Book Elbphilharmonie Tickets & Tours | Hamburg
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.
Guided Tour of Elbphilharmonie
- Discover the Elbphilharmonie and learn all about its architecture and history from your German or English-speaking guide.
- Soak in the splendid sights as you walk towards the entrance such as the ‘Grosser Grasbrook’ area, the largest urban redevelopment project in Europe.
- Take the longest curved escalator in the world up to the viewing platform – the Plaza – from this vantage point, gaze at the splendid city of Hamburg that stretches into the distance.
- Your certified tour guide will keep sharing entertaining anecdotes and extensive insider knowledge with you such as ideas that led to building its spellbinding glass facade and more.
- Tip: Don’t miss the interactive 2D/3D explanation of the building, located near the info/shop inside behind the staircase that leads to the big concert hall.
- Appointments are confirmed according to the Elbphilharmonie and its limited Plaza ticket contingent for guided tours. If no more Plaza tickets are issued, a suitable alternative date is booked as soon as possible. In exceptional cases, the tour guide may then report on the Elbphilharmonie from outside.
- You can still go to the plaza free of charge after the official tour if the tour should only take place from outside.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Guided Tour of Hamburg's Hafencity, Speicherstadt & Elbphilharmonie
- Discover 3 of Hamburg’s most popular spots, the warehouse district of Speicherstadt, the HafenCity and the Elbphilharmonie on a guided tour.
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Speicherstadt, the largest warehouse complex in the world, where goods from around the globe were traded here.
- Learn how tradition and modernity can be combined in the largest inner-city urban development project in Europe at HafenCity.
- Enter the Elbphilharmonie concert hall, an example of modern architecture, and learn interesting historic and architectural facts about how it was built.
- Ride the longest curved escalator in Europe to reach the 8th floor and take in the spectacular 360-degree view of the city from the Elbphilharmonie Plaza.
- Tip: You will come across many smaller bars, shops, and restaurants in Hamburg that will only accept cash. It’s always wise to have some cash in your pocket.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Combo: Hamburg Harbor Cruise + Elbphilharmonie German Guided Tour Tickets
- Enter the impressive Elbphilharmonie and soak in the maritime flair of the port of Hamburg on a 1-hour harbor cruise with this money-saving combo ticket.
- An expert German-speaking tour guide will take you through the marvelous Elbphilharmonie, giving you further insight into this gigantic and time-consuming building project.
- Ride the longest curved escalator to the Elbphilharmonie Plaza, giving you a bird's eye view of the sprawling harbor.
- Set sail on an exciting 1-hour Hamburg harbor cruise aboard either a traditional barge or a spacious salon ship. Your choice!
- A skipper on board the cruise will provide live commentary in German, ensuring you gather a deeper understanding of your surroundings.
Elbphilharmonie
- Tip: Be sure to check out the other points of interest near Elbphilharmonie such as the Warehouse District Museum (Speicherstadtmuseum), Speicherstadt Coffee Roastery (Speicherstadt Kaffeerösterei) and Miniatur Wunderland.
- A passport or ID card is required.
Hamburg Harbor Cruise
- Tip: Be sure to carry a camera with you as you will have a number of great photo opportunities.
- Note: If you want to cruise through the Speicherstadt, you should opt for the barge as the bridges in the Speicherstadt region are too low for the large passenger ships to get through.
- During low tides, the canals of the Speicherstadt district can not be used during the harbor tour.
- Meet your guide at the U-Bahn station Baumwall, (exit direction Kehrwiederspitze/entrance Kehrwiederspitze).
- Address: Baumwall (Elbphilharmonie), 20459 Hamburg, Germany.
- This is located at the foot of the stairs in front of the “Back Shop” (kiosk) under the railway bridge.
- Get Directions to the Meeting Point
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
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.
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
- A knowledgeable guide will accompany you to show you around and give you insight into the premises.
- Guided tours are usually conducted in groups.
- Guided tours typically include transportation from either a meeting point or your hotel.
- There is a fixed itinerary for guided tours set to ensure you’re able to cover everything.
Non-Guided Tours
- You can explore the Elbphilharmonie on your own and at your leisure.
- A non-guided tour doesn’t include a group.
- Transportation is not included, and you will have to arrange for it on your own.
- 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.
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
Address: Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, Platz der Deutschen Einheit, 20457 Hamburg, Germany
- 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.
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.
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).
All Your Questions About Elbphilharmonie Tickets Answered
Elbphilharmonie Hamburg is expected to open to the public on 10 January 2021.
Yes, you can book your Elbphilharmonie tickets in advance. In fact, it is recommended you do so, as the venue is extremely popular and tickets get sold out very quickly. Thus, by booking in advance you can visit on the day and time of your preference.
This depends on the tour chosen. Some tours skip the concert halls, while some take you to the Grand Hall, provided there are no ongoing rehearsals or concerts.
This depends on the Elbphilharmonie tickets you book. While some offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, others do not allow any cancellation or refunds. It is advised you check the cancellation policy prior to booking your Elbphilharmonie tickets.
This depends on where the platform you book from. When booking from us, children under 6 enter for free, while youth and students get a good discount upon presenting a valid ID.
The tours are typically conducted in German and/or English. It is advised to check before booking your tickets.
Elbphilharmonie is open from 10 AM - 11 PM, the last admission at 10:30 PM.
Photography and videography are unfortunately not permitted during events and concerts. You can, however, take photos and videos on the Plaza (not for commercial purposes) and before/after events and concerts.