Free Walking Tour Hamburg - Harbour, Reeperbahn & St. Pauli

Discover the Fascinating World of St. Pauli

The Landungsbrücken in Hamburg, Germany

Dive into one of Hamburg’s most intriguing neighborhoods, where history, nightlife, and culture collide. St. Pauli isn’t just a red-light district—it’s a vibrant hub of stories, characters, and surprises. Here’s what awaits you:

The Landungsbrücken – Gateway to the World (and Questionable Street Food):
This harbor landmark is where ships set sail, stories begin, and tourists realize that seagulls have zero respect for personal space.

The Port – Big Boats, Bigger Drama:
The port is the lifeline of Hamburg, but don’t be fooled, it’s also a stage for storms, strikes, and people arguing about container logistics like it’s a soap opera.

The Fish Market – Where Breakfast Meets a Party:
Want to start your day with live music, a shouting fishmonger, and a slightly hungover guy trying to sell you a basket of bananas? Welcome to the Fish Market, where chaos is served with a side of herring.

Hafenstrasse – Home to Rebels and Really Good Graffiti:
These houses are a symbol of defiance, creativity, and the fact that squatters apparently have an excellent taste in waterfront property.

The Reeperbahn – Hamburg’s Playground of Vice:
If you’re looking for nightlife, this is where the fun happens. Think bars, neon lights, karaoke disasters, and cocktails you sometimes shouldn’t trust but will drink anyway.

Große Freiheit & Beatles Square – Rock ‘n’ Roll History with a Side of Smoke Machines:
Before they were international icons, the Beatles were sweating it out in St. Pauli clubs. Walk in their footsteps and see if the magic rubs off (but wash your hands after).

Pubs, Bars, and Clubs – Sometimes Smoky, Often Sticky, Always Memorable:
The bars here are like a box of chocolates—you never know what you’re going to get, but there’s a good chance it sometimes involves cheap beer and someone oversharing at 3 a.m.

Hans-Albers-Platz, Herbertstrasse, Davidwache – The Wild Heart of St. Pauli:
From the buzzing square to the notorious Herbertstrasse and the long-suffering Davidwache police station, this is where the stories you’ll tell (and the ones you won’t) are made.

Book Your Hamburg Free Walking Tours

Pay what you think is fair

English or German

Duration 2 hours

Starts next to the
Hard Rock Café

Ends at Davidwache

Frequently Asked Questions

What are free tours?

Free tours do not have a fixed price that you have to pay. You are welcome to join the tours regardless of your budget. At the end of the tour the guests are free to decide about a fair price they want to pay the guide for the tour. All our guides will accept an amount that you feel is fair.

Who pays the guide?

Unlike what many think, we are not paid by the city of Hamburg. We are an independent private company and we do not receive money or compensation from any organisations.

The money from the guide’s guests is all that he/she earns for the tour. The guide has to pay a fixed amount per guest to the company for advertising, administration, etc… The guide then keeps what is left after tax deduction.

For most of us being a tour guide is our main job. We do this full time. That is why we appreciate when guests honor our work accordingly.

Can you live with what you earn as guides?

This depends, of course, on how much our guests give us at the end of the free tour. 🙂 All our guides are freelancers that have to pay taxes, health care, pension funds, and on top of that, their living costs. We gladly take everyone with a low budget on our tours but the free tour system is only feasible if everyone who can afford it honours the guides’ work accordingly. We appreciate every contribution given!

I didn't have the time to register! / Registration didn't work!

Don’t worry! We are nice people and will try to take you on the tour nevertheless. 🙂 In most cases, this will also work out well.

We are a group. Can we join a free tour?

Yes you can – if you are no more than 7 persons. Groups larger than 7 persons have to book a private tour with us.

To book a private tour please click here.

Do your free tours take place today?

Yes they do, even if the weather is bad. We might cancel a tour if there’s a pandemic or an earthquake around, though.

If you can book it on this website then it takes place!

Where and when do the tours start?

The Historic City Center Tour starts daily at 11 am in front of the main entrance of the Town Hall (Rathaus). The Harbour and St. Pauli Tour starts daily at 2 pm at Landungsbrücken, bridge No. 5 next to the Hard Rock Café.

 

How do I recognize the guide?

Our guides will be holding a bright yellow umbrella at the meeting point.

What should I bring to the tour?

Please, dress well according to the weather! This means: if the weather is hot, bring lots of water and sunscreen. If the weather is cold and rainy, bring plenty of warm clothes! Two hours in the cold actually feels much colder than you would think! Hamburg is also a windy city so don’t buy cheap umbrellas for €3 because they will only last 5 minutes.

Free Walking Tour St. Pauli: Hamburg Harbour, Reeperbahn & More!

the Herbert street in St.Pauli, Hamburg

Welcome to Robin and the Tourguides, where adventure meets history and humorously shakes hands with local experts. If you’re ready for an entertaining, informative, and truly unforgettable experience, join our Free Walking Tour St. Pauli! This tour will leave you laughing, learning, and questioning why you ever paid for a tour in the first place!

