Location & Transportation
Hamburg offers several modern cruise ship facilities. The original terminal in HafenCity is set in a re-developed old warehouse area within walking distance of the downtown area. Since 2010, the Altona Terminal has welcomed large cruise ships and, though not within walking distance to the town, it has an excellent water bus connection. Since 2015, the Cruise Center 3 in Steinwerder (in the heart of the Port of Hamburg) has also been in operation. For instance, the berth at Kronprinzkai can accommodate the new generation of cruise ships, and bus stops are located about 500 meters from the terminal.
If you land at the Altona Terminal, a water bus stop is just 20 meters from the aft of your ship. This scenic water bus (running every 15 minutes in the daytime and every 30 minutes until midnight) costs approximately €1.30 per trip or €6 for an all-day ticket that also covers other transportation in Hamburg. Many cruise lines also run shuttle services (around €10) to Hamburg’s central station, and taxis typically cost about €13 each way.
For air travelers, Hamburg Airport (Fuhlsbüttel) is just 9.5 km away. The s-bahn train station is conveniently located directly below the airport terminal with trains departing every 15 minutes. The trip to the main train station in the city center takes about 20 minutes, or about 15 minutes to Altona station.
Sightseeing
Hamburg is a city of water and bridges. Three rivers – the Elbe, Alster, and Bille – along with a network of narrow canals called Fleete, give the city its unique charm. In the center, you can explore picturesque lakes such as the Inner and Outer Alster. Strolling the city, you'll notice historical sites contrasted with modern developments.
Notable landmarks include:
- St. Michael's Church (Michel): A striking landmark with a bronze, helmet-shaped design.
- Speicherstadt: The old warehouse district with its canals, where you can also find attractions like Miniatur Wunderland and the Hamburg Dungeon.
- Landungsbrücken (St. Pauli Piers): The starting point for harbor tours and home to vibrant street life.
For more details on sightseeing spots, check out Hamburg Sightseeing.
Tours & Excursions
There are plenty of ways to explore Hamburg:
- Harbor Boat Tours: Departing from Landungsbrücken, these tours usually last about an hour and take you through the harbor and Speicherstadt. Ask about English-language tours around noon.
- Public Transport Adventures: Use the nearby s-bahn or u-bahn stations from Landungsbrücken to explore areas like Jungfernstieg (the lively center on the Alster) or take the u3 to Baumwall to visit HafenCity, Europe’s largest inner-city waterfront development.
- Excursions Beyond Hamburg: If you’re up for a longer day trip, many cruise lines offer excursions to Berlin. Although it’s a long trip, Berlin's attractions are well worth it—just be sure to check the weather forecast before booking.
Hop-on hop-off buses and guided tours are also available if you prefer to experience the city with commentary and ease.
Shopping
The heart of Hamburg’s shopping scene is the Mönckebergstraße in the city center. For a more local flavor, wander down Spitalerstraße or explore the side streets around Rathaus (town hall) and Gaensemarkt for upscale shops like Hugo Boss. Most shops open around 10 AM and close by 8 PM (with some staying open until 10 PM on Thursdays and Fridays). Whether you’re searching for fashion, souvenirs, or unique local crafts, Hamburg’s shopping districts have plenty to offer.
Dining
Hamburg’s culinary scene is both hearty and diverse. On the streets and at local stands, you can enjoy traditional German snacks such as:
- Bockwurst, Bratwurst, and Currywurst: Perfect for an authentic quick bite.
- Fries, hamburgers, and Turkish specialties like Döner Kebab: A favorite among locals for quick, delicious meals.
There are also plenty of cozy restaurants and beer gardens in the city center where you can enjoy a more relaxed dining experience. Whether you’re in the mood for a gourmet meal or a casual snack, Hamburg’s dining options cater to all tastes.
Culture & Local Events
Hamburg is rich in local traditions and has a lively events calendar:
Local Events
- Harbor Birthday (Hafengeburtstag): Usually held in May, this is one of the city’s biggest and most festive events, celebrating Hamburg’s maritime heritage with parades, music, and fireworks.
- Reeperbahn Festival: A renowned music festival that takes place annually on the famous Reeperbahn in St. Pauli.
- Alstervergnügen: A summer festival featuring live music, food stalls, and fun activities along the Alster.
Local Tips & Practical Information
- Payments & Currency: The local currency is the Euro. While credit cards are accepted in most major shops and restaurants, it’s a good idea to have some cash for smaller establishments.
- Communication: German is the language spoken here. Germans are known for their punctuality and formal etiquette. When addressing someone you do not know, it’s best to use the formal "Sie" along with their last name.
- Opening Hours: Most shops open around 10 AM and close by 8 PM. Saturdays often see early closures (around 1 or 2 PM), and on Sundays almost all stores are closed, except for some bakeries that open in the morning.
- Emergency Services: For police, dial 110; for fire or ambulance services, dial 112.
Safety & Awareness
Hamburg is generally safe, but like any major city, always be mindful of your belongings—especially in crowded tourist areas.