The Pesthofkeller St. Pauli, which was set up for lack of space and hygiene reasons between the formerly separate towns of Hamburg and Altona, was in its original function until 1814. The infamous vault established over time to the renowned health resort and was ultimately appointed to also name a "Place for ill people". In the time of burning down St. Pauli during the French occupation, the basement was completely destroyed. After the reconstruction, the Pesthofkeller lost its importance as the health station. In the 30 years, the NSDAP party was located in the Pesthofkeller. The large room with a morbid atmosphere, shows hardly any traces of its former use, that's why there are so many myths about the history. The current access is through the Bar. The surprisingly large space can be roughly divided into two sections: a gang-like section with higher barrel vault and the vault adjoining monastery. The cross-shaped pillars support the vault room and also have some effect. The small room next to the stairs was probably used as a vestibule with lock function.

Every Sunday morning, between 6 and 10am, the famous fish market of St. Pauli takes place, directly on the Elbe embankment, on a broad cobblestone promenade with old lampposts lined by clinker houses. Goods of all sorts are being sold within this incredible maze of stands and stalls, the early morning buzz of the harbour in the background. Noisy vendors offer fruit, plants and eels to passers-by. Barges with fresh fish are towed to a pontoon further away. In 1989, the Minerva fountain, made of sandstone, which had stood in the middle of the fish market from 1742 until the beginning of the Second World War, was put back. The picture of a woman on the fountain was designed by Hans Kock replacing the Minerva that used to be there.