What to Expect on Your Free Walking Tour St. Pauli

Here’s the deal: St. Pauli isn’t just a neighborhood… it’s a lifestyle. From the vibrant chaos of the Hamburg Harbour to the risqué allure of the Reeperbahn, this free walking tour is your ticket to the red-light district of Hamburg. Your local guide (aka your new best friend) will lead you through the city’s juiciest sights, spiciest stories, and most Instagram-worthy spots. And yes, it’s “pay what you want,” so you’re free to decide how much this free walking tour is worth to you. Spoiler: it’s priceless.

Highlights of the Tour

Beatles history in Hamburg

1. Hamburg Harbour – Where it All Began

We start our adventure at the Hamburg Harbour, where captivating stories of daring sailors meet jaw-dropping views of the bustling port. Imagine “Pirates of the Caribbean,” but replace the swashbuckling with fish sandwich munching and your local guide’s dad jokes. As your guide unveils the harbour’s secrets, don’t forget to admire the impressive skyline and non-stop port activities. And a pro tip: if a seagull locks eyes on your sandwich, hold on tight. These feathered bandits take “fast food” to a whole new level.

2. The Legendary Reeperbahn

Known as the “sinful mile,” the Reeperbahn is where Hamburg’s wild heart beats. Home to iconic clubs and live music venues, this is where legends like Freddie Mercury and Udo Lindenberg have left their mark. As we wander through this lively strip, prepare for fascinating stories, hilarious anecdotes, and possibly the sound of a local band warming up for the night. And yes, we’ll also explore the ahem other attractions of this infamous street. Don’t worry, it’s all very PG-13. Mostly.

3. St. Pauli’s Hidden Gems

This isn’t just a “free walking tour”, it’s a scavenger hunt for the coolest spots in Hamburg. From the quirky graffiti-covered backstreets to the buzzing atmosphere of the Hamburg Fish Market, you’ll discover why St. Pauli is the beating heart of the city. Feeling peckish? Our local guide knows the best fish sandwiches in town.

4. Grosse Freiheit – Big Freedom, Big Fun

The Grosse Freiheit isn’t just a street; it’s an attitude. This is your chance to walk in the footsteps of rock legends and, uh, other professionals. The area is famous for its nightlife, live music, and clubs. Our local guide will give you the inside scoop on the history of the Star Club Hamburg, where The Beatles got their big break, and the Indra Club, where they played their first gigs.

5. Pay What You Want

Why’s it called a free walking tour? Because you’re the boss here! Love the tour? Show your guide some love with a fair pay. Didn’t laugh enough? Well, that’s impossible, but hey, the choice is yours.

Why Choose Robin and the Tourguides?

the Grosse Freiheit in Hamburg, Germany

We’re not just any free tour guides… we’re your ultimate sidekicks in exploring Hamburg. Here’s what makes us stand out:

  • Local Experts: They know it like the back of their hand.
  • Seriously Entertaining: We believe history is best served with a side of humor. Prepare for bad puns, cheesy jokes, and the occasional seagull impersonation.
  • Flexible Fun: We’ll make sure your tour is both informative and fun, with plenty of room for your questions, selfies, and snack breaks.

Sightseeing Attractions Nearby

Finished the tour and hungry for more? St. Pauli is packed with incredible sightseeing attractions nearby. Hop on a harbour tour to see Hamburg from the water, stroll through the Elbphilharmonie, or dive into the chaos of the Hamburg Fish Market. There’s no shortage of things to do once you’ve worked up an appetite for adventure (and currywurst).

Tips for Your Free Walking Tour St. Pauli

St.Joseph's church in the St.Pauli district in Hamburg, Germany
  • Wear comfy shoes. This is a walking tour, not a catwalk. Leave the stilettos at home unless you’re planning to star in your own St. Pauli red-light district tour.
  • Pay your guide. Remember, this is a pay what you want tour. Show your guide some love if you enjoyed the tour… And don’t worry, if you don’t have cash, they will probably also accept: credit cards, car keys, Rolexs and Bit Coins as well.
  • Stay curious. Got questions about Hamburg’s wild past or present? Ask away! Your local guide is a fountain of knowledge (and bad jokes).

Book Your Free Walking Tour St. Pauli Today!

Why wait to explore Hamburg’s most exciting neighborhood? Whether you’re a history buff, a music lover, or just someone who loves a good laugh, our Free Walking Tour St. Pauli is the perfect way to experience the city. Reserve your spot today and get ready to see Hamburg like never before. Pay what you want, laugh as much as you can, and discover the magic of St. Pauli!

… something else?

Hamburg Harbour Boat Tour

Embark on an unforgettable Hamburg harbor tour and experience the city’s charm from the water. Our discounted tickets beat the Hamburg ticket center prices, leaving you with more cash for pretzels and beer!

Sail along the Elbe River to admire landmarks like the Elbphilharmonie and the historic Speicherstadt and watch massive container ships. It’s a perfect mix of sightseeing and relaxation so book today for the best online discounts!

Hamburg Free Walking Tour - Historic City Centre

Want to fall in love with Hamburg without swiping right? This free walking tour is your perfect match! Stroll through the heart of the city, admire its stunning architecture, and hear tales of sneaky merchants, discover the historic centre, and remorse in the cities WW2 history. We cover everything, from grand landmarks to hidden gems, so by the end, you’ll know Hamburg better than some locals.