Make the most of your time in Hamburg before, after or during your cruise with my port guide and tips of what to see and do.
Hamburg, located in Northern Germany, is one of the largest cruise ports in the world. As well as being a popular destination on many Northern Europe cruise itineraries, it is a homeport and turnaround port for several cruise lines.
While the city may not be the first place that springs to mind when you are planning a European cruise, Hamburg has a lot to offer. It is perhaps one of the more underrated cities in Europe.
So, if you have Hamburg on your cruise itinerary, whether that is for a day stop or a start or finish point, read on for more information on the port. I also share some tips on what to see and do in the city based on my experiences when I visited.
A little bit about Hamburg
Hamburg is Germany’s second-largest city. Sitting on the banks of the Elbe River, the port city is known as the ‘Gateway to the World’.
The bustling port city is also renowned for its culture, history and nightlight. It is also packed with more attractions you could possibly visit in one trip, including a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Perhaps the most surprising thing that Hamburg is famous for is the number of bridges it has. With over 2,500, it has more than Amsterdam, London and Venice combined!
Whether you are interested in art, culture, or history or just want to visit the city where The Beatles spent their early days, Hamburg is a fantastic city to visit.
Hamburg Cruise Port
The Port of Hamburg is the largest seaport in Germany and the third largest in Europe. It plays an important role in the distribution of goods around Europe and the rest of the world.
It is also a popular destination for cruise ships, offering both day visits and overnight stops. As well as being a stop on many Northern Europe cruise itineraries, the port is a starting (and finishing) point for transatlantic crossings and world voyages.
There are three places where cruise ships can dock at the Hamburg Cruise Center.
- Altona
- HafenCity
- Steinwerder
To find out where your ship will dock, check with your cruise line. You can also view the Port of Hamburg’s cruise sailing schedule to see if your ship is listed.
Many cruise lines will offer a shuttle bus from the cruise port to the city centre. Check with the cruise company you are travelling with for further information.
Altona
Located on the Elbe River, near the city’s famous fish market, the Hamburg Cruise Centre Altona accommodates ships up to 300m in length.
The city centre is around 15-20 minutes away by public transport. Options include a public ferry which will take you from the Hamburg cruise terminal to city centre.
Facilities at the glass-fronted terminal include a cafe.
Tip | If you get a chance, pop up to the roof terrace for a panoramic view of the Port of Hamburg.
HafenCity
Hamburg’s waterfront has been transformed over the years thanks to a large redevelopment project.
Part of the port area has been regenerated as Hafencity, a European city for the 21st Century and one of the largest urban regeneration schemes in Europe.
As part of this, a new terminal is currently being built at the Hamburg Cruise Centre HafenCity. Due to open in 2025, the modern terminal will be part of a hotel and shopping complex. Two berths will be available.
While this is being built, a temporary terminal at Baakenhoft is being used, which is in the eastern part of HafenCity.
Steinwerder
The Cruise Center Steinwerder is where many of the newest (and largest) cruise ships dock.
It can handle ships of more than 400 meters in length so if you are cruising on a large cruise ship (think mega ship style) there is a good chance you will dock here. There are two terminal buildings that can accommodate 8,000 people embarking and disembarking.
Hamburg’s city centre is less than 20 minutes away. Shuttle buses may be offered by your cruise line.
Things to do in Hamburg
Some popular Hamburg attractions and experiences you can do during your time in port include…
- Taking a boat tour around the Speicherstadt warehouse network, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Marveling at Miniatur Wunderland – the world’s largest model railway system (and includes a mini Hamburg)
- Touring the impressive Elbphilharmonie Building, a spectacular looking concert hall on the waterfront
- Doing some retail therapy at Jungfernstieg, a popular shopping street
- Taking in the view of the city from the top of the tower of St Michael’s Church, one of the most beautiful baroque churches in northern Germany
- Getting an insight into the government of Hamburg during a tour of the town hall
- Enjoying the view of the harbour and explore historic waterfront buildings (and maybe grab an ice cream or coffee!) at St Pauli’s Landungsbrucken.
- Taking in the art at Hamburger Kunsthalle, one of the largest art museums in Germany.
- Visiting the St Nikolai Memorial – much of the church was destroyed in World War II, however, the ruins have been turned into a museum and memorial (photos below). There is also an observation deck at the top of the tower.
Popular shore excursions
Hamburg is a port you can explore on your own. It is a very walkable city and has an extensive public transport network.
However, you may wish to let your cruise line take care of the logistics and book a shore excursion. This takes some of the hassle out of figuring out what you want to see and how to get there. You will also have the benefit of knowing the cruise ship won’t leave without you.
Some of the shore excursions offered on a cruise to Hamburg include
- Touring the highlights and most popular attractions (by foot, boat or both)
- Exploring the city on a guided bike tour
- Taking a day trip to Berlin
- Visiting nearby medieval towns of Luneburg and Lubeck, a World Heritage site.
Tip | If there is an excursion you really want to do, book in advance to avoid disappointment as they can sell out fairly quickly.
Things to know about Hamburg
- Hamburg is known for its maritime heritage
- It is one of Germany’s wealthiest cities
- It has the second largest red light district in Europe – the Reeperbahn
- Hamburg is sometimes referred to as ‘The Venice of the North” due to its many waterways
- The Beatles learned their trade in Hamburg, playing over 270 shows between 1960 and 1962.
The Last Word
Whether you are a culture lover, history buff or just want a great day in port, Hamburg is a super destination to visit.
From its modern architecture and vibrant cultural scene to its rich maritime history, Hamburg is a city that has it all.
With a little planning in advance of your stop at Hamburg cruise port, you can have a great day in this fabulous city.