Liked By Over 400,000 Cruisers
|
Unbeatable Deals
|
Unedited Reviews
|
Dedicated Consultant
|
Impartial Advice
|
Real Feedback
|
ABTA & ATOL Bonded

Hamburg Cruises

Hamburg is Germany’s biggest port, once nicknamed the ‘gateway to the world’ for its strategic position along the North Sea. There’s water at every turn here, from the Inner Alster lake to the Elbe River and charming canal network. This cultural hotspot is also one of Germany’s coolest cities, with a music and nightlife scene to rival Berlin and association with the Beatles as they were just coming up in the music world. Visit the Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg’s new concert hall, with its hard-to-miss modern architecture standing in contrast to the medieval old town’s half-timbered houses.

What You Need To Know About Hamburg

What are the can’t-miss sights in Hamburg?

Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie is well worth a look even if just from the outside. This stunning concert hall took nearly a decade to build, the crown jewel of high-tech HafenCity with its distinctive towers, panoramic observation deck and textured reflective windows. For more culture, you can visit the Hamburger Kunsthalle art museum with its exhibitions spanning works both historic and modern. See the world’s largest model railway at Miniatur Wunderland, learn more about the city’s shipping heritage at the International Maritime Museum, and admire distinct historic buildings like the City Hall and St Michaelis Church on a walking tour of the old town.

How can you reach Hamburg from the cruise terminal?

There are a few different cruise ship terminals in Hamburg, so the best way to get around will depend where you’re docked. HafenCity is one option, a 20-minute walk away from central Hamburg’s main shopping and dining district. You’ll also be steps away from attractions like the Miniatur Wunderland and Maritime Museum here. The Altona Terminal is a bit further afield, so you might want to choose a bus, taxi, or 15-minute walk to the S-Bahn station at Reeperbahn. The city offers multiple forms of transportation, including ferries, buses, subways and train lines, so it’s worthwhile to get a Hamburg Card to get around town easily.

Parking facilities around the cruise terminal

When it comes to parking near the port, you’ll find a bevy of well-equipped facilities at your disposal. The main Park and Cruise facility is Hamburg Port Steinwerder, and there’s a secondary option about 2 kilometres away with free shuttle bus service. Car parks are insured, safe, and secure, so you can enjoy a hassle-free time onboard once you’ve parked your car. Although it’s possible to reserve your parking spot in advance, this isn’t necessary; simply pull a parking ticket at the entrance and pay as you depart after your cruise.

HAMBURG EXPERTS

We have over 130 expert cruise consultants to help you book the perfect cruise. Many have first hand experience of Hamburg and you can find some of their best tips and advice below.

Trudy Crawford

Hamburg

I was very surprised at how big the port was, it was massive! If you like shopping for designer clothes etc then Hamburg is ideal, it is full of designer stores.

Frankie Bond

Hamburg

There is a very impressive town hall, with a large pedestrian area in front of this, lined with market stalls offering souvenirs and various Hot Dog stalls – which you can also accompany with a Beer!

Read All Hamburg Q&As

HAMBURG - DID YOU KNOW?

For a look at Hamburg’s maritime past, stroll through the Speicherstadt. This iconic quarter is the world’s largest warehouse district, with its unique and historic buildings standing on oak log foundations against the waterfront. A good way to get your bearings and learn more about the city’s history is with a scenic, informative cruise. Take your pick of a leisure cruise around the harbour, or around Alster Lake. Both will show you a different side of the city, with commentary to guide your way. And for something different, why not walk under the river through the Old Elbe Tunnel? The Reeperbahn district is the place to go to experience Hamburg’s exciting nightlife. Whether you prefer elegant wine bars or dance-until-dawn nightclubs, you’ll find just the spot to entice you in this regenerated red light district. It’s worth visiting during the day as well, filled with trendy cafes and art galleries. Stroll along the Elbe River’s waterfront to find somewhere to eat, day or night. This area is filled with scenic lunch spots, seafood restaurants, and traditional German taverns. Try North Sea specialties like Atlantic cod and mackerel, as well as white veal weisswurst sausages and all manner of potatoes and sauerkraut.