, crazy, fun people and so much more. The Reeperbahn is not just famous in Germany, but well known as red light district and great party scene around the world. I will warn you: what you see here, is everything but normal. In fact, the complete opposite of what many people think of, when hearing Germany. For the full experience, go check out the transvestite show at Olivia's Jones Bar. Right across, there is acutally a stripclub where only women are allowed in. So if you're celebrating a night out with your girls, this is definitely a fun stop. In general, you will find one bar/club after another, offering cheap drinks and often free entrance.

A night out in Hamburg

Be prepared for anything, when going out in this crazy city. Have fun and find your place! There is something for everyone and I am sure you will not regret, whereever you end up. If you have any further tips on where to go, let me know!

Enjoy and let the party begin!

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