It is located north of the Eppendorf quarter and south of Hamburg Airport.

Groß Borstel borders the quarters of Fuhlsbüttel, Ohlsdorf, Alsterdorf, Lokstedt and Niendorf.

The Tarpenbek stream flows through Groß Borstel and, in the Hamburg quarter of Eppendorf, into River Alster.

[2] The early 18th century Frustberg House, today known as Stavenhagenhaus, is located in the quarter.

[3] In March 2023, seven people including the gunman were killed and eight others injured in a mass shooting at a Jehovah's Witnesses center on Deelböge street.