City of Hamburg
This guide is tailored for cruise passenger visiting Hamburg.
Hamburg is one of Germany's most beautiful cities.
As an international port, media centre, cultural stronghold and sporting venue, it offers a variety of entertainment and attractions that is second to none. It is also Germany's greenest city. Parks and green spaces, waterways and woods cover almost half the area within Hamburg's city boundaries.
Visitors come in their droves to its musicals, ballet, opera, theatre, film festivals and street festivals as well as to major sporting events and its many other attractions.
Hamburg is a city built on and around water. The harbour, the canals and the central Alster Lake have given this metropolis a unique maritime flair. Hamburg's dockyards are also among only a few in the world with a genuine "handson" feel. Visitors can sample the atmosphere of a great port at first hand and even explore the busy dock basins by boarding one of the tour boats which ply the Elbe from the landing stages, usually stopping off at the historic warehouse area at the same time.
Hamburg is one of the most culturally diverse cities in Europe as well. Large theatres and orchestras, a vibrant collection of museums and occasional guest appearances by international stars attract culture buffs from all over the world to this city on the River Elbe.
Cruise Terminals
The cruise destination Hamburg has four different cruise berths available. In the heart of the HafenCity we do offer two berths and along the promenade of the “Überseebrücke" smaller cruise ships can dock. Since spring 2011 on, cruise ships are also welcomed at the new pier in Altona.
Hamburg Cruise Center Altona
Hamburg Cruise Center Altona is located in the district of Altona next to the "Hamburger fishmarket". After almost 3 years of preparatory planning and active construction Hamburg’s First Mayor, Olaf Scholz, inaugurated the Hamburg Cruise Center Altona. The Cruise terminal Altona has one berth with a quay length of 360m for ships up to 300m.
Hamburg Cruise Center Hafencity
Hamburg Cruise Center Hafencity is located in the district of Hafencity, which is probably the newest district in Hamburg. The cruise terminal combines the industrial charm of the container port with the modern stylish ambiance of HafenCity. The entire terminal was constructed of containers in a modular architectural design and emits an aura of effortlessness and transparency due to generous glass sides. The cruise terminal HafenCity has two berths with a quay length of 330m and 295m.
A very important service to our customer is the passenger handling at both cruise terminals. Furthermore, we are providing an Infocounter where passengers get every requested answer they asked for. Skilled staff gives tips, suggestions and special references for a never forgotten and successful stay in Hamburg. We have several informational and interesting brochures, for example a City Map printed and designed by the Hamburg Cruise Center Association.
Events
Hamburg Cruise Days
Look forward to a superlative cruise ship event: the Hamburg Cruise Days, organized every 2 years, offer impressive ships at close quarters and live cruise feeling – a stunning three days simply packed with maritime atmosphere, delicious food and drink, and great entertainment.
Many cruise ships will be calling in on Hamburg during the Hamburg Cruise Days to anchor in the port. The Blue Port illuminations by artist Michael Batz will bathe the harbour in a magical blue light, transforming the entire port and the ships into a fascinating work of art.
The dockside will become a cruise experience, creating the perfect setting for a relaxed stroll through different themed islands: maritime markets, shopping, fashion and designer goods, sports and leisure, fun for the youngest visitors, music and entertainment as well as culinary highlights prepared by some of the city’s best restaurants.
Hamburg Port Anniversary
Every year Hamburg is celebrating its port with the Hamburg Port Anniversary. For three days in May more than one million visitors from Germany and abroad come to Hamburg and enjoy a weekend filled with maritime programme with additional highlights.
Facts & Figures
City: Hamburg
Country: Germany
Area: 755.26 sq. km
Population: 1.8 million (2020)
Currency: EURO (€)
Language: German
Country code: +49
Country URL extension: .de
Electricity: 220V (standard European connectors)
Timezone: Central European Time (CET) - UTC +1
Cruise port information
Passenger information
Hamburg Cruise Center Altona
Van-der-Smissen-Straße 5 – 22767 Hamburg
Directions from the City centre / Central Station
By Public Transportation : take S1/S3/U3 to Landungsbrücken, from there take the HVV-ferry (line 62) direction to Finkenwerder and exit at Dockland, Hamburg Cruise Center Altona is located next to the ferry pier
Hamburg Cruise Center HafenCity
Großer Grasbrook / Chicagokai – 20457 Hamburg
Directions from the City centre / Central Station
By Public Transportation: take U4 from "Hauptbahnhof" or "Jungfernstieg" to "Überseequartier. The Cruise Terminal is located right be the Subway exit
A very important service to our customer is the passenger handling at the Hamburg Cruise Center. At both terminals in front of the building there are many short time parking spaces available to give the opportunity to pick up the cruise passengers for example. Also next to the Cruise terminals there are parking garages to park your car for the full time of your cruise. Furthermore we are providing an Infocounter where passengers get every requested answer they asked for.
