Hamburg, Germany

The Beatles headed to Hamburg’s notorious Reeperbahn area to hone their performances in 1960 and 1961 with early band members Pete Best on drums and Stu Suttcliffe on guitar. There they made their first recordings for “My Bonnie” in 1961. They played to rowdy crowds in clubs such as the Kaiserkeller and the Top Ten Club. The five early Beatles were living in an attic suite when George was deported from Germany for being underage in the bar at which they played. Hamburg hosts almost 4 million tourists a year and is famous for its beautiful port. Walking tours that include locations where famous Beatles photos where taken and clubs where they played are readily available.

For more information: Beatles Hamburg Tours & Best of Hamburg