Cruise stop in Hamburg

I don't know why you are asking about Brussels when your post title says Hamburg, but be that as it may, try googling "things to do in Hamburg" (or should that be Brussels?) and see what comes up. Or google "Hamburg shore excursions". Good Luck.

EDIT. I see you have changed your post to match your title. Good.

We are going to Brussels, Oslo and Hamburg and I cut and pasted very sloppily. I am sorry.

You have do your own research. I have no idea what your interests are or your preferences. I could spend time making suggestion you might not like.

Hit the local library and check out travel DVDs, guidebooks, etc., for that location and determines what interests you and your group. Hit the web site for each port. See what is offered. When you get off the ship, head for the nearest TI and see what local tours - walking and otherwise - can be booked. Steves has a guidebook for many ports but not all. And the answer is the same for all your ports. Register with your ship on Cruise Critic.com to learn what other shipmates might be doing.

Rick Steves (this is his website) publishes book available for sale on Amazon and on this site that will give you lots of information about activities available ashore while visiting European ports. If you don't want to buy a book, check one out from your local libraries. (sorry, Frank, should have read replies more thoroughly).

That is OK -- My wife is a national recognized librarian -- Do I have a choice???

View Hamburg from the free public Plaza at the Elbphilharmonie (new concert hall}. Walk to the nearby Landungsbruecken where ferries land and take you on harbour tours. Walk through the Elbtunnel (under the river Elbe) to the other side. Then walk to the landmark for Hamburg, the Michel (St Michaelis Church) and take the elevator to the top for a first class view of the city. If you are somewhat liberal minded, you may walk to St Pauli's Reeperbahn District. That should fill a day's walking about. If it's a rainy day, I recommend 'Miniature World' in the Hafen City. All indoors - but incredible miniature cities, trains and displays.
Here's the somewhat off-beat greeting of native Hamburgers: when they holler Hummel, Hummel, you holler back: Mors, Mors.

You aren't interested in the shore excursions - because their content does not interest you? because you don't want to be with a large group? because they are too expensive? or?

Often you can do whatever the cruise offers on your own. Their itineraries per se aren't bad.

Otherwise, Hamburg has so many different things to offer from art museums, world class concerts to simply just wandering around town .... what are your interests? What time of the year will you be there? How much time to you have in port?

Hi,

Good that you are setting aside time for visiting Hamburg.

Keep in mind that Hamburg is the cultural center of North Germany. As such it is certainly worth your visiting time. I visited Hamburg on my first trip to Germany, have been back, repeatedly, most recently last June and on this past trip.