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Experience the best of Elbphilharmonie

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One of the most visited cities in Germany, Hamburg saw nearly 8 million visitors in 2019. The second-largest city in the country, it is best known for its harbour and its cultural centres. Nestled within Hamburg, Germany is the Elbphilharmonie (Elbe Philharmonic Hall). The tallest inhabited building in the city, it is one of the most popular attractions here. Also called ‘Elphi’, this opulent concert hall opened its gates to the public in 2017 and has since been a jewel in the Hamburg skyline. Here’s everything you need to know about getting your Elbphilharmonie tickets.

Why Visit Elbphilharmonie Hamburg

Perched on River Elbe is the Elbphilharmonie, a concert hall and residential complex. Retaining its original brick facade from the 1960s when it was a warehouse, it also has a glass structure on top with a roof that is reminiscent of waves. A cultural landmark, it also features a plaza that gives visitors a 360 degree panoramic view of the sprawling city. An architectural marvel, it was designed by Herzog & de Meuron who used the existing warehouse to support the glass structure on top of it. The venue features ultra modern architecture inside and the glass structure is made of curved panels to enhance the design. When visiting, it is recommended that you take an Elbphilharmonie tour or watch a show.

Your Elbphilharmonie Ticket Options

Guided

A guided Elbphilharmonie tour is the best way to explore the venue. You will be accompanied by an experienced tour guide, who will tell you all about the concert hall and give you insights into its history, architecture, and cultural importance. They also usually include transfers to ensure a hassle-free visit.

Non-guided

A non-guided or self-guided tour is one where you have the flexibility to plan out your trip. You can explore by yourself. However, you may not be able to access all parts of the venue; for example, if you purchase concert tickets or skip-the-line Elbphilharmonie Plaza tickets, you will only be able to access those areas.

Combo

Combo tickets let you explore more than just the Elbphilharmonie — you can see the best of Hamburg or take a cruise along River Elbe. Combo tickets usually include logistics and the services of a professional guide, and you get to see Hamburg highlights like KehrWiederSpitze, Speicherstadt, and Port of Hamburg.

Guided vs Non-Guided Tours

Guided Tours

  1. A knowledgeable guide will accompany you to show you around and give you insight into the premises.
  2. Guided tours are usually conducted in groups.
  3. Guided tours typically include transportation from either a meeting point or your hotel.
  4. There is a fixed itinerary for guided tours set to ensure you’re able to cover everything.

Non-Guided Tours

  1. You can explore the Elbphilharmonie on your own and at your leisure.
  2. A non-guided tour doesn’t include a group.
  3. Transportation is not included, and you will have to arrange for it on your own.
  4. You can explore at your own pace, but you will only be able to cover certain areas, such as the Plaza or (if you purchase concert tickets) one particular concert hall.

Which Elbphilharmonie Hamburg Ticket is Best for You?

1. Budget-friendly visit to Elbphilharmonie

If you’re on a budget, you can book tickets to either a concert or the Plaza, or visit the five-star hotel within its premises for a coffee. This will be easier on the pocket and you will get a bang for your buck.

2. Guided Elbphilharmonie tours

If you want to take a trip back in time and explore Elbphilharmonie, go for a guided tour. Your professional guide will also give you insight into the structure and its functions, making for an enriching experience.

3. Beyond Elbphilharmonie

If you want to discover the rest of Hamburg along with Elbphilharmonie, you can buy combo Elbphilharmonie tour tickets. Some popular places to see in Hamburg include Speicherstadt, HafenCity, and Elbe Tunnel.

What to See

The Tube

This 82m (270 ft)-long escalator gets you right from the entrance to a panoramic window that displays beautiful vistas in Hamburg in 4 minutes. The walls around the escalators are covered in reflective discs making for an incredible illusory effect. From here, another escalator gets you to the concert halls and the Plaza.

Grand Hall

The Grand Hall can seat up to 2100 people. The stage is at the centre surrounded by terraced seating. The acoustics of this hall was developed by specialist Yasuhisa Toyota, who has covered the hall with grooved plaster and paper panels to create a balance in resonance and added a sound reflector above the stage.

