**St. Pauli** This area is frequently called the Reeperbahn (Red-Light District) of Hamburg. Located close to Millerntorstadion, home to St. Pauli FC, expect an electric atmosphere pumped up by football fans and stags on tour, eager to dip in and out of its bars and erotic shows. Beyond the revelry, you’ll find new wave stretch of coffee shops, art galleries and music venues that show off Hamburg’s creative side. Pop in for a currywurst, stay for the good times.

Hamburg-Altstadt

The Neo-Renaissance spire of city hall lets travellers know they’ve reached Hamburg-Altstadt, the city’s historic old town, famously perched next to beautiful (and would you believe it, artificial) Lake Alster. The most iconic sights can be found strolling along the Hamburger Hafen (Port of Hamburg), including the Speicherstadt (Warehouse District), a continuous line of red-brick buildings that once stored spices, tobacco and dried fruit from faraway lands, and St Michaelis cathedral: a structure once destroyed by lightning that today offers great views of the city.

Sternschanze

Hamburg’s bohemian playground, also known as the ‘Schanze’, shows off the city’s gritty side, characterised by subterranean raves, flea markets and street art. Under the arches of the Sternbrücke bridge, underground clubs like the Astra Stube and Fundbureau rock its foundations like a train, while the Rote Flora cultural centre keeps the area’s alternative values alive.

St Georg

This neighbourhood borders Hamburg’s Altstadt, making it a great choice for those interested sleeping close to the big landmarks (but without the more central prices). This part of Hamburg is well-known for its striking diversity: it is a regular haunt for prostitutes, who coexist with a thriving LGBTQ scene and a large mosque.