When visiting Hamburg, you can’t really miss the cultural landmark and city icon that is the Elbphilharmonie concert hall.
One of the most wonderful things about the Elbphilharmonie- or ‘Elphi’ for short- is that she is open to all. You don’t need a concert ticket to get in, you can visit for free without the need to book ahead.
The Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg
As I said, you can’t miss the Elbphilharmonie. It’s eye catching glass-and-brick construction is designed to resemble a ship in full sail or a vast glass ‘wave’. An idea that works beautifully with the heritage of this port city.
The red brick base used to be a dockside warehouse used for the storage of tea, coffee and chocolate. This in itself isn’t unusual in Hamburg. This city is, after all, home to the speicherstadt or warehouse district; a vast complex of historic warehouses set upon a network of canals.
I love that a historic building was included in the base of the design, but it’s the top that is truly breathtaking.
The glass ‘sail’ that makes Elphi so eye-catching may look like a vast, solid piece but is actually made up of 1,100 individual glass elements. Each one individually shaped and numbered and then cleverly constructed to give the building the now famous glass facade.
How to Visit the Elbphilharmonie: The Plaza
Well the first and most obvious way in is to attend a concert, right? But that’s not possible for everyone. The good news is that you don’t need to buy a concert ticket; you just need a Plaza ticket.
The Plaza is a public space and viewing platform located where the old brick warehouse meets the glass structure above. Located 37m above ground level, it offers 360° views of Hamburg and the harbour along with a glimpse into the world of Elphi.
The Plaza tickets are free, you simply go to the desk at the entrance and let them know how many people are in your party. You may see a board with a QR code offering ‘skip-the-line’ tickets for a couple of euros.
You can also book a timed ticket online, but this will also incur a small fee of €3 per ticket.
Unless the line is ridiculous upon arrival or you’re really tight for time, it’s not worth it.
You’ll only save time getting through the door anyway, because once inside everyone is in the same line to experience another of the Elphilharmonie’s unique features; the curved escalator.
Getting to The Plaza
Getting to the Plaza from the main entrance is a little adventure in itself, as it involves travelling on the ‘tube’; an 82m long curved escalator that carries visitors through the old warehouse that forms the basis of the building. Bespoke lighting and thousands of sparkly discs add a bit of drama.
Riding the Finnish created ‘tube’ takes about two minutes and delivers you to a 6th floor panorama window with views across the River Elbe and the docks. A second escalator takes visitors up to the 8th floor Plaza.
The Inner Plaza
A light, bright space full of reflective surfaces and clever design features. The views from the inner Plaza are beautiful, but strategically placed reflective panels bring the views in. A fragment of sky here, a city view there.
Even the smallest details have meaning. Look up, the ceiling lighting is made up of hundreds of bulbs in glass covers. They were designed to resemble water drops and each one individually mouth blown, making them uniform in appearance but all uniquely individual.
Clever use of curved elements and leaning columns allow light, sound and people to flow through the Inner Plaza in a way that is really beautiful.
The Outer Plaza
For those 360° views head to the Outer Plaza. The exterior walkway wraps around the Elbphilharmonie. The city and harbour views are fabulous. If you’d like more detail about which Hamburg landmarks you can see, look out for the QR codes giving further details.
Eating, Drinking & Shopping at The Plaza
Not just views, it’s also possible to stop for refreshments or pick up a souvenir.
- The Elbphilharmonie Shop sells a range exclusively designed Elbphilharmonie merchandise, plus a range of books and CDs by current season artists.
- Deck & Deli is the Plaza’s cafe-bar, selling a range of hot and cold drinks, snacks and ice creams.
Is the Plaza at the Elbphilharmonie always FREE to visit?
Yes, it is always possible to visit the Elbphilharmonie and The Plaza for free. This is a space for Hamburg residents and visitors alike to enjoy.
However, if you’d like a more in depth tour of the Plaza or would like to visit the Elbphilharmonie concert halls without attending a concert, there is the option to book a guided tour.
There are various options available including a Plaza Tour, Concert Hall tour with a focus on architecture and a music focused Concert Hall tour option. Tours must be booked in advance online, prices range from €10.00-€ 30.00 per ticket. English language tours available.
Stay Overnight at the Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg
If you have the time and the budget, you can sleep over at the Elbphilharmonie by booking into The Westin Hamburg. The hotel enjoys an enviable location in the upper part of the Elbphilharmonie with spectacular views across the River Elbe, the historic Speicherstadt and beyond.
Even if you aren’t sleeping over, the Westin Hamburg bar “BLICK Bar” is open to all and accessible via The Plaza. Blick is German for look or view so given the location, it’s aptly named.
Why not treat yourself to drinks with a view at the Elbphilharmonie?
Expect to pay around €18 for a cocktail, €6.50 for a small beer.
Opening Hours for the Plaza
The Elbphilharmonie’s viewing platform is open 7 days a week,10:00–24:00 daily (last admission 23:30)
Information desk in the entrance area: 10:00–23:30 daily
How to Get to The Elbphilharmonie.
The nearest underground stations are U3: Baumwall (Elbphilharmonie) & U4:Überseequartier
If you opt to explore Hamburg with a hop on hop tour, they almost all have a stop at or near the Elbphilharmonie; usually Am Kaiserkai/HafenCity
If you enjoyed reading this post, you might also enjoy reading about another Hamburg icon: How to Visit The Old Elbe Tunnel
Or how about a visit to a historic Hamburg neighbourhood turned free thinking artistic village? How to Visit the Gängeviertel, Hamburg
Helen x
I’m so pleased you made it there Helen as it’s such an amazing building with superb views.
It’s a beautiful building. I recall the divided opinions when it was built, but having visited and seen in person- she’s a beauty!
I couldn’t agree more!
This looks wonderful. A Must Visit, I think!
It’s a very impressive building, to attend a concert there is on the bucket list.
👍
Wow, that is so imaginative!
Fantastic! I’m still trying to reach Bilbao for the Guggenheim but I’ll certainly put Hamburg on the list now. Thanks a lot, Helen. Great review!
Wow, this is such a beautiful building both for architecture and acoustics. I love how architects breathed new life into the traditional brick base, placing the concert hall on top of it like a glittering crown. Thanks for sharing, and have a wonderful day 🙂 Aiva xx
Thanks Aiva, I love the combination of old and new too. It works really well!
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We did this when we went, though it was sooooo cold in December that we nearly got blown off the rooftop views bit haha!
Oooh I did think of you when I had a nose in the Westin, looks right up your street? We were lucky weather wise, cold but crisp!