As Germany’s principal port, Hamburg surprises its visitors with an amazing expanse of parks, lakes and tree-lined canals, giving the city a refreshing rural feel and a sense of openness. Founded over 1000 years ago as a fortification against Viking attacks, the settlement grew to a sizeable city during the Middle Ages and became a leading member of the Hanseatic League. With its impressive historical background and today’s big city ambience, Hamburg offers its visitors a great variety of old and modern architecture, historical and art museums, entertainment ranging from classical concerts and opera to theater and musical shows, superb shopping and fine dining options as well as an international lifestyle.
The skyline is dominated by the pale green of its copper spires and domes, but only a few houses and churches remain from before the last century. The great fire of 1842 was a main cause of this loss, followed by demolition to make way for the warehouse area of the Freeport. Almost totally destroyed during World War II, Hamburg is today an outstanding example of urban modernity with its new architecture resembling some of the medieval buildings it replaced.
This port city owes much of its character to the Elbe and Alster rivers. The velvety green banks of the outer Alster are dotted with elegant villas and along the Inner Alster are hotels and commercial buildings. The focal point in the town center is the imposing Renaissance-style City Hall, a symbol of the city’s power and wealth in the last century.
At night the city comes alive in St. Pauli, the gaudy and licentious amusement quarter with its notorious Reeperbahn that attracts sailors from all over the world. |
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| The ship will be docked at Grasbrook, the official Hamburg Cruise Terminal, about a 10-15 minute drive from the town center. Few taxis are available. There will be shuttle service between the pier and the city center. |
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| Hamburg boasts numerous covered shopping arcades. Some of the major shopping areas include the Alsterarkaden, Colonnaden, Gansemarkt and Monckebergstrasse, Hamburg’s main shopping street known as Mo for short. Crystal, silver stainless steel ware, cameras jewelry, leather articles and textiles may be of interest, as well as teas, smoked salmon and caviar. Store hours generally are from 9:30am to 8:00pm Monday-Friday and from 9:30am to 4:00pm on Saturday. The local currency is the euro. |
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| International specialties, sausages, smoked meats, game, fresh fish and snacks that range from a bowl of hearty soup to half a dozen oysters or a lobster can be found in a wide variety of eateries and stalls in front of the City Hall. The more exclusive restaurants are out of the city center. On sunny days, the sidewalk cafes, in particular the Alsterpavillon, are a popular place to have coffee and pastry and even a light snack. And if you need to cool off, enjoy a glass of cold beer. |
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A focal point and a good place to start exploring is the Rathausmarkt (City Hall Square) which is said to have much in common with the Piazza San Marco in Venice.
Kunsthalle
Hamburg’s most outstanding art collection is housed here, including works by Lucas Cranach, Rembrandt and Edvard Munch.
Museum of Arts and Crafts
The exhibits specialize in sculpture and applied art in Europe from the Middle Ages to the present, the Ancient World, the Middle and Far East, and art nouveau.
Spielbank Hamburg
Hamburg’s casino on the 9th-floor of the Inter-Continental Hotel offers roulette, baccarat and blackjack plus a fabulous view of the Alster Lake.
Private arrangements for independent sightseeing may be requested through the Tour Office on board. |
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