Wireless Internet is available in both terminals.
Things to Do
Linger on a little longer and discover Hamburg, the metropolis of the North.
Shopping, culture, sightseeing, or leisure – Hamburg offers endless opportunities for pleasure and activity.
Enjoy Hamburg’s maritime flair and make your cruise start or ending a wonderful experience.
Museums
The Miniatur Wunderland
The world’s largest model railway and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Germany is located next to the Elbe in Hamburg’s Speicherstadt.
More than 6 million visitors have already been soaked into this world of dreams, illusions and marvels. On more than 1,100 m² model area the Miniatur Wunderland ranges from Scandinavia to the USA, from the coast to the high mountains. And the world continues growing! In Wunderland you can experience in only a few hours many days and nights in different regions of this earth.
PROTOTYP
Experience the world of German racing history at the car museum PROTOTYP.
About 40 antique and legendary race and sports cars of the German post-war era descriptively tell great stories of racing adventures and reckless speed record races, of daring drivers and genius designers.
Hamburg Dungeon
Horror in everybody´s eyes, Hamburg Dungeon revives the darkest times. During the 90 minutes walking through the catacombs of Hamburgs warehouse district the guests are getting included into the historical events and become the actors of the Hamburg historie.
Stage Entertainment
Hamburg is not called „musical capital of Germany“ without a reason. At the theatre in the harbor, the biggest of Stage Entertainment theatres, the musical “Disney´s the Lion King” is now playing since 9 years. But Hamburg has not just one musical to offer, you can find one for everybody´s taste.
Shopping
Hamburg is mecca for shopping fans. With it´s different shops all around the city, everybody will find a special piece just made for him or herself.
Europa Passage
This jewel of a shopping centre with a view of the Alster Lake is located between Jungfernstieg and Mönckebergstraße. It is an outstanding tourist attraction for many reasons and a must for any visit to the city. The largest shopping centre in Hamburg's city centre has 120 shops on five floors.
Welcome to the port of Hamburg
General Port Facts
Hamburg, known as the "Gateway to the World," is Germany's largest port and a city with a rich maritime history. As you disembark, you'll find a vibrant blend of culture, history, and modernity.
Touristic Information
Explore the port area, filled with waterfront cafes, shops, and cultural attractions. Hamburg offers a diverse range of experiences, from historic sites like the Speicherstadt to contemporary spaces like the Elbphilharmonie.
Transportation Options
Discover nearby cities easily with various transportation options:
- Lübeck - 65km (40 miles) - 1 hour by train
- Bremen - 120km (75 miles) - 1.5 hours by train
- Hannover - 155km (95 miles) - 1.5 hours by train
Local Foods
Savor traditional North German dishes like Labskaus (sailors' hash), Finkenwerder Scholle (pan-fried plaice), and Franzbrötchen (cinnamon pastry). Don't miss out on trying local beers and seafood at the Fischmarkt.
Top 5 Attractions
- Elbphilharmonie - Concert hall with panoramic views, ticket prices vary
- Miniatur Wunderland - World's largest model railway, entry fee: €15
- Speicherstadt - Historic warehouse district, free to explore
- St. Michael's Church - Entry fee: €5 for the tower
- Hamburg Dungeon - Interactive historical experience, ticket prices vary
Nice to Know Facts
- The Port of Hamburg is over 800 years old, making it one of Europe's oldest and most significant ports.
- Hamburg has more bridges than Venice and Amsterdam combined.
- The Reeperbahn is a famous nightlife district, known as the "Sinful Mile."
Local Customs
Germans appreciate punctuality and direct communication. When greeting, a firm handshake and maintaining eye contact are customary. It's common to address people using their titles and last names unless invited otherwise.
Fun Things for Children
- Up to 6 years old: Visit Planten un Blomen Park with playgrounds and water features.
- 7-12 years old: Explore the Hagenbeck Zoo, home to a variety of animals.
- 13-18 years old: Enjoy a boat tour on the Alster Lake or a harbor cruise.
Google Maps
Explore the location near the cruise port on Google Maps.
Main Tourism Office Website
For additional information, visit the official tourism website: Hamburg Tourism.
Notice: Content and travel advice presented is created by a port moderator and/or AI, courtesy of ChatGPT. It is specifically designed for cruise passengers visiting this port of call. A port moderator could be a local individual, destination expert, port authority, or a tourism agency. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we recommend that you verify critical information like visas, health and safety, customs, and transportation with official sources before departure.