Grosse Freiheit 36
Große Freiheit 36, Hamburg, Northern Germany, 22767
In the late 1960s, if you wandered into the basement of Grosse Freiheit 36 (Kaiserkeller) you might’ve caught John, Paul, George, Stuart, and Pete—as there was no Ringo yet—perfecting their act. Today, Kaiserkeller and Freiheit are on the list of the world’s most famous nightclubs, attracting everyone from Meat Loaf and R.E.M. to The Black Eyed Peas and the Backstreet Boys.
The basics
Nearly 100 years ago, the Freiheit attracted horseback riders and trapeze artists—today, attendees will find musical acts big and small (recent headliners include Kendrick Lamar and Kelly Clarkson) and an always-raging party, even when the stage is dark. This famous venue comprises three sections: Kaiserkeller, where The Beatles got their start, is in the basement; the Freiheit is on the main level, where the bigger acts play; and the top floor claims Galeria 36, a Latin club with the requisite music and cocktails.
Things to know before you go
Check the calendar in advance to see what you’re in for—every genre plays at Freiheit.
Popular events can sell out quickly, so nabbing tickets early is a good idea. You can buy tickets on the venue’s website.
The main floor of the venue—the main stage—is wheelchair-accessible.
Shows are for those 18+ only. An ID is required for entry.
The Reeperbahn clears out during the day if you’d like to scope out Freiheit’s murals and avoid the crowds.
How to get there
You’re probably already exploring Hamburg on foot—Grosse Freiheit 36 can be found in Hamburg’s hip St. Pauli district, right off the Reeperbahn. If you’re not in the area, take the S-Bahn to the Reeperbahn Station, which will drop you off about a block away from the famous nightclub (not so coincidentally, right at Beatles Square).
When to get there
There’s only one rule for arriving at Freiheit: get there in the evening. That’s when the nightclub—and the Reeperbahn—comes alive with music, dancing, drinking, and electric vibes. Even if you don’t arrive on the night of a show, there’s always a party atmosphere to experience here, and it goes till 4am.
Beyond Penny Lane
Make a Beatles pilgrimage of it after scoping out the Kaiserkeller. Wander over to Beatles Square, a plaza in the St. Pauli quarter; the Bambi Cinema, where they lived in meager upstairs quarters; Gretel & Alfons, a restaurant where Paul racked up a massive tab; and the Moondoo, a still-functioning club that, today, plays exclusively electronic music.
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