Plan Your Visit to BallinStadt Hamburg

Everything you need for a smooth visit.

BallinStadt – Ticket Information

Book your tickets right here in advance to secure your visit.

Types of Tickets

Your ticket covers the full permanent exhibition across all three houses. The smartphone audio guide is available in German, English, French and Polish.

Pricing

Prices depend on who's visiting: adults, reduced rate (e.g. students), children aged 5–13, families and groups.

BallinStadt – Visitor Guidelines

Respect the setting: BallinStadt is a memorial as well as a museum, so please keep noise down in the exhibition halls.

Food and drink: Enjoy them in the "Nach Amerika" restaurant rather than in the exhibition areas.

Accessibility: The museum building is wheelchair accessible, and Veddel (BallinStadt) S-Bahn station is just 150 m away.

Families: Kids aged 5–10 can follow Jette the museum rat through the exhibition, and ages 9–14 can play the Simmigrant adventure game.

Visit BallinStadt Hamburg – Emigration Museum

Images by BallinStadt - Emigrant Museum Hamburg (Google Maps)

Address

BallinStadt Hamburg – Emigration Museum
Veddeler Bogen 2, 20539 Hamburg, Germany

The museum stands on Veddel island in Hamburg's port, on the site of the historic emigration halls where millions waited for their ships to the Americas.

Nearby:
HafenCity: Hamburg's modern waterfront district, just across the Norderelbe.
Elbbrücken (Elbe Bridges): The historic bridges linking Veddel with the city centre.

Opening Hours at BallinStadt Hamburg – Emigration Museum

Opening Hours

1 March – 31 October:
Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry 5:00 PM)

1 November – end of February:
Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM (last entry 3:30 PM)

Closed on Mondays and on 24 and 31 December. Open on all public holidays.

Restaurant "Nach Amerika":
Tuesday to Sunday from 11:30 AM, closing with the museum. Hot food until 5:00 PM (summer) or 4:00 PM (winter).

BallinStadt Hamburg – Best Times to Visit

Weekday Mornings

The quietest time to explore the exhibitions at your own pace.

Afternoons

A relaxed option for families and groups, with time to enjoy the interactive displays.

Special Events

Look out for seasonal events such as Halloween and Thanksgiving, plus rotating special exhibitions.

Good to know before your visit to BallinStadt
Facilities
Rules and Regulations
Accessibility
Dining
Store
Hotels
Other Nearby Attractions

Here's what you'll find on site, from facilities and accessibility to food, shopping and places to stay nearby.

BallinStadt: Plan Ahead

Book ahead, especially at weekends and during school holidays. Seasonal events like Halloween and Thanksgiving are popular, so plan early.

The BallinStadt Hamburg Emigration Museum

Highlights

Walk through three expansive exhibition areas showcasing emigrant stories.

Discover authentic recreations of living quarters and sleeping rooms from over 100 years ago.

Examine the world’s largest collection of passenger records dating from 1850 to 1934.

Utilize family history research facilities with expert support in partnership with a major genealogy center.

Experience powerful photographic displays capturing the emotions of migrants.

Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting BallinStadt

How do I get to BallinStadt?

Take the S3 or S5 from Hauptbahnhof to Veddel (BallinStadt) – it's 7 minutes, then a 150 m walk. Driving? Parking on site is free. Or arrive by boat on the Maritime Circle Line from Landungsbrücke 10.

What are the opening hours of BallinStadt?

From 1 March to 31 October, Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; from 1 November to the end of February, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Last entry is one hour before closing. Closed Mondays and on 24 and 31 December; open on all public holidays.

Are guided tours or audio guides available?

The smartphone audio guide is available in German, English, French and Polish. Groups and school classes can arrange their visit directly with the museum.

Is BallinStadt suitable for families and children?

Yes, the museum provides family-friendly exhibits, special programs, and interactive games designed for children.

Can I research my family history at BallinStadt?

Yes. Research terminals in the museum give you free access to Ancestry, including the Hamburg passenger lists from 1850 to 1934.

How long does a typical visit last?

Most visitors spend around one hour exploring the exhibitions and interactive displays.

Are there facilities available for events or private celebrations?

Yes, BallinStadt offers event spaces suitable for weddings, conferences, family gatherings, and seasonal parties.