Recital Hall

The Recital Hall is on the tenth floor of the Elbphilharmonie. An intimate theatre, it covers an area of approx. 440 sq. m and is perfect for chamber music, lieder and solo recitals, jazz and world music. Thanks to its flexible seating and stage, it can hold up to 550 people.

Kaistudios

With 150 seats, Kaistudios is the smallest hall in the Elbphilharmonie. Also called the World of Instruments, it occupies the second and third floor of the building. This space is typically used for educational purposes — experimental music, seminars, workshops, and rehearsals.

Plaza

Nearly 40 metres above ground level is the Elbphilharmonie Plaza. The outer part offers an unbeatable view of the city of Hamburg and the surrounding River Elbe. You can enter without tickets, but if you want to skip the line, you need to book a ticket in advance.

Plan Your Visit

Getting to Elbphilharmonie

Address: Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, Platz der Deutschen Einheit, 20457 Hamburg, Germany

​View location >

  • Underground: Line U3 to Baumwall (Elbphilharmonie) station (approx. 450 m away), or Line U4 to Überseequartier station (approx. 950 m away).
  • Bus: Bus 111 to Am Kaiserkai (Elbphilharmonie) stop (approx. 150 m away), or Bus 6 to Auf dem Sande stop (approx. 550 m away).
  • Ferry: Ferry 72 from Landungsbrücken to Elbphilharmonie landing stage (approx. 80 m away).
  • Bicycle: You can bike from any part of the city and park outside the Elbphilharmonie, which has a dedicated bike stand for visitors.
  • Car: There are 435 parking spaces in Elbphilharmonie, with a €10 fixed price for 4 hours’ parking and extra €5 for every additional hour.
  • Hop-on hop-off: Elbphilharmonie would be closest stop you can reach by Hamburg City Tours in line A route.
Elbphilharmonie timings

The opening times are as follows:

  • Plaza: 10 AM - 11 PM daily, with the last admission at 10:30 PM.
  • Elbphilharmonie Shop on the Plaza: 10 AM - 10 PM daily

Best time to visit: While it is open throughout the year, the best time to visit Elbphilharmonie is from May to September. This is because it is during this time that the weather is pleasant, ensuring you can make the most of the outdoor part of the Plaza and enjoy the beautiful vistas from high up.

Elbphilharmonie restaurants

There are a number of eateries at the Elbphilharmonie:

  • Störtebeker Elbphilharmonie: Serving up contemporary dishes, one can also avail vegetarian and vegan options here. Don’t forget to try the different varieties of beer offered.
  • Plaza Café: Enjoy a spread of sandwiches, cakes, and other hot and cold refreshments on the 8th floor of Elbphilharmonie.
  • Westin Hamburg: Try North German cuisine at Fang & Feld or enjoy snacks and drinks at BLICK Bar.
  • Concert refreshments: Patrons visiting Grand Hall can order from Harbour Bar (12th floor) or Grand Bar (13th floor), and those visiting the Recital Hall can get refreshments at the central foyer bar (10th floor).

Visitor Tips

  • Note that no photography, video recording, or audio recording is allowed during the tours.
  • Ensure that you wear comfortable shoes as the tour requires a lot of walking and climbing stairs.
  • Smoking is not allowed on the entire premises.
  • Only guide dogs are allowed in the Plaza.
  • Should you purchase tickets to the Elbphilharmonie Grand Hall and/or Recital Hall for a musical performance, your ticket includes access to the Plaza for 2 hours before the event. Ensure you arrive early, look at the stunning city before enjoying a night of enchanting music. 
  • While visits to the Elbphilharmonie Plaza entry is free of charge, by shelling out a little extra, you can purchase skip the line tickets. This is the best option if you want to enjoy the views from the Plaza on weekends or high tourist season as it tends to get very crowded. 
  • The Plaza and concert halls cannot be accessed from the garage. If you want to get to these from the garage, use B Group elevators and get to the ground floor. From here, go through security and then get on the A Ground elevator. It is recommended you park in car park levels 2 and 4. From here, you can follow the signs through the staircase to the ground floor and then take the Tube escalator to the Plaza.

All Your Questions About Elbphilharmonie Tickets Answered

Elbphilharmonie Hamburg is expected to open to the public on 10 January 2021.