Cruise Guide
Hamburg
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Hamburg Cruise Guide

Overview

The second biggest city in Germany (after Berlin), Hamburg has the cosmopolitan feel, the conspicuous consumption and most of the cultural accoutrements of a north European capital.

Cruise ships arrive at an unusual but well-equipped new terminal built from containers and conveniently located close to all the city's attractions, with good transport links.

There are relatively few major landmarks, and nothing of truly iconic status except perhaps the red-light district of St Pauli where Hamburg sailors traditionally took their R and R.

But the shopping is good, the parks and lakes attractive, and the nightlife rightly famous - the Reeperbahn throbs with action through to dawn.

Sightseeing

Sightseeing is concentrated in two main areas, the city centre and the harbour area.

Hamburg's historical centre has twice been consumed by flames, once by accident in 1842 and once by Allied bombing in 1943. It is consequently mostly modern, but carefully restored churches and medieval buildings still feature in the Altstadt (Old Town).

Major modern attractions include the Television Tower, a science centre and aquarium close to the cruise terminal and the International Maritime museum nearby.

Highlights
• Alster Lake
• Saint Pauli
• The Reeperbahn
• Speicherstadt warehouse museums
• Michel Church
• Tierpark Hagenbeck zoo

Tourist Information

Harbour Tourist Information
Saint Pauli Landungsbrücken (between jetties 4 and 5)
Tel: +49 40300 51300.
Website: www.hamburg-tourism.de

Shopping

The main retail street is Mönckebergerstrasse, and there are several major indoor centres with varying degrees of exclusivity. Jungfernstieg and Neuer Wall boast the most expensive. The emphasis is on national and international brand names in fashion, jewellery and high-class furnishings. Europa Passage mall has more than 100 outlets on five floors.

Eating Out

For a quick bite, the ubiquitous German sausage stalls offer excellent value, and very tasty options. Plentiful cafes and restaurants offer everything from a light snack (coffee and cakes are a popular afternoon selection) to full meals.

When To Go

Hamburg's climate is temperate, but the weather can vary from day to day due to its coastal location. Rain can fall at any time of year, but summers are generally warm. The wind can whistle in off the North Sea, though.

Transfer Times

Nearest Destination

Hamburg.

Transfer Distance

2.5km (1.5 miles).

Transfer Time

10 minutes.

Key Facts

Region

Germany

Time Zone

GMT + 1.

Currency

Euro (€) = 100 cents.

Language

German.

Location

North Germany, on the river Elbe.

Population

1.8 million.

Government

Federal Republic.

Religion

Protestant and Catholic majority, with Jewish and other non-Christian minorities.

Social Conventions

Some English is spoken, especially by younger people. Handshaking is customary, and it is considered rude to address people by their first name unless invited to do so. Normal courtesies should be observed. Casual wear is widely acceptable, but more formal dress is required for some restaurants, the opera, theatre, casinos and important social functions. Smoking is prohibited on public transport and in most public buildings.

Tipping: It is customary to tip taxi drivers, hairdressers, cloakroom attendants, bar and restaurant staff; a 10% tip is standard.

 

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