Elbphilharmonie: Tickets and Tours

The Elbphilharmonie is one of the most famous concert halls in the world and is home to the Northwest German Broadcasting Orchestra. Hosting concerts, performances and events, it can seat over 2,000 patrons and boasts impressive futuristic architecture that resembles a hoisted sail.

Elbphilharmonie tickets allow you to explore behind the scenes on an informative guided tour, as well as giving you access to some of the best views of the city and harbor.

How much do Elbphilharmonie tickets cost?

A variety of guided tours at the Elbphilharmonie are available, enabling you to experience this architectural masterpiece without having to attend a concert. Elbphilharmonie tours range from €2 to €25 and can be booked online.

The Elbphilharmonie ticket price for guided tours is €15 per person, which includes entry to the Grand Concert Hall, Plaza, foyers and old Kaispeicher warehouse area. Specialist tours at the Elbphilharmonie focusing on architecture or music are also priced at €15 per person.

There is also a concert hall tour combined with an organ presentation for those wanting to learn more about this historic Elbphilharmonie instrument, and tickets cost €25 per person.

If you don’t have time for a guided tour, the Elbphilharmonie entrance fee to the Plaza viewing gallery costs €2 per person.

Who is eligible for discounts?

There are no discounts available for children, students or senior citizens on any of the Elbphilharmonie tours, although infants under three years do not require a ticket. Assistants or companions of disabled visitors can take part in a tour free of charge on presentation of a disability pass.

What are the best Elbphilharmonie tours?

There are several different Elbphilharmonie guided tours available, combining music with architecture for the ultimate concert hall experience. There is a varied program of concerts and events each year, but you don’t have to attend a performance to enjoy an Elbphilharmonie visit.

Elbphilharmonie Guided Tours

These Elbphilharmonie tours allow you to explore the concert halls, foyers, Plaza viewing gallery and the historic Kaispeicher warehouse area. A professional guide will explain the construction process, as well as how performances are scheduled and maybe a few insider secrets too. Tours last 75 minutes in groups of up to 30 participants and can be conducted in English, German, French or Spanish.

Specialist Interest Elbphilharmonie Tours

There are also tours with a special focus on either music or architecture, giving a deeper insight into the heritage and use of this glamorous building. These Elbphilharmonie visits last 75 minutes and are only conducted in German.

Elbphilharmonie Tour with Organ Presentation

The focus of this unique Elbphilharmonie tour is on the organ in the Grand Hall. These Elbphilharmonie tickets include an introduction to this special instrument by a resident Hamburg organist as well as an insight into the building highlights. The tour lasts for 30 minutes, followed by a 45-minute organ presentation.

Elbphilharmonie Plaza

The Elbphilharmonie Plaza is a public viewing platform offering breathtaking 360˚ views across the city and harbor. Entrance to the Plaza is free for concert ticket holders and is also included in the price of Elbphilharmonie tickets for guided tours.

Are there any combined tickets or tours including Elbphilharmonie and other attractions?

You can combine visits to Elbphilharmonie with other cultural attractions across Hamburg, by paying one price for two sights. Combined tickets are a great way of saving time and money, giving you the chance to pack more into your stay.

• Elbphilharmonie tickets, Speicherstadt and HafenCity tour: explore the Elbphilharmonie Plaza before strolling through the historic warehouse district, a popular filming location for movies.
• Elbphilharmonie visit and HafenCity food tour: discover the culinary delights of HafenCity on a three-hour guided walk and learn about the architecture and acoustics of the Elbphilharmonie.
• Elbphilharmonie tour with harbor cruise: enjoy the views and modern design of the Elbphilharmonie before taking a one-hour boat trip on the Elbe River.
• Elbphilharmonie and Hamburg City cycling tour: see a different perspective of the historic city streets by bike, including visits to the Warehouse District, Downtown, and the Elbphilharmonie.
• Elbphilharmonie Plaza tour with beer: admire the impressive 360˚ views from the Elbphilharmonie Plaza and celebrate with a delicious Störtebeker beer afterward.
• Elbphilharmonie tour plus entrance to Miniatur Wunderland: enjoy a one-hour guided tour of the concert hall and receive priority entry to the famous miniature theme park Miniatur Wunderland.

Should you book Elbphilharmonie tickets in advance?

Elbphilharmonie tickets for concert hall tours should be booked online in advance as participant places are limited to 30 per group. This will allow you to choose the best time slot (early mornings and late afternoons are quieter) to suit your schedule. Be aware that Elbphilharmonie guided tours are planned around concert schedules, which means tickets are not available earlier than 12 weeks in advance.

What will you see inside the Elbphilharmonie

Constructed in 2017, the Elbphilharmonie is Hamburg’s new cultural landmark. It began life as the first warehouse in the Hamburg docks in 1875 and was used to store cocoa, tobacco and tea. Today this impressive building has been transformed into an acoustically and aesthetically enchanting monument to design and music, and is one of the best places to visit in Hamburg.

The glass exterior is a work of art with wave-like surfaces designed to capture and reflect the color of the sky, giving the effect of a giant crystal or iceberg.

Inside the Elbphilharmonie, there are three concert halls and a public Plaza offering 360˚ views of the harbor and city at 37 meters above ground level. You’ll also find a hotel here, as well as cafes, restaurants and bars if you’re feeling in need of refreshment.

The highlight of your Elbphilharmonie tour will be the Grand Hall. At a lofty height of 50 meters, this world-class concert hall is one of the most surreal structures in Europe. Here you will learn about the architecture of this ground-breaking building, as well as how it operates and programs its music schedules.

You will also explore spectacular foyers and the old Kaispeicher warehouse on your Elbphilharmonie tour. On rare occasions, it may be possible to visit the Recital Hall too, but as space is continually in use, it is not often included on the tour.

Where is the Elbphilharmonie located?

The Elbphilharmonie is situated in the historic Sandtorhafen Docks area on the Elbe River banks in the heart of Hamburg.

To access the concert hall by underground use line U3 and get off at Baumwall, or if you prefer, bus 111 stops at Am Kaiserkai, which is 150 meters from the Elbphilharmonie. It’s also possible to take the number 72 ferry from Landungsbrucken pier, which disembarks 80 meters from the hall.

When is the best time to visit the Elbphilharmonie?

Elbphilharmonie tours take place between 10am and 5pm almost daily and are planned in accordance with the concert and rehearsal schedule. To avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit the Elbphilharmonie first thing in the morning, or during the late afternoon. Weekends tend to be busier, so if you can, try to visit during the week.

The Plaza is open from 10am – 10pm daily, with last admissions at 9.30pm. For a romantic evening, time your visit to catch the sunset over the city.

Travel tips

• Don’t forget to bring your ticket and ID
• Wear comfortable footwear as there will be a lot of walking
• A reasonable degree of fitness is required as there are several staircases to climb
• There are no toilet stops during the 75-minute tours so make sure you go beforehand
• Tours are not recommended for anyone under the age of eight as the experience is aimed at adults
• There are no luggage storage facilities for guided tour participants